The new 2009-2010 ambassadors are: • Adrianna Scott is an active 12-year-old girl from Xenia. Adrianna participates in competitive cheerleading competitions and does not let cystic fibrosis slow her down. She is seen by Robert Fink, MD, and Gary Mueller, MD. Adrianna’s 10-year-old twin sisters also have CF and have been coming to Dayton Children’s their entire lives beginning in our NICU. • Mitchell Franzer was told as a child that he would never walk after he was diagnosed with spina bifida. He spent the first few months of his life in the NICU at Dayton Children’s. Now 11 years old, Mitchell loves to play baseball, soccer and football and work on the family farm in St. Henry. Mitchell and his parents make frequent trips to Dayton Children’s to be seen in our rehabilitative services department and the myelomeningocele and urology clinics. According to Donald Nguyen, MD, “Mitchell has had many major operations yet has maintained positive outlook on life.” • In 2006, Casey Mowen of Eaton was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Now 15 years old, Casey has completed all of his treatment and aspires to be a doctor someday because of the treatment he has received at Dayton Children’s. Casey is active in marching band and recently traveled to Walt Disney World to represent Eaton High School. Casey and his mom Dawn are very thankful for Emmett Broxson, MD and the hematology/oncology staff. • Justin Ferrence of Xenia is a charming, bright young man with a passion for life. Justin was first seen at Dayton Children’s in our NICU and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. As Justin says, he has practically lived at Dayton Children’s his entire 20 years of life. Justin and his mom Pamela consider Dayton Children’s their beloved, second family. He is frequently seen in our neurology and cerebral palsy clinics and in the orthopedic department. Justin graduated from Xenia High School in 2008 and plans to go to college to become a teacher.
The telethon hosts are Channel 7’s, Cheryl McHenry, Mike Hartsock and K99.1 FM’s Nancy Wilson. Cheryl has hosted the telethon for more than 20 years and Mike Hartsock has hosted for over 5 years. This is Nancy Wilson’s first telethon, but she comes with much experience hosting the annual K99.1 FM Cares for Kids radiothon each year.
The telethon begins at 9:00 pm on Saturday, May 30, and ends at 6:00 pm on Sunday, May 31. The broadcast will feature special kids who are connected to Dayton Children’s and caregivers who treat the children.
“The broadcast truly is a celebration of the children in our care,” says Debbie Butner, telethon manager at Dayton Children’s. “The telethon is also an opportunity to thank our sponsors and donors for their generous support. Their commitment helps us continue to provide the best pediatric care during a child’s time of need.”
Supporting the Children’s Miracle Network helps ensure children throughout the Miami Valley receive the quality health care they deserve when they are treated at Dayton Children’s. One hundred percent of the funds raised locally through the Children’s Miracle Network stay at Dayton Children’s.
Viewers can make a donation by calling 1-888-746-KIDS (5437) or by logging on to www.childrensdayton.org/donate. You can also follow live updates on Dayton Children’s Facebook and Twitter pages during the telethon - follow @DaytonChildrens to stay connected.
Other children who will be featured on the telethon include Burr Simpson from Urbana, Emily Hurlburt of Wilmington, Alex Hilgeford of Dayton, Joe Ross of Centerville, Drake Reynolds from Waynesville, Allison Bornhorst of Piqua, Taylor Bush from Troy, Michael Doesedel of Beavercreek, Shayla Ellington of Huber Heights, and Emily Staggs from Fairborn.