Jessica Gregory
Age 10
Children’s National Medical Center
Spina Bifida
Jessica Gregory can be seen spontaneously breaking into a dance, even when there is no music playing. This bubbly and energetic girl had a rocky start to life, but you would never know it.
Before Jessica was born she was diagnosed with Spina Bifida, a neural tube defect in which the spinal cord does not develop properly. Doctors at Children’s National Medical Center explained to her parents that she would have difficulty walking and learning.
Today, thanks to numerous medical procedures and her determination, Jessica looks no different than any other 10-year-old girl and not only walks, she practices Kung Fu. Jessica began martial arts at just 3 years of age, the same year the braces on her ankles and feet were removed and she learned to walk. In fact, when Jessica was 4, her parents couldn’t get her to stop running. She’s never embarrassed to show off her Kung Fu skills, though she may be a little intimidated when her brothers are around.
Although Spina Bifida is a lifelong condition, Jessica’s bright and optimistic view of life will always allow her to handle anything that comes her way.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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 $460 million for children’s hospitals during the relationship. This is the first year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions Across America program.
Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam's Club
Champions Across America 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 Across America 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 2009 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including brittle bone disease, brain tumors and cerebral palsy, as well as surviving car accidents and plane crashes.
As part of Champions Across America, the Champions travel for a week – first to Florida to meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsors, 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. The group will then travel 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 Champions Across America 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 2009 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including brittle bone disease, brain tumors and cerebral palsy, as well as surviving car accidents and plane crashes.
As part of Champions Across America, the Champions travel for a week – first to Florida to meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsors, 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. The group will then travel 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.
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