Events and Reasons

 

Some of you are aware that Maddi has been speaking at events to kick off fundraising for Primary Children’s Medical Center.  Maddi’s work in this area is to bring awareness and a personal connection with the fundraising campaigns.

I have had some people ask whether or not our medical bills will be taken care of because of her appearances.  The answer is NO.  First off, the reason for the fundraising is to provide charity care of those who are the most needy. 

We don’t qualify not because this is a walk in the park for us but because we have health insurance.  Also, there are so many families from out of state that have to give up their jobs and lives to be at the bedside of their critically ill child for much longer periods of time.  In our case, I haven’t been able to work since the accident but John has been.  We have taken a terrible financial hit but we will make it through eventually.  Others have a far more difficult financial road to walk than we do.

We are so aware of how devastating these types of situations are but we are just as keenly aware of how blessed we have been.  All of John’s leave was donated by the beautiful people at Hill Air Force Base. 

They sent out an email and asked for donated hours.  I wish I could remember how many total hours were donated but for the 65 days of Maddi’s hospital stay, John’s leave was paid strictly by individual people and their sacrifice and kindness.  That will never be forgotten! 

A huge THANK YOU to those in charge at Hill Air Force Base that allows people the chance to give in that way.  I know that at my employment there were many people willing to donate days in my behalf but the policies are written to prevent that type of kindness.  It is a tribute to the great people around us that we have been taken care of so well.

Maddi’s involvement with Primary Children’s Foundation is strictly her way of giving back.  She wants to take lemons and make lemonade.  I think she is doing a great job! 

Maddi has been part in a miracle and has experienced things that are incredibly difficult but also beautiful.  Her experiences in her “still time” strengthens her and she wants to share that with others to strengthen their faith and give them hope that this life is temporary and that we have loved ones looking out for us even if we can’t see them.

So, when you see her and us on the Tele-thon in June or hear about us speaking in different places know that the reason for us doing any of it, is all about giving back.  It is not for our own personal gain.  We just want to pay it forward.

We can’t start a foundation of our own nor can we donate money to one that already exists, but we can donate our time and share our story to help those around us.  It is all about HOPE, FAITH and CHARITY.