Mattie's Blog and his Fight Against Osteosarcoma

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to me that you take the time to write and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful and help support me through very challenging times. I am forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically have stopped writing on September 9, 2010. However, like my journey with grief there is so much that still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with me, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.

As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki

May 21, 2018

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2009. Mattie was home in between treatments and was sitting on the couch surrounded by his blankets, toys, and his stuffed animal cat. Mattie received this stuffed animal as a reward from his child life specialist. Mattie did a good job complying with a procedure, and as a reward he got to pick out something from the hospital gift shop. Mattie wanted the cat!

Quote of the day: When people make donations to non profits, they want to know that their money goes to good use. ~ Sam Simon

Our grand total for this year's Walk is $96,188! Totally amazing. I am EXHAUSTED, so I am sharing some highlights from the day.

My mom and me.

The Walk beginning!

Peter and me with my cousins Maria and Peter, who now live in Michigan. Maria and I met as children in Italy. Ironically we got reconnected a few years ago and we are honored she came to the Walk.

My mom and me with our friends Ronee and Eugene. They live in New York and came to DC to attend our Walk.

The man in blue is Dylan, our caricaturist! He was wonderful. In front of him was little Liz and her family. Liz is currently undergoing treatment.

This cutie is Emma. Emma is also enduring cancer treatment. She LOVED to build.

We were visited by the Dunkin Donuts Community Cruiser! Can you see Marti peeking her head into the photo from behind the truck's window. Peter and I met Marti a few weeks ago in Foggy Bottom and literally we just went up to talk to her to get more information about the truck. When we were done, we suggested she come to the Walk and she loved the idea. The rest is history.

Me with Tricia, Mattie's favorite nurse. Tricia made this beautiful Mattie Miracle theme colored wreath for me. It is just charming with butterflies and a hummingbird. Tricia was there for Peter and I every step of the way when Mattie was sick. We will never forget her and she will always be a special part of our lives.