DECATUR - Saying goodbye is hard to do, but pizza helped heal that wound Tuesday as Kristina Simmons of Decatur said so long to her classmates for a while at William Harris School.

Kristina, 8, recently was chosen as the Illinois Champion Across America for Children's Miracle Network and will represent the state during the group's nationally televised broadcast.

A bon voyage pizza party was granted to her and her classmates before she leaves today on her one-week journey.

The children enjoyed party favors, food and seeing a happy Kristina.

Mayor Paul Osborne was a guest at the party, as Kristina gave him a high-five.

Her teacher, Dick Dustrude, said she is a fun-loving, affectionate and sociable girl.

"She likes to interact with friends and staff," Dustrude said. "She's a pleasure to have in the classroom."

He added that he was happy to have the class as part of her sendoff.

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff Kristina Simmons is in awe of the giant poster proclaiming her as the Illinois Champion Across America for the Children's Miricle Network and will be seen on national television on June 3 and 4th. Kristina celebrated with her classmates from William Harris School and her mother and grandmother Tuesday with pizza and cupcakes. Click Here to purchase a reprint of this photo

"This makes for a very exciting Tuesday."

Janet Simmons, Kristina's mother, said, "Kristina deserves this. Kristina's been through a lot in the past eight years of her life, and to be recognized as Illinois ambassador, it's just an awe­;some honor for us to get the message out about child abuse."

Kristina was chosen to represent the state for overcoming tremendous medical challenges related to her being shaken violently when she was 8½ months old by her day care provider, stated a news release.

"She wasn't expected to live," her mother said. Her daughter was in a coma for 12 days, and they spent a total of 45 days at St. John's Children's Hospital in Springfield after the incident, she added.

Kristina suffers from a major seizure disorder and cerebral palsy and is "forever learning-disabled," her mother said.

"If she's feeling good, she's just happy and laughing; and for the most part, carefree," Janet Simmons said. "She's a very healthy child, besides the seizures and the physical disability she has."

Kristina had surgery three weeks ago and received a vagus nerve implant that will help control her seizures, Janet said.

Betsy Moore, media coordinator of Children's Miracle Network in Springfield, nominated Kristina to national headquarters.

Moore said she knows Kristina from her visits to St. John's Hospital and because of her involvement with the local 2005 CMN Telethon Broadcast.

"Her spirit is contagious," Moore said. "She has overcome major obstacles. She's a fighter."

The organization gave Kristina a computerized communication device, Moore said, with which she hopes Kristina will progress.

Kristina and several members of her family will leave for Orlando, Fla., to tape portions of the national broadcast, as well as enjoy the attractions at Disney World and meet with the other state ambassadors from across the United States and Canada.

Her mother said Kristina is excited about going to Disney World for one reason - Winnie the Pooh.

"She understands she's going to see Winnie the Pooh again. All I have to say is Winnie the Pooh, and she gets excited. She remembers," said Janet referring to a prior trip to Disney World through the Kids Wish Network.

The family then will go to Washington, D.C., to tour the nation's capital and the White House with a special event hosted by President Bush and first lady Laura Bush.

Kristina and her family received a shopping spree earlier this month from the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Springfield to help prepare for the trip.

"She likes to shop," her mom said. Kristina got toys and clothes for her trip.

Janet said even though Kristina probably does not understand the importance of the trip now, over time she may understand that she helped bring shaken baby syndrome to national awareness.

"I believe that if Kristina could vocalize to us, she would want people to understand what has happened to her and try to prevent it from happening to any other child," her mother said.

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@;herald-review.com or 421-6986.
Subscribe to the Herald & Review by Clicking Here!