WASHINGTON-Eleven-year-old Christopher Young, who was chosen to represent D.C. in the Children's Miracle Network "Champions Across America," will be performing at the March 31 Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run pre-race Gala. CMN selects one child from every state each year who has overcome severe medical problems to represent the hospitals. Young has spina bifida and has undergone 17 surgeries beginning at five months of age. Young will be performing at the gala and hopes to become a famous country singer one day. Despite his medical challenges, he still boats and jet skis, but he can do one thing most of his classmates cannot do: wheelies. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run Gala, the premier kick-off to the April 2 run, will take place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. Festivities this year will also include a dinner for sponsors and their invited guests, appearances by local political VIPs and credit union leaders, and a spirited auction to raise additional funds for CMN. To attend, contact Chuck Holmes at State Department Federal Credit Union ([email protected] or 1-800-296-8882, ext. 5160). "When you see kids like Chris-in or out of the hospital setting-it really drives home what we're working toward," Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc. Chairman Juri Valdov, Northwest Federal Credit Union CEO, said. "Any effort, any event, any fundraiser that can help provide hope and cures to a fighter like Chris and the millions of other children who require specialized care from one of the nation's Children's Hospitals is well worth the time spent."