by Connie Harris
photo by Anne Rayner

Today, Matt King is a vibrant 23-year-old dedicated to raising money for Children's Miracle Network and his local member hospital, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, which he credits with his survival.

King was born with a heart condition called transposition of the great vessels and underwent a procedure to
correct it when he was just a few hours old. Infants born with this defect-where the arteries carrying blood to and from the heart are reversed-need almost immediate attention to survive.

"The doctors said I wouldn't live to be older than 5," King said, but he now works at the Clarksville (Sango) Walmart, where he serves as the associate coordinator of Children's Miracle Network fundraising efforts. He is the top fundraiser at the store and actively encourages his fellow associates.

"Matt is very passionate about raising money for Children's Miracle Network," said Connie Wilbanks, coordinator of Children's Miracle Network fundraising at the store. "He works hard to keep his fellow associates motivated, speaking out about the needs of area children and reminding them of the tremendous difference they can make."

Working primarily as a cashier in the lawn and garden area of the store, King asks everyone who comes through his line to make a donation. "Even if I've already seen them three times that day," he said.

King lets his customers know that all the money from the Clarksville-area stores goes directly to Children's Hospital and cites facts about the number of children treated at Vanderbilt. If pushed by more skeptical customers, he doesn't hesitate to share his own story.

King also promotes the tremendous value Children's Hospital has in the community. "It's great to have such a high-quality facility so close to home, rather than being sent to a hospital in another state or across the country," he said.

Walmart and Sam's Club have been partners with the Children's Miracle Network since 1987, and stores in the local area have raised more than $3.8 million for Children's Hospital since then. King's store had raised more than $4,000 by the end of October. The money supports vital hospital services such as patient care, health education, and medical research and equipment.

King believes that even the smallest gift can make a difference. "If you can help, it doesn't matter if it's only a penny. Help kids-they are our future."