Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 -- Mattie died 523 weeks ago today. 

Tonight's picture was taken on October 26, 2003. Mattie was a year and a half old and very intrigued by Patches, our cat. As you can see, Mattie wanted to touch or grab the cat. Patches was very perceptive and knew how to protect herself without hurting Mattie. Given his noise, running around, and antics, she never tried to scratch Mattie. She never hissed at him either. Somehow she got it, that he was an important member of the family and she had to behave. 





Quote of the day: Generosity isn’t an act. It’s a way of life. ~  Chip Ingram

So you maybe asking yourself, who is this fellow? This is Dr. Ryan Candelora, my parent's dentist. My parents dentist retired and Ryan took over the practice. Keep in mind that my parents asked our long time family dentist (OF MANY MANY YEARS) and I have asked my own dentist in Washington, DC to support the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation. Forget it, we have gotten no where with either of them! When my parents met Ryan, they told him our story and his response was he wanted to help. Ryan in my opinion lives out tonight's quote. Generosity for him isn't an act but his way of life. If he were in DC, I would switch dentist's immediately. 

I had the opportunity to talk to Ryan by phone about two months ago. It was a great call and frankly he got Mattie Miracle's psychosocial mission right away. I did not have to do much explaining. On the call I highlighted our free snack and item carts that we fund at local hospitals and told Ryan that we are always in need of toothbrushes. The thing is, if you have to unexpectedly take your child to the hospital, you land up focusing on getting to the hospital and not on items you need to bring with you.... like toiletries and a toothbrush. Which is why these items on our carts are considered true gifts. 

Look at the box Ryan mailed to me this week. It is filled with 432 toothbrushes. But it gets better. He will be sending me 400+ toothbrushes every 6 months! Indefinitely! Leaves you speechless no? I provided the same information and written request to my dentist, and I feel the only thing it accomplished was it took up space in his office's dead letter pile! 

Rather ironic, that I need to get connected to a California dentist to get our East Coast carts stocked with toothbrushes. Needless to say, we are very honored to be working with Ryan and are grateful that he is helping us live out our mission.