David Powell, 2026 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals National Champion
For the first time in MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital history, one of our own patients has been selected as a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals National Champion. We couldn’t be prouder to introduce David Powell, our 2026 CMN Champion for South Carolina
Only a small group of children across the country are chosen for this honor each year. As a National Champion, David will share his story on a national stage, help raise awareness for children’s hospitals everywhere, and represent the courage, resilience and possibility found in young patients like him.
David received blue-light phototherapy at MUSC when he was just a few days old.
David’s journey with MUSC Children’s Health
David’s story with MUSC Children’s Health began when he was just four days old. He developed severe jaundice, a condition where bilirubin – a yellow substance made during the body’s normal breakdown of red blood cells – builds up faster than a baby’s liver can remove it. When bilirubin rises too high, it can become dangerous very quickly.
David’s levels climbed so fast that he needed emergency care. In just 24 hours, he received two lifesaving blood transfusions and blue-light phototherapy to bring the bilirubin down. His care team also treated seizures and supported his breathing during those critical early days.
Although the treatment saved his life, the extremely high bilirubin caused permanent damage to the nerve that carries sound from the ear to the brain. David experienced significant hearing loss and received his first cochlear implant at age 2. At age 3, he was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
But David has never let his diagnoses define him. Today, he’s a thriving 16-year-old freshman earning A’s and B’s, spending his free time hunting, fishing, playing basketball and mastering video games. He hopes to become a DNR Officer one day.
This summer brought another milestone: David received a second cochlear implant, giving him clearer sound, greater confidence and a brand-new chapter in his journey.
What it means to be a CMN Champion
Each year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals selects local “Champions” to share their stories and help people understand why children’s hospitals need community support. These young ambassadors put a face to the impact of philanthropy: speaking at events, meeting partners and showing how donations make a difference for kids like them.
For David, this role isn’t new. He served as MUSC’s CMN Champion in 2019, using his own story to raise awareness and inspire generosity. He attended events, met long-time CMN partners and even practiced public speaking with one of his therapists so he could advocate in his own voice.
Now, as a 2026 National CMN Champion, David will share his story on an even bigger stage, representing the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and children across South Carolina.
