UK HealthCare

Vote for Harry to Help Kentucky Children's Hospital Win Facebook Contest

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 16, 2014) -- Facebook users can help Kentucky Children's Hospital win as much as $20,000 through a social media contest honoring brave young patients from Children's Miracle Network hospitals around the nation.

Through the Battle of the Brave contest presented by the Children's Miracle Network, Speedway and Dr. Pepper/Snapple, voters can log onto Facebook to read the stories of courageous children and cast a for their favorite children's hospital or child. The hospital receiving the most votes at the end of the month of May will receive a $20,000 award. In addition, Speedway will contribute $10,000 to the runner-up hospital and Dr. Pepper/Snapple will contribute $5,000 to the third-place hospital.

Harry Hilton, who represents Kentucky Children's Hospital at UK HealthCare in the contest, was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Kawaski Disease at only 9 weeks old. Kawasaki Disease causes blood vessels throughout the body to become inflamed and impacts many organ systems, potentially causing a heart attack. Harry received a quick diagnosis and life-saving treatments correcting the "bubble" on his heart at Kentucky Children's Hospital. Harry's case was especially challenging as he relapsed twice after his initial treatments.

Today, Harry's heart has fully recovered, although he'll receive follow-up care for years to come. Harry is a kind and compassionate child who loves music and superheroes. He was honored as the Children's Miracle Network Champion last fall.

To cast a vote for Harry on Facebook, click here. Voters can vote once per day. Voting ends May 31.

MEDIA CONTACT: Elizabeth Adams, elizabethadams@uky.edu