Torch Relay

CMNH's Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU held its Torch Relay event (these walks/runs have been held by CMNH hospitals around the country to support the kids treated by our CMNH member hospitals) on Halloween.   We had a terrific turn out.  We were so thrilled that Kyla got to join Miss Virginia to lead the Torch Relay participants and to tell those in attendance about our great experience at Children's Hospital!

Walmart Miracle Challenge

The great people from Walmart and Sam's Club really outdid themselves, hosting a go-cart style race day in the infield of the Richmond International Raceway in order to raise awareness of CMNH and to raise funds for our CMNH kids.   Kyla spoke to the participants about the important work CMNH is doing and got to wave the green flag to start the championship race!

Day 6 and 7 Champions Week

On Day 6, we got to meet all of the generous sponsors of CMNH at the pin exchange.  We marched into the ball room at Coronado Springs to be greeted by hundreds of people representing CMNH and their sponsors all applauding and welcoming our kids.  What a touching, moving experience.  In the next two hours, we had the opportunity to meet these incredible people and thank them for all they have done for us.  We took a picture of Kyla at her "station".   After this, we spent several hours at Epcot on our own, and then returned to the hotel for a dinner and then an Award ceremony.  Again, we were completed surprised!  Nick Cannon was the surprise host of the night's events and the 2 plus hour event was just spectacular.  Jordin Sparks did a great job singing and entertaining and we were thrilled that our new friends at Delta Airlines got to hand the kids their awards!  On Day 7, we were greeted at the Orlando airport by Delta staff who recognized our kids as CMNH Champions and again on the plane, the pilot recognized our kids.  As if that were not enough, when we arrived into Atlanta to change planes, Delta employees met us, recognized each CMNH Champion on the flight and allowed us to wait in the Sky Lounge before taking us to our home bound flight.  

Thank you to all!  What a "never to be forgotten" week.  Delta Airlines -- you are the best!

Day 5 Champions Week

Still on a high from seeing the President, taking a charter flight to Disney and the red carpet treatment, we woke up at 5 am on Thursday, September 20, to get on a 6 am bus to the Magic Kingdom.   To be in the park before anyone else gets there was really, really special.  Kyla had both radio and tv interviews to promote the importance of CMNH in the lives of kids.  Mark Wills (radio interviews) and Miss America (tv interviews) were both so great and made Kyla feel at ease.   Our local radio station in Richmond, Lite 98, posted a story about Kyla and posted her interview.   We decided to post pictures of Kyla/Mark and Kyla/Miss America doing their interviews.  Another spectacular experience!

Day 4 Champions Week

Wednesday, September 19th!  What can one begin to say about this day!  We got to tour the White House, got to meet both the presidential dog and President Obama himself, and Delta provided a chartered flight to Orlando!   Oh, and did we mention that the President gave the kids' high fives and hugs!  If all that were not enough, when we arrived at Coronado Springs Resort in Disney, we were greeted by a massive reception, complete with red carpet exit off of the bus and entry into the resort (how does one ever forget a day like this!!)   We are posting a picture from the White House and of the Delta charter.  I hope others will post pictures as well, because it was just a spectacular day!

Day 3 Champions Week

The folks at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals gave us a free day to enjoy Washington on Tuesday, September 18th.  We chose to take a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to see how money is made and then to go to Arlington National Cemetery.   We visiting President Kennedy's gravesite and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  This was incredibly powerful and the view (see picture) from Arlington House is spectacular. After a brief rest, we decided to eat dinner at Del Frisco's.   Once Tom Howard (an employee at Del Frisco's and supporter of CMNH) found out that Kyla was in town for Champion's Week, all kinds of wonderful things happened -- the highlight was free dessert, though Kyla's Dad and Mom thought that receiving a menu signed by the entire staff at Del Frisco's was the highlight! 

Day 2 Champions Week

On September 17 (Day 2), we woke up to join the other champion families for a wonderful welcome breakfast.  We were shocked to find out that Miss America and Mark Wills would be joining us for the whole week.  Mark started us out on an inspiring note with a beautiful song and then, we were off to the the US Capitol!  On the way to the Capitol, the President of the United States was flying into the South Lawn of the White House -- did you our friends at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals set that up?  I guess we'll never know!!   We had a photo shoot in front of the Capitol and then had a lunch at the Capitol, capped off by a visit with Senator Warner's staff and a tour of the Capitol.  If that weren't enough for one day, we ended the day with a private reception at the Air and Space Museum.  What a Day!