Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The phone call

When I got the phone call that Madison was chosen as the Chamion for 2010 I was ecstatic! I could not believe that my sweet girl had been recognized in such a way! Of course, I knew that she was amazing... but I was overwhelmed at the thought of being a part of such a group.

About 30 seconds later, I admitted to Nicole (our friend at CMN that called) that I didn't know that this program even existed. I needed more information! So she told me about the program and the travels involved. As soon as I heard her say "DC" I lost my breath. And then Disneyworld... I knew Madison would lose her breath over that one.

I knew that I couldn't mention any of this to Madison. Since I was next door to my church I parked and let her visit with the staff while I used their phone to get more information from Nicole.

One of the hardest things for me is keeping it a secret from Madison. I am not good at that- we are very open with her and keep very few secrets from her, just as we expect from her. But I knew that this was a secret I would have to keep- if nothing else, to keep her from asking me 'when are we going?' a 100 times a day!

So we will wait patiently until the big announcement. I am not sure how I am going to get her there or what I am going to tell her. I know that if we tell her it is a fundraiser for the hospital she will quickly agree... she loves raising money for 'the sick babies'.

I hope that our friends will be able to join us in congratulating Madison and help her on this journey.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Madison's Story

Madison
Age 6
Kawasaki Disease

Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children

For most children, coming down with an occasional virus is part of childhood. When Madison, then age 3, developed swollen lymph nodes, bloodshot eyes, a rash and a 105.1 degree fever, her mom knew it was more than a childhood illness. Madison was rushed to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children and diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, an illness that affects less than 20 in 100,000 children in the United States. If not treated within five days of outbreak, the complications skyrocket: Kawasaki disease can lead to heart attack or become fatal.

Madison received immediate treatment. The required IV regimen normally takes around 10 hours, but Madison's blood pressure kept dropping dangerously low. Doctors had to stop, get her pressure back to normal, then resume the IV treatment. The procedure took 18 hours, followed by numerous visits and outpatient treatments.

But Madison, now 6 years old, is a survivor. She has less than a 2 percent chance of relapse and the only indication of what she's been through is her passion for life. After coming so close to death, she and her family have learned to live every moment to the fullest. Madison also gained a compassionate spirit, and she is always showing love to those in need of kindness.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

About Walmart and Sam’s Club

Wal-Mart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1987. Since then, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked tirelessly together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $500 million for children’s hospitals during the 23 year relationship. This is the second year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions program.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club

Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club is a Children's Miracle Network program that brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children who have faced severe medical challenges.

The Champions program designates a champion child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals every year. The 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.

As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June to Washington, D.C., where champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. The family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.