JP Lugo: 2024 CMN Hospitals National Champion Q&A
JP served as the 2023 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) Champion for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, and this year, he is 1 of 11 National Champions for CMN Hospitals. As national ambassadors, JP and his family are spending the year advocating for the critical need for charitable donations to support pediatric healthcare, representing millions of kids treated at member hospitals across the country including our very own Orlando Health Arnold Palmer.
We are very proud of JP and recently asked him a few questions about his CMN Hospitals Champion experiences.
JP’s Story
When JP was born, he could barely move, constantly slept and wasn’t eating regularly. It wasn’t until nine months old that he was able to hold his head up on his own.
Following several tests at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, JP was referred to specialists at The Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, part of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer, who recommended occupational and physical therapies.
Just before his second birthday, JP underwent testing and was diagnosed with Potocki-Lupski syndrome (PTLS), a rare genetic condition that caused many of the complications JP experienced, including developmental delays, feeding and speech difficulties, and low muscle tone.
Throughout his childhood, JP received care from many specialists at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer in areas including cardiology, neurology, endocrinology and gastroenterology. JP’s family was determined to do everything they could to help him continue to grow stronger.
Thanks to the early intervention JP received at the Howard Phillips Center, and the continued care from his team of specialists at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer, JP can walk, run and dance with his seven siblings and continues to surpass all expectations.
JP is an avid sports fan and an athlete himself. In fact, he is currently one of the top swimmers for the Special Olympics Central Florida team! Wherever he goes, JP’s infectious smile brings joy to everyone he meets.
Still today, the team at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer remains an important part of JP’s life and continues to be by his side to help him be the strongest version of himself.
How did it feel to be the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children last year?
Being the CMN Hospitals Champion for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children last year made me feel so happy, important and excited.
What was your favorite part about being the CMN Hospitals Champion?
My favorite part of being the CMN Hospitals Champion was being able to represent the kids that are in the hospital going through treatment and fighting for their future. Also being able to meet people like Ryan Seacrest*.
*Ryan Seacrest, and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, partner with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children through Seacrest Studios.
What does it mean to you to represent not only Orlando Health Arnold Palmer, but children and hospitals across the country with CMN Hospitals this year?
I feel honored to be able to represent not only Orlando Health Arnold Palmer, but other kids like me, and to help get donations to children’s hospitals across the nation with Children Miracle Network Hospitals through sharing my story.
What are you most excited about in your National Champion role this year?
One of the most exciting things this year as a National Champion is that I have been able to meet other Champions. Their stories are amazing!
What does Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children mean to you?
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children means to me the best place to go when you are not feeling good to be able to get better and have a bright future.
What three words would you use to describe Orlando Health Arnold Palmer?
Hope, Caring, Future!
What does it mean to you to see the Central Florida community come together to support Orlando Health Arnold Palmer through CMN Hospitals initiatives?
For me, when I see the Central Florida community come together to support Orlando Health Arnold Palmer through CMN Hospitals initiatives, I think it is great because then the doctors can have the necessary tools to get the work done. Because our community cares, more kids like me are going to get the care they need. That makes me love the community and my hospital more and more.
Look Back: Children’s Hospitals Week
JP joined his fellow Champions and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals teams and partners from across the nation at this year’s Children’s Hospitals Weeks conference in April. JP and his family shared their story, and met with countless members of the CMN Hospitals community. From signing autographs, to singing karaoke, JP had an incredible week representing Orlando Health Arnold Palmer. He even served as a host for a “Meet the Champions” segment on stage!
