Amelia's Story

Amelia
Age 8
Spina Bifida

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Anyone trying to find the right words to describe Amelia should shy away from “cute” or “adorable.” This bubbly 9-year-old girl would rather be called “Amelia the Great,” a name she deserves.

Before Amelia was born, she was diagnosed with spina bifida, a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord does not develop properly. Along with that diagnosis came a host of other problems. In order to give their daughter the proper care and treatment, Amelia’s parents moved their family from Seattle to Cincinnati so Amelia could be treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“Amelia on paper and Amelia in person is a completely different story. You expect to meet a sick, sad little girl, but you meet this hilarious, vivacious kid, telling you a joke,” said her mom.

Although spina bifida is a lifelong condition, Amelia continues to enjoy the same activities as other kids. She plays wheelchair soccer and is a cheerleader. She also enjoys yoga and telling her signature knock-knock jokes.

About Walmart and Sam’s Club

Wal-Mart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1987. Since then, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked tirelessly together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $500 million for children’s hospitals during the 23 year relationship. This is the second year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions program.

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club is a Children's Miracle Network program that brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children who have faced severe medical challenges.

The Champions program designates a champion child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals every year. The 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.

As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June to Washington, D.C., where champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. The family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.