Hamilton County Youngster Moves Mountains

02/02/2006

In less than one year, 10-year-old Paige Cassidy has traveled nearly 3,000 miles to and from her Noblesville home for Riley Hospital for Children - not including doctor visits.

Those miles represent the many trips Paige made as Indiana's representative in the 2005 Foresters Champions Across America program, part of the national Children's Miracle Network. She has shaken hands with Sen. Richard Lugar and country singer Lee Ann Rimes in Washington, DC. She's sung along with Lonestar in Orlando. She's been on posters for Clabber Girl Corp. and on the cover of The Indianapolis Star. Before the year is over, she may appear on a national talk show.

Riley Hospital patient and 2005 Children's Miracle Network Champion Paige Cassidy of Noblesville speaks with Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar (right) during a visit to Washington, D.C. Paige's parents, Ken and Diane Cassidy, accompanied their daughter on the trip.

Without Riley Hospital for Children, Paige would not have traveled with such ease. Facing food allergies so severe that even a whiff of peanut butter or a miniscule amount of a tree nut can send her into shock, Paige - along with her family - received life-saving education from Riley.

This year, Paige has realized a dream: to let schools, government officials and other families know that children with life-threatening allergies do not have to live in isolation.

Persuading Legislators and School Officials

"Paige's goal since she could understand her condition has always been to help other children feel normal and accepted," said her mom, Diane Cassidy. "She really can move mountains."

Paige began pushing aside obstacles at age six, when she testified before the Indiana General Assembly in favor of allowing all levels of emergency medical technicians, not just paramedics, to administer epinephrine. In an emergency, people like Paige could die without this medication.

She's changed the Noblesville school system, too. After learning of the seriousness of Paige's condition, officials not only allowed her and a few friends to eat lunch in a separate room away from the cafeteria, but teachers, principals and school nurses sought training to administer epinephrine.

Their support led to Paige's involvement with Clabber Girl Corp. When the Terre Haute manufacturer decided to convert its manufacturing operation to a peanut-free facility, part of the effort included sharing information statewide about how schools can enhance the learning environment for children with allergies.

Paige's year as Foresters Champion is coming to an end, but her efforts to educate the public about food allergies will continue. At the same time, physicians and other clinicians at Riley are working with Indiana government and school districts across the state to improve the quality of life of children with allergies, asthma and other pulmonary conditions. Thanks to supporters such as Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates throughout the state, Riley staff will meet with families and caretakers more than 2,000 times again this year. To enlist your school, company or organization in supporting the Riley Children's Foundation, visit www.rileykids.org or call (317) 634-4474.