Well, last Friday, the 23rd of April, we participated in our first ever Dance Marathon, held at Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ. Sponsored by Mr. Cupcakes, Panda Buffet, and many others, this marathon was organized by the students at the college to help benefit the patients of Children's Specialized Hospital, a Children's Miracle Network affiliate.
Mackenzie & Michael were in school all day long, and we left as soon as they got off the bus for the long ride up to Mahwah. I wish I could express how truly grateful I am for Nicole Fulmino, she always takes the very best care of us! She is our CMN Representative, and she made sure to tell us that there was going to be PLENTY of food for the kids, and she hooked us up with a room and free breakfast at the local Courtyard Marriott in Mahwah so we didn't have to drive home in the middle of the night. We'd be a mess without her!
As I said, we had never been to a Dance Marathon before, so we were not sure what to expect. We arrived and ate dinner with the college kids, walked around a bit to see what was what, and then things started to pick up! Our MC, Kristina, started us off and showed our nomination video to the participants. I got up and said just a few words, truly just expressing my thanks to everyone for all they were doing for our kids and others like them. You could tell by looking at the expressions on their faces as they watched our video how much it really brought it home for them.
We did a choreographed dance, there was a tug-o-war, group Twister, a Guitar Hero competition, and a Dance-Off that was judged by our wonderful Miss New Jersey, Ashley Schaffer. One of the Westpoint Cadets even grabbed up Michael in his wheelchair and they started a Conga Line! When I say that these kids were out of this world, I mean it!
Not only did we have a ton of fun playing games and dancing the night away, but we also got to hang out with the 2009 NJ Champion Family, the Clutters. They have been so kind to us, and have really showed us the ropes and been a great support to us at all the events. It means a lot to Mackenzie to have Caitlin there, too.
We also met the Riccio family, a wonderful Children's Specialized Family that has endured so much, and has really come out above it all! I think everyone became fast friends!
I will have a photo uploaded later today, but for now, enjoy the video that MACKENZIE created (with a little extra taping done by her mom! :) Mackenzie has created a YouTube account to document her adventures as a Champion Child! Check it out and pass it on!
http://www.youtube.com/njchampion2010
Our next event is our big KICK-OFF! Yes, finally, we will be going to the North Bergen Wal*Mart for Mackenzie & Michael's formal announcement of their year as the Champions Across American for New Jersey. That will be May 6th! May 7th, we have a Meet & Greet Breakfast at SAMS Club in Freehold, and May 8th, we will be at two Costco's for Meet & Greets, one in Brick and the other in Manahawkin....all of this leads up to more mid-May events, and our big trip to WASHINGTON, D.C.!!! The kids are starting to get really excited and are counting the days. Michael is so siked to meet Obama, while Mackenzie is excited to meet all the other kids! It's going to be fabulous, we can't even wait!
Hope this blog finds you all well! See you soon!
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