Evan Huddon to Represent RI as Children’s Miracle Network Ambassador

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

GoLocalProv Health Team

Children’s Miracle Network has named a Hasbro Children’s Hospital patient – 11-year-old Evan Huddon -- as a Champion for Rhode Island.

Evan, who has spina bifida, will join child ambassadors, known as Champions, from every state as part of a Children’s Miracle Network program. The program brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children like Evan who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges. Hasbro Children’s Hospital has been a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 2007.

"The only kid who wakes up from sedation telling jokes"

In addition to spina bifida, Evan has a host of conditions that he has been treated for at Hasbro Children’s Hospital since he was two days old. Evan’s doctors said he is the only kid they know who wakes up from sedation telling jokes. Wherever Evan goes, he is known as “the mayor.” Whether he’s at the hospital, school, church or at an event, people love meeting him and he loves meeting people. “Although Evan has some adversities, he does not let them stand in his way," said Julie Huddon, Evan's mother. "He loves a variety of sports, enjoys bowling, and is learning to play the violin."

“Evan is determined to never let anything get in his way of living life the way he wants to. He is the definition of a Champion.”

"He never lets his medical condition get the better of him"

“I knew Evan was a special young boy within the first few minutes of meeting him,” said Petra Klinge, MD, Evan's pediatric neurosurgeon at Hasbro Children's Hospital. “He never lets his medical condition get the better of him and is always smiling, enthusiastic and ready to tackle any problem with his unmatched sense of humor.”

Evan and his fellow champions will take two separate week-long trips as representatives of the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals each year throughout the United States. The Champions will travel to Orlando, FL in October for the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort. Then they will travel to Washington, DC, where they will visit The White House and Capitol Hill to share their stories of medical victory.

“These Champions are the heart and soul of what we do,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Their inspirational stories are proof that the $236 million we raise each year for children’s hospitals makes a difference. However, our hospitals give away billions of dollars in charity care each year, so these children also serve as a reminder that the need to support children’s hospital is still great.”