Newswise — Neptune, NJ – June 19, 2012 – Hundreds of kids, parents and soccer supporters will gather to cheer on U.S. Olympic Soccer Team Captain & K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center spokesperson Christie Rampone, as she heads to London for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The pep rally will take place at Jersey Shore on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 12:00 p.m., and will include speeches, autographs, photos, music and plenty of patriotic spirit. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is located at 1945 Route 33, Neptune, New Jersey.

By partnering with K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Christie promotes wellness, exercise, safety and healthy eating for kids. She also helps lift the spirits of children at the hospital, and raises awareness about the 100 specialists that provide the region’s most complete, coordinated care. Christie says, “I have lived in Monmouth and Ocean counties for most of my life, and delivered both my daughters at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. I am grateful for the opportunity to be the official spokesperson for K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital, and can’t wait to meet my friends and supporters at the pep rally!”

Christie Rampone is recognized as the best defender in the world of women’s soccer. With a decade and a half of experience under her belt, she has defined herself as the leader of the United States Women’s National Team. Christie is the ninth player in the Women’s National Soccer Team’s 28-year history to be named the team captain. Her leadership has paid dividends as she guided her team to the Olympic Gold Medal in 2008 & the thrilling final of the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

For additional details about the event or to arrange a media interview with Christie Rampone, please contact Robert Cavanaugh, Public Affairs Manager, Meridian Health at 732.751.3451 or [email protected].

About K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center: Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. With more than 100 specialists, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital is the largest provider of pediatric care in Monmouth and Ocean counties and the heart of Meridian Pediatric Network. Jersey Shore is the regional provider of cardiac surgery, a program which has been ranked among the best in the Northeast, and is home to the only trauma center and stroke rescue center in the region. Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiovascular care, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, neuroscience, and women’s specialty services. For more information about K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, call 1-800-DOCTORS, or visit www.khovnanianchildrenshospital.com.