National Charity

Purchase a Children's Miracle Network Paper Miracle Balloon and Help Support Rite Aid's Commitment to 118 Children's Hospitals

On March 29, 2009, Rite Aid will kick off its 15th annual Children's Miracle Network Campaign. This year's campaign marks Rite Aid's 15th anniversary as a Children's Miracle Network Sponsor. Since 1994, Rite Aid associates, suppliers and customers have raised and donated more than $36 million to support pediatric medical services, ground-breaking research and state-of-the-art technology that improves and saves the lives of children everyday.

Every dollar that is donated at your local Rite Aid store goes directly to the children's hospital in your community. Plus, when you purchase a balloon, you automatically get $6 in health and beauty coupons.

Children's Miracle Network hospitals hire the best pediatric doctors to insure that children treated at these hospitals get the best care available. Children's Miracle Network funds improve the health and save the lives of 17 million children each year, benefitting more children than any other children's cause or organization.

Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide $2.5 billion in uncompensated (charity) care each year. These hospitals are committed to treating every disease and injury imaginable, including pediatric AIDS, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell anemia, asthma and accident trauma. Children's Miracle Network hospitals combine to treat 98% of all children needing heart or lung transplants and 88% of all children with cancer.

It's very clear how Children's Miracle Network is making a difference in the lives of children in our communities. The organization could not accomplish that without the support of Rite Aid and the generosity of Rite Aid suppliers and customers.

Please support Rite Aid in its efforts to raise fund that may one day help a child who is close to your heart.

The 2009 Children's Miracle Network Paper Miracle Balloon Campaign will run March 29-May 16.

Miracle Child Sammy Croker

Miracle Child five-year-old Sammy Croker.

A fast-moving house fire enveloped Sammy's home in Philadelphia, PA. Just 2 years old, Sammy made it out alive but suffered severe burns over 60 percent of his body. His legs were so badly damaged that both had to be amputated below the knee. His right ear was completely destroyed.

In the months and years that followed, Sammy bravely endured countless hours of burn treatment, rehabilitation and therapy at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He has had more than 25 medical procedures so far.

Sammy's surgeon, Dr. Richard Kirschner, said it best. "Sammy sustained very severe burns that for all practical purposes could have taken his life. He's a survivor for one. And not only did he get through the acute phase of this but then he had a very difficult reconstructive mountain to climb. He lost both legs, he had very disfiguring scars - any of this could have set him back even after he survived his injury and yet he's managed to come through it all. Now he's walking and functioning like every other kid. His spirit is unbroken."

Despite all he's been through, Sammy manages to have fun and remains as enthusiastic as any other 5 year old. His doctors and nurses are in awe of his strength.