Miracle Tournament Helps Change Kids’ Health “fore” Kids at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

For more than 30 years, 7-Eleven, Inc., including Speedway ® and Stripes® stores, has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to raise more than $170 million for local children’s hospitals like Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. 7-Eleven, including Speedway and Stripes stores, make giving easy and possible at the local level – gathering donations from in-store campaigns, vendor promotions and the annual Miracle Tournament on June 26^th and 27^th, 2023.

Hundreds of golfers came together for the 32^nd Annual Miracle Tournament and Celebration Dinner to raise funds and give children the opportunity to get the specialized, custom care they need. Hospitals transform how they meet urgent needs, while also maintaining an exceptional standard of care for children.

Emma was born in China with a cleft lip and palate and at 18 months old, was adopted by her parents, Ed and Tricia. Shortly after their arrival home to begin their life as a family of three, Emma’s palate was repaired by Dr. Rhodes and the team at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. After surgery, Emma began speech therapy sessions and regular visits to the Center for Craniofacial Care at CHoR where they began working with her care team of pediatric specialists in plastic surgery, ENT, audiology, speech pathology, dentistry, social work, genetics, oral surgery and orthodontics. In Emma’s short nine years she’s endured seven surgeries and three hospital stays. Her most recent was an alveolar bone graft in August 2018 to repair her upper gum line which involved borrowing bone from her hip. She and her parents are happy to know that Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU will be with them through this journey every step of the way and as Emma continues to grow they can anticipate and meet all of Emma’s future needs.

Emma has met her challenges with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Although she is very open about her medical needs she’s much more concerned with the important things like playtime with friends, Maymont and museum dates with Dad and library and shopping outings with Mom. When asked to describe Emma in one word her mother says, “Emma is joyful!”

Emma was able to join the Miracle Tournament, where she shared her story, got to know incredible supporters, enjoyed some delicious treats and had a lot of fun. Thank you to the sponsors at this event for allowing her the opportunity to join and show what your donations do in giving her the gift of possibility.

Thank you, 7-Eleven, for ensuring kids have the care they need to be healthy physically, mentally and emotionally. Together, with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and 7-Eleven, we can change kids’ health and help our communities thrive