ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan Athletic Department and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital have teamed to raise awareness and funding for the "Champions for Children" campaign currently underway to build a new children's and women's hospital at the University of Michigan. Blue wrist bands with the words "M GO BLUE for Mott" will be on sale for $2, with $1 of the proceeds benefiting the campaign, starting Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game.

Head football coach Lloyd Carr and the entire U-M football program will be sporting the new wrist bands, similar to Lance Armstrong's "live strong" yellow bands, in an effort to help promote the campaign. Ice hockey coach Red Berenson and men's basketball coach Tommy Amaker are also in support of the initiative and will be wearing the band too.

"My goal is to see these bracelets worn by fans throughout Michigan Stadium and the community," said Carr. "The spirit and courage that these children display is moving and inspiring to everyone. Our athletes learn so much from them each and every time they visit Mott Hospital. The 'M GO BLUE for Mott' Wristband Campaign is an opportunity for everyone to show support for these children and for this extremely important project at the University."

The Champions for Children campaign, co-chaired by Carr and U-M Regent David Brandon, a former Wolverine football player, and wives Laurie Carr and Jan Brandon, is part of the $2.5 billion "The Michigan Difference" campaign taking place throughout the University. Carr and the football program have already worked to help U-M build for the future of children's and women's health at U-M by hosting " Carr's Wash for Kids," a community event sponsored by Michigan International Speedway, at Michigan Stadium this summer. After a day of suds and signing autographs for fans, the team washed 509 cars and raised more than $75,000 for the campaign.

U-M Coaches: Red Berenson, Lloyd Carr, Tommy Amaker

The "M GO BLUE for Mott" bands will be on sale beginning Oct. 30 at M-Den, Dunham's Sporting Goods, area Meijer stores and the Atlanta Bread Company on Michigan's campus. Proceeds from the sale of each band will go to the "Champions for Children" campaign for a new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University.

For more information on Mott's "Champions for Children" campaign, visit www.medicineatmichigan.org/difference/mott.asp.

Following are comments from Michigan head coaches:

"This is a cause greater than I am. It is not about aesthetics. It's about more beds, it's about technology, it's about constructing a 21st century building that will allow physicians to move forward with what will be the next generation of therapies and treatments for children in the years to come. These children and their families are the bravest of the brave and they deserve nothing less. They are the reason why my wife, Laurie, and I have made a commitment to help build a new hospital facility. And I believe the day the new hospital is built will be one of the greatest victories in Michigan history."

Lloyd Carr, Head Football Coach

"Mott Children's Hospital has a special place in my heart. My twin grandchildren spent their first 11 weeks in the neo-natal care unit, and every time I see them I am reminded of how fortunate my family was to be able to receive the quality care from this special children's hospital. I support the 'M Go Blue for Mott' Wristband Campaign and encourage others to partake in this important endeavor."

Red Berenson, Head Ice Hockey Coach

"I am honored to be a part of this vital campaign for a new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. I hope we can make a real difference."

Tommy Amaker, Head Men's Basketball Coach

About the Champions for Children campaign

To remain among the top five children's hospitals in the nation, the U-M Health System hopes to create a facility for the 21st century that will allow it to advance technology, conduct research and meet the increasing needs of patients.

Since the Mott facility was designed in the 1950s, patient care, research and medical technology have made extraordinary advances, and Mott is currently struggling to keep up with recent advances in medical technology and treatment due to space limitations.

To meet increasing patient clinical, surgical and inpatient needs, Mott and Women's hospitals have been maximized to their fullest potential. In fiscal year 2003, more than 8,400 children were admitted to Mott, and more than 9,000 operations were performed. Each year, Mott surgical services alone have increased 5 percent to 10 percent.

Although its patients are small, Mott's needs are great. The U-M Health System hopes by increasing its capacity and clinic space, it will be able to meet that need by providing sick and injured children in Michigan, the United States and across the globe with even greater access to U-M's world-class medical care.

Contact: Krista Hopson

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