Mattie Miracle Walk 2023 was a $131,249 success!

Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation Promotional Video

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to us that you take the time to write to us and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful to us and help support us through very challenging times. To you we are forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically stop writing on September 9, 2010. However, at the moment, I feel like our journey with grief still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with us, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.


As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki and Peter



The Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation celebrates its 7th anniversary!

The Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation was created in the honor of Mattie.

We are a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. We are dedicated to increasing childhood cancer awareness, education, advocacy, research and psychosocial support services to children, their families and medical personnel. Children and their families will be supported throughout the cancer treatment journey, to ensure access to quality psychosocial and mental health care, and to enable children to cope with cancer so they can lead happy and productive lives. Please visit the website at: www.mattiemiracle.com and take some time to explore the site.

We have only gotten this far because of people like yourself, who have supported us through thick and thin. So thank you for your continued support and caring, and remember:

.... Let's Make the Miracle Happen and Stomp Out Childhood Cancer!

A Remembrance Video of Mattie

June 2, 2021

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2008. That weekend we took Mattie to the Cardboard Boat Regatta in Lake Accotink. I have never seen anything like this, but it was creative enough, that I knew it would be right up Mattie's alley! Mattie was intrigued by all the handmade cardboard boats, and I believe if he never got cancer, he and Peter would have signed up for this competition. 


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

  • Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 33,217,582
  • Number of people who died from the virus: 593,276

Last night the group wanted to go to Menemsha Beach to see the sunsetting into the water. Apparently Menemsha is known for its glorious unobstructed sunsets. On the beach is this incredibly long stone wall. When in Menemsha, one walks along this stone wall! So I did it! I walked along, which was actually quite easy given how flat the stones are. 
The bluffs on the island are filled with rose hips. It is a stunning site and equally fragrant. I do not think I have ever seen sand dunes like this, so full of vegetation. 
I think most people who know me well, would consider me a foodie. But I realize not everyone is like me, and therefore, when traveling with a group, you need to go with the flow. So we had appetizers along the beach last night for dinner. 
Some of us in the group and of course the food. 
The beauty of the sunset!
I have to admit that I am a challenged sleeper since Mattie died. I need just the right conditions to sleep. I was up until 3am last night and got up at 7. Many things explain my sleep issues, but one of which was the terrible lighting at the hotel. We were in a cottage that was surrounded by outdoor lights. Lights that are kept on all night for security. I totally appreciate it, but the room never got dark, and therefore, that was a trigger for me. 
When we checked into the hotel yesterday, the person at the front desk was pleasant enough but did not handle our concerns well. We rented a cottage, but when we got into it, the beds were not set up like advertised. Which is important when traveling with a bunch a women. When we reported the problem, the front desk staff person listened but did nothing about it. Despite me asking!

My traveling companions moved on regarding this issue, but I didn't. So this morning, I went back to the front desk. I worked with Carlos, the front desk supervisor. What a night and day difference. He told me that the person we dealt with yesterday was fired. Not just because of us, but for multiple issues. I can see why! 

Carlos upgraded our cottage to a three bedroom cottage, he has given us free drinks and appetizers for tonight, and has helped me make dinner reservations for tomorrow night. Oh and late check out on Friday. He is a truly professional and because he provided us outstanding service I called the Hotel's general manager to share my kudos this afternoon. 


We went for a walk along the beach this morning in front of the hotel. The sand is filled with all kinds of shells and even this hermit crab. Who we assisted back to the water. 


Around lunch time, we went to a restaurant called, Among the Flowers. You can see how charming the outdoor patio is and the food is excellent. I had a summer salad with grilled chicken, which was very fresh and well put together. 
Apparently today is the last sunny day. Tomorrow and Friday, we will be dealing with clouds and rain. Which is unfortunate, because I feel like I haven't really seen the island. It means I need to come back with Peter. 

Check out these beautiful peonies! The island is filled with trees, all kinds of flowers, red winged black birds, of course seagulls, and lots of lots of rabbits. 

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