Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Tonight's picture was taken on April 12, 2009. Mattie was in the hospital over Easter and his buddies, Louise and Meredith came to visit him. They hosted an Easter Egg hunt for Mattie in the hallway of the in-patient unit. Of course Mattie was in a wheelchair, but they wheeled him around and made it festive and fun for him. They knew Mattie did not like chocolate, so they stuffed the eggs with fun treats like play money and jelly beans. They brought a smile to all of us that day! These diversions are so crucial when in a hospital full time. 


Quote of the day: We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~ Stacia Tauscher

Today I went to Georgetown University Hospital, because the Charity Through Medicine Club at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, VA was hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt with Mattie Miracle. The Club purchases all the supplies, stuffs 800 colorful eggs, and helps host the event at the hospital.

From my own experiences, I know more social activities need to be provided to in-patient children. So the Easter Egg Hunt is always held in the in-patient pediatric units. These three high school seniors (Sarah, Isabel, and Margaret) did a fabulous job today!

This brother and sister duo had a great time together and collected a ton of eggs. It was a joy to watch the children get a little bit of happiness outside of their hospital rooms. 

Several of the children were in wheelchairs, but that did not stop the high school seniors. They pushed wheelchairs and helped the children collect eggs. This particular patient was THRILLED to be out of her room. In fact, I heard she was waiting all day today for the fun to begin. I can literally say that this event was the highlight of her day. 

We had a couple of fellows who were great egg finders!!! 

Sarah was pushing another patient in a wheelchair. You could tell he wasn't having the best of days. I remember those moments all too well. But I give him a lot of credit for coming out of his room and trying to engage in the hunt. 

Looking for eggs everywhere! The girls put the eggs all over and we made sure all the children 
had plenty of eggs to collect. 

After the hunt was over, all the children received a Georgetown Cupcake! I remember these treats so well, as Mattie and I used to love when Georgetown Cupcake came to the hospital! It has a way of making a bad day a little better.