from staff
Haley Richardson, 10, has been chosen to represent the state of Florida for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champions program in 2011.
Haley was treated at Wolfson Children’s Hospital for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. She was selected because of her bravery battling and overcoming cancer.
She was officially announced as the Florida Champion Tuesday at Sam’s Club on Busch Drive with a proclamation from Mayor John Peyton’s office in recognition of her courage and honor in representing the state of Florida throughout the year.
The Champions program brings together children from across the United States who have tackled severe medical challenges. They represent the 17 million children treated at 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year.
In Jacksonville, Shands Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital benefit from the efforts.
In October, the Champions will visit Washington, D.C., and then Walt Disney World to inspire others to support children’s hospitals.
In Washington, the Champions will visit the White House and Capitol Hill, where they will meet with Florida representatives to share their stories.
Following their trip to the nation’s capital, the Champions and their families will take part in Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ annual “Celebration” event in Orlando.
“These Champions are the heart and soul of what we do,” said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
“Their inspirational stories are proof that the $236 million we raise each year for children’s hospitals makes a difference. However, our hospitals give away billions of dollars in charity care each year, so these children also serve as a reminder that the need to support children’s hospitals is still great,” he said.