Wednesday, November 2, 2016 -- Mattie Miracle celebrates its 7th birthday today!!!
Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2009, around Mattie's birthday. Mattie celebrated his 7th and last birthday in the hospital. That may sound awful, but in reality, the hospital had become like our home at that point and the people in it were our community and friends. Mattie's child life specialist, Linda, held a party for Mattie in the playroom and several of Mattie's close friends from school attended. Mattie loved decorating the playroom for his party and actually had a good time and was animated. Having a good time was definitely not a given, since social activities in general became much harder for Mattie as his treatment progressed.
Quote of the day: Actively deciding to give to causes that move you deeply is far more fulfilling than the momentary gratification derived from signing a check and mailing it to a nonprofit about which you know little more than what's on the brochure they sent you. ~ Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen
We are proud Mattie Miracle parents and nurture the Foundation in Mattie's absence. The Foundation is now as old as Mattie was when he died from Osteosarcoma. Happy 7th birthday Mattie Miracle!!!
May we never forget the reason why the Foundation was created and the psychosocial lessons we learned from Mattie's battle with Osteosarcoma.
TOP FIVE Mattie Miracle Achievements:
1) Inspired and funded a four year long National Project to create evidence based psychosocial standards of care for children with cancer and their families... which were published in a top tier medical journal in December 2015.
2) Fund a Child Life Position at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (2011 to present). A position that supports 3,500 children a year.
3) Established the Mattie Miracle Child Life Program Fund at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
4) Created and sponsor the FREE Snack/Item Cart for families caring for children at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. A cart that provides snacks and toiletries to 2,500 families a year.
5) Advocated for the first psychosocial resolution (HR 262) for childhood cancer on Capitol Hill, to bring awareness to the fact that comprehensive cancer care must include psychosocial care.
Can you see Sunny heading toward the butterfly? He was equally fascinated by it as I was.
1 comment:
Hi Vicki,
Congratulations on the accomplishments of Mattie Miracle over the past seven years!! Each of the points you listed are wonderful accomplishments of the Foundation. In Mattie's memory, you & Peter are making a difference in an area of care that is important but has largely been ignored. Your Mission will make an enormous difference for children in treatment.
I agree with your quote wholeheartedly on many levels.
In closing, I just have to comment on Mattie's picture, celebrating his 7th and last birthday. He gave his Mattie smile although it is doubtful, he felt well that day. Mattie was a shining light and that shows in all his pictures. You know, I love seeing his picture but my most special ones are those of you & Mattie. Your smile is a bright & shining as Mattie's! I am sorry, Vicki that you & Peter only had Mattie for 7 years!
Margy
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