Marriott Hartford Downtown Hosts Launch Event and Pizza Party for 2014 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' Champion Shemar Williams

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. June 11, 2014

**HARTFORD, CT - June 11, 2014 ** - The Marriott Hartford Downtown recently hosted a special Champions Ambassador launch party for 8-year old Shemar Williams, a patient at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center who was announced as the official 2014 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion. As Champion, Williams and his family will serve as local, state and national spokespeople advocating for the charitable needs at children's hospitals across North America.

Williams has been battling a severe case of scoliosis since birth, which caused his lungs to malfunction. A Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib was implanted in his back to help correct the extreme curvature of his spine and to allow him to breathe easier. Williams, who has already undergone 10 surgeries, will need an additional surgery every 6 months until he is fully grown.

“It was an incredible honor to be able to host Shemar and his family at the Marriott and to learn first-hand the journey they have been on since Shemar was born,” commented John Fraher, General Manager for the Marriott Hartford Downtown. “There is a great effort underway to increase support for children's hospitals in order to meet the healthcare needs of our youth across the country, and we think Shemar will be the perfect advocate to champion that cause,” added Fraher.

As the 2014 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion, in November Williams will join other state ambassadors in Washington, D.C. and Orlando, FL to share their stories with a national audience.

About the Marriott Hartford Downtown

Located in the Adriaen's Landing District of Hartford, the 409-room award winning Marriott Hartford Downtown overlooks the Connecticut River and is interconnected with the Connecticut Convention Center. Attracting business and leisure travelers alike since its opening in 2005, this AAA Four Diamond upscale hotel is within walking distance of many local Hartford attractions, including the Spotlight Theater, Wadsworth Atheneum, The Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, Old State House, XL Center and the State Capital Building. Hotel amenities include Vivo, an Italian & Mediterranean restaurant featuring fresh foods, an open kitchen and Italian wine bar, a Starbucks coffee house, and an onsite full service spa and fitness facility. To book a reservation or for more information, please call 860-249-8000 or visit www.hartfordmarriott.com.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at www.CMNHospitals.org and www.facebook.com/CMNHospitals.