Luncheon

Maddi was asked to speak at a Fundraising Luncheon a couple of weeks ago. Opportunities are coming more and more for Maddi to share her story. She and we as a family have been invited to do the Telethon in June and of course we agreed. This is one of our ways of giving back. I am certainly not looking for fame or notoriety and neither is Maddi. It actually kind of gives me pains in the stomach really. I just want my plain, ordinary life back but since that isn't a choice, we are trying to see opportunities to make a difference in the midst of this journey.

The purpose of the luncheon was to encourage and kick off a fundraising campaign for Primary Children’s Medical Center. If you see the balloons at COSTCO for the Primary Miracle Network. That is the group Maddi spoke to.

At his luncheon they went through the STATE totals for this campaign last year and the amount of money raised in the ENTIRE STATE would NOT have covered all of Maddi's expenses for her 65 day stay and there are children who are patients for much, much longer.

So when you see those balloons maybe think again about dropping a buck or two. Not that we personally will benefit from it because we won't, but someone else whose life has been shattered might have a chance for a small measure of relief.

Anyway..............................

Those of you who know Maddi personally know that she used to have severe stage fright! She made it her goal in 5th grade to get over that fear and has been steadily working it out. When she spoke at Jacob’s farewell, she felt like she was going to vomit! She gets so nervous in front of a crowd. So when she was asked she hesitated..............but accepted.

Her thinking is that anytime an opportunity is available to help someone through her experience she wants to do it. She is committed to having some positive outcomes be a result of this trial. So stage fright and all, she wrote a talk, practiced it many, many times and she ultimately delivered it beautifully. If I can figure it out I will add the text of her talk as a page to the blog.

She did get nervous but didn't feel like she was going to "toss her cookies". We prayed more than once on the way down and when we arrived to help steady her nerves. I am so glad she understands and will utilize that tool.

After Maddi spoke they asked us if either John or I wanted to say something impromptu. I was so surprised to see John jump right up and put the numbers in perspective for those people in attendance. If you know John at all he doesn't like the spotlight, but he went for it. He did a great job!

The food was amazing and getting to spend time with John and Maddi was fabulous. Hopefully we inspired someone to reach deep.