Champion visits White House 

Josiah "Bubby" Viera -- 2007 Geisinger Miracle Kid and 2009 Pennsylvania Champion -- had the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama recently during a visit to the White House with Children’s Miracle Network.

Josiah, 4, toured the White House and met the President, who then invited Josiah and other children to play on the playground on the South Lawn.

Josiah had the opportunity to meet President Obama while participating in Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club. The program recognizes the 17 million children treated each year at Children's Miracle Network hospitals across the country. Champions Across America designates a Champion child in every state who has bravely battled and triumphed despite a serious injury or illness. The 2009 Champions have suffered illnesses such as brittle bone disease, brain tumors, leukemia and cerebral palsy and survived car accidents and plane crashes.

Josiah has been treated at Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital for Progeria, more commonly referred to as “early aging disease.”

“The Champions Across America program has been raising awareness about the importance of children’s hospitals for the past 13 years,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO, Children's Miracle Network. “It is always a privilege to be at the White House and we hope that President Obama was inspired by the children he met today.”

In addition to the White House visit, the Champions had the chance to visit with their senators and congressmen during a luncheon at Capitol Hill where Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) addressed the group.

Joining the Champions were Miss America 2009 Katie Stam and country star Mark Wills. “One of Miss America’s most important and most rewarding duties is to serve as the official Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network,” said Stam. “Being able to get to know each of these Champions on a personal level has connected me forever to them and their families. I look forward to visiting their hospitals and helping them raise money throughout the year.”

Wal-Mart’s support for the Children’s Miracle Network began in 1987. Since then, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised and contributed more than $460 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospital.