Thursday, May 9, 2013

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Tonight's picture was taken on May 5th of 2002. I remember this day well because Mattie was about one month old and we took him out with Peter's family. While we were in Shirlington, it registered with me that it was cinco de mayo. Not because I was cognizant of the date but because I could see the shops and restaurants were celebrating something! While in Shirlington, Peter's parents bought Mattie this beanie bunny. I loved Mattie's expression as he was trying to track and focus on this bunny! It is as if this moment is frozen in time, because I remember it so well.

Quote of the day: It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something. May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of person-kind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely. ~ Leo Buscaglia

I had an early start to the day. I was at Holton-Arms school in Bethesda, MD at 7:45am. This is Annie, the 12 year old who I have nicknamed our "Mattie Miracle Ambassador." Annie's mom Evelyn took photos of us this morning and though Evelyn and her family have moved to Maryland two years ago, I am thrilled that we have been able to spend time with each other this year. For my faithful readers, Annie's dad is Coach Dave. Dave has been a crucial part of Team Mattie right from the beginning when Mattie was diagnosed. Mind you Dave did not know Mattie directly, but when he heard of our story, he immediately became involved and commandeered the whole School's football team to relay around Mattie. Dave visited us in the Hospital and at home and to this day he still wears his Mattie orange wristband that our care community created for us in 2009, when Mattie was still alive. Dave's whole family is devoted to our cause. This morning Annie addressed the entire lower school in an assembly and then introduced me. I am very proud of her accomplishments and admire her commitment to the Foundation.

I spoke to the girls, their teachers, and administrators for about five minutes or so. The take home message was that the money they raise in their school fundraiser next week is going to a good cause. A cause that directly supports the lives and care of children with cancer and their families. Mattie Miracle is a very unusual non-profit because NO ONE working with us is paid. Including myself! Which is why I am adamant with whatever audience I address that their money helps actual people. By showing this slide behind me today, I gave the girls actual examples of where their money will be going (for example: a free snack cart to in-patient families at Georgetown University Hospital, to support pediatric nurses during a monthly support group luncheon, and toward the salary of a child life specialist at Georgetown University Hospital).

When I got home today, I had a long list ahead of me for the Foundation Walk. However, one very large task, was taken off my plate by my friend Debbie. Debbie has been intimately involved with Team Mattie and the Foundation since 2008. When our care team created the first walk back in 2009 (when Mattie was alive), Debbie coordinated kid activities and games. Now five years later, guess what? Debbie is still coordinating kid activities and games! Each year Debbie adds something new and creative to keep kids of all ages busy and happy. As a former teacher, Debbie and I have similar styles. We both are task oriented and details are important to us. We are the perfect match. When I found out Debbie was doing walk signage for me, I practically wanted to hug her. As I told her today, she is an angel. The notion of doing all these signs was overwhelming to me. The beauty of what Debbie does is she buys materials for the signs and then has a sign making party for a bunch of her children and their friends. She provides them snacks and they provide the designs and creativity. I love the notion of kids helping kids and kids doing something for a cause. So Debbie's poster party is right up my alley.

It is thanks to volunteers like Debbie, that I am able to chair our Walk each year. I can do all the planning possible, but without input and hands on help, I would not be able to execute the event. So tonight, I pause and consider myself fortunate in the sense that I have a core group of volunteers working with me. Not just this year, but throughout the years.