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VALHALLA, N.Y. Tyler Mejorado went through the biggest moment of his young life just over a year ago when he received a life-saving liver transplant. On Monday, the 11-year-old was honored by the Maria Fareri Childrens Hospital in Valhalla after being named the 2012 Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals Champion for New York State.
Its really a huge honor, not everyone has this opportunity, Mejorado said.
Mejorado, from Fishkill, N.Y., was operated on at the Maria Fareri Childrens Hospital in April of 2011. He received a new liver after being diagnosed with a liver condition at the age of 6. On the morning of his surgery, Mejorado mustered the strength to participate in the hospitals Go-the-Distance fundraiser walk in order to show his support for the hospital that cared for him during his treatment.
Due to his effort, Mejorado was chosen as the ambassador for New York by the Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for childrens hospitals across the nation. Mejorado will travel to Washington D.C. in September to share his story with members of the medical field and other children affected by medical challenges.
Tylers father, Rene Mejorado, said Mondays event for his son was just another example of a tragic situation turned into a positive.
Im very proud of Tyler and all of the great opportunities that he has had over the last few years, Rene Mejorado said. Words cant even express my feeling today.
Tyler, an aspiring musician and actor, performed a song Monday for members of the hospital that he wrote and recorded while recovering from his surgery at the childrens hospital. Laurie Park, the music therapist at the hospital, said Mejorado was able to use his musical talents to take his mind off the unfortunate ordeal he was going through.
Its really amazing how he was able to focus his energy on music and distract him from the pain and relax him, Park said. This situation has taught him so much about dealing with challenges and Im excited to see where he goes in life.
A year after his surgery, Tyler is excited for the future and says he couldnt feel better.
I feel wonderful, 110 percent, Mejorado said.
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