Children Offered Miracles By Cmn

Mon., July 29, 1996

Elana Jefferson Staff writer

Matt Delaney is a medical miracle.

Three years ago, the Greenacres boy was kicked in the head by a horse. “I forgot everything,” says Matt, 8. “How to walk, how to ride my bike, how to read.”

With a depressed skull fracture and severe memory loss, Matt spent three months in area hospitals. Since his release, he’s received speech therapy, occupational therapy, recreation therapy and physical therapy. “He’s had to relearn everything,” his mom Jennie says.

The Delaneys are grateful that the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) helped fund some of Matt’s wondrous recovery. Now they volunteer at most events the organization sponsors. “Those proceeds from CMN are for kids just like Matt,” Jennie Delaney says.

Co-founded in 1983 by Marie Osmond and former “Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider, CMN consists of locally based chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Through its annual telethon, phone-a-thons, golf tournaments and other fund-raisers, Spokane’s chapter has already raised more than $500,000.

“All of the money that is raised locally stays here to help our kids,” says Marti Kransberger, executive director of the Spokane CMN chapter. The organization gives money to nine area hospitals to pay for pediatric care. CMN funding helped complete the pediatric unit at Deaconess Medical Center where Matt was treated.

The money raised also goes toward treatment for children with cancer, heart defects, cystic fibrosis and traumatic injuries. And CMN funds neonatal care, and child abuse and neglect prevention services.

But the organization doesn’t run on money alone. CMN depends on volunteers for fund-raising and steering committees, to answer phones and offer administrative support. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes,” Jennie Delaney explains.

If you or your business would like to contribute to the Children’s Miracle Network, or to become a CMN volunteer, call 455-4955.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call Elana Jefferson at 459-5419. To get involved with HIP, call 482-2557.

Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call Elana Jefferson at 459-5419. To get involved with HIP, call 482-2557.

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