The pictures of the visit to the White House...including the infamous question from Matthew and President Obama answering him!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Back home!
Hello all! We are back home at last to take a breather before heading back up to Washington on April 3rd for the Cherry Blossom Gala. We had an amazing time in Florida and Washington. Matthew really seemed to like D.C. He loved meeting the President and touring the White House....and YES!, He really did ask President Obama what his plan was for healthcare for children....(no, Eric and I did NOT tell him to ask that question-It was all his idea...amazing little mind!) We are do thankful to all the people at CMN, Walmart/Sam's Club, Delta Airlines, Coronado Springs, and the Marriott for treating us so well and making this a trip of a lifetime...Yes! I have lots more picture to share...just have to download them and get everything situated....I'll do it as soon as I can! Matthew really enjoyed the train ride home yesterday-so did Eric and I for that matter...so much so that since we have to go back next week, we're looking at taking the train...it beats driving any day! Yay Amtrak!!!
....Stay tuned...more later!
....Stay tuned...more later!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hi all!
Well, we made it to Washington, D.C. yesterday evening. We left Orlando on a HUGE Delta plane....and got the ROYAL treatment! We didn't even go into the airport, they bussed us right out to the plane and had a small baggage checkpoint there. The airport's fire department was there at the plane to greet us (Pam, I know you'll love this!) , and as we were starting taxi on the runway, they gave us the ultimate salute! A dual stream from the fire trucks that went across the plane!!! It was really awesome....we all got first class service on the plane, meal, movie, pillow, and blanket.....and our airline food was actually REALLY GOOD!!!! (Since we've never flown, we've heard stories....) Matthew rested last night when we got here...he was running a fever so we called it an evening early. Today he got up bright and early for his birthday-first thing's first...presents!, then a quick breakfast and off on a tour of D.C. via bus. We had lunch with some Senators, and now are back in our room so he can have a breather.....I think we're going to hit some museums in a bit after he recharges. It will be another early night tonight....Tomorrow.....THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned for pictures and more updates!!! Love to all!!!!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Another exciting day!
We were up and at 'em early this morning....A radio interview at 7:15, and then an EMOTIONAL medal ceremony!!! Matthew was very proud of him medal, and it just so happened his favorite song, "My Wish", sung by Rascal Flatts was playing when he received it! We went to Hollywood Studios this afternoon for a while, but came back because Matthew was pretty worn out and his knees were bothering him a little....He is going to get some much deserved rest tonight-so we can enjoy parks tomorrow on our last full day here-then it's Washington, here we come!!!! Please enjoy some pictures from the last 2 days! And please, stay tuned!!!!!
Good Morning!
Good Morning! What a busy day yesterday.....Where to begin!
First thing yesterday morning, We had breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto...just to mention a few. We also got to meet Miss America 2009, Country music star-Mark Wills, and TV star and co-founder of Children's Miracle Network-John Schneider! After a wonderful time at the breakfast, we caught the shuttle, and we spent a little time in Downtown Disney. We didn't have that much time, because we had to be back for a dinner, a Meet the Champions event with sponsors, and then a concert. At the concert, we were treated first to a story read by none other than retired Quarterback for the San Fransisco 49er's-Steve Young as well as Jim Henson's Pajaminals! Our concert was put on by Country Music and Dancing with the Stars star Julianne Hough....It was a great day, and a LATE night for Matthew....We're up early because he has a 7:15 am radio interview, and then it's off to the Champion Awards where Olympic Champion Mary Lou Retton will be speaking, then Matthew and all other Champions will be receiving their medals. Yes, we have plenty of pictures-but no time to post now! I'll hopefully get them on today.....We miss you all, and will check in soon!!!!
First thing yesterday morning, We had breakfast with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto...just to mention a few. We also got to meet Miss America 2009, Country music star-Mark Wills, and TV star and co-founder of Children's Miracle Network-John Schneider! After a wonderful time at the breakfast, we caught the shuttle, and we spent a little time in Downtown Disney. We didn't have that much time, because we had to be back for a dinner, a Meet the Champions event with sponsors, and then a concert. At the concert, we were treated first to a story read by none other than retired Quarterback for the San Fransisco 49er's-Steve Young as well as Jim Henson's Pajaminals! Our concert was put on by Country Music and Dancing with the Stars star Julianne Hough....It was a great day, and a LATE night for Matthew....We're up early because he has a 7:15 am radio interview, and then it's off to the Champion Awards where Olympic Champion Mary Lou Retton will be speaking, then Matthew and all other Champions will be receiving their medals. Yes, we have plenty of pictures-but no time to post now! I'll hopefully get them on today.....We miss you all, and will check in soon!!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
We've made it!
We are here at last!!! Some delays and missed flights, but Delta really stepped up and got us here-Thanks Delta!!!! We found that Matthew does much better on large planes as opposed to small ones.....(mommy doesn't do well on either....)....We are looking forward to a jam-packed day tomorrow...starting with breakfast in the morning with some Disney Characters!!!!! Stay tuned....we'll upload photos and leave more posts when we can.....Thanks to all for your love and support!!!! Good Night!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Gearing Up!!
We are almost packed and ready!! Saturday, we attended Macon Miracles, formerly Dance Marathon at Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. We danced and had much fun with family and friends, and listened as Matthew's story was told. Radio Disney showed up to give Matthew a send off before leaving for Disney, and gave him some great birthday surprises. The generous students at Randolph Macon gave Matthew some great things for Disney as well. Matthew had some of his friends show up for his birthday celebration. He decided he didn't want gifts, he wanted donations so he could give back to the people who have helped him so much! Because of generous family and friends, after Matthew's story was told, he presented Macon Miracles an envelope with $600 inside!!!!!!! Then he gave them a cake to say "Thank you" for everything they have done for him and us as a family. We are really proud of him. Please enjoy some photos of our fabulous day!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Matthew!
Matthew-I am really excited about our trip! This is such a cool blog site-I can't wait for all of our family and friends to see it and be able to follow you, me, and Daddy on our big trip! I am so proud of you and love you tons!!! Mommy
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Matthew's Story
Matthew McMillen
Age 8
Children’s Hospital and VCU Children’s Medical Center
Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Heart Defect
From the minute he was born, life has handed 8-year-old Matthew McMillen one challenge after another. Shortly after birth doctors knew something was terribly wrong with his heart. He was born with a heart defect known as heart obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return, or TAPVR. Only in the world for nine hours, Matthew underwent open heart surgery.
As time progressed, Matthew’s family questioned whether his birth was the end of his health troubles. He showed signs of sensory disorders and developmental delay, and it was determined that Matthew had autism and a mild case of cerebral palsy. But “when doctors and therapists have painted gloomy pictures,” said grandma Karen, “he rallied to prove them all wrong.”
Matthew knows his treatments will make him stronger and works hard each day. He’s grown to be quite a thinker: “His little mind is always at work,” said Karen, “from writing stories to making up commercials to doing research on clover that a rabbit was eating in his yard.” He also has a passion for the Randolph-Macon College Dance Marathon - a Children's Miracle Network fundraising program - and has attended every year since birth. The marathoners celebrate Matthew’s birthday at the event and he wouldn’t miss it for anything.
Age 8
Children’s Hospital and VCU Children’s Medical Center
Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Heart Defect
From the minute he was born, life has handed 8-year-old Matthew McMillen one challenge after another. Shortly after birth doctors knew something was terribly wrong with his heart. He was born with a heart defect known as heart obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return, or TAPVR. Only in the world for nine hours, Matthew underwent open heart surgery.
As time progressed, Matthew’s family questioned whether his birth was the end of his health troubles. He showed signs of sensory disorders and developmental delay, and it was determined that Matthew had autism and a mild case of cerebral palsy. But “when doctors and therapists have painted gloomy pictures,” said grandma Karen, “he rallied to prove them all wrong.”
Matthew knows his treatments will make him stronger and works hard each day. He’s grown to be quite a thinker: “His little mind is always at work,” said Karen, “from writing stories to making up commercials to doing research on clover that a rabbit was eating in his yard.” He also has a passion for the Randolph-Macon College Dance Marathon - a Children's Miracle Network fundraising program - and has attended every year since birth. The marathoners celebrate Matthew’s birthday at the event and he wouldn’t miss it for anything.
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 $460 million for children’s hospitals during the relationship. This is the first year Walmart and Sam’s Club have sponsored the Champions Across America program.
Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam's Club
Champions Across America 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 Across America 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 2009 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including brittle bone disease, brain tumors and cerebral palsy, as well as surviving car accidents and plane crashes.
As part of Champions Across America, the Champions travel for a week – first to Florida to meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsors, 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 group will then travel 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 Champions Across America 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 2009 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including brittle bone disease, brain tumors and cerebral palsy, as well as surviving car accidents and plane crashes.
As part of Champions Across America, the Champions travel for a week – first to Florida to meet Children’s Miracle Network sponsors, 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 group will then travel 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
