Meet Jordan: 2014-15 CMN Champion
Author: Alicia Erz
Associates at the Walmart Whitby Supercentre were treated to a visit by a special guest this morning: SickKids kid Jordan. Jordan was chosen to represent SickKids as the 2014-15 Children’s Miracle Network Champion presented by Walmart, and today was his official first day in his new role.
The Champions program celebrates the lifesaving work done annually at children’s hospitals across the country. Each year, 12 patients are selected to represent the hospital at which they were treated. They also represent the millions of children who visit Canadian paediatric hospitals annually.
On November 9, Jordan will meet the other 11 Children’s Miracle Network Champions representing Canada before being whisked off to Orlando, Florida to meet the Champions representing 50 children’s hospitals from across the United States.
It is thanks to the generosity of Walmart (who has raised more than $1.5 million in support of SickKids this year) and the Air Canada Foundation (who will be flying each of the Canadian Champions and their families to Orlando) that opportunities like this are possible for children like Jordan.
I will always be grateful for what they have done.
As the 2014-15 Children’s Miracle Network Champion presented by Walmart, Jordan had this to share about his SickKids story and his exciting new role:
I’m Jordan Jeyananthan and I am one of the many kids whose lives was saved at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). I was diagnosed with an arterial venous malformation (AVM) after it ruptured in December 2011. The pressure caused a massive stroke, affecting the left side of my body. I was rushed to SickKids and, thanks to their amazing doctors, nurses and staff, I was given a second chance at life. I will always be grateful for what they have done.
I am honoured to be the SickKids Champion Child this year and I want to share my experience to let other kids and parents know that with perseverance and positivity anything is possible. It was not long ago I could not eat, talk, walk or do anything. It has been almost three years since my accident and look at me now. I have many goals and I will do whatever it takes to reach them. I want to inspire other kids going through adversities to never give up and always reach for the stars. This year I am looking forward to sharing this message with everyone I meet. I want to inspire them to get involved with this wonderful organization and make a difference in children’s lives. I am especially looking forward to seeing all my favourite Disney characters and the Jedi Training Academy at Hollywood Studios.
