Monday, March 15, 2010

Ryan's Story

Ryan
Age 5
Kidney Transplant

Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center

Ryan was literally lifeless at birth. On the Apgar 10-point scale—which measures respiration, heart rate, muscle tone, color and reflex response—Ryan was a zero. He was barely alive. Five minutes after birth he was still at zero. Ryan was transported to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center where he could receive the kind of sub-specialty care he needed. His health immediately began to improve, but physicians discovered Ryan’s kidneys were severely damaged and he would eventually need a transplant. After four weeks in the hospital, Ryan was sent home with nine different medications.

Ryan spent the next few years developing into a spirited little boy full of adventure. “Ryan appeared as a normal playful little boy, but his disease was a time bomb,” said one of his doctors. When he turned 3-years-old, Ryan’s kidney function had dropped to 13 percent. A transplant was his only chance of survival.

Luckily, Ryan’s father was able to donate his kidney. The transplant was successful and Ryan, a fighter in every way, fully recovered.

Though he will be on anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life, Ryan, now 5, is living life to its fullest and inspiring everyone he encounters to do the same.

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.