(Peoria, IL / June 19, 2014) – Children’s Hospital of Illinois, in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, is proud to announce Payton McDonald as the “Champion” ambassador for the state of Illinois!  Payton, 11, of Metamora is a Children’s Hospital patient, and one of 52 Champion Ambassadors selected across the country to share his story illustrating why children’s hospitals need local support.

Payton was a very active 8-year-old when he fell into a diabetic coma in August 2011. He awoke without any major complications except for the diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. Since then, the Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center at Children’s Hospital has played a big role in Payton’s life, helping him manage and treat the disease.

During his year as a Champion Ambassador, Payton will appear at local events, educating others about Children’s Hospital and why fundraising makes a difference for kids like him. In November, he’ll travel to Washington D.C., and Orlando, Florida to promote Children’s Hospitals on a national level.

A blog dedicated to Payton’s travels during his year long journey is also being launched. Since he’s an avid sports fan, it’ll be called “Payton’s Playbook.”  The public is encouraged to check it out at www.childrenshospitalofillinoisfoundation.org