Every day, member hospitals treat 12,721 kids for emergencies, 1,890 kids for diabetes, 1,718 kids for cancer, and 814 babies in the NICU/newborn ICU. Member hospitals provide 38M patient visits for 12M kids every year. 72 kids are seen by a member hospital every minute. More than $54M funded patient care for children and families when they needed it most in 2022. Since 1983 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ partners and programs have raised more than $9B for member hospitals across the US and Canada. That’s why we need your help change kids’ health to change the future. This second annual event strives to improve the lives of children, their families, and friends locally in Colorado for Children’s Hospital of Colorado and across the country to North Carolina to Duke Children’s Hospital back to the host’s roots. See our patient ambassador stories below:
Vincent Fry, Age 34, Tournament Host | Duke Children’s Hospital
A Miracle at Duke At five years old, what was thought to be a simple stomach bug quickly escalated into a life-threatening crisis when Vincent began experiencing double vision. An MRI revealed a mass on his brain, and he was rushed to Duke Children’s for emergency surgery. While doctors feared the worst—a terminal glioblastoma—the surgery revealed a miraculous twist: the mass was actually an aggressive infection that required immediate, complex intervention from both neurosurgery and ENT teams. Following a grueling recovery involving a broviac catheter and weeks of intensive care, Vincent made a full recovery. Today, that journey has come full circle: Vincent works in the medical device industry, assisting with cardiac procedures and patient care. His story is a powerful reminder that the specialized care funded by CMN doesn’t just save lives—it builds the foundation for a healthy, impactful future.
Creed, Age 13, 2026 US Local Hospital Champion | Duke Children’s Hospital
Resilience and Hope Creed was diagnosed as a baby with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness. While his family was initially told there were no treatment options, they found a lifeline at Duke Children’s. In 2017, Creed became a pioneer by enrolling in a clinical trial for a groundbreaking infusion-based treatment. His participation helped lead to FDA approval, changing the future for other children fighting DMD. Today, 13-year-old Creed is defying the odds; while many with DMD lose the ability to walk by age 12, Creed remains mobile and active. An honorary member of the Duke Football team and a source of joy at hospital fundraisers, Creed’s journey is a powerful testament to medical innovation and the life-changing impact of specialized care.
“Because of Duke Children’s, I have been able to thrive and do things like a normal kid.” – Creed, Duke Children’s patient
Annabelle, 2026 US Local Hospital Champion | Children’s Hospital Colorado
Annabelle was supposed to be enjoying a family scuba diving trip—something she’d done countless times before. Instead, she found herself in a fight for her life. The 16-year-old from Aspen had just jumped into the water after a scuba dive with her family when two sharks attacked her. She lost her leg and suffered severe hand injuries, but the trauma didn’t end there. A rare infection developed in her leg, requiring months of treatment and 11 surgeries. Her journey to recovery began at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where donor-supported programs, and a team of compassionate nurses, helped her heal not just physically, but emotionally. Transferred from her local hospital in Aspen, Annabelle arrived at Children’s Colorado with a serious infection. Her care team included orthopedic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, pain management experts, and prosthetics professionals. But it was the sixth-floor nurses who helped her feel like herself again. “They made me feel clean and comfortable,” Annabelle said. They helped me get back into a routine, doing things I used to do with two legs.” Every time Annabelle returns to Children’s Colorado, she looks forward to seeing the nurses who helped her through the hardest moments of her recovery. Their care extended beyond clinical expertise—they offered dignity, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy when she needed it most. Her mother, Kellie, said the hospital’s approach was unlike anything they’d experienced. Annabelle also found strength through Children’s Colorado’s Amputee Program, which brings together specialists to help young patients stay active and independent. The clinic has become a cornerstone of her care—and a cause she’s passionate about supporting. “They helped me figure out what I needed to keep doing the things I love,” she said. Now off antibiotics and focused on recovery, Annabelle is training to play lacrosse again, skiing near her home, and planning more scuba diving trips. She’s exploring colleges and hopes to study business, with dreams of starting a foundation to help others.
