I know I need to update the page regarding our amazing trip to Florida and Washington. There is still so much to process and my heart is beginning to ache because I am missing so many wonderful people we met and got to know over the past week. So anyway, this is a news story Mike Manhatton from WTOC-11 filmed of our medal ceremony.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
We Made It!
This is such an awesome experience and we have only been here 5 hours. The wonderful people from CMN and Disney are the most brilliant people I have met to date. Knowing that we would all come in dragging from flying from all over the country, they had a wonderful area set up for the kids to play and have a good time while the adults ironed out the details. And Matthew was able to show everyone why we call him "Hurricane". Just imagine a bowling set as tall as he is (3 foot) and a wound up 3 year old. Mayhem ensued but it was a blast to watch. There was also a tall Jenga set and tower of buckets that stood no chance.
All the children we have been able to meet so far are more precious than I can say. All you can do is marvel in the miracles that children's hospitals around our country accomplish every day. It is an honor to be included with the other 52 Champions!
Here is the view from our room at the Contemporary:
Tonight all we had the energy to do was go downstairs to eat and then we watched the fireworks from our room. (That alone is an experience of a lifetime!)
Here is what happened 5 minutes later:
We cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. (Other than more of those fabulous chocolate covered cashew clusters they have downstairs. Evil I tell you!)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Our Miracle Story from Last Year's Telethon
I still cry, in gratitude, to this day watching this. I don't think we will ever be able to convey how grateful we are to the staff at Memorial Health University Medical Center for saving our babies.
http://www.youtube.com/user/MemorialHealth#p/u/11/3NPyNyZ-zTU
http://www.youtube.com/user/MemorialHealth#p/u/11/3NPyNyZ-zTU
CMN Marathon Promo
Here is the promo that will start running for the Telethon on June 4th. Craig at WTOC did an amazing job.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90IHIsTHxGA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90IHIsTHxGA
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Luncheon to Kick Off Miracle Stories for 2011
Yesterday, we attended a luncheon to honor this year's Miracle Children from the Children's Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. The three families that were choosen this year have such amazing stories to tell. Just try not falling in love with these kids when you watch the video.
Luncheon kicks off CMN efforts
Luncheon kicks off CMN efforts
Our Launch on May 3rd - Sam's Club Pooler
The launch for the State of Georgia was held at the Sam's Club Store in Pooler. Not only was it a great location, but our Sam's Club was Number 1 out of all the Sam's in the nation for raising funds for CMN. That's right #1! I have no doubt that they will repeat that honor again this year.
This is Bill Lee. He is the Vice President for the Children's Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. He is passionate about children's health and an advocate for the children in our community.
This is Dr. Eric Pearlman. He is a Neurologist and the Medical Director for the Children's Hospital. He saw both Matthew and Stephen in the NICN and continues seeing Matthew to this day. The Children's Hospital is blessed to have a physician like him. As a side note, Matthew asks to play with Dr. Pearlman at least once a week.
Cory Coile is the manager for the Sam's Club in Pooler. It was such a pleasure meeting him.
Here we are with Kevin and Lavern, fundraisers extraordinaire. These two are the powerhouse team that drive the fundraising efforts at Sam's. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all that you all do!
Here I am trying to speak without crying. Did not make it. That is one of my personal goals. Making it through our boys' story without bawling. However, if more money is raised, I will continue blubbering.
Stephen with his gift card. He was not letting it go for anything!
And neither was Matthew.
We wrapped up the event with a television interview with WTOC - Savannah. WTOC is another huge supporter of the Children's Miracle Network.
We had an amazing time at the launch and continue to be astounded by this experience.
This is Bill Lee. He is the Vice President for the Children's Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. He is passionate about children's health and an advocate for the children in our community.
This is Dr. Eric Pearlman. He is a Neurologist and the Medical Director for the Children's Hospital. He saw both Matthew and Stephen in the NICN and continues seeing Matthew to this day. The Children's Hospital is blessed to have a physician like him. As a side note, Matthew asks to play with Dr. Pearlman at least once a week.
Cory Coile is the manager for the Sam's Club in Pooler. It was such a pleasure meeting him.
Here we are with Kevin and Lavern, fundraisers extraordinaire. These two are the powerhouse team that drive the fundraising efforts at Sam's. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all that you all do!
Here I am trying to speak without crying. Did not make it. That is one of my personal goals. Making it through our boys' story without bawling. However, if more money is raised, I will continue blubbering.
Stephen with his gift card. He was not letting it go for anything!
And neither was Matthew.
We wrapped up the event with a television interview with WTOC - Savannah. WTOC is another huge supporter of the Children's Miracle Network.We had an amazing time at the launch and continue to be astounded by this experience.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Thank You
We are so honored that our boys have been chosen to represent the Children's Hospitals in the State of Georgia, especially our hospital, The Children's Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center. We are also humbled that Stephen and Matthew are included in such an amazing group of children across the United States. After reading the Miracle Stories from the other 49 states and District of Columbia, Tim and I are blown away by the grace and courage displayed by all the Champions. We cannot wait to meet each and every family.
Please join us on our journey as the Champion Family for Georgia. Without the love and support of our family and friends, doctors, nurses, therapists and community, we would not be as blessed as we are today.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
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 51 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 nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2011 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 October, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals sponsors, hospital representatives and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Champions program designates a child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the nearly 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2011 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 October, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals sponsors, hospital representatives and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Stephen and Matthew's Story
Stephen and Matthew
Age 3
Georgia
Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center
Severe Prematurity
Tim and Dana Huffman were told that they would never be able to conceive, so they were overjoyed to learn they were pregnant with twins. That joy was cut short when, four months before her due date, Dana went into labor. Stephen and Matthew came into the world at 24 weeks gestation, each weighing less than one-and-a-half pounds. The family was in for the fight for their lives.
The tiny babies faced a host of medical problems. Both were anemic and needed multiple blood transfusions. Their organs were not fully developed – especially their vulnerable lungs and eyes. Both babies suffered ventricular brain bleeds. Stephen’s was categorized as a II and Matthew’s a IV, which is considered catastrophic. Doctors told the Huffmans the boys would face life long health and developmental problems. Matthew may never walk or speak.
But both boys were fighters and after three months in the NICU, they finally went home. Now toddlers, you would never guess all that they had gone through. Although Matthew wears glasses, their early medical struggles have been overcome. Today, Stephen and Matthew are active little boys that keep their parents constantly on the move. They are truly miracles in every way.
Age 3
Georgia
Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center
Severe Prematurity
Tim and Dana Huffman were told that they would never be able to conceive, so they were overjoyed to learn they were pregnant with twins. That joy was cut short when, four months before her due date, Dana went into labor. Stephen and Matthew came into the world at 24 weeks gestation, each weighing less than one-and-a-half pounds. The family was in for the fight for their lives.
The tiny babies faced a host of medical problems. Both were anemic and needed multiple blood transfusions. Their organs were not fully developed – especially their vulnerable lungs and eyes. Both babies suffered ventricular brain bleeds. Stephen’s was categorized as a II and Matthew’s a IV, which is considered catastrophic. Doctors told the Huffmans the boys would face life long health and developmental problems. Matthew may never walk or speak.
But both boys were fighters and after three months in the NICU, they finally went home. Now toddlers, you would never guess all that they had gone through. Although Matthew wears glasses, their early medical struggles have been overcome. Today, Stephen and Matthew are active little boys that keep their parents constantly on the move. They are truly miracles in every way.
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