Mariella with her 2022 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion Medal.
Vermont Business Magazine A local child from Burlington has been chosen to represent the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Champions program in 2022. Mariella Desjardin, 10, has been a patient at the UVM Children’s Hospital for most of her life. When she was 6 months old, it was determined that Mariella only had 40 percent kidney function. She is now awaiting a kidney transplant. Through her journey with UVM Children’s Hospital she has had many hospital stays, countless blood draws and scans, multiple feeding tubes and surgeries. Mariella and her family lovingly refer to her scars as her “roadmap.”
In her role as Champion, Mariella will be representing more than 60,000 children treated at the UVM Children’s Hospital annually. “I feel special that I am able to share my story and say things for other kids that spend time at the hospital,” said Mariella. She will be featured at various fundraising events and on corporate partner campaign materials throughout 2022.
To learn more about Mariella’s journey, watch her video here or 2022 CMN Hospitals Champion: Meet Mariella - YouTube
About The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital
The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital provides high-quality, child-friendly care with a patient and family-centered approach that improves the health of children throughout Vermont and northern New York. Our mission, in partnership with the UVM Larner College of Medicine, extends beyond our hospital walls into the communities we serve to provide innovative services, treatments and procedures to the youngest and often most vulnerable patients. The UVM Children’s Hospital is fully accredited by the Children’s Hospital Association. For more information please visit www.uvmhealth.org/childrens or contact us at 802-847-0000.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.
Burlington, Vt. – UVMMC 4.7.2022
