Statement issued Monday:

On November 17, 2010, Fort Wayne resident Aleigha Sweet will be recognized for her courage, strength and philanthropic heart when she and seven other Riley Hospital for Children patients are named Riley Champions. Featured speaker Tony Dungy will help present Aleigha with a recognition certificate during the Riley Children’s Foundation Annual Luncheon at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

Riley Champions presented by Walmart launched in 2008 to honor Riley Hospital patients around the state who have inspired communities with their courage and commitment to help others. Riley Champions reach beyond their own medical challenges to give meaning to their struggles by raising awareness, funds and spirits.

Aleigha harnessed the “power of pink” to help her beat a rare childhood lung cancer. The 8-year-old second grader at Bloomingdale Elementary and her family passionately share their story to help others and actively participate in Riley events.

Aleigha was also honored as a Riley Champion and served as a “Coin Toss Kid” when the Indianapolis Colts faced the Cincinnati Bengals on November 14. Each Champion took part in the coin toss at the 50-yard line alongside National Football League referees and captains from each team. They received an autographed Colts photo and a personalized jersey.

2010 Riley Champions were selected from nominations submitted by Riley Hospital and Riley Children’s Foundation staff, school administrators from around the state and the general public.

Riley Champions is presented by Walmart, a long-standing Riley Hospital supporter. Since 1988, Walmart and Sam’s Club have raised more than $15 million for Riley Hospital.

2010 Riley Champions

• Ashtyn Brown, 17 – Richmond
• Guadalupe Dominguez-Galeno, 11 – South Bend
• Anthony Majors, 16 – Boonville
• Keegan McCarthy, 16 – Indianapolis
• Ayden Moody, 7 – Lafayette
• Aleigha Sweet, 8 – Fort Wayne
• Trenton Williams, 10 – Terre Haute
• Megan Yoder, 14 – Indianapolis

About Riley Children’s Foundation

Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 250,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Clarian Health and strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make it the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. RileyKids.org