Thursday, May 10, 2018

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2009. Mattie was participating in the Mattie March, the event his support community planned for him and us. In fact, Mattie Miracle built off the Mattie March to create our annual awareness Walk. In this photo Mattie was surrounded by friends. His closest preschool buddy, Zachary and his buddy in cancer, Brandon. Look at how close Mattie's friends stood near him. They were there to help him, be his companion, and to find a way for him to have a good time. It was a very memorable day. Also note that sitting down behind Mattie were ALL of Mattie's nurses. I have no idea how all these nurses were able to attend and leave the hospital, but every single one of them was there to support us. 


Quote of the day: The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it. ~ William James

So you maybe asking yourself.... what is this? What this is plain and simple is disgusting. This was the graffiti I saw on the wall outside of the Watergate Hotel today. It wasn't there yesterday, but sure enough you couldn't miss it today. Sunny and I walk on this sidewalk daily and rest assured I don't plan on seeing this every day. 

While Walking Sunny, I pulled out my cell phone and I called the Watergate Hotel. I encouraged their management to walk to the sidewalk to see the graffiti and most importantly to do something about it. I said if they don't, I will call the city! The hotel took my name and phone number and I told them I was a concerned resident of Foggy Bottom. 

I am not sure what is worse..... the graffiti itself or the fact that NO ONE noticed it other than me. I stopped to photograph it for proof and literally people walked passed this horror without even looking at it or reacting!!! How on earth is that even possible???????????????

Meanwhile, back to the Foundation's Walk. Today's grand total is $69,568 or 82% of our goal! I am recording our daily total for my records, so I have this data to guide me next year, as I panic every year before the Walk

Flyers about the Mattie Miracle Walk have gone up all over Alexandria, VA today. My friend Mary and her two girls, Abby and Emily, take on this important task every year. It's a lot of legwork, but very necessary as it increases visibility about our event. 

This is Emily!

This is Abby. Both Emily and Abby went to preschool with Mattie. I know most preschoolers do not remember their friends from that long ago. But what I appreciate is that my friends (their moms) keep Mattie's memory alive for their children and as a result the children become involved each year in the Walk. 

Our Mattie Miracle Walk flyer.