Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals^® and Ace Hardware are recognizing 54 of the nation’s most courageous children as the 2011 Champions.

The annual program designates a Champion child from every state and Washington, D.C., who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness (there are 54 Champions due to several sibling representatives). The 2011 Champions range from three to 17 years old and have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, cancer, heart transplants, premature birth and traumatic accidents.

“The Champions program puts a face to the nearly 17 million children treated at our hospitals every year,” said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Our Champions are living testaments to the incredible work taking place inside our hospitals, and inspire us daily to raise as much money for these hospitals as possible so that every child has the best chance to overcome their medical challenges.”

The Champions and their families will travel to Orlando, Fla., and Washington, D.C., from October 19-26. In Orlando, the Champions will inspire thousands of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals sponsors, hospitals and media partners during the charity’s annual Celebration event at Walt Disney World where they will be honored in front of thousands at a special medal ceremony. The Champions will then take a chartered 767, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Washington, D.C., where they will tour the city, have a luncheon with Congressmen and visit the White House, where they traditionally meet with the President.

 The Champions program is presented by Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Ace Hardware is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals supporter, having raised more than $46 million for the charity since 1991. In conjunction with the Champions program, Ace Hardware will conduct an in-store fundraising campaign this fall, where featured products from Procter & Gamble purchased at participating Ace stores will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“At Ace, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve and we’re honored to do that through our work with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals all across the country,” said Jimmy Alexander, president of the Ace Foundation. “We are proud of the partnership we have formed over the years with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and look forward to continuing our mission of giving.” 

The program receives additional support from Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, Delta Air Lines and Marriott International.

Information on each 2011 Champion is available by visiting www.CMNHospitals.org/Champions.