JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Ava Clarke Edney, Mississippi’s 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) Champion, will be one of 14 National Champions for the nonprofit in 2025.
The 16-year-old junior at Northwest Rankin has been a Children’s of Mississippi patient since infancy. She was diagnosed with albinism, a condition in which the body produces little to no melanin.
In addition to determining eye, skin and hair color, health officials said melanin plays a role in the development and function of the eyes. Edney is legally blind with nystagmus, or repetitive, involuntary eye movements, and astigmatism, which causes blurred distance and near vision.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Ava Clarke to the esteemed group of 2025 National Champions for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Ava’s incredible journey, made possible by the exceptional care she received at Children’s of Mississippi at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, is a testament to the power of our member hospitals and the impact of community support,” said Dr. Aimee J. Daily, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Ava’s advocacy and spirit perfectly embody the mission of CMN Hospitals, and we are so excited to have her share her story and inspire others.”…