Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion—most of it $1 at a time—for 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
Right now there’s a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital working to save the lives of kids in your community. In fact, 62 children enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment every minute — that’s one child every second. Some are battling cancer. Some are suffering from a traumatic injury. Others require constant care because they were born too early, or with a genetic disease. Regardless of why the kids are there, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals always have their doors open.
My first experience with the Children’s Miracle Network was late this past summer at the Family Forward Conference at Universal Studios in Orlando. There was a family that was part of the network, and my family was lucky enough to work with them on an arts project, and then we were randomly picked to take a guided tour of the parks with them later that weekend. We had a great time with Nathan and his family. Yes, that is him pictured above with Miss America Organization 2015’s Kira Kazantsev, on stage at the Miss Florida pageant.
And we learned a lot. Nathan is living with a very dangerous condition. One that does not have a high survival rate, if any. He had a wheel chair that he used most of the time, and an oxygen tank. And then my husband said he felt so bad for this little boy.
I have worked with folks with various illnesses throughout the years and had already learned what my spouse needed to learn. We spent a weekend with this family and the biggest lesson for all of us, was that Nathan does not live his life like he is dying. He actually lives his every day life with more vim and vigor than most of us. Nothing holds this kid back from life’s experiences. He does more with his day then many of us do in a week or month. He puts himself out there, into the world, as you can see above, and also as a spokesperson with his family for the Children’s Miracle Network. We could all learn from his example.
There is a lot for all of us to learn, as my family learned from this young boy, and for that I will always be grateful. I am also very happy to support this great cause with ways everyone to help!
You can help in several ways:
1. Chico’s will donate $10 from every $25 purchase of it’s gold or silver Miracle Necklace:
2. White House Black Market will donate $15 from every $30 purchase of their Convertible Miracles Necklace:
3. #BandTogetherForKids! You can get your own holiday-edition Miracle band for a minimum donation of $5/month to your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, and donate directly as well. Check the Children’s Miracle Network website for more information!
Disclosure: I received the above two necklaces as a courtesy. All opinions are always 100% honest and our own.
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