Monday, March 15, 2010

Zach's Story

Zach
Age 13
Leukemia

St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital

July 18, 2008 was supposed to be a big day for Zach—he was going to pitch for the West Valley All Stars Baseball Team in the District Championship game.

Instead, it was a life-changing day. A visit to the ER to check out a fever and stomach pains ended with a leukemia diagnosis.

Zach immediately began treatment at St. Luke’s Children’s hospital, which included ultrasounds, chemotherapy, spinal taps and radiation. While out of school for treatments, Zach was able to stay up with his schoolwork, even participating in science labs via computer, and received a 4.0 GPA for the year. His body responded well to treatments and he is now in the maintenance phase, getting closer to being cancer-free every day.

Zach, 13, is skiing, backpacking and camping with his family, and, most importantly, he is back to playing baseball.

Zach’s mother attributes his success to him being a fighter. “Zach has always kept a positive outlook on the whole situation.”

Thursday, March 11, 2010

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.