CRESTVIEW — Drew Barefield of Crestview will join pediatric patients from each state on Saturday during an Ambassador Tour for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Champions and guests will fly into the District of Columbia, courtesy of Delta Air Lines, and will be welcomed by Champion alumni and supporters at the JW Marriott Washington, DC.
Throughout the week, Champions will share their stories to encourage charitable support for children’s hospitals. Opportunities include touring Marriott International headquarters to thank associates and leadership for their continued support, attending Senate meetings on Capitol Hill, generating awareness at a Washington Nationals game and participating in a satellite media tour with TV stations across the country.
Drew, 14, was treated for multiple traumatic injuries at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, one of 170 member CMN Hospitals. After being struck by a boat, he spent 75 days in The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart in Pensacola and underwent 13 surgeries. During his treatment, he showed a positive, “can-do” attitude and genuine concern for other pediatric patients.
“Drew Barefield is a remarkable young man who inspires others to live each day to the fullest,” says Carol Carlan, president of the Sacred Heart Foundation. “We are honored to have Drew represent the thousands of children treated each year as he meets with senators and our CMN Hospital partners in DC. Miracles are happening in our community. Drew Barefield is showing our community, that miracles and life-saving care are being provided at The Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, your Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”
“The specialized care children’s hospitals provide is only partially funded by government and insurance programs,” says John Lauck, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. “As our Champions demonstrate, local donations are crucial to ensure children’s hospitals are able to fund pediatric research, equipment, treatments and services necessary to save and improve kids’ lives.”
The 2016-17 Champions program is presented by Delta Air Lines, Marriott International, Chico’s FAS, Inc. and Ace Hardware.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview teen to tour Washington D.C., raise support for children's hospitals