Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan announces 2019 local CMN champion

WATERTOWN, NY – Children’s Miracle Network of NNY is proud to announce Ryley Weaver as the 2019 Local CMN Champion as #ChildrensHospitalsWeek gets underway at Samaritan Medical Center (SMC).

Ryley is a happy, fun loving beautiful little five year old girl. She developed normally until about 12-18 months when she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a debilitating neurological/movement disorder that primarily affect females. Rett Syndrome is the leading genetic cause of severe impairment in girls – most cannot speak, walk or use their hands. Rett Syndrome is as
prevalent as ALS, Cystic Fibrosis and Huntington’s Disease. Sadly, another baby girl is born afflicted every 90 minutes. Rett Syndrome is caused by a single gene mutation that leads to underproduction of an important brain protein. Rett Syndrome is potentially reversible – research shows once protein levels
are normalized, symptoms subside.

Children’s Miracle Network of NNY has helped Ryley and her family through the Direct Family Assistance Program (DFAP). CMN has provided reimbursement for travel expenses incurred during her appointments with specialists and hospitalizations in New York City.

“Children’s Hospitals Week (CHW) is all about helping kids,” said Kristin LaClair, CMN Development Manager. “This is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness for CMN and share the importance of how donations help local kids get the best care when they need it.”

Employees at Samaritan will be celebrating Children’s Hospitals Week Monday – Friday from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in the SMC cafeteria. Local children helped by CMN will be on display throughout the week.

In addition there will be CMN balloons and CHW bandages available for employees to sign and/or wear proudly to show their support for local kids!

Show your support for CMN by wearing a bandage of your choice, taking a photo, and sharing it with the #ChildrensHospitalsWeek hashtag on Facebook – Children’s Miracle Network of NNY or Instagram #CMNofNNY.

Donations can be made online at https://samaritanhealth.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/ ,
through Facebook – Children’s Miracle Network of NNY, or by mail to Children’s Miracle Network of NNY, 830 Washington Street, Watertown.
Samaritan Medical Center is proud to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) across North America by participating in the week-long initiative.

For more information on Children’s Hospitals Week contact Kathy Arendt, Administrative Secretary at 315-785-4584 or karendt@shsny.com.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.