President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will welcome 50 children and their families, one from each state, to the White House on April 4th. The program is sponsored by The Independent Order of Foresters to recognize the over 14 million children treated each year in nonprofit hospitals affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network.

Marie Osmond, co-founder of the Children's Miracle Network and Miss America 2001, Angela Perez will travel with the group. The group's busy schedule includes not only meeting with the President, but each child will meet with their state's Senators. In a meeting with Secretary Tommy Thompson of the Department of Health and Human Services the group will express how important the children's hospitals to theirs and other children's lives.

"Collectively, these kids have battled cancer, heart defects, organ transplants, muscular diseases and life-threatening injuries," said Mick Shannon, president and CEO of Children's Miracle Network. "They have shown tremendous perseverance, tenacity, and courage - qualities of a champion. And, the medical care they have received is among the finest in the world."

Michael White, president and CEO of the Foresters said, "These are some of the most remarkable young people I have ever met. As you learn of their courage and determination in facing serious challenges to their health and well being, you really come to appreciate just why we call them 'Champions'."

Following the Washington event, the group will travel to Orlando, Florida to help kickoff the $225million fundraising campaign of the Children's Miracle Network. While they are in Florida, the IOF Foresters will sponsor a breakfast of Champions with Mickey and his friends at Disney World.

The Children's Miracle Network is an international nonprofit dedicated to helping children for the past 18 years by raising funds and awareness for the 170 children's hospitals throughout North America.