Quote of the day: "She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along." ~Margaret Culkin Banning
Mattie went to bed around 1am. Before he headed to bed, he saw that I was preparing what I was planning on saying at The Mattie March today. I stopped what I was doing and I asked Mattie, if he was addressing the audience at the Walk, what would he be saying? Out of his mouth popped, "Oohh Gahh Boo Gahh!" Karen and I burst out in hysterics. Later he told me that this translated into "I Love You!" Very sweet. Karen and I continued to dialogue about this, and she dared me to deliver Mattie's statement at the Walk today. So I gave this dare some thought! Could I deliver this silly line? Would others find it funny?
This morning, I woke Mattie up and he seemed very excited about his walk! My mom took some pictures of us, and she snapped one of Karen and I.
Peter drove to the Walk ahead of time to try to help folks with the set up. When Mattie arrived, he met a preschool classmate in the parking lot and we walked into the event together. When we arrived, around 100 people were already there. To make a long story short, we estimate that there were around 500 people in attendance today. This was a walk that far exceeded our expectations. We want to sincerely thank Liz Chiaramonte, Walk Chair, Ann Henshaw (Team Mattie Coordinator), and Alison McSlarrow (Team Mattie Media and Communications Coordinator) for their incredible efforts. I realize these ladies haven't had much sleep all this week! We also acknowledge all the amazing volunteers and planning committee members for their hard work. I think what was abundantly evident is that our communities united today to support Mattie and my family. What an amazing gift to receive.
Whitney and Lesley (Linda's former childlife interns) attended the walk today. As many of you know, Whitney has and continues to work for us now on weekends, since she started her full time job. It was wonderful to have their support today!I will share some other photos captured on my camera today! However, I would like to put a call out to all of you in attendance to send me your photos. It was hard to attend and try to take pictures, and Peter and I landed up not being able to be in all the places possible to capture these special moments!
Right: Ann and Vicki!
Left: Amany and Lorraine (Vicki's dear friends from The George Washington University)
Right: Vicki with Tess (a wonderful Human Services Student) and Carrie (Vicki's teaching assistant). I THANK ALL my students from GW for volunteering their time today and for their support!
Left: Vicki and Anna (Mattie's PT)
Right: Caroline (Mattie's Piano Teacher), Vicki, and Rev. Jim Greenfield (who delivered a beautiful opening prayer, Jim baptized Mattie in July 2002)
Left: The beautiful banner at Mattie's walk! Attendees signed it, and will serve as a great memento of the day.
Right: The crowd seated in the stands while our program was under way. We were fortunate enough to have Rev. Jim Greenfield deliver a prayer, Joan Holden (Head of Mattie's school), Dr. Shad (director of the HEM/ONC practice at Georgetown) and Dr. Bob (Mattie's surgeon) deliver a greeting. Peter then spoke to the crowd about the importance of fundraising and advocacy for pediatric cancer. After Peter's talk, I acknowledged our amazing communities. In particular we wanted the Georgetown University Hospital HEM/ONC nurses to know how much we appreciated them. Peter and I presented each of them with a fresh Hawaiian orchid lei. It was wonderful to see the nurses beaming.
Left: Mattie with Brandon (left, Mattie's big buddy), Zachary (right, Mattie's trusted friend), and Robbie (holding the umbrella, a wonderful hospital volunteer who Mattie loves spending time with). Robbie and Brandon were LIFESAVERS today. They engaged Mattie, and kept him busy throughout the entire event!
Right: Some of Mattie's nurses wearing their leis. From left to right is Erin, Tricia, Jenn, and Kathleen!
Left: Vicki acknowledging the social support staff at the hospital: Linda Kim (Childlife Specialist), Jenny Padden (Art Therapist), Jessie Masterson (Art Therapist), Anna Fragomeni (Physical Therapist), and Denise Garner (Social Worker)
Right: Everyone walking around the track in honor of Mattie. It was a very powerful force to observe. Mattie had a great time, doing wheelchair races and we can't thank Coach Dave, Robbie, and Brandon for doing numerous laps with Mattie. He LOVED IT!
After the walk on the track, Bob Weiman (Mattie's head of the lower school) performed a wonderful magic show for the kids. Bob's assistant magician (Mattie) also jumped into action. Mattie performed a new trick entitled "peanut booger." It was unfortunate that I missed this performance because I was on the other side of the track talking with other attendees, but Bob tells us that Mattie rose to the occasion and loved it. Thank you Bob for including Mattie and making him feel special today. I think magic has served as a wonderful way to build Mattie's self confidence and it helps him engage with others.
It was hard to say good-bye to folks today. But all wonderful and memorable times go by too fast and come to an end. This was an event of a lifetime, which will carry us through many days to come. We truly believe that the support we receive from all our readers is a true gift, that carries us through some of our very dark days. Thank you! Today's event was a labor of love, and a dedication to a seven year old boy. If we could bottle this positive energy, there is no telling what we could achieve. THANK YOU for making a family very happy and loved today! I loved talking to each and every one of you. In addition, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet the mom of a colleague of Peter's. Her mom lives in Puerto Rico and follows Mattie's story daily. I was truly touched by her level of commitment to Mattie and our story, and she made me feel very appreciated. In addition, I had the opportunity to meet up with a former student of mine. She thanked me for supporting her through the program, as she was balancing full time motherhood. Jessica S., please e-mail me, if you read this, because I would love to follow up with you regarding your gift today.
One thing that I did clearly see though, is that this blog in a way has united our communities together. I noticed that many of our friends knew each other, not because they ever met, but because they have gotten to know about each other through stories on the blog. I was laughing today when I was talking to Charlie and four people turned around and said, "oh that is Charlie!" It just illustrated to me the power of the written word.
Peter and I want to personally acknowledge the donations made by Conklyn's florist to Mattie's walk. Moms left the walk today with some beautiful flowers! In addition, we were so impressed with the food donations that Liz was able to secure for the walk. We also thank all our bakers who contributed to the bake sale!
This evening, Mattie's paternal grandparents visited with him, as well as his Uncle, Aunt, and cousins. Mattie had a great time playing and visiting, and Karen, my parents, and I went out to dinner. It was wonderful to eat in peace, and tonight, we were all starving and very sun burnt. I never expected the sun to shine today, I was prepared for rain. So we all look like lobsters, but somehow the sun shining today seems very symbolic of good things to come!
I would like to share a message I received from my friend, Charlie. Charlie wrote, "What a day Friday was, I feel how disappointed you must be that Mattie has yet another issue with another medication to be added to the mix. While my head says with all the insults to his system it is no real surprise that he has a osteopenia and a fracture of his ankle, my heart says he has already endured far too much and this is just patently unfair. And as a mom my heart goes out to you because I know how I would have done anything to spare my child physical pain including taking it on myself but that just isn't possible. I hope you draw strength and hope from all of us who are at the march today either in person or in spirit. We are sending you our love and prayers for both emotional and spiritual strength as you continue to tread this uncertain road."
I end tonight with a quote Charlie sent me. While this quote is called Recipe for Home, it could be called Recipe for Friendship as well.
One-half cup friendship and add a cup of thoughtfulness. Cream together with a pinch of powdered tenderness, very lightly beaten, in a bowl of loyalty, with a cup of faith, one of hope and one of charity. Be sure to add a spoonful each of singing and ability to laugh at all the little things. Moisten with the sudden tears of heartfelt sympathy. Bake in a good-natured pan, and serve repeatedly. ~ Unknown
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