America's Story

America
Age 5
Spina Bifida

St. Francis Health Center

When America was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, scoliosis and club feet, it was clear she'd face tough times in life. But no one knew then just how tough this little girl could be.

She was told she’d never be able to sit up, crawl, talk or feed herself. They were wrong. She sat up on her own at age 1 and crawled on her arms soon after. Before she was 2 years old she was happily chatting away. But there is one thing she won't do: America will never say "I can't." Instead, she takes her time and continues to try.

America, 5, has her own customized wheelchair, and people in her community are amazed at how smoothly and quickly she zips around. She teaches everyone she comes in contact with that being in a wheelchair doesn't mean you can't be independent and as happy as anyone else. America loves to dance in her chair and does gymnastic moves on her therapy bars at St. Francis Health Center. Her family has been told that America is going to change the wheelchair world. After every barrier she's already broken, it's safe to say that America will make those changes and more.

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 $500 million for children’s hospitals during the 23 year relationship. This is the second year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions program.

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club

Champions 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 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 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.

As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June 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 family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, 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.