Asher Chmiel

Children’s Miracle Network has named a Champion Across America for Florida.

Asher Chmiel, 7, who suffers from Dandy Walker Malformation of the brain, will join other child ambassadors from every state as part of the Children’s Miracle Network program, Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club. The program brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children like Asher who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges.

Asher was diagnosed at birth with a rare brain malformation of the cerebellum and the 4th ventricle known as Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM). Patients with DWM can have abnormally high pressure within their skulls and swelling of the head, which can lead to neurological impairment. He has also been diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation. Because of this disease, Asher suffers from a potentially life-threatening seizure disorder that has led to many unexpected visits to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

Asher and his fellow champions will travel for one week – first to Florida for the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort, and then to Washington D.C. Asher will visit Capitol Hill to share his story of medical victory, representing the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals each year throughout the United States.

Since 1987, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised and contributed more than $460 million for children’s hospitals, with more than $2,749,767 benefiting Sacred Heart Children's Hospital.

“Over the past two decades, Children’s Miracle Network, its hospitals and especially the children treated have found a very special place in the hearts of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “Our support for Champions Across America builds on the emotional connection our associates have with the children cared for by these hospitals.”

About Children’s Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Each year, the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To learn more go to www.ChildrensMiracleNetwork.org.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

About Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital
Since 1969, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital has provided quality, compassionate care to children across the Gulf Coast, regardless of their ability to pay. Located in Pensacola, Fla., our state-of-the-art, 119-bed hospital is the only dedicated children’s hospital in Northwest Florida.