Champions THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
YOU HELP PROVIDE EXPERT CARE
to children like 3-year-old Easton Williams
INSIDE
HOLIDAY CARD CATALOG
OCTOBER 2018
Your
Gifts
Matter!
Dear Champion for Children, Welcome to another edition of Champions! Your loyal support of Arkansas Children’s has a profound impact on the patients and families we serve every day. Thank you for being a true champion for children. In this issue, you’ll learn about the transformative power of joy in a children’s hospital. Because of you, Arkansas Children’s provides a kid-savvy, imaginative environment that enriches, nurtures and delights our young patients, helping them to be what they’re meant to be—kids. You’ll meet a little boy named Easton Williams and his grandmother Sheryl. With your help, Easton is fighting cancer at Arkansas Children’s, and Sheryl, or “MawMaw,” is with him every step of the way. You’ll also meet Pine Bluff siblings Cali and Casey Madkin. Because of your generous support, Cali and Casey received expert pediatric care in the Emergency and Cardiology Departments at Arkansas Children’s. Finally, you’ll read about Circle of Friends, a statewide network of some of our most loyal, dedicated volunteers. These 12 chapters work tirelessly throughout the year raising funds to support Arkansas Children’s through events such 5k races, radiothons and more. You’ll read about how their hard work culminated in a historic gift last year of more than $1 million to help change the lives of children in Arkansas. And please be sure to check out the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Card Project section, beginning on page 13. Your purchase of these holiday cards featuring artwork by young patients will help spread holiday cheer to children at Arkansas Children’s. I hope you know how much your support means to kids at Arkansas Children’s. Your generosity helps provide a statewide network of care for the children of Arkansas and beyond. Thank you for helping Arkansas Children’s reach more children in more ways where they live, learn and play. Sincerely,
Fred Scarborough, CFRE President, Arkansas Children’s Foundation Chief Development Officer, Arkansas Children’s CHAMPIONS STAFF: Editor Becky McCauley Contributing Writers Ashley Leopoulos, Becky McCauley, Kyran Pittman Designer C. Waynette Traub Photographers Beth Hall, Brandon Markin, Ben Moody 2
| O CTOB ER 2018 • CHAMPIONS • BETTER TODAY. HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board of Directors Chair Marcy Doderer, FACHE* Vice Chair Charles B. Whiteside III* Treasurer Jason LaFrance* President Fred Scarborough, CFRE* Ritter Arnold Sharon Bale Ginger Blackmon Frances Buchanan Stuart Cobb Steve Davison Kirk Dupps Harry C. Erwin III* Kim Fowler Sharilyn Gasaway* Robin George* Mike Gibson Sonja Yates Hubbard Brandi Joplin Jim McClelland Mandy Macke Barbara Moore Beverly Morrow Cindy Murphy Jake Nabholz* Marshall Ney Lynn Parker Terry Quinn Sue Redfield Kate Schaffer Jennifer Schueck Michael Shelby Belinda Shults* Claudia Strange Celia Swanson Emeritus Directors Robert G. Cress Don Edmondson Henry Rogers, MD
*Executive Committee Current as of August 15, 2018
The Difference You Make Pediatric cancer is devastating for the whole family. Cancer attacks children in every corner of the state, rich or poor. Their families face sleepless, worrying nights and energy-draining days. Because of donors like you, Arkansas Children’s provides world-class treatment for pediatric cancer and is the only place in the state where children can receive comprehensive cancer care. And thanks to your support, the team at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute is focused on making discoveries that will lead to new and better ways to care for children—and change the future of pediatric cancer care for kids in Arkansas and beyond.
Philanthropic support like yours is critical to making transformational discoveries and delivering expert pediatric care every day at Arkansas Children’s:
250 children are
100 new cases
90%
of pediatric cancer are diagnosed at Arkansas Children’s every year
of pediatric cancer cases in the state treated at Arkansas Children’s
25
4% of National
1/3 of patients
in treatment for cancer at Arkansas Children’s at any given time
Number of hours of specialized training pediatric hematology/ oncology nurses must complete each year
Cancer Institute’s budget is spent on pediatric cancer research each year
diagnosed with cancer in Arkansas are from 11 counties in Northwest Arkansas
Your support helps children and families get the expert, family-centered care they need close to home. You are a true champion for children! GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
|3
home My Hospital
Because of you, Sheryl Williams’ grandson Easton receives expert, compassionate care at Arkansas Children’s. BY BECKY MCCAULEY
S
heryl Williams can’t imagine life without her 3-year-old grandson Easton. When Easton was just a few months old, he came to live with Sheryl and her husband. Then about a year ago, they officially adopted Easton. And they love being “PawPaw” and “MawMaw” to their little boy. During these busy, happy times, they never dreamed they would end up at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, fighting for Easton’s life. But this is exactly what happened. Easton is suffering from stage 4 cancer. It’s been one of the most heartbreaking things Sheryl has ever endured—and Easton’s not out of the woods yet. “It’s all I can do to get through the next second…the next minute…the next hour,” says Sheryl. But in spite of the agonizing worry and fear, Sheryl is grateful for the expert, loving care Easton receives from the wonderful doctors, nurses and team at Arkansas Children’s. Easton first visited ACH this spring. He was running a fever and complaining of pain in his hips. After several visits to his pediatrician, Easton and Sheryl made the 21/2-hour trip to ACH from their home in Horseshoe Bend. An MRI of his abdomen changed their lives forever. As you can imagine, Sheryl was devastated. “It was like being punched in the stomach,” she
says. “I panicked. I cried. I wanted that terrible mass out of my child as soon as possible.” Because of the support of people like you, surgeons at ACH were able to remove the tumor. The cancer hadn’t affected his organs, but sadly, it had spread to his bones. At that point, Sheryl had a big decision to make about where to continue Easton’s treatment. She says, “I had to choose which hospital I would trust with my grandson’s life. I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital...and I’m so glad I did.” Sheryl has been comforted by the kindness and concern of the doctors, nurses and team. “When you cry, they cry,” she says. “They have so much compassion and are doing everything they can to make kids healthy.” Easton calls ACH “my hospital home.” Easton is receiving chemotherapy to kill the cancer in his bones. Before he began chemo treatments, his stem cells were harvested at ACH. When he finishes chemo in a few weeks, he’ll receive those cells back to help his body produce new, healthy cells. Easton still has a long road back to health, and Sheryl doesn’t know what the future holds. But she does know this: Without you, kids like her little boy wouldn’t receive the care they need.
Your generous support helps kids like Easton receive lifesaving treatments at Arkansas Children’s. Thank you for being a true champion for children! 4
| O CTOB ER 2018 • CHAMPIONS • BETTER TODAY. HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
Easton enjoys a visit from T.A.I.L.S (Therapeutic Animal Intervention Lifts Spirits) therapy dog, Ta-Koda. Through the program, patients can interact with trained therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers. Your support of programs like T.A.I.L.S. helps provide joy to patients at Arkansas Children’s—thank you!
GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
|5
joy THE POWER OF
Your support helps deliver joy for children facing
devastating injuries and catastrophic illnesses.
T
hanks to you, compassionate, child-centered care is provided every day at Arkansas Children’s. But the true hallmark of a
children’s hospital is bringing JOY into young patients’ lives—no matter their illness or injury. Sometimes a simple smile can make all the difference in a child’s day. At our kid-savvy campuses around the state, kids discover and delight in bright colors, elements of nature, and an abundance of natural light. Child Life and therapy programs incorporate art, music, play and animals into a patient’s overall treatment plan. Bringing joy to children at Arkansas Children’s is possible because of you.
Because of your generous support, the power of joy at Arkansas Children’s helps make children better today and healthier tomorrow.
Your support helps provide joy every day for children and families facing some of the
most difficult times of their lives. Thank you for being a champion for children! GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
|7
“A single moment of joy can change the entire trajectory of a person’s life—or for the children we serve, the trajectory of their treatment plans.” -Marcy Doderer, President and CEO, Arkansas Children’s
Arkansas Children’s Northwest offers kid-savvy, imaginative spaces and playful discovery features that delights patients and their families.
Camp Wannaplay, the playroom at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, offers a variety of toys and fun activities to encourage young patients to just be kids.
Your support helps provide joy every day for children and families facing some of the 8
| O CTOB ER 2018 • CHAMPIONS • BETTER TODAY. HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
THE 2018 ANNE HICKMAN LECTURESHIP:
THE
POWER OF JOY The in-hospital school through the Child Life and Education department at Arkansas Children's helps patients of all grade levels keep up with their schoolwork.
On Wednesday, September 12, in Little Rock, Shabnam Mogharabi shared an inspiring message of the infectious power of joy and its ability to change the world. More than 900 champions for children attended the 2018 Anne Hickman Lectureship, hosted by Arkansas Children’s. Shabnam serves as the CEO of SoulPancake, an inspiring entertainment company she co-founded with actor Rainn Wilson (best known as “Dwight Schrute” from the TV show The Office). The mission of SoulPancake is to spread joy, celebrate the human experience and champion creativity by producing and curating uplifting content across multiple media channels. The Anne Hickman Lectureship was established in 1995 in honor of long-time board member, passionate volunteer and vocal child advocate Anne Hickman, who was instrumental in starting Circle of Friends (see pages 10–11). Arkansas Children’s hosts the lectureship biennially, recruiting a nationally known speaker to discuss issues affecting children’s health and well-being.
Your support of Arkansas Children’s helps create joyful, healing environments for children through programs that deliver child- and family-centered care at Arkansas Children’s.
most difficult times of their lives. Thank you for being a champion for children! GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
|9
WHY WE GIVE Circle of Friends Volunteer Group Makes Historic Gift to Arkansas Children’s BY ASHLEY LEOPOULOS
T
hirty-five years ago, a group of passionate, dedicated women from around the state decided they wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. Their mission was an important one: to support Arkansas Children’s through fundraising, outreach and education. Reaching the statewide community was a challenge—but they were up for it. Initially known as TWIGS (Teamwork Increases Growth and Sharing), the Circle of Friends volunteer network has grown from an idea into a statewide volunteer effort that includes more than 500 members belonging to 12 chapters across the state. Last year was an incredible one for Circle of Friends as they celebrated raising $1 million for the first time. “It was remarkable,” says Danna Caldwell, COF state board president and member of the Arkansas River Valley Chapter. “Each chapter has a dedicated group of volunteers who all work towards one mission: to champion children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow. To see all their
Past COF President Stayce Peebles (left) and COF President Danna Caldwell (right) present a $1 million gift to Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer Lee Anne Eddy at the COF end-of-year celebration in July 2018. hard work become a $1 million gift to Arkansas Children’s for the first time was inspiring.” And Circle of Friends is well on their way to reaching the same milestone this year. The funds raised this year are supporting Arkansas Children’s Northwest—the new children’s hospital in Springdale; Arkansas Children’s Research Institute; the after-hours resource line; Child Advocacy and Public Health; the Circle of Friends Clinic; nursing excellence training; and the Statewide
Network of Care initiative to provide pediatric care to children where they live, learn and play. Arkansas ranks in the bottom 10 of 50 states for children’s health and well-being. With support from champions like the Circle of Friends chapters and donors like you, Arkansas Children’s can reach more of the 710,000 children living in Arkansas. Your support of Circle of Friends events around the state helps make Arkansas a healthier, safer place to be a child.
If you would like to be a champion for children by joining your local 10
| O CTOB ER 2018 • CHAMPIONS • BETTER TODAY. HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
Circle of Friends State Board with an Angel One helicopter and flight crew. The State Board is made up of two representatives from each chapter, and this tireless group oversees the Circle of Friends program statewide.
Rashad Woods (right) congratulates Brittany Shaw of the Arkansas River Valley chapter for her recognition as the COF Top Member for Community Engagement.
The Jefferson County Circle of Friends chapter hosts their yearly a la Carte event to raise funds benefiting Arkansas Children’s.
The 12 Arkansas Children’s Circle of Friends chapters are true champions for children: Arkansas River Valley Faulkner County Fort Smith Garland County
Harrison Jefferson County Jonesboro Lawrence County
Magnolia Northwest Arkansas Texarkana USA Union County
chapter of Circle of Friends, please call Jacqueline Gibson at (501) 364-5390. GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
| 11
in
greathands
BY KYRAN PITTMAN
With your help, Cali and Casey received the expert pediatric care they needed.
Arkansas Children’s Ambassadors represent the thousands of children treated annually at Arkansas Children’s. If you would like to learn more about the Ambassadors program, please contact the Foundation at (800) 880-7491 or email giving@archildrens.org.
12
“Arkansas Children’s Hospital is awesome in our book,” says Melanie Madkin. A single mom and x-ray technician living in Pine Bluff, Melanie says she would take her kids to ACH for treatment before anywhere else. Recently, it’s become a familiar drive. In September 2017, Melanie’s daughter Cali was 4 years old when she fell from her grandmother’s bed and broke her arm. The regional medical center referred her to the ACH Emergency Department, where Melanie was impressed with the swift compassionate care Cali received. “Cali was in pain,” Melanie remembers. “She didn’t want anyone to touch her…just Mommy. But the staff did their best to take her mind off what was happening. They brought in bubbles, gave her a frozen treat and played with her.” Cali had surgery that night, and Melanie says she was given excellent instructions on how to manage Cali’s pain at home. The care team encouraged Melanie to ask questions and communicate any concerns. “I felt like I could go to them for anything, with no hesitation,” says Melanie. It wasn’t long before Cali was back to her exuberant self. Melanie teasingly describes her kids as “kind of accident prone,” so the possibility of returning to ACH in the future with a similar mishap wasn’t unimaginable. But when Cali’s big brother, 11-year-old Casey, was diagnosed with high blood pressure, Melanie was shocked. “It was a hard pill to swallow,”
| O CTOB ER 2018 • CHAMPIONS • BETTER TODAY. HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
says the nutrition-conscious mom. For Casey, who dreams of being a professional basketball player, the news was potentially devastating. But Melanie credits the Cardiology team at ACH with helping them maintain a positive and proactive outlook. “They were very optimistic,” Melanie says. “They told Casey, ‘we’re going to get you through this. That’s why you are here.’ And Casey’s doctor was awesome. He told Casey he couldn’t play contact sports right now, but that he will be able to play one day.” “Those words gave Casey’s dream back to him,” says Melanie. “We’re going to keep doing what the doctor tells us to do and remain positive. We know we are in great hands. The team at ACH is all about educating and informing us about the things we need to do to improve his situation. We’re going to press on and get better.” Both Casey and his mom are thrilled he was recently accepted into the gifted-and-talented program at school. “He has a purpose in life. I tell him, ‘we’re going to get your blood pressure under control. You’re going to do great things.’” Melanie says she treasures the way ACH relates to children and their parents. By being an Arkansas Children’s Ambassador family, she hopes to reassure others that there is hope and help to be found there. “You can come out on top and and get better at ACH. That’s what happened to my children.”
HOLIDAY CARD PROJECT 2018
Ce le of
PA
RK
ER
AU
br ati n
g
Ch
am
pi
Pre s
TO
ES
TA
BL
on
ing
en
M
IS
HE
ted
OT
D
19
67
by
IV
Ch
ild
re n
EG RO UP
Give a gift to champion children Purchase your holiday cards beginning October 1! Champion a child this holiday season by purchasing a holiday card or gift from the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Each card features artwork by an Arkansas Children’s patient and is accompanied by a warm holiday message. Every purchase benefits Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Imprinting is also available! $6 for a box of 20 cards or envelopes. $12 to imprint both the card and envelope per box of 20. Shipping included!
Order online at archildrens.org/holiday or call (800) 595-6498
HOLIDAY CARDS
IDE OUTS
E INSID
A. FATHER CHRISTMAS
by Tracee Gentry-Matthews Featured Artist Sponsored by Drs. Holly-Beth and Nick Willis Harrison, Sarah-Katherine and John $20 for 20 cards
D. HEAVENLY ANGEL by Victoria | age 12 Sponsored by Rosie Wilson $20 for 20 cards
B. HONOR CARD
C. SNOWMAN SELFIE
by George Fisher
Each card will be printed with a message letting the recipient know a gift was made to Arkansas Children’s in their honor
by Macy | age 8 Sponsored by The Wallace Family $20 for 20 cards
Minimum $10 donation per card.
E. BEAR TRIO
by Joseph, Scarlett and Miller | ages 5, 6, 5 Sponsored by The Ford Family Foundation $20 for 20 cards
F. GINGERBREAD HOUSE by Addie | age 10 Sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Brent C. Staggs $20 for 20 cards
GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
| 15
HOLIDAY CARDS
G. PEACE ON EARTH
by Lilah | age 10 Sponsored by Dent Gitchel, Charlotte John and The Charlotte John Co. $20 for 20 cards
H. POINSETTIA
by Olivia | age 7 Sponsored by David Glover and Dr. Theresa Wyrick-Glover $20 for 20 cards
I. CHRISTMAS TREE
by Turner | age 10 Sponsored by Susan and John Harbour, Jr. $20 for 20 cards
Feature your family by uploading your horizontal or vertical digital photo. We will print a 4"x6" image to adhere to the card.
J. SNOWMAN CHOIR by Hailey | age 14 Sponsored by Stuart Cobb $20 for 20 cards
16
K. JOYFUL
by Will | age 7 Sponsored by Friends of Arkansas Children’s $20 for 20 cards
| O CTOB ER 2018 • CHAMPIONS • BETTER TODAY. HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
L. WARM WISHES
by Anne-Catherine | age 7 Sponsored by The Martindale Family $30 for 20 cards
SPECIALTY ITEMS
Includes pencils!
M. SWEET PENCIL CASE
N. REINDEER CHEERS
by Eliza | age 12 $15
by Jack | age 7 Sponsored by The Southern Company of NLR, Inc. $12 per sleeve of 10
O. GINGERBREAD ORNAMENT by Addie | age 10 $14
Order Number: 182021493 Item Number: XHUPN10 Date: 8/21/2018 3:48 PM
special valentines day card Aux holiday project 18.indd 3
Line Seq: 1
9/11/2018 12:36:08 PM
P. BE MY VALENTINE
by Joie | age 11 4.25"x5.5" cards and envelopes Perfect for a classroom Valentine set or your child’s stationery. $25 per pack of 25
Q. FESTIVE NAPKINS by Turner | age 10 Sponsored by Eggshells Kitchen Co. $7 per pack of 20
Includes stickers!
special valentines day card Aux holiday project 18.indd 5
9/11/2018 12:36:08 PM
GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
| 17
Meet the Holiday Card Artists Featured Artist: Tracee Gentry-Matthews Painting has always been a way of life for Tracee. After giving birth to her daughter in 2000 and obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree, she became a full-time artist. Tracee is very passionate about her work, and creates energizing paintings. See more of Tracee’s work by visiting artbytracee.com.
Honor Card Artist: George Fisher Nationally renowned cartoonist George Fisher created some of the first holiday cards for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Holiday Card Project. His cards were pen-and-ink drawings cheerfully depicting patients in a holiday, hospital setting. He contributed artwork for cards for many years. The ACH Auxiliary celebrates his legacy with an enhanced design featuring his artwork from the Holiday Card archives Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Addie, 10 When Addie was born, she did not pass her newborn hearing test. Addie’s family was referred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Audiology Clinic for more extensive testing. Thankfully, she passed and is now an active kid who loves sports, dancing, making art and cooking.
Anne-Catherine, 7 At the age of 2, Anne-Catherine was taken to the ACH Emergency Department after experiencing trouble with her eyes. Her team at ACH diagnosed her with a rare genetic eye condition. Anne-Catherine continues to visit the ACH Eye Center for routine checkups. She enjoys tennis, animals, making art and being a big sister.
18
Eliza, 12 Newborn Eliza was delivered by emergency C-section and transferred to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where she was closely monitored. Today, Eliza is a healthy young lady. She loves to make art, read and ride four-wheelers.
Hailey, 14 Hailey was born with hearing loss and relies on multiple Arkansas Children’s clinics for pediatric care. Hailey’s family is grateful for the support from the staff who always make Hailey feel at home. Hailey’s favorite expression is “I love you” and she enjoys dancing and singing.
Jack, 7 By the time he was 2 years old, Jack had suffered more than 20 ear infections. Physicians at Arkansas Children’s Hospital removed his tonsils and adenoids and he experienced immediate relief. Jack is now a healthy 7- year-old who enjoys reading, art projects and swimming.
Joie, 13 One night, 3-year-old Joie spiked a fever of 104 degrees. Her family rushed her to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital where she was treated for a virus by compassionate pediatric experts. Joie loves creating art and playing volleyball and softball. When she grows up she plans to be an emergency room physician.
Joseph, 5 Following his birth, Joseph’s mother noticed her baby wasn’t feeling well. After a visit to his pediatrician, his care team discovered Joseph had an infection. He was referred to Arkansas Children’s where he underwent minor surgery and treatment. He is now a healthy little boy who loves arts and crafts. He hopes to become an art teacher when he grows up.
| O CTOB ER 2018 • CHAMPIONS • BETTER TODAY. HEALTHIER TOMORROW.
ORDER AT ARCHILDRENS.ORG/HOLIDAY
Lilah, 10 Lilah was born with congenital hip dysplasia and was referred to Arkansas Children’s orthopedic team. She has received two surgeries as well as several casts and braces to correct her hips. Lilah and her family are grateful to the Arkansas Children’s team for providing her a great quality of life. Lilah is now a healthy kid who enjoys playing with her friends and making art. One day she hopes to be an author or a playwright.
Macy, 8 Since birth, Macy has participated in research studies at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center and the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute. Macy is proud to be a part of cutting-edge research and knows her participation will help provide a healthier tomorrow for future generations. Macy loves to play sports, sing and dance. When she grows up, she wants to be a singer.
Miller, 5 At only 21 days old, Miller’s mother noticed he was not eating. She took his temperature, which was 100.9, and she immediately headed to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He was diagnosed with Group B Streptococcus meningitis and stayed 10 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Miller’s family is grateful for the care that saved their baby’s life. Miller is now healthy and loves school, sports and his baby sister.
Olivia, 7 At only a year old, Olivia was rushed to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with a serious blood infection. After a stay in the inpatient unit, she required specialty care at home with IV antibiotics. Today, Olivia is healthy and happy. She loves to explore nature and catalog her findings in her journal and through her artwork.
Scarlett, 6 At 5 months old, Scarlett came down with a viral infection. The nurses and doctors at the ACH After Hours Clinic gave Scarlett’s family peace of mind and treated her with antibiotics. Today, Scarlett is a strong, creative and independent girl who loves to paint.
Turner, 10 As an infant, Turner was referred to ACH after his doctor discovered a heart murmur. Turner was diagnosed with pulmonary stenosis, and to this day, he is monitored by the ACH Cardiology team at regular checkups. Turner’s illness does not slow him down. He is a fast runner and has earned the nickname among his friends as “Turner the Burner!”
Victoria, 12 At only 2 days old, tiny Victoria was transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for heart surgery. She continues to receive care at a variety of ACH specialty clinics. Victoria is a fearless child who loves school. She can speak in Polish and knows sign language. She also loves to create art and play with her cats.
Will, 7 At the age of 3, Will fell off his bunk bed and was unable to move his neck. His family rushed him to the Emergency Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He received an MRI and a series of x-rays. Now, Will is a healthy, vibrant kid who loves to read, play soccer and build with his Lego collection.
GIVING.ARCHILDRENS.ORG • CHAMPIONS • O CTO B ER 2 0 1 8
| 19
Your Gift Matters “The entire ACH staff was always friendly and welcoming. They took care of us, and always made us feel at home.” ~ ANNE MARIE SANDS
GRATEFUL PARENT OF KAYLYNN
BE A CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN You can help children like Kaylynn get better today and be healthier tomorrow. A gift of $25, $50, $100 or more to Arkansas Children’s makes a huge difference in the life of a child.
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY!
To give a one-time gift or become a monthly Miracle Maker, use the enclosed envelope, visit giving.archildrens.org or call (800) 880-7491.