CSH Patient, Isaac Lima, Selected as National Champion

The tragic accident that left Isaac Lima paralyzed caught the attention of the Roselle Park community when it happened. Today, Isaac is using his story to advocate for the critical need for charitable donations to support pediatric healthcare.

Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation (CSH) is proud to announce that Isaac Lima of Roselle Park, NJ has been selected as one of 11 National Champions for 2024 by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH). Isaac previously served as a patient ambassador and the 2023 CMNH Regional Champion, spreading awareness about the critical need for charitable donations to children’s hospitals like CSH.

The CMNH National Champions are a group of extraordinary ambassadors dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for charitable donations to support pediatric healthcare.

These inspirational children and their families hail from diverse backgrounds and represent various CMNH member hospitals across the United States. Each Champion's unique journey exemplifies the profound impact of donations on their lives, underscoring the urgent need to support CMNH member hospitals.

Isaac was selected by CMNH to represent Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH) as a Regional (NJ) Champion in 2023. As our regional champion, you may have seen his face at your local Wawa, Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club or 7-Eleven when they were running roundup campaigns to raise money for CSH, your local CMN hospital. As a national champion, Isaac will be an ambassador not only for CSH, but for all 170 CMN hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, sharing his story and helping the public understand the importance and impact of donating to a children's hospital.

When Isaac was just 14, he suffered a C4 complete spinal cord injury when he fell doing a flip during cheer practice. He knew immediately that something was wrong as he could not feel his body. Isaac spent 13 days in an acute care hospital and was then transferred to CSH in New Brunswick for rehabilitative inpatient treatment.

“We are so excited that Isaac was selected as a CMNH National Champion,” said Keely Davenport, Director of Institutional Giving at CSH. “Isaac’s perseverance is truly remarkable and his story will now inspire not only donors nationwide, but also other kids who need hope.”