Nolan Irish was born more than three months premature, weighing just over a pound. Logan Jordan had a serious heart defect at birth, one that required three surgeries in his first three years.

Besides sharing an equally tough start to life, Irish, 6, of Gorham, and Jordan, 15, of Windham, have another thing in common. They are both patients of The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center who were chosen to represent Maine as a “Champion Across America,” ambassadors for the quality of care they received while in the most dire of circumstances.

The two met Tuesday at Wal-Mart in Windham as Jordan, a sophomore at Windham High School and the 2007 Champion, introduced Irish as the 2009 recipient. As this year’s Champion Child, Irish will travel to Orlando and Washington, D.C., to share his story and highlight the vital work that is done at children’s hospitals. He also got a $500 gift certificate to Wal-Mart to use for his trip.

Nolan’s mom, Lisa, has, since her son’s recovery, helped raise money and awareness for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. She couldn’t be happier that she is going to get a larger forum in which to spread the family’s message. Born 112 days before his due date, weighing only 1 pound, 2 ounces, Nolan was treated back to health, coming home one day before his original due date.

“It’s something I can do to give back. I could never, ever repay what they’ve given me. I certainly have the best gift ever,” Lisa Irish said Tuesday.

Mike Jordan understands what the Irishes are going through. Logan was born to Mike and Elaine Jordan with a heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome. “Basically, he had half a heart,” said Mike.

After numerous surgeries, Logan seems to be doing all right, Mike said. Doctors thought he may need a transplant, but it has been five years since that diagnosis, and Logan is still doing fine, he said.

Logan’s time as 2007 Champion allowed the family – including daughter Lexie – to show how appreciative they were of the care Logan has received.

“It was a great honor to be able to represent the state,” said Mike Jordan. “It’s a great way to honor the hospitals.”

For his part, Logan got the trips to Orlando and Washington, D.C., where he had lunch with members of Congress. He also got to meet other Champions, kids just like him.

“The best part was meeting other Champions, meeting other kids,” Logan said.