CMN Hospitals

This week (March 20-27) is Childrens Hospitals Week. I thought I would take a minute to talk about Children's Miracle Network and how important it is. A year and a half ago I didn't know a lot about this incredible organization and how much it would come to mean to our family.  Children's Miracle Network raises money for 170 member hospitals across the US and Canada. Donations stay local and help with medical treatment, equipment, research, and other programs in the hospital.  62 children enter a CMN hospital every minute!

When we were asked to speak last year at Dance Marathon, I took some time to learn about CMN and was blown away. We have since spoken numerous times and I continue to be blown away by the people I meet and all of the ways CMN helps local hospitals. For us, Cook's Child Life Program and our beloved therapy dogs are funded through CMN. But I think the most important aspect for me is that it impacts everyone.

As a little girl and through the years my biggest dream was to be a mother. I had no idea that this is what motherhood would look like for me! I love my little family, but this is not exactly how my childhood fantasies looked! Whether you are a family like mine with a genetic condition, a family who has an accident, or a family who receives a cancer diagnosis, CMN helps us all. Sickness and accidents can impact anyone of us and bring us to the hospital. So many organizations help one specific disease or population. I love that CMN is for everyone. If you ever have the opportunity to support Childrens Miracle Network, please do. The staff, the celebrities, the volunteers are some of the most selfless, dedicated individuals I have had the honor of knowing.

As for my crew...Maddy took some huge steps forward this week as she is finally more comfortable walking!  Alex had acting and violin and continues to love participating in these activities. We have a normal week this week and then Mimi and PopPop come visit. We can't wait for them to get here next Saturday!

These last two are of Maddy with her beloved Ralphie! Ralph and Kizzy (Ralph's Handler) are Maddy's very favorite people at the hospital. Ralph and the other 4 Therapy Dogs were obtained through the Sit, Stay, Play program that is funded through Children's Miracle Network Donations.