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MILWAUKEE (5/11/2011) - A boy from Mazomanie, Wis., has been chosen to represent Wisconsin for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions program in 2011.
Vincent Forseth, 12, received a heart transplant at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. He was selected and is being honored for his courage after undergoing surgery to receive a Berlin Heart, a ventricular assist device, to keep him going until a donor heart could be found. Vince was the first child in the Midwest to receive a Berlin Heart. The day before his seventh birthday, Vince got the present of a lifetime, a new heart.
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. Through the Champions program, they will support fundraising campaigns for Children's Hospital throughout the year. In October, they will visit Washington, D.C., and then Walt Disney World to inspire others to support children's hospitals.
In Washington D.C., Champions will visit the White House and Capitol Hill, where they meet with Wisconsin representatives to share their stories.
Following their trip to the nation's capitol, the Champions and their families will take part in Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' annual Celebration event in Orlando, Fla. Celebration unites hospitals, sponsors and celebrities to celebrate achievements, share best practices and honor the children who benefit from Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' fundraising efforts.
"These Champions are the heart and soul of what we do," said John Lauck, president and CEO, 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."
This is the 15th year for the Champions program.
About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, 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. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it one dollar at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.
About Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, founded in 1894, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. It is rated No. 3 in the nation by Parents magazine and named one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report.
Each year, Children's Hospital receives more than $1.2 million through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising activities.
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The hospital has been re-designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a national honor that recognizes nursing excellence. Private, independent and not-for-profit, the hospital serves children and families from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, northern Illinois and beyond. Children's Hospital is the flagship member of Children's Hospital and Health System. In 2009, the health system invested more than $76 million back into the community to improve the health status of children. For more information, visit the website at www.chw.org.
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