Amanda's Story

Amanda
Age 8
Ewing’s Sarcoma

Children’s National Medical Center

Amanda had just celebrated her second birthday when she went in for a routine X-ray. When she left, things looked anything but routine. Amanda was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma. Doctors were startled by this diagnosis at age 2 because it’s typically associated with teenagers.

There was only treatment option for little Amanda, and it began with six rounds of chemotherapy. In order to battle this dangerous and rare form of cancer, doctors would also need to amputate her left leg. “Her doctor assured us that his main goal was to make sure Amanda outlives us all,” her mother said.

Upon recovering from surgery, Amanda had to go through eight more rounds of chemo. Her loving father slept on the floor next to her bed each night for nearly 18 months, constantly checking on her.

Today, Amanda, 8, is in remission and is always smiling. Thanks to her prosthetic leg, her family can barely keep up with her. She has a fighting spirit that made her a survivor, and she lives life to the fullest by singing, dancing and outrunning many of her friends in school.

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.