Ways to Help

The Spirit of Advocacy Award

“Working on Behalf of Children’s Health”

Children’s Hospital presents two Spirit of Advocacy Awards each year to recognize the efforts of those advocating for the health care needs of their own child, or the broader needs of children in the community. The first award is presented to a family or family member of a Children’s Hospital patient. The second award recognizes a community partner or professional for using their professional knowledge and resources.

Criteria

Nominees will have taken a positive action in regard to some aspect of:

  • Legislative or safety initiatives
  • Influencing funding sources
  • Influencing new program development
  • Obtaining healthcare services for children
  • Suggesting improvements to health care services
  • Influencing improvements to the community for children with special health care needs

Prior winners are not eligible.

Award Presentation

Nominees are recognized and award winners are announced at a reception and educational session, scheduled in 2008 for September 25 in conjunction with the hospital’s annual Advocacy Day. The winner of the Family award receives a cash prize, sponsored by The Sunshine Circle, Junior Board and Senior Board of Children’s Hospital. The winner of the Community Partner award receives a plaque.


2008 Nominations

Nominations for the 2008 awards will be accepted through August 1, 2008. To download the nomination form click here. The award winner will be chosen by the Children’s Hospital Advocacy Committee and Award Selection Committee. For more information, contact or call 321-7474 x6077 or (800) 443-0893. 

2007 Award Winners

In September 2007 Children’s Hospital announced the winners of the 4th Annual “Spirit of Advocacy” Awards. The Family Advocate Award was presented to Edibell and Todd Stone of Richmond for their efforts to raise awareness and research funds in the field of Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (MMD), a condition their sons Nicholas and Elliott were diagnosed with in March 2007. The Stones formed the Stone Circle of Friends in April and have raised over $160,000 for MMD research and continue to raise awareness of this form of Muscular Dystrophy in hopes of finding a cure.

The Community Partner Award was presented to Pat and Erin Cuomo of Midlothian for founding The Little Louie Foundation in memory of their son Louis who died from a brain tumor in 2006. The Little Louie Foundation has two primary goals – to assist families during a child’s hospital stay and to provide monetary donations and support to researchers searching for a cure for Pediatric Brain Cancer. Since forming The Little Louie Foundation in May 2006 the Cuomo’s have raised approximately $80,000 and have supported 30 families with care packages and seven families with financial assistance.

The awards were presented by Kerry Kent Blumberg, Director of Foundation and Legislative Relations (far right). Also shown are Edibell Stone (far left) and Pat and Erin Cuomo (middle).

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.