Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions

Champions is a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals program that brings attention to the important work being done at its 170 children’s hospitals. It does this by honoring 51 remarkable kids who have faced severe medical challenges, and helping them tell their stories.

The Champions program designates a child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2011 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, organ transplants and traumas, as well as various types of cancer.

The Champions travel for a week in October, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals sponsors, hospital representatives and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Reed's Story

Reed Robinson
Age 10

Utah
Primary Children's Medical Center

Brain injury

In May 2009, Reed was feeding his horses when he was kicked in the head. His brother ran to get help; Reed’s parents found him unconscious. He was driven to a nearby hospital where Life Flight immediately took him to Primary Children’s Medical Center. Reed’s life was in danger as he suffered from a skull fracture, and bleeding on the inside and outside of his brain.

Doctors stopped the bleeding and removed a portion of Reed’s skull. Unfortunately, his condition did not improve and he had to be put into a medically induced coma to fight for his life. Reed soon began breathing on his own and was released from the hospital 21 days later. The care Reed received at Primary Children’s Medical Center saved his life.

Today, 10-year-old Reed is always happy and does not let the accident or his injuries get him down. His family motto is “never give up,” and Reed will never give up on life.