Chris Rood, a local teenager who survived serious injuries from a car crash a year and a half ago, was honored Thursday at Shands Jacksonville by Foresters, a financial services organization. After the accident, Rood, son of Vestcor Companies president John Rood, was taken to Shands Trauma Center where he underwent brain surgery before slipping into a deep coma. His unlikely recovery was credited to the teen’s spirit and the medical care he received.
Shands is one of 170 hospitals affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children. Foresters is a partner with the network and title sponsor of Champions Across America and Canada.
“We recognize inspiring young people who are challenged with significant health problems,” said Foresters regional director Mark Myers.
Each year, hospitals within the CMN network select children for the Champions program. One from each state will act as an ambassador to other children who have received treatment at network hospitals. All of the champions from the United States will be flown to Washington, D.C. and then to Walt Disney World in Orlando.