Landon's Story

Landon
Age 12
Accidental Gunshot Wound

Sparrow Hospital
Landon loves sports. When you watch him play you would never know he needs physical and cognitive therapy several times a week.
In the fall of 2009, Landon suffered an accidental gunshot wound to his face. The bullet entered through his cheek, below his ear and lodged in the back of his skull. He was taken to the Sparrow Hospital Pediatric ER and was placed in a medically induced coma. The next day he underwent brain surgery to reduce swelling and remove a portion of his skull. Another brain surgery would follow. Doctors informed Landon’s family that he might not ever walk, hear or see again.

“Landon has remained very positive through this entire experience,” one caregiver said. “(He) is a pleasure to be around…even when he is tired and has been through a long day of therapy.”
Today, 12-year-old Landon endures hours of therapy so he can remain active in sports, especially skateboarding and hockey.

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.