Yesterday was such a fantastic day. The first part of the morning we headed over to the Spy Museum. What a fun museum. The kids definitely thought this was the best. After that museum, we had time to tour Fords Theater. While in Washington D.C. we had to see the place where Lincoln was shot. Kids thought it was sooo interesting.
Later that day all 50 families met at 1pm for our tour of the White House and the meet and greet with the President. Security took a long time with all the families but once we got in the White House we toured all the rooms on one floor. We took so many pictures. The red room, the blue room, the green room the dining room. WOW so fun! Then at 3pm all the kids sat on steps and waited for their chance to see Pres. Obama. While the kids waited, David Archuleta was there to meet the kids and sing a song. Carson and Cassidy were so excited about David. Not that we really watch American Idol but what kid doesn't love David Arch. Right at 3pm in walks Pres. Obama. He was sooo great with the kids. He allowed the kids to ask questions and he had so many great answers. He was so patient with the kids. The kids had a group photo with the President and then he walked all around shaking all of the Champion kids hands. WOW Carson said "Mom it almost didn't seem real to me while it was happening". So exciting. Then the President came over to the parents side and starting shaking all of our hands. I can't believe I shook Pres. Obama's hand. One of the greatest days of our lives. I tell you this is an experience that will be tough to top in our lives.
At about 4pm we all boarded the bus again and headed over to see the Washington Nationals baseball game. Before the game, we had an End of D.C. party for the kids. Hot dogs, Hamburgers, chips and sodas. All of the children got up and stage for an award and picture. Then we all went as a group to watch the baseball game. My kids were thrilled because David Archuleta was sitting right behind us. I am not sure how much of the game they saw because they were looking behind most of the time. Pete and I had a great time at the baseball game. Plus it was so fun to be there with all of the families.
It is kind of sad because the trip is over and we really just starting getting to know all of these families. The kids just starting making friends and now they had to leave. But what is so wonderful is that they will all be back in November. All the families will meet up again at Walt Disney World. YEAH!!! We are excited because we will be the host family!!
I have to say it was such a wonderful experience. We are so proud to be the Champion Family from the Sunshine State. We are so grateful to Walmart and Sams for our trip. Also a huge thanks to Delta Airlines. They were so great with all the families.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 2
First thing this morning we all headed over to Capitol Hill for individual and group pictures. Then we headed in for a luncheon with many of the states Senators. We ended up meeting with Senator Bill Nelson. It was so great that he took time to meet with us and listen. It was very exciting to get to see all of the Senators. Carson and I did a quick interview for WESH news. He is finally starting to feel a little more comfortable on the interviews.
After the meetings, we had free time to do what we wanted. We decided to get the Metro and head over to see the Pentagon and Arlington National Cementary. What a site. It has really been fun to finally get to see all of these landmarks. We also made time today to go to the Museum of American History. I just wish we had a few more days here because there is just so many sites to see. Tonight was a pool party for the Champion kids at the hotel. The kids had a blast just letting loose with all the other kids. This trip has really been a great experience.
Looking forward to the White House Tour tomorrow.
After the meetings, we had free time to do what we wanted. We decided to get the Metro and head over to see the Pentagon and Arlington National Cementary. What a site. It has really been fun to finally get to see all of these landmarks. We also made time today to go to the Museum of American History. I just wish we had a few more days here because there is just so many sites to see. Tonight was a pool party for the Champion kids at the hotel. The kids had a blast just letting loose with all the other kids. This trip has really been a great experience.
Looking forward to the White House Tour tomorrow.
Monday, June 7, 2010
First Full Day
Here we are in Washington D.C. Our flight was great. When we got off the plane in D.C. there were so many people there cheering and greeting us. Also a bunch of camera crews. We are staying at the JW Marriott which is 3 blocks from the White House. Once we got checked in we took a walk around the back of the White House and checked out the Washington Monument. We ended up eating dinner at a place called the Old Ebbitt Grill which they say is a place where all the political people eat.
Monday started out early. We all met at the lobby and then headed down to the ESPN Zone for breakfast and hours of playing fun. The kids went from one arcade game to the next. They all had so much fun. It was a great time for us the get to know a lot of the other Champion Families. The families are all so nice. We also met Miss America and country singer Mark Wills.
After the ESPN Zone, we all boarded a bus and took a tour around the sites. We ended up stoping at the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and Korean Memorial. What wonderful sites that we were so excited to see. Once we finished the bus tour we were on our own to visit any museum we wanted. Our family started with the Air and Space Museum and then headed to the Museum of Natural History. There are so many great things here to see.
I think it will be an early night for us tonight. We are all beat from all the walking and site seeing.
Carson has said this is one of the best trips he has every been on. He is loving everything. I am so excited because I have always wanted to visit Washington D.C.
Monday started out early. We all met at the lobby and then headed down to the ESPN Zone for breakfast and hours of playing fun. The kids went from one arcade game to the next. They all had so much fun. It was a great time for us the get to know a lot of the other Champion Families. The families are all so nice. We also met Miss America and country singer Mark Wills.
After the ESPN Zone, we all boarded a bus and took a tour around the sites. We ended up stoping at the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial and Korean Memorial. What wonderful sites that we were so excited to see. Once we finished the bus tour we were on our own to visit any museum we wanted. Our family started with the Air and Space Museum and then headed to the Museum of Natural History. There are so many great things here to see.
I think it will be an early night for us tonight. We are all beat from all the walking and site seeing.
Carson has said this is one of the best trips he has every been on. He is loving everything. I am so excited because I have always wanted to visit Washington D.C.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Today is the day!
We are so excited. Today is the day we leave for Washington D.C. We are so greatful for Walmart and Children's Mircle Network to let us share our story and all the help they bring to the community.
We will continue to post pictures of our visit to our Nations Capital.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Carson's Story
Carson
Age 9
Neuroblastoma
Arnold Palmer Medical Center & Shands Children’s Hospital
Carson was the epitome of perfect health until his pediatrician discovered a large mass in his abdomen during a routine visit. He received the diagnosis at Arnold Palmer Medical Center: Stage IV neuroblastoma.
Within four days, Carson started six rounds of chemotherapy using a hard-hitting, multi-drug regimen. Following his fifth round of chemo, Carson had surgery to remove his left adrenal gland, left kidney and the remnants of the original tumor—all on his sixth birthday.
After the chemo treatments at Arnold Palmer Medical Center, Carson was admitted to Shands Children’s Hospital where he started treatments for a stem cell transplant. Following the stem cell treatment, Carson underwent three weeks of radiation.
Following the treatments at Arnold Palmer Medical Center and Shands Children’s Hospital—both Children’s Miracle Network hospitals – Carson is considered NED: No Evidence of Disease. This brave young man has shown people how to stand up and fight when the odds are against them and to never give up.
Age 9
Neuroblastoma
Arnold Palmer Medical Center & Shands Children’s Hospital
Carson was the epitome of perfect health until his pediatrician discovered a large mass in his abdomen during a routine visit. He received the diagnosis at Arnold Palmer Medical Center: Stage IV neuroblastoma.
Within four days, Carson started six rounds of chemotherapy using a hard-hitting, multi-drug regimen. Following his fifth round of chemo, Carson had surgery to remove his left adrenal gland, left kidney and the remnants of the original tumor—all on his sixth birthday.
After the chemo treatments at Arnold Palmer Medical Center, Carson was admitted to Shands Children’s Hospital where he started treatments for a stem cell transplant. Following the stem cell treatment, Carson underwent three weeks of radiation.
Following the treatments at Arnold Palmer Medical Center and Shands Children’s Hospital—both Children’s Miracle Network hospitals – Carson is considered NED: No Evidence of Disease. This brave young man has shown people how to stand up and fight when the odds are against them and to never give up.
About Walmart and Sam’s Club
Wal-Mart has supported Children’s Miracle Network since 1987. Since then, Children’s Miracle Network and Wal-Mart have worked tirelessly together to help children by raising money for children’s hospitals. Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised more than $500 million for children’s hospitals during the 23 year relationship. This is the second year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions program.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club
Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club is a Children's Miracle Network program that brings attention to the important work being done at children’s hospitals by honoring remarkable children who have faced severe medical challenges.
The Champions program designates a champion 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 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.
As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June to Washington, D.C., where champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. The family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Champions program designates a champion 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 2010 champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, heart transplants and traumas, as well as life-threatening staph infections.
As part of Champions presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club, the champions travel for a week in June to Washington, D.C., where champions traditionally meet with their state senators on Capitol Hill, and the President of the United States during a visit to the White House. The family then travels to Orlando, Fla., for a second week in November. There, champions meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsor, hospital and media partners who all convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.
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