"I think it's really cool," says David Youngerman about being chosen this year’s Miles for Miracles Walk ambassador.

Eight-year-old David leads a happy, healthy life. According to his mom, Michelle Marengo, he likes everything from soccer to snow skiing, drawing to traveling (he just got a passport). He's a busy young man, this Youngerman, but he still finds time to participate in Children’s Hospital Boston’s annual pledge walk.

David's commitment to the hospital is highly personal. Two years ago, Children's diagnosed him with Moyamoya—a rare cerebrovascular disease caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain. It revealed itself one sunny September day in 2003 when David's left arm suddenly went numb in the car after soccer practice. Other symptoms quickly appeared.

Michelle remembers: "I could see him slumping to one side. Then his speech began to slur and I checked the rearview mirror again and his mouth was drooping on the left side." David was having a small stroke—not enough blood was getting to his brain.

A series of tests found nothing wrong. David’s pediatrician suggested Children's Hospital Boston, where his case fell into the capable hands of Michael Scott, MD. Amazingly, Scott was one of only two doctors in the country who could perform the eight-hour brain surgery that saved David’s life.

Since then, David has visited Children's twice for annual check-ups. He's doing so well, Scott recently told him he'll only need a check-up every other year.

David and Michelle both know Children's extraordinary, life-saving care doesn't come cheap and that philanthropy can make miracles happen. "David sure understands what happens at hospitals and why kids need them so badly," says Michelle about her son’s energy and aptitude for fundraising.

This year they'll participate in their third consecutive Miles for Miracles Walk. Last year they raised $1,000. This year they're aiming for $1,200. David's working to recruit other walkers—his whole class, in fact. He’s hoping his flyer and the letter he asked his teacher to write will inspire them to join him.

What an amazing ambassador for Children's!

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