Monday, March 15, 2010

Frankie's Story

Frankie
Age 6
Trauma

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center

When Frankie boarded the school bus on his way to Kindergarten he was wearing a bandana on his head. A curious girl pulled off the bandana to reveal several head and facial scars. Rather than let embarrassment take over, Frankie handled the situation like an adult and explained why he looked the way he did. A story he is very familiar with.

One minute 5-year-old Frankie was playing ball in a backyard. The next, Frankie was being severely mauled by a pit bull.

The 20-minute attack required a team of five surgeons, eight hours and 1,000 stitches to close more than 80 lacerations on his head and face. After the attack Frankie spent six weeks at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center where he underwent several reconstruction surgeries.

Frankie, now 6, will undergo a series of cosmetic surgeries to lessen the severity of his scars, but right now he is a Guitar Hero superstar who enjoys playing soccer and wearing his signature bandanas.

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.