Mother Frances Patient Named Texas Champion Ambassador for CMN Hospitals

TYLER — Mother Frances Hospital announced Wednesday that one of its patients, 7-year-old Will Butts, has been named the 2014 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion ambassador for the state of Texas. The honor is presented by Delta Air Lines, Marriott International, and Chico’s FAS. Officials say throughout this year, Will and his family will serve as local, state, and national spokespeople, advocating for the charitable need at children’s hospitals across North America.

According to Mother Frances press materials, Will was named the 2014 Champion ambassador due to his courageous battle with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare syndrome diagnosed before he was born which caused him to be a quad congenital amputee. In November, all state Champion ambassadors will travel to Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Fla. to share their stories with a national audience.

According to the press materials, “Will’s diagnosis affects all four of his limbs; he was born without feet and with partially formed hands. This hardly slows him down. Will is so expressive and engaging that others quickly forget what he lacks physically. Although doctors told him that he would never be able to run and jump without ankles, he has since proven them wrong, defying odds once again.”

Officials say CMN Hospitals fully funds the Special Needs Clinic where Will receives his care. They say the Clinic is the only one of its kind between Dallas and Shreveport and treats more than 500 children.