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John Ross Espino from Midland will represent Texas in Nation's capitol
John Ross will visit Capitol Hill to share his remarkable medical experience as part of Children's Miracle Network program
Odessa, TX, January 4, 2008 - Texas is sending a new representative to the nation's capitol this March, but this young ambassador isn't a politician. John Ross, 8, from Midland, will visit The White House and Capitol Hill to share his story of medical victory and will represent children treated at Children's Miracle Network hospitals throughout the United States.
John Ross is a unique Miracle Child; he started out life at Medical Center Hospital 3 months premature (27 weeks gestation) on May 5, 1998. He was hospitalized for over 90 days at Medical Center Hospital's NICU. On April 3, 2007, John Ross was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
John Ross will join child ambassadors from every state as part of Children's Miracle Network Champions Across America presented by CO-OP Financial Services. The program honors remarkable children like John Ross who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges. With the help of their Children's Miracle Network hospitals, a toddler conquered spinal cancer, a young girl survived a deadly bacterial infection, and a small boy overcame severe burns from a fast-moving house fire.
John Ross was born weighing one pound one ounce. He was just a little longer than a dollar bill and his footprint was the size of a man's thumb. After two types of pneumonia and several surgeries, his parents were told John Ross might not survive because, "little boys just don't fight." His mother Charla Espino "realistic is not what I need, I need hope." Charla calls the nurses at Medical Center "angels'; "they gave me hope, God gave me faith and John Ross gave me love." John Ross is the grandson of Ft. Stockton's residents, Jesus and Lucy Espino.
Dr. Tony Talbert of Medical Center Hospital said that John Ross is "a one pound baby with a ten pound attitude."
"The equipment and training was already there for these babies because of Children's Miracle Network", Charla said, "People don't realize what Medical Center Hospital is, what a high level of equipment they have for a small town. Because of Children's Miracle Network my baby did not have to be flown to Dallas for 90 days in a NICU. He was able to stay right here at home. That made a difference to our family and ultimately to John Ross' ability to live and thrive."
"I never cease to be amazed at the incredible strength and courage these Champion children display," said Tracy Byrd, country music artist and active Children's Miracle Network supporter. "Each one's life is a testament to the phenomenal pediatric care being provided at Children's Miracle Network hospitals." Byrd will accompany Champion children to Washington, D.C., then to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
In Florida, Champions will 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.
Also joining John Ross and other the Champions during their travels will be Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson. "What an honor to spend a few days getting to know these incredible children," said Nelson. "I look forward to meeting each child and helping them share their remarkable stories with the entire country."
CO-OP Financial Services proudly sponsors the Champions Across America program on behalf of America's credit unions and their commitment to children in their community.
Contacts: Rachel Shintani-Dobbs, Children's Miracle Network, 432-640-1247
Rhonda Lewallen, MCH Communications / Marketing, 432-640-1242.
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