The Torch Relay for Children

Dallas, TX, USA (SANEPR.com) October 15, 2008 -- November 4, 2008—Dallas area residents will join a team of more than 5,000 nationwide participants this fall as part of the fourth-annual, coast-to-coast Torch Relay for Children’s Miracle Network. The goal of the nationwide relay is to raise more than $2 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals throughout the country. Walking alongside family members, business associates and friends, participants will set out this to raise funds for Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, one of 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in North America that annually treat 17 million children with life-threatening illnesses.

Events in the Dallas area follow the national torch relay kick-off, to take place in Chicago, Illinois on October 16th, at Chicago’s historic Soldier Field. Jim Hall, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network, and a participant in one of the relay’s performance cycling segments, holds immense hope for this year’s relay. “The Torch Relay for Children’s Miracle Network has literally ignited the entire nation with enthusiasm for helping children’s hospitals,” said Hall. “The relay began as a local event raising just over $10,000, and today this incredible event has grown to unparalleled heights. What I’m most excited about is the thousands of kids who will benefit from the support of great community members and sponsors participating in the relay across the country.”

Each day’s events will culminate at the relay’s traveling “Miracle Village,” which gives participants and community members the opportunity to experience the outstanding daily work that takes place at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and Children’s Miracle Network hospitals nationwide.

Inclusive of its stop in Dallas, the torch’s journey will span over 6,000 miles, benefiting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in 35 major cities. The 2008 Torch Relay for Children’s Miracle Network schedule includes: Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Columbus, OH.; Baltimore and Bethesda, MD; Charlottesville, and Richmond, VA; Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Hilton Head, SC; Durham and Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Jacksonville, Orlando, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Marco Island, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, FL; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and El Paso, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles, CA. To learn more or to participate, visit www.torch-relay.org.