Following the tragic loss of his six-year old granddaughter Shannon from leukemia, Ambassador David M. Walters vowed that no child ever need leave South Florida to receive the highest caliber medical care. In 1982, Ambassador Walters activated Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation to meet that pledge.
His legacy lives on today. Ambassador Walters’ passion for children’s health and his commitment to raising the money to help fund the best pediatric care for all children, led to the Foundation becoming the largest single supporter and source of continued funding for Miami Children’s Hospital. It is through those contributions that Miami Children’s Hospital grew and earned its reputation as a world-leader in pediatric health care.
From the patchwork of buildings that struggled to keep pace with the demand for care, the Ambassador’s vision transformed Variety Children’s into Miami Children’s Hospital. The new Hospital was dedicated October 24, 1986, and opened its doors January 1, 1987. With the Foundation in the lead, the Hospital began attracting top pediatric physicians and specialists and staked out a formidable presence in pediatric research when the Miami Children’s Hospital Research Institute (MCHRI) opened in 1990. MCHRI today is actively participating in nearly 200 clinical studies, including four drugs in FDA testing.
Children form the core of the Foundation’s mission. It is only through your contributions and generous support that the Foundation can provide Miami Children’s Hospital the money needed to ensure ALL children receive state-of-the-art pediatric care. YOU are the very soul of the Foundation, and we thank you for your commitment to excellence in pediatric care.
With your help, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation will remain the Hospital’s largest single supporter and continue building upon the legacy of financial support established by the Ambassador in 1982.
Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation
Funding World-Class Care
2009 was a fantastic year for Miami Children's Hospital Foundation and Miami Children's Hospital. Major donations, major stars and heart-warming miracles everyday…here are but a few of the amazing events of 2009.
Just a few 2009 Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation Highlights:
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Gov. Charlie Crist appoints Lucy to the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers (FICCIT)
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Olympic and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade was inducted into the International Pediatric Hall of Fame
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$1.250 M gift to fund the Ion Epilepsy Clinic
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Michael Fux Family Center grand opening thanks to a $1M gift
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Dwyane Wade, Andy Roddick, Mike Lowell each gave $50,000 for West Kendall Center
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Concierge Service successfully rolled out as a Diamond Society benefit
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Former President Clinton shared congratulatory message to MCH/F at this year’s Diamond Ball
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Walgreens a new Children's Miracle Network sponsor for MCH
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Children's Miracle Network sponsor Costco increased fundraising by 31% and Publix by 6%
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MCHF joined Kohl’s Cares for Kids Children’s Hospital Program (KCK)
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10 young philanthropists honored with the I Make A Difference Award (IMAD)
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Emeril’s Miami Beach 5th anniversary benefited MCHF
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CompUSA donated 30 flat screen TVs
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Chef Emeril Lagasse, Britney Spears and Will Smith came to visit
Some Miami Children’s Hospital Highlights for 2009:
- Three MCH pediatric specialty services, heart and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery and neonatology, ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
- 66 MCH doctors made the “Best Doctors in America” listing
- MCH opened two new ambulatory care centers, Doral and West Kendall; urgent care hours in all centers
- MCH Research Institute (MCHRI) received full accreditation by Institute by the American Association of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP)
- Nearly 260 clinical research investigations with 1,550 patients enrolled and approximately 85 principal investigators underway at MCHRI