Adam's Story

Adam
Age 7
Spina Bifida

Children's Hospital, New Orleans

Before Adam was born, doctors said he wouldn't survive. Diagnosed in utero with spina bifida, his back was wide open, the tip of his spine was broken and frayed, and the lower part collapsed. Instead of the joy of preparing for their first child, Adam's parents prepared for the heartbreak of losing him at birth.

But a team of specialists at Children's Hospital in New Orleans was ready for Adam less than a half hour after his birth. He underwent a 12-hour surgery where doctors inserted a shunt into his skull, removed part of his spine and closed the hole in his back. Because Adam's condition was so severe, he is paralyzed from the waist down and has no control over his bodily functions. He's had kidney damage and multiple surgeries, which he will continue to need throughout his life. But Adam is alive, a miracle his family only hoped for.

Now age 7, Adam has filled his family's lives with joy. He loves people and has a special way of making everyone feel that love. Adam has never met a stranger—the minute he meets someone, Adam charms his way into their life.

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.