Zach's Story

Zach Reetz
Age 16
Children’s Hospital and Health System Foundation of Wisconsin
Meningitis, Organ Failure

Zach Reetz came to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in multi-system organ failure and septic shock, the result of an often-fatal blood infection. Few expected Zach to survive. Doctors had to prepare his family for the worst.

The next few days were a blur of complicated, unrelenting medical interventions. Finally, Zach began to respond. He regained consciousness, was taken off the ventilator, and was able to scale back the dialysis keeping him alive. Amazingly, Zach’s kidneys and liver regained full function, his lungs were not permanently damaged, and his heart was strong.

Still, the disease took its toll on Zach’s body. He braced himself for a series of surgeries. So much dead tissue had to be removed, Zach went to the operating room three days a week. Both his legs were amputated below the knees and his right hand at the wrist.

Zach stayed in the hospital for several months. Through intensive physical therapy he began regaining many of the skills he lost. Zach always been an unusually determined 16-year-old. There was never a question in Zach’s mind about whether he would be able to walk again—it’s only a matter of when.

About Walmart and Sam's Club

Wal-Mart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1987. Since then, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked tirelessly together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $460 million for children’s hospitals during the relationship. This is the first year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions Across America program.

Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam's Club

Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club is a Children's Miracle Network program that brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children who have faced severe medical challenges.

The Champions Across America program designates a Champion child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals every year. The 2009 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including brittle bone disease, brain tumors and cerebral palsy, as well as surviving car accidents and plane crashes.

As part of Champions Across America, the Champions travel for a week – first to Florida to meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsors, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort. The group will then travel to Washington, D.C., where Champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to The White House.