SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Amy McElroy of Hoover has been selected as Alabama&8217;s representative in Champions Across America, a national Children&8217;s Miracle Network (CMN) program presented by CO-OP Financial Services.

As Alabama&8217;s ambassador, McElroy will visit Capitol Hill and The White House later this month to share her story of medical triumph.

For her entire life the 17-year-old has waged a daily battle against the symptoms of VACTERL Association, a group of random birth defects that affect her spine, kidneys, heart, esophagus and colon. She has undergone 30 surgeries and wears an ostomy device. She has literally grown up at Children&8217;s Hospital, and still makes regular visits to eight different specialists.

Despite those challenges, McElroy has traveled to Europe, participated in school activities and has made plans to attend college next fall.

&8220;These champions have overcome more than many of us can even imagine,&8221; said CMN co-founder Marie Osmond. &8220;Each story testifies of the strength of these kids and the outstanding caregivers who have changed their lives.&8221;

McElory is a patient at

Children&8217;s Hospital of Alabama