Meet our 2023 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals National Champion

Each year, 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across North America identify a “Champion” to serve as the face for children treated at their local hospital. After serving as our Indiana Champion in 2022, Riley kid Tate Hartzler from Russiaville was one of 12 CMN Hospitals patients selected as a 2023 National Champion.

Tate is an exceptional athlete, and his family says he has never met a stranger. When Tate was a baby, an ultrasound showed that he had a tumor the size of a tennis ball in his liver. The Hartzler family came to Riley Children’s Health to fight Tate’s diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. Tate went through chemotherapy until the tumor was small enough to be removed in surgery. He recently celebrated 10 years cancer free by fundraising for a Riley red wagon, which helps patients and families navigate the hospital. Tate set and reached his goal of raising $5,000.

We asked Tate to share about his experience as a National Champion so far.

What has been your favorite part about being a 2023 CMN Hospitals National Champion?

Raising money for Riley Hospital and going on trips to share my story.

Why is it important to you to give back to Riley?

Because they saved my life.

What would your perfect day look like?

No rules, no school. All the junk food. Going fishing, playing baseball and basketball.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

An NBA player, an MLB player, and a coder.

If someone was thinking about making a donation to Riley, what would you say to encourage them?

Donating is important because it helps a lot of sick kids.