Matt Marbach, 12, lost his left arm following an accident on his family's farm in August 2005. Specialists at University of Iowa Children's Hospital within University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics helped Matt recover from his injuries.

Matt's parents, Gerry and Nancy Marbach, say they are amazed by their son's attitude and resiliency. Matt has returned to playing his most beloved sport, baseball, and also participates in football.

On March 28, Matt and his parents joined 49 other Champions—one from each U.S. state—in Washington, D.C. The children will serve as ambassadors for 14 million of their hospitalized peers.

"The incredible courage and determination of these kids inspires us all," said actor John Schneider, who co-founded Children's Miracle Network with entertainer Marie Osmond. "They really are champions, every one of them, and they deserve to be honored."

Following their stay in the nation's capitol, the Champions will travel to Orlando, Fla., where they will participate in videotaping the 2007 CMN telethon at Walt Disney World, which will be broadcast nationwide the weekend of June 2 and 3. They also will participate in national media events, radio interviews and satellite media tours.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Children's Miracle Network is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to generating funds and awareness programs to benefit children treated at 170 children's hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. Children's Miracle Network's hallmark is that locally generated donations stay in the local area to benefit patients at the local children's hospital.

To date, Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $2.6 billion for children's hospitals. Children's Miracle Network also includes 75 corporate sponsors, 200 television stations and more than 135 radio stations.

University of Iowa Children's Hospital serves children and their families at its main campus in Iowa City and satellite clinics in communities throughout Iowa. A 165-bed "hospital within a hospital," UI Children's Hospital benefits from the sophisticated services and comprehensive resources of UI Hospitals and Clinics. Child magazine ranks UI Children's Hospital among the top 20 children's hospitals in the nation.

For more information:

Strength of Spirit

Children's Miracle Network

University of Iowa Children's Hospital