UK HealthCare

Children's Hospital Patient Named a Champion

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 25, 2010) Children’s Miracle Network and Walmart have named a Kentucky Children's Hospital patient as a Champion for Kentucky.

Abby Martin, 5, who has CHARGE syndrome, a complex set of birth defects that occur early in fetal development, will join child ambassadors, known as Champions, from every state as part of the Children’s Miracle Network program.

The program brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children like Abby who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges.

Abby and her fellow champions will travel as representatives of the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals each year throughout the United States. The Champions will first travel to Washington, D.C., in June where they will visit the White House and Capitol Hill to share their stories of medical victory, then to Orlando, Fla., in November for the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.

“Walmart is pleased to support Kentucky Children’s Hospital and the great work they do to help children like Abby Martin and their families,” said David Boggs, market manager for Walmart.

A launch party for Abby will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 28, at the Walmart on Grey Lag Way in Lexington.

“We are so appreciative of our Walmarts in Central, Southern and Eastern Kentucky," said Aimee Baston, manager of annual giving and Children’s Miracle Network at Kentucky Children's Hospital. "Their fundraising and sponsorship of the Champions Presented by Walmart program are just a couple of the ways they support us throughout the year.”

Since the partnership began in 1987, Children’s Miracle Network and Walmart have worked together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. This year, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members are celebrating the contribution of more than $500 million for children’s hospitals with more than $4.5 million benefiting Kentucky Children's Hospital.

For more information about the children's hospital, go to Kentucky Children's Hospital or call Baston at (859) 257-1179.