Carson's Story

Carson
Age 9
Neuroblastoma

Arnold Palmer Medical Center & Shands Children’s Hospital


Carson was the epitome of perfect health until his pediatrician discovered a large mass in his abdomen during a routine visit. He received the diagnosis at Arnold Palmer Medical Center: Stage IV neuroblastoma.

Within four days, Carson started six rounds of chemotherapy using a hard-hitting, multi-drug regimen. Following his fifth round of chemo, Carson had surgery to remove his left adrenal gland, left kidney and the remnants of the original tumor—all on his sixth birthday.

After the chemo treatments at Arnold Palmer Medical Center, Carson was admitted to Shands Children’s Hospital where he started treatments for a stem cell transplant. Following the stem cell treatment, Carson underwent three weeks of radiation.

Following the treatments at Arnold Palmer Medical Center and Shands Children’s Hospital—both Children’s Miracle Network hospitals – Carson is considered NED: No Evidence of Disease. This brave young man has shown people how to stand up and fight when the odds are against them and to never give up.

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.