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Sparrow Champion Child Meets the President, Recognized for Miraculous Survival

2010 Giveathon Brings In Record Pledges for Sparrow Children's Center

June 14, 2010

Lansing ----- As Michigan's Champion Child and Sparrow patient returns from his first of two trips on behalf of Children's Miracle Network (CMN), Sparrow Children's Center announces that they have raised a
total of $693,731 as a result of the 2010 Giveathon.

Sparrow patient Landon Whitaker, age 12, was selected by CMN as the Champion Child for Michigan for his miraculous story of survival - after an accidental gunshot wound to the face, his family was told that he may never walk again, and could possibly lose his sight and hearing.

Through the care and attention of Sparrow's Children Center specialists, Landon survived and his on his way to an astounding recovery.

"We are deeply grateful to all those in the community who supported the 2010 Giveathon. These funds will ensure that the Sparrow Children's Center continues to be a resource for our children in times of need," said Mike Wall, president of the Sparrow Foundation. "Miracle stories like Landon's are possible because of the community's support."

Each year, CMN picks a Champion Child to represent each state from one of the CMN hospitals in that state. All Champion Children are involved in activities to raise awareness for CMN and its affiliates' importance and needs throughout the year - including the June trip to Washington, D.C. On this trip, Landon and other Champion Children met President Barack Obama, had a luncheon with senators and congressmen, took a tour of the White House, and visited with several celebrities including pop singer David Archuleta, Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron and country singer Mark Wills.

In November, the Champions will meet up again at Walt Disney World as a part of CMN's annual celebration in Orlando, FL.

The 2010 Giveathon combined the annual CMN radiothon and telethon into one big celebration to raise funds for the Sparrow Children's Center. The event is in collaboration with CMN, a national fundraising partner for children's hospitals. All funds raised from the event go directly to the Sparrow Children's Center.

The Giveathon spanned from Thursday, June 3, through Saturday, June 5, and included both a radio pledge drive on 92.1 FM WQTX and a television pledge drive on WILX TV 10 from the Sparrow Professional Building. The number of donations increased 50 percent from 2009 and included 14 new local sponsors.

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