The real Monday, June 7, 2010

It's a rough life when you get to hang out at ESPN Zone with Miss America !

We toured DC with all the families. Here we are with our hometown man, Abraham Lincoln.

Daddo and Will having a snack.

Arrived at airport

That's me, Jack, on the far left.

We only just arrived at the airport and my sister, Cookie, already made a new friend. She is the Miracle Champion for the District of Columbia.

Landed in DC

Well, the ride had a little bumpy landing, but the Jack and his entourage (family) are in DC and the trip is on!! Everyone was greeted like paparazzi with lots of CMN folks, cameras flashing and new families to meet. I think Senator Al Franken may have been spotted at baggage claim.

Getting excited

We are getting excited for our trip to DC. The kids are thrilled they get to go in a plane instead of driving as usual. Looks like the weather could be a little spotty, but there is some sunshine in there too.

Here is the setup for the announcement. If you'd like to view the TV spot from WICS-ABC2, click on the link below: http://www.behealthyspringfield.com/sections/local-news/jack-londrigan-named-as-childrens-miracle-network-champion

Last week at Walmart they brought the big rig around and let the kids get inside.

Thank you to Walmart and Sam's Club!!

Today was amazing! CMN organized a press conference at a local Walmart here in town and announced Jack as the 2010 Illinois Champion officially. The Regional Director was there to talk, as were several St. John's staff members and a couple of Jack's doctors. Jack did a great job speaking (I might be a little bias of course) and then they surprised him with a $500 gift card! It was supposed to help him get prepared for his upcoming adventure to Washington DC, but a new TV for the Xbox won out. A guy has to have his priorities I guess.

I think Jack will be on the local news tonight and in the local newspaper sometime this week. These are such wonderful chances for him to sing the praises of St. John's Children's Hospital and he takes full advantage.

We continue to be humbly grateful for the gifts bestowed on us, but number one on that list is the gift of three healthy children. We are really looking foward to Washington DC. Thank you again to Walmart and Sam's Club for making these opportunities possible.

Crutches and DC

It's been a week! Last weekend the boys had a big basketball tournament, which was tons of fun. Jack really paid the price on Monday though. His left hip got very sore and he couldn't walk on it. After a round of tests Monday, the doctor determined it was just bad inflammation and after some time on crutches, he'll feel better. So, he's slowed down a bit for now, but otherwise good. Then yesterday we got our information for the DC trip, which is very exciting. It looks like it's going to be a busy few days. Hopefully we'll get to see our favorite hometown guy out there--Senator Durbin--at the Capitol Hill lunch.

First try

Hi! I'm Betsy, Jack's Mom. We are very excited for the events unfolding this year. Although the formal announcement hasn't been made, Jack has already given several speeches on behalf of CMN as the Illinois Champion. We will be posting here periodically to keep you updated as we embark on the adventure that is 2010. You can also get updates on Facebook, at Friends of Jack Londrigan.

Have a great day!
Betsy

Jack's Story

Jack
Age 13
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

St. John's Children's Hospital

When 12-year-old Jack came home from a hike covered in ticks, his parents watched for signs of illness. They were right to be vigilant. Jack soon spiked a 104.6 degree fever. Then his right hip began to hurt so much that he couldn't walk and spots appeared on his skin. He had contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

At a local hospital, doctors started Jack on intravenous antibiotics and soon discovered a staph infection. Jack’s health began to decline and it became a battle to keep him alive. Predicting that he would go into septic shock, he was transferred to St. John’s Children’s Hospital. With an infected hip, surgery was his only option. After going into respiratory distress while recovering from surgery, his life was in grave danger.

Loved ones were asked to pray for Jack's recovery. They asked their friends, who asked theirs, and so on. His family said that at one point, people on six continents were praying for him. Then miracles happened. After 78 days, he recovered and began to walk again. Medicine, specialized care and the power of prayer saved Jack’s life.

Jack's family calls him a "centrifugal force." He's had an indescribable impact on thousands of people who rooted for a sick boy—a boy who has forever touched their lives.

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.