McLeod celebrates 26th CMN broadcast

This year marks the 26th annual Children’s Miracle Network Celebration Broadcast at McLeod, which celebrates the successes achieved at McLeod Children’s Hospital.

These victories are made possible by families who give love and hope, McLeod physicians, nurses and ancillary staff who provide excellent care and treatment, and donors at every level who make charity care and vital equipment purchases possible.

McLeod Children’s Hospital is one of 170 children’s hospitals in North America that comprise the Children’s Miracle Network. Children’s Miracle Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children by raising funds and awareness for its members. Each year, these nonprofit hospitals treat more than 17 million children afflicted with disease, injuries and birth defects of every kind by providing the finest in medical care, life-saving research and preventative education.

In 2008, more than 26,000 children received needed care from McLeod Children’s Hospital either as an inpatient, outpatient or rehabilitation patient.

The broadcast also recognizes the support of local groups and organizations as well as national corporate sponsors who work year round for the children treated at McLeod Children’s Hospital.

WBTW News13 will broadcast live from the McLeod Children’s Hospital Child Life Activity Center in Florence, Freestyle Park in Myrtle Beach and Walt Disney World in Florida. The celebration begins at noon and ends at 8 p.m. Saturday.

“A hallmark of the Children’s Miracle Network is that 100 percent of every dollar raised in a community stays there to help children in need,” said Davis Sawyer, McLeod Children’s Hospital fund manager and Children’s Miracle Network director. “Children from throughout Northeastern South Carolina and the border counties of North Carolina benefit from funds raised in their communities for McLeod Children’s Hospital.”

Three outstanding McLeod Miracle Children — Nasir Montgomery, Kenyeon Lloyd and Jamiey Dandleallen Teal — have been selected to represent the amazing spirit that is so evident in children who overcome physical and emotional challenges. They represent many of the young people and families who are treated at McLeod Children’s Hospital every year. Thanks to the Children’s Miracle Network, McLeod Children’s Hospital, the generous support of the community and McLeod Health employees, these children have beaten the odds.

To date, Children’s Miracle Network has raised $3.4 billion for children’s hospitals. In just one year, Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide charity care worth billions. They pride themselves on treating the whole child, helping the family and providing care regardless of the family’s ability to pay. They are also on the front lines of preventing disease and injury through research, education, and outreach programs that keep millions of children out of the hospital each year.

Donations to McLeod Children’s Hospital can be made during the broadcast by calling (843) 665-4100 or toll free (866) 668-4862 or by visiting the McLeod Foundation Web site at http://www.mcleodfoundation.org and clicking on the Children’s Miracle Network icon for an online submission.