Last night the NBC Sports Philadelphia Shining Star Awards sponsored a unique event where children who have been impacted by the mission of the March of Dimes were paired with players from the five Philadelphia Sports teams. The players and children were introduced at the event through a vignette that told the child's story and showed the interaction with their players.  Our Lady of Calvary's own, Third Grader Claudia Farrant was one of five children so honored.  She received her award from Phillie, Roman Quinn, and here is her heroic story:  Claudia Farrant was born at 34 weeks old with a severe birth defect called Gastroschisis; her intestines were formed outside of her body.  Doctors placed them in a bag above her bed, much like a baker's cone.  Every day they would come by and use something like "twist ties" on the bag as the intestines worked their way back into the body.  At nine days
old, Claudia had surgery to set her intestines and repair her abdominal wall. There were ups & downs in the NICU following the surgery, but Claudia had surpassed her biggest challenge. To this day, eating and having an appetite can be difficult for Claudia, and her parents, Barbara & Robert, have to make sure she takes in enough calories.  This is especially important because Claudia is an award winning Irish Dancer who has performed on the field at Citizen's Bank Park!  Amazing!  Claudia agreed enthusiastically to visit Grades K thru 8 to show her medal and bask in the admiration of her school-mates!  We are most proud of this fine young lady and her supportive family, friends, and the March of Dimes partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia Shining Star Awards Program!