Sunday, May 16, 2021

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2008, at the Mattie March. The Mattie March was the inspiration for the Foundation's annual Walk. Mattie was surrounded by friends who really looked after him at the event, so that Peter and I could walk around and talk with friends and family. In Mattie's hands were a cup! Not full of liquid, but try caterpillars. Mattie loved tent moth caterpillars in the spring. He used to bring home several every year from school and we would nurture them into they metamorphized into moths. Mattie truly had a good day at the Mattie March, which was extraordinary, because by that point nothing really brought him joy. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,939,799
• Number of people who died from the virus: 585,960

What a day this has been! Our most successful fundraiser yet! Final thermometer for today is

$121,740 (this includes our raffle proceeds). 

• 244 registered walkers
• 20 walk teams
• 529 contributions

Here are our Raffle Winners:

1. Legos: Ali Goldwater
2. iPad: Alison McSlarrow
3. Dining: Cesar Vinas
4. Money Tree: Kellie Souza
5. Caps Tickets: Lana Sonoda
6. Movie night: Jeff Foor
7. Quilt: Debbi LaViolette
8. Wine: Debbi LaViolette

I have been working around the clock for weeks. Today was a whirlwind, or being glued to the computer for over 12 hours. Processing donations, writing to supporters, downloading photos and data! 

At the end of the day, I received SUNFLOWERS from my friend Carolyn. Hand delivered! Sunflowers mean a lot to me, as they were given to me when Mattie was battling cancer. In fact, every time we were home between treatments, our support community gave me a bunch! To me they symbolize love, compassion, and community. Which is why Carolyn's gift is so meaningful today! There is NO WAY I could get through the Walk, without my core team, of which Carolyn is front and center.