Hoops Family Children’s Hospital and Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation launch ambassador program

Marshall Health Network-Hoops Family Children’s Hospital (HFCH) and the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation have launched an ambassador program that celebrates pediatric patients and the physicians, nurses and therapists who provide them with extraordinary care.

“Hoops Ambassadors” are a group of pediatric patients who receive or have received care at HFCH and choose to share their stories to inspire others. Throughout the year, they take part in hospital events and lead the way in raising awareness and support for the areas of HFCH that matter most to them. Whether through promoting their personal stories or hosting community activities, each Ambassador brings a unique voice and passion to championing the hospital that’s been part of their journey. The Hoops Ambassadors for 2025-2026 are:

• Alexandra Armstrong, an 18-year-old with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
• Caitlin Carroll, a 14-year-old who had a traumatic injury
• Emma Christian, a 5-year-old with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
• Magnolia Pauley, a 3-year-old who recovered from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
• Hannah Raymond, a 2-year-old who has Li-Fraumeni Syndrome and an Adrenal Tumor
• Joshua Raymond, a 4-year-old with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
• Eli Rice, an 11-year-old with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• Elsie Smith, a 5-year-old who recovered from Neuroblastoma
• Ayden Watts, an 11-year-old with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Amarachi Umeh, a 9-year-old with multiple diagnoses

“The Hoops Ambassadors represent the heart of our mission,” said Jacob Kilgore, MD, Medical Director, HFCH. “These incredible kids remind us every day why we do what we do. By sharing their stories and helping us connect with the community, they’re not only inspiring others, they’re actively shaping the future of our hospital and the care we provide.”

The community can support HFCH this month during Scoops for Hoops from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 25-28 at Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream at The Market in Huntington and the Ceredo location. Five percent of total sales will be donated to HFCH.

To learn more about the Hoops Ambassadors program, visit www.mhnfoundations.org/ambassador.