WHO: Samantha Grandal, a 12-year old and her family will be visiting Washington to meet with members of theFlorida delegation on June 19 and 20, to advocate on behalf of Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) and other children’s hospital’s across the country.
 
Samantha first came to MCH in 2006 with asthma-like symptoms. Diagnostic tests revealed that the little girl had a fist-sized tumor around her trachea and spinal cord. She underwent chemotherapy and spent 22 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Now, a year later, Samantha is a talkative, healthy girl who loves to swim.
 
WHEN: Samantha and family fly out to Washington on June 19.
Please make appointment with contact for interviews.
 
WHAT: Samantha is one of over forty patients participating in the National Association of Children’s Hospital’s (N.A.C.H.) third annual Family Advocacy Day that brings together child patients and Members of Congress. These families will spend two days in Washington, touring the nation’s capital and meeting with Congressional leaders to tell their story and advocate for continued support of the children’s health system and Medicaid funding.
 
MCH Contacts:
Shira Kastan, (305) 498-1265
Cynthia Gutierrez, (305) 668-5514
 
NACH Contact:
Meghan McCabe (202) 423-6299
 
 
Founded in 1950, Miami Children's Hospital is the only licensed specialty hospital for children in South Florida. Ranked by Child magazine among the best children’s hospitals in the nation, Miami Children's Hospital offers medical care and services for children from birth to age 21. The 275-bed medical facility has expertise in all aspects of pediatric medicine.