Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Celebrates 52 Champion Kids from Across the U.S.

Official Champions sponsor Delta Air Lines sends children's hospital patient from every state on ambassador trip to Washington, D.C. and Florida

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a charity that raises vital funds for 170 member hospitals, is proud to announce 52 courageous kids recognized as this year's Champion ambassadors.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120509/DC03701LOGO)

Chosen each year for facing their illness or injury with determination, Champions serve to illustrate the impact of their Children's Miracle Network Hospital and why donated funds are needed for treatment, recovery and charitable care. The 2012 Champions range from ages 3 to 17 and have sustained a range of medical challenges including vital organ transplants, rare genetic diseases, cancer and several traumatic injuries.

"Though our Champions represent a fraction of the 17 million children treated each year at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, they are a powerful group that embody the crucial work of our nonprofit hospitals," said John Lauck, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals president and CEO. "We are excited to witness the kids' journey next month, and are thankful to Delta Air Lines and supporting sponsors Ace Hardware and Chico's FAS for making the Champions ambassador trip a possibility."

On Monday, September 17, Champions and family members will convene in D.C. to share their stories with state and federal agency representatives, visit Arlington National Cemetery and tour other historical landmarks. Champions also traditionally visit the White House, where, in previous years, they have met with Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Accompanying them throughout the trip will be Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler and musician Mark Wills.

On September 19, Champions will board a chartered Delta flight to Orlando, Fla., where they'll be welcomed at CMN Hospitals' annual Celebration event at Walt Disney World. Champions will spend the next two days inspiring Children's Miracle Network Hospitals partners and members of the media. Of note, Champions will participate in satellite TV and radio interviews conducted live from the Magic Kingdom's Rose Garden on September 20.

Their weeklong experience will conclude with an emotionally charged medals ceremony featuring celebrity hosts and entertainment.

"We're proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Champions program and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals as part of Delta's Force For Global Good," said Tad Hutcheson, Delta's vice president – Community and Public Affairs. "Providing these children the opportunity to visit our nation's capital and Orlando is one of the many ways we support the communities in which we live, work and serve each day."

To meet the Champion from your state, visit www.CMNHospitals.org/Champions.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals:
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 top and nonprofit 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, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4.4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the organization's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at www.CMNHospitals.org.

About Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. During the past year, Delta was named domestic "Airline of the Year" by the readers of Travel Weekly magazine, was named the "Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airline" by PCWorld magazine for its innovation in technology and won the Business Travel News Annual Airline Survey. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to more than 330 destinations in 61 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at www.delta.com.  

About the Ace Foundation:
At Ace, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. From busy and bustling cities to rustic and rural towns, we truly care about the communities in which we do business. This is why the Ace Hardware Foundation was established in 1991: to serve as an umbrella over the charitable fundraising efforts of Ace Hardware retailers, Ace Hardware Corporation and Ace vendors for the benefit of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the American Red Cross for natural disaster relief.

About Chico's FAS:
Chico's FAS, Inc. is a cultivator of brands serving the lifestyle needs of fashion-savvy women 30 years and older. Their brand portfolio currently consists of four brands: Chico's, White House | Black Market, Soma Intimates and Boston Proper. Their brands are all specialty retailers of private label women's apparel, accessories and related products. Currently, Chico's FAS operates over 1,250 boutiques and outlets throughout the U.S. territories, as well an online presence for each of their brands. Learn more about this women's specialty retailer at www.ChicosFAS.com.

CONTACT: Clint Curry, +1-801-214-7416, [email protected]

SOURCE Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals