Thursday, March 11, 2010

Alison's Story

Alison
Age 7
Skull Fracture

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Alison gives new meaning to the word “miracle.” At just 22 months old, Alison fell out of a second story window onto the cement patio below. She was unconscious and barely breathing when airlifted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for immediate surgery.

Upon regaining consciousness after her first surgery, doctors discovered that pieces of Alison’s fractured skull were causing paralysis on the right side of her body. She underwent another operation to remove the pieces of skull piercing her brain.

Alison’s recovery progressed quickly after surgery and she went home three weeks after her accident. Alison received outpatient speech, physical and occupational therapy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for the next two and a half years.

Her miraculous recovery is a testament to the incredible team at this Children’s Miracle Network hospital. Now 7, Alison loves gymnastics, playing soccer and speaking on behalf of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta whenever possible.

About Walmart and Sam’s Club

Wal-Mart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1987. Since then, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked tirelessly together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $500 million for children’s hospitals during the 23 year relationship. This is the second year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions program.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club is a Children's Miracle Network program that brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children who have faced severe medical challenges.

The Champions program designates a champion 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 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.

As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June to Washington, D.C., where champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. The family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.