Milca's Story

Milca Gutierrez
Age 11
Children’s Hospital Central California
Brittle Bone Disease

Eleven-year-old Milca Gutierrez of Fresno, Calif., has been seen at Children’s Hospital Central California more than 180 times and has undergone over 10 operations, yet she seeks no sympathy.

At four months of age Milca was diagnosed with a rare disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta, more commonly known as brittle bone disease. This rare disorder affects the connective tissue and causes bones to break easily without any apparent reason.

A constant source of optimism and encouragement, whether to herself or others, Milca has a special knack for helping those around her. In fact, every year her family travels to their native hometown in Mexico to provide clothes, toys and stuffed animals to families in need.

Thanks to the cutting-edge medical care provided throughout her life, Milca is able to live an active life. Her favorite activities include swimming and math, and she dreams of becoming a doctor and helping others.

Milca may continue to be treated for fractures for the rest of her life, but her positive spirit will never break. After all, “it’s just a bone,” she says.

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 $460 million for children’s hospitals during the relationship. This is the first year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions Across America program.

Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam's Club

Champions Across America 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 Across America 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 2009 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including brittle bone disease, brain tumors and cerebral palsy, as well as surviving car accidents and plane crashes.

As part of Champions Across America, the Champions travel for a week – first to Florida to meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsors, 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. The group will then travel 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.