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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings celebrate local child's recovery, raise funds

October 10, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


Southaven, MS --- Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center provides the highest quality of care to their patients - just ask Hunter Snowden's mother, Jennifer.

When Hunter was merely 18 months old, he and his family were in an automobile accident. On their way to his Great-Grandfathers funeral services their vehicle was hit, while at a dead stop, by a car speeding at 92 miles per hour. Hunter's car seat shattered; he suffered bruised lungs and severe brain trauma. Doctors told his family there was little chance he would survive the ordeal, and at 18 months, even if he did survive chances were he may never walk or talk again.

Hunter underwent surgery at the Neuroscience Institute at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, the largest brain surgery program in the nation. Hunter stayed at Le Bonheur after the surgery for a month, and returned home on February 22, 2005.

"Le Bonheur is great, a godsend." explained Jennifer, "We lucked out that one of the best neurosurgeons in the country was able and willing to do Hunter's major brain surgery."

Today, 4 year old Hunter attends Southaven Elementary School. Hunter is able to do many things a child his age can thanks to a shunt in his brain, bi-weekly therapy sessions at the hospital and braces on his legs from which he is slowing graduating.

Even though this little boy, whom his mother calls "my hero", operates on a 2-year, 7-month old level, his active life with his older sister Kaitlyn, mom Jennifer and dad Brian includes school and a love for all things related to RiverKings hockey. That's why the family was ecstatic when they learned they had been chosen as the spokes family for the upcoming Le Bonheur/Locks of Love fundraiser and hair donation event at the RiverKings game on November 9.

"It's so incredible to be the spokes family for Le Bonheur," said Jennifer. "We are so proud to be able to show our appreciation for the Medical Center in this way."

Recognizing the importance of Le Bonheur's role in the lives of more than 137,000 children like Hunter seen just in last year alone, the RiverKings and Wilson Perry Salon and Day Spa have partnered to help raise funds for the Children's Medical Center and its mission in serving those in need.

To do so Wilson Perry Salon and Day Spa, and other various groups will be selling tickets to the November 9 RiverKings game. For $15, of which $6 will go back to Le Bonheur, fans can attend the RiverKings versus Oklahoma City Blazers matchup, while helping a great cause.

"It has been a long and challenging road for Hunter," Jennifer said. "Knowing that he is a spokes child for Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center at the RiverKings game has helped motivate him. He has been pushing himself in this therapy since finding out that other kids would be looking up to him, and even potty trained in four days."

Hunter, who's favorite RiverKing is Mascot Sheldon (he sleeps with his stuffed Sheldon doll every night) will be attending the game on the 9th of November, dropping the ceremonial first puck as well as riding the zamboni during intermission.

"It's really a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation to Le Bonheur," explained Jennifer. "Without Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center we don't know what would have happened."

"We hope a lot of people will come to the RiverKings game and support Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center," Jennifer mentioned. "It is so wonderful, and really amazing to be involved in such an event. Until last year, we didn't know how much the RiverKings did within the community, and it is great to see them involved and helping Le Bonheur Children's Medical Hospital, an organization so close to our hearts."

The RiverKings game November 9 will also feature hair donation for Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children suffering from long term medical hair loss. Individuals interested in donating their hair will receive a free ticket for the game by calling the RiverKings office at 662.342.1755 before November 2.

To purchase your $15 gold level ticket to the November 9 game raising money for Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, please contact the RiverKings at 662.342.1755. For more information on Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center please visit www.lebonheur.org.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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