Walk for Miracles Slated for June 1 at Six Flags New England

SPRINGFIELD — Helping to create miracles for sick kids — whether they suffer from common childhood afflictions such as asthma and broken bones, or are fighting bigger challenges such as birth defects or cancer — can be as easy as a walk in the park.

On June 1, Six Flags New England in Agawam will open its park gates to hundreds of guests who will don their walking shoes to help raise funds in support of Baystate Children’s Hospital as part of Walk for Miracles.

Six Flags New England is joining forces with Walk for Miracles to raise funds for patient-care programs at Baystate Children’s Hospital. This year’s walk is also presented by Hasbro Inc. with major sponsorship from Health New England.

According to Jennifer McGrath, communications manager at Six Flags New England, the popular park is “privileged” to be the sponsor of Walk for Miracles, which benefits the local community.

“We continue to support charities throughout the New England region, and Walk for Miracles is especially important to us. It is an incredible event, and we are hoping for an even greater turnout this year,” she said.

Registration for Walk for Miracles at Six Flags New England begins at 7:30 a.m. The event will kick off with a special medal ceremony for the Baystate Children’s Hospital ‘Miracle Kids,’ followed by the walk, which will step off at 9 a.m. — a family-friendly stroll of about 1.5 miles inside the popular amusement park.

Registration fee is $10 for all walkers and includes participation in Walk for Miracles, a light breakfast snack, and a walk T-shirt, while supplies last. Registration fees do not count toward a person or team’s fund-raising goal. Once registered online, participants will have the opportunity to create their own personal web page to help them with their fundraising efforts.

Individuals who raise $50 or more, whether online or offline, will receive one free ticket for every $50 they raise to enjoy a day of fun at Six Flags New England.

All proceeds from Walk for Miracles remain local and support pediatric needs throughout Baystate Health, including equipment, outreach programs, and services at Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield,  Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, and Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice.

Two local children are serving as ambassadors at the walk — 4-year-old Morgan “Momo” Morris of Southwick, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2011, and Haley Godin, 13, from Wilbraham, who had surgery to remove a brain tumor.

“I am very proud to be a walk ambassador,” Godin said. “Everyone at Baystate Children’s Hospital, from the doctors, nurses, and child-life staff, did so much for me when I was in the hospital. I want to give back so that other kids can have the same opportunity that I had.”

Laura Morris, Morgan Morris’s mother, said that “Baystate Children’s Hospital has been a source of comfort for our family. We are blessed to have this amazing, life-saving facility in our area. For Momo to be a walk ambassador this year is such an honor. It’s a fun way for her and our family to give back and say ‘thank you’ to Baystate Children’s Hospital.” To honor ambassadors Morris or Godin, visit helpmakemiracles.org/event/walkformiracles.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Hospitals like Baystate Children’s Hospital use the money where it is needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, which has been used to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the organization’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

To register for the walk, log onto helpmakemiracles.org/event/walkformiracles.