Josiah: Our Champion 

Local Miracle Kid takes story to national stage

Click here to follow Josiah's Journey in his blog.

Click here to read Josiah's story from 2007.

Click here to watch Josiah's video package from 2007.

Josiah Viera — or “Bubby,” as he is known to many — is no stranger to supporters of Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger.  One of the 2007 Miracle Kids, Josiah appeared on the annual Celebration broadcast with his family to share the story of his ongoing battle with Progeria.  Since then, they have appeared at numerous events throughout the region.

Now Josiah and his family will have the opportunity to share their story with the nation.

Josiah was selected as the 2009 Pennsylvania representative for the Children’s Miracle Network Champions Across America program presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club.  In this role, Josiah will join 50 other children who will travel to Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Fla., in March to raise awareness for children’s hospitals, including Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.

In preparation for his journey, Josiah and his family will make appearances at several Walmart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the area.  Associates at the stores will have a chance to meet their Champion and hear his story at these launch events.

Despite battling a disease that affects only about 40 children worldwide and has an average lifespan of about 8 to 13 years, Josiah and his family have maintained a positive attitude and are looking forward to serving as the Pennsylvania representatives.

For more information on Josiah, visit www.geisinger.org/cmn.