Children's Miracle Network Richmond's Hospital Patient Named 2009 Virginia Champion

Children’s Miracle Network, Walmart and Sam’s Club present the 2009 “Champions Across America” program. A Champion, a child with a remarkable medical story, is chosen from each state to serve as an ambassador for the 17 million children who are treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals each year. Matthew McMillen, Virginia’s Champion who was once treated at VCU Children’s Medical Center and Children’s Hospital, will now travel to Florida and Washington, DC. With the help of Walmart, Sam’s Club and Children’s Miracle Network, Matthew has some unexpected surprises in store.

Matthew and his fellow champions will travel for one week, first to Florida for the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World and then to Washington DC. There, Matthew will visit Capitol Hill to share his story of medical victory with legislatures and congressmen, showing the importance of our nation’s children’s hospitals.

On Friday, March 6, 2009 the Walmart store at Chattanooga Plaza was filled with neighboring Walmart managers, market managers and associates all eager to welcome Matthew to the store. Ryan Corrigan, Executive Director of Children’s Miracle Network Richmond and Michelle Mercer, Market Human Resource Manager of Walmart introduced Matthew and surprised him with the opportunity to use a $500.00 shopping card at Walmart to prepare for his trips to Orlando and Washington, D.C. An emotional and grateful Matthew climbed up to the microphone to express his gratitude and said, “Walmart, you guys are awesome.” The presentation ended with a bon voyage cake for Matthew and his family, wishing him well as the representative of children treated by Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in the state of Virginia. 

Matthew used the generous gift from Walmart to purchase a video camera and record all of the wonderful memories and new friends he will make on his trip. While in Orlando and Washington, D.C., Matthew and his fellow champions will be honored and their celebration followed with live personal interviews representing all 50 states. Children’s Miracle Network has established this event to emphasize the importance of pediatric hospitals and the treatment of all children for every injury/illness. Celebration is an opportunity to highlight the amazing work of Children’s Miracle Network hospital staff and the brave children they treat. This year, the miracles and challenges overcome by the champions range from premature birth to flesh eating disease to cancer, heart defects and brain injuries. The children and their families will celebrate the life given back to them by the hospitals and their supporters.

Randolph-Macon College's 8th Annual "Macon Miracles" a Huge Success

On Saturday March 14, 2009, the students of Randolph-Macon College hosted the 8th Annual “Macon Miracles” to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Richmond. The event, running from 9am to 9pm, offered great activities from Wii Bowling to Dodgeball Tournaments and Human Foosball to a huge dance party presented by the Radio Disney AM1290 Road Crew.

The students planned the hours of the day around fun themes such as: Boy Bands, Jock Jams, Girl Power and Broadway Hits. At the end of each hour the participants learned an original choreographed dance routine created by the morale dancers! Families of children treated at Children’s Hospital and VCU Children’s Medical Center spent the day with the students sharing their stories, the importance of local children’s hospitals and the amazing treatment and connections they have made. The event was a HUGE success raising $18,113.26!

Children’s Miracle Network Richmond would like to give very special thanks to the sponsors that made the day possible: Papacelli’s Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Magic Special Events, Radio Disney AM1290 Road Crew, Wal Mart, VCF Promo and the students and organizations of Randolph-Macon College!