As the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev spent this week in Washington, DC and Orlando, FL participating in CMN Hospital’s annual Celebration of Champions. The Champions program celebrates the lifesaving work at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the patients who have overcome and persevered against tremendous odds and circumstances. A Champion child is selected to represent each state, and the two provinces Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada. Each child represents the 32 million treatments provided each year at 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Celebration gives each Champion child and their family the opportunity to come together to share stories of hope and inspiration.
The week began with a full day of events for Kira and the CMN Hospitals Champions, which included a tour of our nation’s capital, with stops at Capitol Hill and Grant’s Statue as well as a very special visit to The White House with First Lady Michelle Obama. While at Capitol Hill, the Champions and their families met with representatives and learned more about serving the country as children’s health advocates. Other highlights of their time in Washington, DC consisted of a movie night and participating in Arlington National Cemetery’s honored wreath laying ceremony on Veteran’s Day.
On Wednesday, Celebration moved to Disney World via a private flight to Orlando sponsored by Delta Airlines. Once in Disney World, the event continued with the Breakfast with Champions, followed by the much anticipated Champions Medal Ceremony hosted by Nick Cannon, where the courageous CMN Hospitals Champions were awarded for their astounding strength and spirit. Today, the Disney celebration includes a satellite media tour followed by the “Move it, Shake it Parade” where Kira and the CMN Hospitals Champions will serve as Grand Marshals.
Throughout her Year of Service as Miss America, Kira will continue to serve as the National Goodwill Ambassador for CMN Hospitals, visiting their member hospitals around the nation and meeting with the children who inspire us all.
To meet the Champion from your state, visit www.CMNHospitals.org/Champions
To donate, visit www.MissAmerica4kids.com