Champion Fun

The last few months have been full of Champion activities.  I've had the joy of speaking on behalf of children's medical issues and funding with the Jr. Board of the Children's Hospital Foundation, the YMCA Board and the Miss America Organization.  It is always a pleasure to add the real life experience and challenges to the WHY of the overall goal.

It has been awesome to spend time with the Partners who have been working over the last few months to raise awareness in the community and helping raise money for Children's Hospital of Richmond @ VCU and Children's Miracle Network.  I feel like a Mom-mager coordinating schedules and balancing some great events for #TeamBolton.  Some of the fun has included a half-time check presentation from Virginia Credit Union at the last home game for the VCU Rams.  We enjoyed meeting the President of the Credit Union and his wife to thank them personally for their generosity.  The kids loved seeing themselves up on the jumbo-tron and the super fan even made the shot and our section was chosen to receive free pizza...which was totally winning!!!

#TeamBolton was a part of the check presentation for Wheel of Fortune's Secret Santa sweepstakes, in which a local winner's charity of choice was Children's Hosptial of Richmond @ VCU for $10k.

The students at Meadowbrook High School did a phenomenal job with their Roar-athon event this year.  We continue to be in awe of what a committed group of young people with hearts to serve others looks like.  You can't go wrong with music, festivities and a goal.  #TeamBolton loves a dance party, so this will continue to be a favorite of ours for years to come.

Crowns and hearts go together so beautifully.  We enjoyed meeting many of the local and statewide pageant titleholders to share our story, along with our appreciation on behalf of our family and patient families for all these lovely ladies do throughout their reign to benefit Children's Miracle network.  This is one of Mireya's favorite events....as she loves a sparkly crown!

Jalen and Mireya are the Champion kids for the Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco and Chico's stores in our area.  It is always great to get out and visit with the employees.  The employees in one store are wearing aquamarine ribbons (Mireya's favorite color) along with the Champion photo on their name badges.  The others have photos on the registers and bulletin boards.  We love all the texts and photo messages we receive from our friends and family when they visit these locations during this campaign. It will be exciting in the next few weeks to see how much they have raised through donations, raffles, cookouts, carnivals and store events.  Throwing pies in the Store Manager's faces during the carnival was really cool! It makes my heart smile to see how everyone comes together collectively for a period of time to make a difference.

We will have the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, then D.C. for the kick-off of the official Ambassador's Tour.  This will be an amazing time to meet the other 49 families and children as well as speak to lawmakers on behalf of patient families and participate in some fun activities.  I'm certain there will be a lot of stories and pictures to share, but also unforgettable memories.

Sometimes it is so hard to see beyond the immediate devastation of a situation.  Never would we have imagined what the Lord had on the other side of what has been one of the most difficult times in our lives as a family.  We are so proud of our children and see it as an honor to serve alongside them in their roles!!!

Miracles & Blizzards

We had an awesome time at Dairy Queen today helping raise money at their largest fundraising event of the year, Miracle Treat Day.  Dairy Queen donated $1 or more for every Blizzard sold at select locations today.  Thank you to all the friends and family that came by to support #TeamBolton and Children's Hospital of Richmond.  It's always amazing and touching to see the community come together to support an event that has made a difference in our lives personally and the lives of so many others. We appreciate you sharing this event with your co-workers and for spending time with us.  A special 'thank you' to Miss Chesterfield (and the Miss Chesterfield Organization), Kiara Williams & her Princesses for your community service and helping to make the event fun and glamorous!

Hoo's for Mireya's Miracle

A few weeks ago a beautiful young lady came into our lives, she was crowned Ms. Chesterfield 2013 and Miryea will serve as one of her Princesses this year.  Her name is Kiara Williams and she is a 2nd year law student at UVA.  Kiara sent me the sweetest message a few days after the pageant to express how she was touched by Mireya's story and how much she looked forward to spending time getting to know us better.  Ms. Chesterfield's charity of choice is Children's Miracle Network, a organization we've worked with to support and bring awareness to.  I had the opportunity the evening before the pageant to share a quick excerpt from our journey and how much Children's Miracle Network and CHOR has meant to us personally.

Kiara sent me a second message sharing her desire to do something something specifically for Mireya's Miracle.  Kiara will be hosting a  'Hoo's for Miracles Miracle' fundraiser this week at UVA.  Kiara is a former cheerleader and the UVA Cheerleaders are also going to help her raise money for Mireya. I was deeply touched.  Again the hearts and love of people coming together to make a difference in the lives of others.  We still have treatment to complete, as with everyone in the midst of overcoming a life-threatening situation in a child, even with insurance, medical bills and expenses can be burdensome.  As with every single mission of love and support, we're grateful and very thankful.  There really are no words to express our sincere appreciation.  It wouldn't matter to me if they raised $1, the thought, the love and the desire of her heart have blessed me immensely.

Glitz, Glam & Hearts for Mireya's Miracle

We have some Hoo's in the family (specifically a Law School Grad), so this is really special for us as a family.  Kiara's fundraiser will begin on tomorrow and run all next week.  I'm excited and proud about what young people can accomplish when they put their hearts and minds to something!

Thank you Kiara & UVA Hoos, with Love #TeamBolton

Supporting the Cause - 36 Hours for Kids

 #TeamBolton had an amazing time with Q94's Kash and Lite 98's Kat Simons for the 36 Hours for Kids Radio-thon. Originally I thought the interviews would be simulcast on both stations, but we actually ended up doing two separate interviews. Both a little different, but all to support the Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHOR) and Children's Miracle Network. We loved being able to share our story and encourage listeners to become Miracle Makers.

Mireya's current reign as a Miss Chesterfield Princess will soon be over, due to health challenges she's had to miss a number of events with her pageant sisters.  It was really fun to don the crown/sash and make the appearance official.  Thank you for all the calls, texts, emails and posts.  We appreciate you tuning in and supporting us and this event.  The Radio-thon will be going on until Sunday.  Be sure to tune in and hear all the wonderful ways CHOR and CMN are making a difference in the lives of children and families daily.

We promised the girls a train ride once we were done.

In case you missed todays interview, #TeamBolton will also be LIVE on-air next week for the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Radio-thon on 103.7 (The River) and Hot 100.9.  Can't wait to share our heart and love for MAW....making dreams and wishes come true for children all over the world.  Truly amazing!

Tea at The Jefferson

Last weekend the Ms. Chesterfield Princesses spent time with Ms. Jacquelyn Thomas (The Etiquette & Protocol School) for a Etiquette Workshop. I wasn't certain Mireya would be able to attend because of  health challenges earlier in the week, but I'm glad we made it. Reya's face lit up when she heard 'tea party'.  The girls learned the "do's and dont's" of dining exquisitely while enjoying tea and a variety of dainty treats.  Each Princess received a certificate, along with tokens and gifts of love at the completion of the Workshop.  These Princesses are 'certifiably fabulous' in Dining Etiquette.

The 'Princess Mums' learned a thing or two from the Princesses as we gathered at the Jefferson today for a Teddy Bear Tea.  The lovely Ms. Chesterfield, Delesia Amanda Watson was also able to join us.  All the Princesses look up to Delesia.  They especially love the beautiful 'big' crown that adorns her head. We won't talk about the mad rush and coordination it took to get Mireya to the event or how Mommy forgot Mireya's appearance gear (yikes).  Reya politely asked me 'repeatedly' not to forget her crown and sash again.  She definitely felt like one of those Sesame Street exercises where 'one of these things is not like the other'.  I'll surely work hard to avoid making that mistake again.  The girls loved hearing Delesia share about all the events leading up to the Ms. Virginia Pageant.  It's a very exciting process and we are looking forward to getting together for a Send Off Celebration as Delesia and our Ms. Chesterfield Teen, Olivia Fletcher prepare for the 'BIG' titles in a few weeks.  

Miss Lillie the Clown also visited with us at the Jefferson. Miss Lillie has some serious skills and is dangerous with a set of balloons.  The Teddy Bear Tea was a delightful way to spend the afternoon.  Pinky fingers held high while enjoying a delicious fare amongst sister girls and friends.

A Day of Support for CMN

The Bolton Family was contacted to participate as 'Celebrity Baggers' at a local Walmart to support the Children's Miracle Network.  Many of you remember we participated in the Radio-Thon for Children's Hospital of Richmond last year.  This year Walmart has partnered with Children's Miracle Network and a challenge was issued to area stores to add some fun to their efforts of raising money. The store that raised the most money over the last week, would have 'Celebrity Baggers' come in to allow the community to 'see' the difference they are making in the lives of who they consider their celebrities...the children and families receiving care at Children's Hosptial of Richmond (CHOR).

The Brook Road Walmart was named the winner of the challenge.  Ms. Virginia was also invited to participate in the event.  Unfortunately, there was a conflict with another previously scheduled appearance, but have no fear, the Ms. Chesterfield Princess program was in full effect. It doesn't hurt that Mireya is a patient and a Princess...have crown, will travel.  Thank you to Linda Thomas (Director, Ms. Chesterfield Princess Program) and her son, Corbin Thomas for coming out and being celebrities with us for our fifteen minutes of love and fame.  Ms. Chesterfield is a part of the Ms.Virginia/Ms. America organization and we made sure they were well represented by our program. The Children's Miracle Network is the charity of choice for the Ms. America organization, so it was a perfect pairing.

We had an awesome time serving cake, bagging groceries and thanking customers and employees for all their work and contributions.  I believe it's very meaningful to see how your donations are making a difference in the lives of others. We also had the opportunity to meet another local family of celebs.  People were touched by our presence and literally started handing us donations.  It was amazing.  One young lady inquired about which of my children was in treatment? I shared Jalen and Mireya's story and how CHOR has been such a blessing to us over this last year. Minutes later she came back to ask if we were taking donations and told me she was going to find some money to give. When she came back and handed me her donation, we embraced and she began to sing.  People around us stood in their tracks as she poured words of encouragement, blessing, and victory over Mireya and our family.  I will never forget this encounter.  Thinking about it brings tears back to my eyes, it is one of the most beautiful things I've experienced during this journey. The Lord sent a beautiful, sweet, angelic voice to profess his goodness for everyone to witness. She told me as she listened to me talking about Mireya & Jalen and how the Lord had been moving in our lives, she was moved and it stirred something up in her.  WOW...clean up on Aisle 29, someone please pass the tissues.  It took a minute before I could really get myself together.  That was such a God moment.  It blessed me beyond words.  I don't know her name, I may never see her again, but I thank her for the boldness she had to come forth and be a blessing to me.  I thank God for that outward sign of encouragement and love.

The children enjoyed sticker and candy duty, especially Ms. Sweet Tooth Makinley.  I can assure you for every Lifesaver she handed out, she ate one (the old one for you, two for me trick). The hour went by so fast. I could have stayed for another hour or maybe longer, well at least until the stickers and candy ran out.  The time we spent among those who gave large and small was wonderful.  Walmart has raised over 30 million dollars in one month for the Childrens Miracle Network. Our local area stores have raised close to $200,000 within that same time frame.  In addition to Walmart, Sam's Club, Food Lion and Rite Aid also have campaigns starting in the area.  If you frequent any of these stores consider a donation while checking out to make a difference in the life of a child and his or her family.  God Bless you all and 'Thank You' to the Children's Miracle Network and our local Children's Hospital.

Princess Reya Sharing Love

Mireya had her first 'appearance' as a Miss Chesterfield Princess.  The girls spent the afternoon at the Brandermill Wood's Retirement home spreading love and handmade Valentines with the residents of Memory Care.  Most of the patients on this floor, suffer from Alzheimers and Dementia.  They were super excited to see the girls and receive the cards.  It was very rewarding to make the time to fill their day with happiness.


It is so important that we make time to give back to the community.  It's so easy to take for granted the time we have with others and fail to realize having this kind of interaction for many, is priceless.  The smiles on their faces and the warmth in there exchanges was so fulfilling.  We can't wait to do something like this again.

Miss America

Miss Chesterfield Delesia Amanda Watson now on the road to Miss America

From Miss Chesterfield last week to Miss America this week, my girl has been enlightened and totally turned on.  For four years I've been asking 'how' I got a princess.  Where that gene came from.  She loves all things girly, frilly, twirly, glitzy and glammy (is that a word...rhymes with whammy)  Big bucks no whammy's, my girl loves to be glammy.

I was a 'psuedo' tom boy and only played with dolls and did girly things when it was likely raining outside and I had to play inside with my sisters.  Total jock, BUT I did like to 'look' cute.  I'm not saying female athletes aren't concerned with how they look, but when I was coming up and it mattered, most of them did not.  So I must distinguish myself from that era of jockettes.  Oddly enough I went on to become a working model, go figure.  On a tangent I know, how I ended up with a total, undeniable princess I don't know, but I love that girl.

When Mireya saw the pageant was on TV she was so excited.  She oohed and awed at the swimsuits, the gowns, the glitzy Express tops (those were cute) and so many pretty shoes.  A few of the contestants walked on stage as if they were galloping on a horse.  I made a comment about them being bouncy and Reya started to critique the remaining ladies, asking me if they were too bouncy. Reya is hilarious and a quick study.  We fell asleep before it was over, but I DVD'd it and have the sneaking suspicion that we'll be watching it over and over again.

Last week, Mireya participated in Miss Chesterfield's non-competitive Princess Program where she enjoyed watching the contestants dance, sing and perform monologues. A few days later, she and her sister put on their leotards and ballet slippers and started to dance.  I will say this as my heart bursts with emotion, Mireya is so graceful and elegant in her movements it's simply beautiful to watch.  She took one dance class (shout out to Ms. Christy @JMSD) , but does moves, leaps and jumps as if she's been taking classes for a few years.  I LOVE watching her expression of dance.  At any moment I expected to hear Debbie Allen doing a 5,6,7,8 countdown, because it was a small Fame showcase all the live long day.  Around snack time, Reya sat down and I told her how beautiful and graceful of a dancer I think she is.  She smiled, looked up at me and said 'it's my talent'.

So there you have it.  In her mind it totally clicked that although she and her fellow pageant sisters, wore the dress, were crowned and sashed, they did not perform a talent as the older participants did and she just wanted me to know that dancing was hers.....loved it!  Dancing make her so happy and I can't wait until she can be in a dance class setting again.  Another wonderful milestone to look forward to.