Introducing Children’s Miracle Network Hospital 2021 Local Champion!

Each year hospitals are invited to submit the story of a child that has been treated in their hospital system. The goal is to have this child serve as a local ambassador and spokesperson for the hospital to demonstrate the need to support children’s health. The local champions and their stories are used throughout the year for various partner campaigns.

We are pleased to announce that Ayana Johnson, a Suffolk, Virginia native, will be our 2021 CMNH Champion for Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia. Ayana’s journey with CHKD began when she was a baby. Her very first visit was to the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center to be treated for sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder. The treatment she received helped prevent infection, strokes, and anemia, and also reduced the number of pain crises that are common with the disease. When she did have one, there were pain medications, and Coco, a tiny, soft bear she received at CHKD on one of her early visits.

Now 13 years old, Ayana is an honor student, violinist, dancer, and advocate for sickle cell awareness. Coco was the inspiration behind a project Ayana began in 2019: Making pillows – Ayana’s Hope Cells – for sickle cell patients to hug during pain episodes.

“I want sickle cell patients to have hope and not think about being sick,” says Ayana. “Because I really believe there’s going to be a cure soon for people with all types of sickle cell disease.”

Thank you so much Ayana for partnering with us to help children and families all over Hampton Roads.