Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2007. Look at that happy face??? Mattie loved this big kiddie pool we had on our deck. I remember pool time..... it wasn't just about getting wet. Instead, Mattie would bring many of his toys out, throw them in the water, and design all sorts of play schemes around them and the water.
Quote of the day: The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places. ~ Ernest Hemingway
A few weeks ago, I was connected to a child with cancer who is being treated at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. He was referred to us by a fellow childhood cancer non-profit. I learned that this 9 year old boy wants to go into law enforcement or the military. In fact, he loves visits from these extraordinary service providers.
Though Mattie Miracle typically doesn't work one on one with a child and family, I decided to step beyond our mission and try to support this family. Especially since fellow advocates asked us to get involved. I gave it a lot of thought as to who to reach out to in order to request visits from law enforcement and service members. Thankfully, my friendship circle is vast. I credit that to Mattie in all honesty! While Mattie was ill, I met the most incredible people in our community who stepped up to make the impossible, slightly more bearable for us. Mind you I did not know most of the members of Team Mattie in the beginning, but over 14 months of Mattie's treatment, some became very close friends of mine.
I will never forget toward the end of Mattie's journey, his care community wanted to grant him a wish. Something we could do as a family to make lasting memories. Several people knew Mattie loved boats and wanted to be ship captain. I can't tell you all the amazing outings that were planned for Mattie. One of which included boarding an aircraft carrier, meeting the crew, and the captain. Unfortunately Mattie wasn't physically well enough and emotionally was too fragile, therefore, we never got to visit the aircraft carrier. I have learned with childhood cancer, that if a child wants to do something, you do it. You don't wait for remission or for stability (which is actually what was recommended to us, but I think it's bad advice). Which is why I want to find ways to grant this little boy's wishes for visits.
So what did I do? I reached out to three friends. One works for the National Capitol Police, another is a Sergeant in the Army, and my third friend was in the Navy. I can't tell you what these three amazing individuals have accomplished so far! Everything from personal visits, gifts of military badges, hats, t-shirts, and even lunch at the Pentagon. Truly remarkable the community that we have, who not only supported us with Mattie, but are there to help us carry out the mission of the Foundation!
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