Children's Miracle Network Champions Arrive in Ottawa En Route to Disney World

Amazing stories of children's courage from across the country are honoured in Ottawa.

OTTAWA, Sept. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Twelve Champions representing Champions Presented by Walmart, a Children's Miracle Network program are being honoured in Ottawa with a weekend of VIP events that will wrap up by sharing their inspirational stories at a media luncheon on Monday, September 17, 2012.

These 12 Champions have been selected as Canada's international ambassadors representing the 2.6 million kids treated each year at Children's Miracle Network member hospitals across the country.  This program honours remarkable children who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges.  The 2012 program marks the 16^th consecutive year that the selected Canadian Champion children will visit Ottawa en route to Orlando, Florida where they will join the U.S. Champions and their families at the Children's Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World.

While in Ottawa, the Champion children and their families will be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic RCMP musical ride stables and training grounds where they will meet the horses, as well as a VIP red carpet experience at one of Ottawa's most popular tourist attractions, Saunders Farm.  On September 17, these incredible children along with their families will be treated to a media luncheon in their honor to share their stories.  Special guest speakers at the luncheon include former CFL and NFL player Mark Hatfield and Canadian Paralympic gold medalist Benoit St. Amand who will share their stories of what it means to be a champion. Media veteran and Children's Miracle Network supporter Max Keeping will continue his role as the master of ceremonies.

"We are proud to continue to support Children's Miracle Network and pediatric healthcare across Canada," says John Lawrence, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Walmart Canada. "With the help of these Champion children, we share the story of strength, courage, hope and dedication of Canadian children's hospitals."

"These children personify a true Champion" says John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, at Children's Miracle Network.  "Each Champion has their own inspiring story to tell and they help to raise awareness for the important work being done every day by local children's hospitals."

This year, the Children's Miracle Network Champions are as follows:

• Caitlin Wong, age 10, Toronto - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
• Elly Clemence Bains, age 13, Saskatchewan - V.A.T.E.R. Syndrome
• Joshua Philips, age 13, Ottawa - Brain Stem Stroke
• Kasen Andrushko, age 9, Manitoba - Glycogen Storage Disease
• Jarod Gratton, age 9, Hamilton - Acute Ischemic Stroke
• Aidan Campbell, age 11, Calgary - Stroke
• Luca Piccolo, age 11, British Columbia - Cystic Fibrosis
• Madison Dawson, age 12, Edmonton - Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Dawson, Malolepszy, age 14, London - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) & Anorexia Nervosa
• Grace Hart, age 8, Newfoundland Labrador - Diamond Blackfan Anemia
• Charles Domingue, age 15, Quebec - Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• Georgia Cromwell-Hape, age 9, the Maritimes - Juvenile Dermatomyositis

For their complete profiles please visit: http://childrensmiraclenetwork.ca/About/Champions

About Children's Miracle Network

Children's Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Established in 1983, Children's Miracle Network raises funds to support critical research, education, purchase life-saving equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca

Champion's Presented by Walmart is a Children's Miracle Network program that honours remarkable children who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges. For their courage and perseverance, these children have been selected as international ambassadors for the 17 million kids treated each year at Children's Miracle Network member hospitals across North America

Video with caption: "Children's Miracle Network 2012 Champions and their families visit Ottawa enroute to Orlando where they will join their U.S. counterparts - activities have included VIP visits to the RCMP musical ride stables and Saunders Farm.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20120917_C7047_VIDEO_EN_17949.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20120917_C7047_PHOTO_EN_17949.jpg&clientName=Children%27s%20Miracle%20Network&caption=Children%27s%20Miracle%20Network%202012%20Champions%20and%20their%20families%20visit%0D%0AOttawa%20enroute%20to%20Orlando%20where%20they%20will%20join%20their%20U%2ES%2E%20counterparts%20%2D%0D%0Aactivities%20have%20included%20VIP%20visits%20to%20the%20RCMP%20musical%20ride%20stables%20and%0D%0ASaunders%20Farm%2E&title=CHILDREN%27S%20MIRACLE%20NETWORK%20%2D%20Children%27s%20Miracle%20Network%202012%20Champions%20Visit%20Ottawa&headline=Children%27s%20Miracle%20Network%20Champions%20Arrive%20in%20Ottawa%20En%20Route%20to%20Disney%20World

Image with caption: "Children's Miracle Network Champions with Cst. Jeremy Tipper on an exclusive tour of the RCMP musical ride stables in Ottawa. (CNW Group/Children's Miracle Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120917_C7047_PHOTO_EN_17946.jpg

Image with caption: "Children's Miracle Network Champions on their VIP visit of Saunders Farm in Ottawa. (CNW Group/Children's Miracle Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120917_C7047_PHOTO_EN_17945.jpg

SOURCE: Children's Miracle Network

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