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