The tragic accident that left Isaac Lima paralyzed caught the attention of the Roselle Park community when it happened. Today, Isaac is using his story to advocate for the critical need for charitable donations to support pediatric healthcare.
Mountainside, NJ, January 11, 2024 – Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation (CSH) is proud to announce that Isaac Lima of Roselle Park, NJ has been selected as one of 11 National Champions for 2024 by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH). Isaac previously served as a patient ambassador and the 2023 CMNH Regional Champion, spreading awareness about the critical need for charitable donations to children’s hospitals like CSH.
The CMNH National Champions are a group of extraordinary ambassadors dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for charitable donations to support pediatric healthcare.
These inspirational children and their families hail from diverse backgrounds and represent various CMNH member hospitals across the United States. Each Champion's unique journey exemplifies the profound impact of donations on their lives, underscoring the urgent need to support CMNH member hospitals.
Isaac was selected by CMNH to represent Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH) as a Regional (NJ) Champion in 2023. As our regional champion, you may have seen his face at your local Wawa, Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club or 7-Eleven when they were running roundup campaigns to raise money for CSH, your local CMN hospital. As a national champion, Isaac will be an ambassador not only for CSH, but for all 170 CMN hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, sharing his story and helping the public understand the importance and impact of donating to a children's hospital.
When Isaac was just 14, he suffered a C4 complete spinal cord injury when he fell doing a flip during cheer practice. He knew immediately that something was wrong as he could not feel his body. Isaac spent 13 days in an acute care hospital and was then transferred to CSH in New Brunswick for rehabilitative inpatient treatment.
“We are so excited that Isaac was selected as a CMNH National Champion,” said Keely Davenport, Director of Institutional Giving at CSH. “Isaac’s perseverance is truly remarkable and his story will now inspire not only donors nationwide, but also other kids who need hope.”
About Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation
When you give to Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) Foundation, 100% of your donation supports the programs and services of CSH that are transforming the lives of children with special healthcare needs. The CSH Foundation receives philanthropic support from those who share our mission and commitment to ensuring that all children with special healthcare needs receive the life-changing care they need to reach their full potential. To help or learn more, visit https://give2csh.org.
About Children’s Specialized Hospital
Children’s Specialized Hospital, an RWJBarnabas Health Facility, is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children and young adults from birth to 21 years of age facing special healthcare challenges – from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to a full scope of developmental, behavioral, and mental health concerns. At 15 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so each child can reach their full potential. For more information, visit rwjbh.org/childrensspecialized or follow us on Facebook, Linked In, Instagram and Twitter.
Children’s Specialized Hospital is a proud member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals that support the health of 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada. Donations go to local hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.
Contact: Afiya Rawls, Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation
Cell: 732-372-8517
Email: arawls@childrens-specialized.org