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!

Champion's Week

Where does one start with the week of September 16 to 22?   Thank you to the official sponsors (I can't remember them all, but to name just a few --  Delta, Chico's-FAS, Wal*Mart, Disney, Duracell, Rite-Aid, Speedway and Marriott -- it was the trip of a lifetime!   We'd also like to thank the people at Del Frisco's in Washington DC -- you treated us so special at dinner and we will never forget that!  Ok, this is the first of several posts, because there is just so much to say.  Our week began in Washington DC on Sunday, September 16 with a warm welcome reception.  Kyla got to meet pilots from Delta Airlines, the title sponsor for our week - nothing quite as exciting then to meet some real life pilots!

Dairy Queen supports CMN Hospitals

Today, July 26, Dairy Queens from around the country are doing a fundraising drive -- for each Blizzard sold, participating DQs are making a contribution to CMN Hospitals.   This is incredibly generous.  Today, our family visited one of the local participating DQs.  The owner and employees of the Richmond, Virginia store on Parham Road were incredibly kind and generous, as were employees representing Dairy Queen Virginia Corporate headquarters.   We took the time to tell everyone about Kyla's medical journey and Kyla told them about the importance of CMN hospitals and how they are unique and different from traditional hospitals with some pediatric care.  And, Kyla got to help make her own Blizzard!

Lemon-Aid!!

Today was the kick off celebration for the Anthem "Lemon-Aid" event.  From Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22, people all over the Richmond area will be hosting lemonade stands with all proceeds going to pediatric cancer research at our local CMN hospital -- Richmond Children's Hospital.   Kyla participated in the kick off, at which local radio and television helped bring attention to this wonderful event.  

Kyla and CMN Hospitals Supporters in local paper

We were thrilled to see that Kyla and CMN Hospitals supporters were featured in our local paper.  The story is below:


Hanover girl featured on special Kellogg’s boxes Published: July 05, 2012

 

Photo submitted by Matt Brady
Kyla Roerty of Hanover County autographed boxes of Frosted Flakes with Tony the Tiger for guests at the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It boxes event.

Contributed Report
news@mechlocal.com

Food Lion stores are exclusively carrying specially-designed Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts® and Cheez-It® boxes.

Kyla Roerty of Hanover County joined Tony the Tiger in unveiling the packages and signing autographs.

Kellogg is donating $1 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for every four boxes sold, up to $50,000.

Kyla, who is being treated at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, joins four other patients selected for the event.

She battles cerebral palsy and was treated at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU in Richmond.

The other children are being treated for: leukemia at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; a rare blood disorder at Vidant Children’s Hospital in Greenville, N.C.; a heart defect at The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, Md.; and leukemia at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia, S.C.

“These inspiring pediatric patients are just five of the 17 million kids treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals each year,” said John Lauck, president and CEO, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “We are so pleased that Food Lion and Kellogg Company are working together to help share the message that children’s hospitals rely on community support and to raise much-needed funds that will benefit millions of kids.”

A Special Day

Yesterday was a very special day for Kyla.   Through the generosity of Food Lion grocery stores and Kellogg's, Kyla's picture and her CMN Hospitals Champion's story will be featured on S'Mores Pop Tart boxes and Kellogg's Frosted Flakes sold in Food Lion stores.  The Champions for other states on the east coast where Food Lion has stores will likewise be featured on Pop Tarts boxes and Frosted Flakes.  And, for each box of the Pop Tarts and Frosted Flakes sold, 25 cents will be donated to CMN Hospitals!   The kick off for this program was held yesterday at the Forest Hill Avenue Food Lion store.  We had a great turn out, with CMN Hospitals' generous partners, ACE Hardware, Kellogg's and Food Lion all represented.   Kyla had her picture taken with the Food Lion mascot and "Tony the Tiger", autographed Pop Tarts and Frosted Flakes boxes for customers, and did an interview with our local ABC affiliate, Channel 8.  Channel 8 generously featured a news story on Kyla and the importance of the CMN Hospitals.

Recognizing those who help CMN Hospitals

On Saturday, June 2nd, Kyla was asked to be a "guest bagger" at the Brook Road Walmart store, because the management, employees and customers of that store raised more money than any other area Walmart store for CMN Hospitals!  Kyla's family and another great family from Richmond Children's Hospital were on site to greet customers, thank the employees and to help out at the cash registers by bagging groceries and putting them in the customers' carts.   As you can see, Kyla was right at home being an ambassador for CMN Hospitals and our local CMN hospital.  Everyone -- management, employees and customers -- were so warm and welcoming and it was a great experience.   Many customers stopped by the local CMN hospital table to make additional contributions.   Thank you all!

Helping Kids with Cancer

For the past decade during the summer months, kids in Richmond have had lemonade stands where the money they raise goes towards pediatric cancer research.  2012 is no exception, with money from the Anthem LemonAid fundraiser going towards the pediatric oncology clinic at our local CMN hospital -- Richmond Children's Hospital.  Yesterday, they filmed the television commercial promoting the fundraiser, which will air next month.   Kyla joined a group of other Richmond Children's Hospital patients to appear in the commercial.  Everyone had a great time, as this photo shows!

Thanking those who support CMN Hospitals

Last week, Kyla, her Mom and Rachel from Richmond Children's Hospital went to the West Broad Street Costco store to thank them for their tireless fundraising efforts on behalf of Children's Hospital and CMN Hospitals.   The employees treated Kyla so well and were so supportive.  They even made Kyla an honorary Costco employee!   Here is her badge.  Thank you, Costco!!!

In action at the Challenger World Series

Our World Series

This weekend, we head to Norfolk/Virginia Beach for the 2012 Challenger (Baseball) Worldwide Jamboree.   Once again, the great people of the Azalea Little League (Norfolk) are hosting this event.  According to several sources, close to 100 teams from across the US and perhaps even outside the US will gather for a weekend baseball tournament.  Of course, unlike the Major League World Series, every team and every child who participates is a winner.  The joy that these special children get from being able to participate in a baseball jamboree is priceless.   Kyla is all set with her pink batting helmet, pink bat and pink batting gloves -- don't be misled by her good fashion sense though, this girl takes her baseball seriously!  We have some very exciting events upcoming to bring well deserved attention to our CMN Hospitals and our Children's Hospital: an appearance at Costco to thank the winning store for raising the most money for CMN Hospitals on May 18; the taping of a commercial on May 22nd to promote a major fundraiser for the Hospital; being a 'celebrity bagger' at the local Wal*Mart store that raises the most money for CMN Hospitals on June 2nd; and an appearance at our local Food Lion grocery store on June 6th to support their initiative to highlight CMN Hospitals Champions on the back of Pop Tarts and Frosted Flakes boxes!

Kids have a great perspective

Just the other day, Kyla told us that she was upset, because the kids (all with special needs) were going to be judged and given scores in an upcoming performance and a winner was going to be chosen.   We asked her why she was upset and she said that all the kids were winners and one kid shouldn't be singled out.  Kids have a great perspective, don't they?  

This story was shared by a spectator at another event involving kids with special needs:

WHAT MATTERS IN LIFE

(Author Unknown)

Some people understand life better.

*************

At the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or
mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.

At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish
to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled
over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry.

They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went
back every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed
him and said,"This will make it better."

Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

Everyone in the stadium stood, the cheering went on for several minutes.

People who were there are still telling the story... Why? Because deep
down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning
for ourselves.

What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means
slowing down and changing our course.

Helping others

Some disabled children and adults can't speak for themselves so I want to speak for them -- Kyla R.

Bouncing back from surgery

It is hard to believe that just 6 months ago, Kyla had major reconstructive surgery on her legs.  Since then, she's resumed horseback riding, played Challenger basketball, and started up another season of Challenger baseball.  We are so proud of you, Kyla!  Love, Daddy

Kyla's Story

Kyla
Age 10
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegia

Cruising down the hospital hallway, Kyla picks up various objects with her tiny toes. With a goal to resume unassisted walking, Kyla is always on an adventure through the hospital hallways on her therapy bike. Nothing can stop her from doing the things she loves.

After experiencing spasticity in both of her legs, Kyla was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 2003. Struggling to crawl, walk and even stand, Kyla’s family pursued an aggressive treatment regimen that included spinal surgery.

Kyla continues to combat cerebral palsy with her physical therapy participation and staying active. She runs from extracurricular activities to shopping trips and never fails to find the opportunities to improve her health in every situation.

In the years to come, Kyla hopes to be a spokesperson on cerebral palsy and inspire others to invest in research for cures and treatments.

She looks forward to someday running down her hospital’s halls, completely unassisted, showing everyone her goal has been met.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions

Champions is a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals program that brings attention to the important work being done at its 170 children’s hospitals. It does this by honoring 54 remarkable kids who have faced severe medical challenges, and helping them tell their stories.

The Champions program designates a child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2012 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, organ transplants and traumas, as well as various types of cancer.

The Champions travel for a week in September, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state representatives on Capitol Hill and visit the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. While there, Champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals corporate partners, hospital representatives and media partners. These groups  convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.