Gabe's Story

Gabe
Age 4
Multiple Disorders and Lung Lesion

Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital

From the moment Gabe was born he faced an uphill battle. As a result of his biological mother’s drug use, Gabe and his twin sister Gabriella, would endure a host of birth defects and health problems. Luckily Gabe and Gabriella were adopted into the home of Earnest and Carolyn—a kind couple committed to loving and supporting the fragile twins.

A stable home and quality care at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital provided the needed environment for Gabe and Gabriella to begin working through their health challenges. As the two grew, they became inseparable friends. Though side-by-side in spirit, Gabby’s health continued to deteriorate while Gabe advanced to walking and talking. Three-year-old Gabriella couldn’t see, hear, walk or talk. The ever-thoughtful Gabe was constantly by her side, caring for her every need until she passed away in 2008.

The loss was profound for young Gabe, but his happy, energetic nature and his family helped him cope.

Today, Gabe is just like other 4-year-olds—inquisitive, clever and full of life. What distinguishes him from his peers is the long list of health challenges he still faces: autism, asthma, acid reflux, ADHD, Bipolar I and an undiagnosed lung lesion. The miracle is that Gabe is still alive and continues to touch every person he encounters.

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 cancer, diabetes and dog attacks, as well as rare genetic disorders.

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 where 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.