Champions Across America presented by Walmart

Nominate a Champion!

Champions Across America is a Children’s Miracle Network awareness program geared toward educating the public on the Children’s Miracle Network mission at a local and national level. Each year, one Champion child is nominated to represent each state. These Champions serve as ambassadors for the 17 million children who are treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals each year. The Champions and their families dedicate countless hours of their time sharing their miracle stories of survival at local events to promote Children’s Miracle Network's work.

In March 2009, Wal-Mart will sponsor the Champions and their families as they travel to Washington D.C., to highlight the vital work of children’s hospitals. While in the nation’s capital they will make a special visit to the White House to share their stories with government officials. Following their diplomatic journey, the Champions will be whisked away to the "children’s capital of the world", Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. These Champions have conquered a variety of health challenges, and for many of them this will be the first time that they can just be kids.

Meet Your Champions

Colorado's 2010 Champion: Peyton Palermo
During a neurological exam at her pediatrician’s office, Peyton appeared physically weak and wobbly. The doctor recommended the family to Children’s for a CT scan. Within 15 minutes of the scan, the Palermo family’s worst fears were realized; Peyton had an enlarged brain tumor and needed surgery as soon as possible.

Read more about Peyton

Wyoming's 2010 Champion: Riley Fritzen
Riley was born two weeks early looking perfectly healthy. Unfortunately, with each passing hour, his health declined. His vitals were not stable, a heart murmur was detected and his complexion took on a grey-blue tint. Doctors knew it was time to transfer him to a facility that could better care for him. Just 8 hours old, Riley and his father took their first flight together on a Flight for Life airplane. Upon arrival at Children's, Riley was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. It was immediately decided that he would need a heart transplant to survive.

Read more about Riley