Clayton's Story

Clayton
Age 4
Premature Birth

Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems

At a time when most expectant parents are busily preparing their home for their new bundle of joy, Tim and Amy suddenly had to prepare for the worst. Nearly six weeks before their son Clayton was due, Amy underwent a placental abruption—A rare but very serious complication with a fetal mortality rate of up to 40 percent. If they didn't act soon, Clayton would face brain damage or even death. Amy's life, too, was in danger.

Doctors performed a Cesarean section and Clayton was immediately transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center. Because he was born early, his lungs were underdeveloped and he needed the specialized care of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Miraculously, Clayton only spent several days in the NICU before going home.

Clayton doesn't remember anything about his harrowing entrance into the world, but now at age 4 he has a flair for drama and loves to tell big stories. His family has shared their story to help raise funds for Children's Miracle Network and their hospital, and now Clayton is doing his share of talking, using his vibrant imagination to entertain and touch hearts wherever he goes.

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.