American Idol's Anthony Fedorov Shares His Inspirational Story

Giggles Theater Hosts American Idol Finalist

Anthony Fedorov, American Idol finalist, is not just a survivor. He has thrived.

Diagnosed with a growth in his throat at the age of four months and while living in the Ukraine, he underwent a series of risky surgeries. With his health in jeopardy, his doctors were forced to perform a live-saving tracheotomy. A procedure, doctors informed his parents, that could very well prevent him from speaking.

Little less than 20 years later, Fedorov not only speaks, but is a singing sensation.

Recently finishing in the top four of Fox Television's ultra-successful TV show, American Idol, Fedorov, 20, is off to establish his singing career. His first stop, though, was a visit with pediatric patients at Giggles Children's Theater.

Spending time with the children, Fedorov's message, about overcoming early medical hurdles and pursuing lifelong dreams, resonated with the overflow crowd.

"Anthony spent his limited vacation time to come and visit with our patients," said Tiffany Shevchik, child life specialist, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, "and we greatly appreciated it. His genuine affection for the kids was apparent right from the start and it was easy to see the kids really took his words to heart. Many of the patients have expressed how he inspired them to truly believe in themselves and reach for their goals."

"We wanted to provide the kids an experience they would never forget," said Betsy Parkins, vice president development and media relations, Medical Missions for Children. "Giggles Children’s Theater is designed to not only entertain, but expose patients and their families to learning and enlightening experiences they can’t get anywhere else. Anthony's thoughtful insight was something our kids will remember for a long time."