Don't forget to click on the slide show so that you can see it better!!
This past weekend, the Make-A-Wish foundation had an incredible fundraiser. Almost 900 bicyclists rode 300 miles over three days in order to raise enough money to grant 250 wishes in the state of Michigan. I don;t know about you, but I can't even imagine 20 miles on my bike yet alone 300! This fundraiser is the largest MAW fundraiser in the NATION! How cool is that...right here in Michigan.
Keyan was invited to be a "wish hero" which means that two teams rode in her name. They use her and her story for inspiration while training and fundraising. So, we all packed up early Sunday morning and drove to the Chelsea Fairgrounds in order to meet these amazing people at the finish line. The event on Sunday is called the "Hero's Hurrah" and of course it was amazing. There was so much for the kids to do. We took part in balloon animals, face painting, clowns, crafts, amazing food, CANDY, cheering on the riders, dancing with radio Disney, big bouncy playhouses, games, prizes, some shopping for the moms :), and a lot more that I can't remember. Beyond all of that though was meeting the other families. For us this was one of the most special parts of the day.
As our girls were playing the candy walk gaming, winning way more candy than they would ever eat, I joined in to help another little girls walk in the right direction. When I looked down at her smiling face, I could not believe my eyes...she had a trach! It is so rare for us to see another child with a trach that it always catches me by surprise. I immediately sought out her mom and began to strike up conversation. We had an instant connection because we are both walking down the same path. Emma was her name and she is a twin. She is one month younger than our girls, she had the same exact little legs and arms that Keyan has, she even has the same scars on her back and tummy from similar surgeries! It was incredible! We started talking more with her parents to find out that she has yet to go on her wish trip to Disney but that her wish is to swim with Ariel...isn't that ironic, Keyan wished to sing with Ariel! We very quickly exchanged stories, all talking at the same time, when all of a sudden, Emma's Mom asked me what we are doing about school. Within moments, we were both crying and sharing the grief over the fact that there just isn't a good option for our girls. I am crying right now typing this because as Keyan's Mom, I feel so alone sometimes in our journey. I feel so overwhelmed by the always having to take the rode less traveled. I stood looking in the mothers eyes, and I knew her heart and better yet, I know that she knew mine. The struggles, the joys, the disappointments, and the courage. To me, this is what Make-A-Wish is all about. I have said it before, but I must say it again...they give us the opportunity to feel normal for just a moment in time and that changes me for the better.
The other highlight of the day was meeting our two teams of riders. What an amazing gift they give to all of us. They ride 300 miles over the course of three days and they meet us with huge smiles! One of Keyan's teams was made up partially of a family who 20 years ago had been to Disney with MAW and one of there children. We too had an instant connection of the heart for having walked the same paths. The one guy, talked right to Jamahl about being the sibling and going on that trip. That made Jamahl feel so special. What an honor if was to meet these 6 people, who because of their endurance and perseverance, 250 more families will be touched and blessed by Make-A-Wish. I will never be able to thank them enough. Wow...other life changing event! I guess God knows right when I need the pick-me-up because it is always perfect timing!
This past weekend, the Make-A-Wish foundation had an incredible fundraiser. Almost 900 bicyclists rode 300 miles over three days in order to raise enough money to grant 250 wishes in the state of Michigan. I don;t know about you, but I can't even imagine 20 miles on my bike yet alone 300! This fundraiser is the largest MAW fundraiser in the NATION! How cool is that...right here in Michigan.
Keyan was invited to be a "wish hero" which means that two teams rode in her name. They use her and her story for inspiration while training and fundraising. So, we all packed up early Sunday morning and drove to the Chelsea Fairgrounds in order to meet these amazing people at the finish line. The event on Sunday is called the "Hero's Hurrah" and of course it was amazing. There was so much for the kids to do. We took part in balloon animals, face painting, clowns, crafts, amazing food, CANDY, cheering on the riders, dancing with radio Disney, big bouncy playhouses, games, prizes, some shopping for the moms :), and a lot more that I can't remember. Beyond all of that though was meeting the other families. For us this was one of the most special parts of the day.
As our girls were playing the candy walk gaming, winning way more candy than they would ever eat, I joined in to help another little girls walk in the right direction. When I looked down at her smiling face, I could not believe my eyes...she had a trach! It is so rare for us to see another child with a trach that it always catches me by surprise. I immediately sought out her mom and began to strike up conversation. We had an instant connection because we are both walking down the same path. Emma was her name and she is a twin. She is one month younger than our girls, she had the same exact little legs and arms that Keyan has, she even has the same scars on her back and tummy from similar surgeries! It was incredible! We started talking more with her parents to find out that she has yet to go on her wish trip to Disney but that her wish is to swim with Ariel...isn't that ironic, Keyan wished to sing with Ariel! We very quickly exchanged stories, all talking at the same time, when all of a sudden, Emma's Mom asked me what we are doing about school. Within moments, we were both crying and sharing the grief over the fact that there just isn't a good option for our girls. I am crying right now typing this because as Keyan's Mom, I feel so alone sometimes in our journey. I feel so overwhelmed by the always having to take the rode less traveled. I stood looking in the mothers eyes, and I knew her heart and better yet, I know that she knew mine. The struggles, the joys, the disappointments, and the courage. To me, this is what Make-A-Wish is all about. I have said it before, but I must say it again...they give us the opportunity to feel normal for just a moment in time and that changes me for the better.
The other highlight of the day was meeting our two teams of riders. What an amazing gift they give to all of us. They ride 300 miles over the course of three days and they meet us with huge smiles! One of Keyan's teams was made up partially of a family who 20 years ago had been to Disney with MAW and one of there children. We too had an instant connection of the heart for having walked the same paths. The one guy, talked right to Jamahl about being the sibling and going on that trip. That made Jamahl feel so special. What an honor if was to meet these 6 people, who because of their endurance and perseverance, 250 more families will be touched and blessed by Make-A-Wish. I will never be able to thank them enough. Wow...other life changing event! I guess God knows right when I need the pick-me-up because it is always perfect timing!
3 comments:
Love it. Crying. She looks great in these pics by the way.
Team Craig shouts a thanks to Keyan and her family for waiting for us at the fairgrounds! Riding to the finish line knowing we were going to meet your family made the ride priceless! Keyan, I loved your giggle when we first met and thanks for giving me a medal for riding and a hug...but you girl are the true hero. You and your family are very special and I am so glad we had a chance to meet you! Love Debbie (Craig's mom, Team Craig)
Thank you to Keyan's family. I rode with Team Craig and looked forward to meeting Keyan and the family at the the end of the ride. While riding is fun the true meaning of the ride comes to fruition when we meet families and children who make the distance and lack of sleep worth the while.
I cannot even begin to explain the joy I got by meeting you guys and learning a bit of your story.
God Bless.
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