Grateful

I have spent all day thinking of what I want to say...How do you express gratitude for time spent, for love given, for selflessness, for lessons taught. Last year we were asked to participate in Dance Marathon and we had no idea how much it would come to mean to us. How much we would grow to love our girls at the Cook Children's Health Foundation. How much we would appreciate a group of College Students. How much FUN we would have! For me as a Mom it is so important that Alex (and Maddy) not only see all of the hard times and heartache associated with having Mitochondrial Disease, but also the many blessings. Over the years the blessings have been plenty and I love the opportunity to teach the kids to look for the positive in all situations. The greatest blessing has been the amazing people we have met on our journey. From friends all across the country, to doctors and nurses, child life staff, celebrities and the many people who give of their time, energy and money to support our family and our hospital.

As we geared up for TCU Dance marathon this year it was with so much excitement as we knew some of our "friends" would be there. Maddy and Alex had the most incredible time. Alex wanted to stay way longer then planned and we dragged Maddy out kicking and screaming! The students were so welcoming and loving. Between Alex and his "dream team" and Maddy and her girl with the bumble bee ears, the kids were surrounded with love.

 Alex, Haylie, Jenny and Tanner

 Alex and Maddy having a balloon fight

 Alex playing a Virtual Reality Game

 Alex and Grant, one of the VP's of Cook Children's

 Maddy and one of "her girls"

 Alex's dream team

 Maddy and Eileen, family relations director

 Alex and his best bud, Tanner

Alex and Jenny, Dance Marathon Manager for CMN

I always think that finding ways to give and help others is important, but I am humbled by the generosity of these college students who give so much of their time and energy to help raise money for Cook Children's. My hope is that Alex and I , through our speech, were able to express a little of our gratitude and help these precious kids see the difference they are making for so many families in the DFW area. I hope we can all look at these young adults and strive to love and serve as they do.

Ali

PS- Did I mention they raised $90,000 for Cook Children's!!!!