Rachel's Story

Rachel
Age 5
Bilateral Wilm’s Tumor

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

When 3-year-old Rachel was diagnosed with cancer in October 2007, her biggest concern was that she had to wear a hospital gown.

After experiencing unexplainable fevers and stomach discomfort, Rachel was diagnosed with Bilateral Wilm’s tumor—a tumor in each of her kidneys. The tumor in Rachel’s right kidney consumed 75 percent of the organ. Ten weeks of chemotherapy caused the tumor in her right kidney to shrink enough to be surgically removed and as a result, both kidneys were saved. In April 2008, the talented medical team at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center were confident the cancer was gone entirely.

“Rachel conquered her cancer after her first week in the hospital. Since the beginning of her treatment, if it was not for losing her hair, you would not know that she was sick,” said her mom. “And she never wore a hospital gown!”

Today, this free-spirited 5-year-old loves tree frogs and wants to make a zoo in her backyard.

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.