San Antonio, TX – After the passing of beloved patient and friend, Rowan Windham, in 2016, Methodist Children’s Hospital renamed its annual cereal drive to honor Rowan’s legacy. To take it a step further, the hospital created Champions for Change to continue his legacy. This program highlights kids like Rowan who show acts of leadership, compassion, and selflessness. If selected, KENS 5 will publicly recognize each Champion for their unique and inspiring work through KENS Cares.
Parents, teachers, school administrators and staff are encouraged to nominate students ages 6-18-years-old who demonstrate leadership skills and who give back to their community. These Champions exhibit good character and teamwork. An ideal candidate has taken a stand for what is right, whether it be against bullying, homelessness, child hunger, and more. This Champion may also spend his or her time volunteering and advocating for causes larger than themselves.
If you know a child who fits these criteria, we want to hear from you!
- Please visit sahealth.com/cerealdrive to nominate your outstanding student.
- The nomination period is open from April 18 – May 6.
- A panel of judges will review all nominations and winners will be notified on May 12.
Take a look back at the 2021 Champions for Change
Each year, the search for the class of Champions is held in conjunction with the Rowan Windham Memorial Cereal Drive. At age 4, Rowan was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. He spent more than 1,500 days in the hospital and underwent 100 surgeries. He was 10-years-old when he passed away in December 2016 due to complications from two bone marrow transplants.
Despite his battle with the disorder, Rowan influenced the lives of countless people with his unwavering faith, courage, strength and love. He is considered a true super hero for his community outreach. When Rowan learned of childhood hunger and the cereal drive at Methodist Children’s Hospital, he began asking the public to donate. Rowan was so involved and passionate about the cereal drive, making him synonymous with the event.
The 2019 Champions gathered inspiration from Hearts Need Art founder, Constanza Roeder, former Spurs All-Star, Sean Elliott, philanthropist and registered Dietician, Claudia Zapata-Elliott, and former Spurs player Bryn Forbes.