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UVa Children's Hospital And NBC 29 Raise Over 1.8 Million Dollars During Telethon

Charlottesville, Va. - Amid ringing bells, cheers and applause, hosts for the 2006 UVa Children's Hospital telethon announced that Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley had helped to raise $1,820,583-surpassing the 1.7 million dollars raised by the telethon in 2005. These funds will go towards research and other needs of children and families cared for by UVa Children's Hospital.

View Comeback Charley video piece

There were many poignant moments during the telethon, including the story of 12-year-old Charley Gorman, who had a stroke and experienced paralysis. With determination and help from the loving staff at the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, Charley came out of her paralysis and made it back to riding her beloved horse. She was named the UVa Children's Hospital "Comeback Kid of the Year." Last year's "Comeback Kid of the Year," Daniel Puckette, who was treated for leukemia, inspired viewers with his story of recovery. Peter Coffin and Josh Sundquist, both former Children's Miracle Network Champions for UVa Children's Hospital, appeared on air.  Coffin, who led a check presentation, recovered from leukemia four years ago. Sundquist, who lost his leg due to bone cancer, shared his story of becoming a paralympic athlete. 

Funds from past telethons have made possible the establishment of a UVa Children's Hospital Heart Center, helped purchase the first Newborn Emergency Transport System ambulance and funded dozens of UVa Children's Hospital research projects that benefit the field of pediatric medicine. Thanks to the generosity of one of the country's most giving communities, this tradition continues.

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