National Charity

Purchase a Paper Miracle Balloon and Help Support Rite Aid's Commitment to 117 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

On April 10, 2011, Rite Aid kicked off its 17th annual paper Miracle Balloon campaign to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals across North America. Since 1994, Rite Aid associates, suppliers and customers have raised and donated more than $47 million to support pediatric medical services, ground-breaking research and state-of-the-art technology that improves and saves the lives of children every day.

Every dollar that is donated at your local Rite Aid store goes directly to the Children's Miracle Network Hospital in your community. Plus, when you purchase a balloon, you automatically get $8 in coupons for products sold at Rite Aid.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals hire the best pediatric doctors to insure that children treated at these hospitals get the best care available. The funds are used to 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 Hospitals 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.

You can help support Rite Aid in its efforts to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network hospitals by buying a balloon at any Rite Aid store or by making a donation online by clicking on the Miracle Balloon at the top of this page. The 2011 Children's Miracle Network Hospital Miracle Balloon Campaign will run through May 28.

A True Miracle

Miracle Child 5-year-old Abby

Everything about 5-year-old Abby radiates joy. She's so happy that on the rare occasions when she's not smiling, it's clear something is wrong. Her parents have to rely on physical clues like these because Abby cannot communicate verbally.

Before Abby was born, doctors discovered heart and stomach defects. Immediately after birth, Abby was transported to Kentucky Children's Hospital for the first of 25 developmental surgeries in just two years. It wasn't until Abby was 40 days old that she was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome.

CHARGE stands for Coloboma of the eye, Heart defects, Atresia of the choanae, Retardation of growth and/or development, Genital and/or urinary abnormalities, and Ear abnormalities and deafness. Because of these birth defects, Abby has hearing and vision loss, balance issues, swallowing and breathing problems, and other developmental challenges.

But Abby has no idea how different she is compared to other children. She walks right up to anyone, with a little help, with that same aura of happiness. She's learning sign language and communicates with such personality you can't help but take notice. She encompasses multiple strengths in her tiny body. With all her positivity, there's no doubt she'll keep cheerfully conquering obstacles.