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!!!

Champions

We spent the first part of today at the Children's Hospital in Child Neurology trying to get closer to figuring out how to address and work through some of the issues Mireya has been having over the last several months.  I feel confident that we were able to put a plan in place that will be helpful.

We spent the early evening celebrating an amazing honor granted to us by the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU.  Many of you may remember, in October of last year Quentin and I were at the Q94 studios to share the #TeamBolton story for the Radiothon.  At the conclusion of the taping, we were asked for a few minutes of our time by our friends at CHOR to tell us about an Ambassador program for Children's Hospital they wanted to nominate both Jalen and Mireya for.  The program brings awareness to healthcare, Children's Miracle Network (CMN) and the importance of supporting Children's Hospitals and programs across the United States. 

Every year after a series of nominations 'one' family or 'one' Champion is chosen as an Ambassador to represent his/her state.  Jalen and Mireya were submitted in recognition of their ability to brave their respective battles with grace, strength, courage and determination despite and through it all.  We continue to be in awe of all they endured over the course of two and a half years to bring us where we are today.  

When we received the phone call about a week ago, I pulled over on the side of the road, speechless and in tears....I am so proud to share the 2015 Champions for the state of Virginia are Jalen AND Mireya.  Our friends at CHOR planned a super special family celebration for us at The Desserterie to announce and share with the children that they were chosen to represent Virginia this year in this role and capacity.  What does this mean???  It means we continue to do what we've done all along...participate in events to support the Children's Hospital and CMN, share our experience and our story. But wait there's more....an Ambassador's Tour.  Two trips, one to the White House (the 2014 Champions met and spent time with the President) and a second week long trip to Walt Disney World with approximately 52 other families (one family from each U.S. State and Canada) all together for a common goal.  What an amazing opportunity.  Here's a little clip of the 2014 Champions and their time together on the tour.  Thank you BIG sister Paris (unable to be with us) for dialing in from school for this special occasion.
http://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/About/Champions  

News traveled fast via FaceTime to Big Sister 

Thank you to so many that have loved, supported and kept us covered in prayer. We are so honored to be thought of in such a way to be nominated, but even more humbled to be chosen.  To God be the Glory! 

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

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!

Summer Fun on a Mission

#TeamBolton has been having a great summer.  Days have been filled with friends, fun and enjoying things we've not had the chance to do for so long. Many priceless moments and times of reflection of just how far the Lord has carried and brought us.  One of the most touching parts is the 'thankfulness' Mireya has.  Many times she has grabbed my hand and said 'thank you' for taking me there, or 'thank you' for letting me do this (tear).

We were asked earlier this year to be a part of a feature story for the Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHOR). The  magazine is currently in circulation for the summer at a variety of places around town.  They did an excellent job outlining the journey with vantage points from both a personal and medical perspective. So thankful to have a Children's Hospital right here in town with Doctors, Nurses, medical staff and resources that we could count on to facilitate and oversee Mireya's care.

Magazine Cover

#TeamBolton Feature

Promo Flyer for Families with Heart Program

Our family also had the opportunity along with Miss Chesterfield to quench thirst and raise money for the Children's Miracle Network and Anthem's Annual LemonAid Fundraiser.  There were lemonade stands up all over town to help put the 'squeeze' on childhood cancer and benefit our local Children's Hospital.  Sometimes it's hard to envision the difference you make when donating a dollar or two, but its amazing what can be accomplished collectively.  Thank you to the many that were out and about that donated to this cause and those who stopped by to visit with us personally.

Our Hero Jalen

Local Firefighters Supporting the Cause

Miss Chesterfield Kiara her court & Miss Chesterfield Directors

Mireya will be having her one year checkup in about a week.  It's hard to imagine just a year ago we were gearing up for our second transplant and to see where we are today.  God is so faithful and we're so thankful! 

Sharing & Caring

Writing..Sharing..Speaking and Connecting...several things I'm extremely passionate about.  If I had to add a fifth, it would be 'Serving'....let's just add that because that is the essence of who I am.

I've enjoyed speaking on behalf of the many organizations we love and who have loved and supported us over these last two years (Faith and Family Church, ASK, Connor's Heroes Foundation, Starlight Foundation, Make A Wish Foundation, Give Kids the World, Children's Miracle Network ,Children's Hospital of Richmond) and the Miss Chesterfield Organization.

I love sharing our story, the goodness of God and the collective beauty of the human spirit.  As a result, I believe it has become a part of my mission and assignment to educate and bring awareness, participation and partnership to Organizations that are making a tremendous difference in the lives of others.

I've had the pleasure of partnering on several occasions over the last year with Children's Miracle Network and Children's Hospital of Richmond to speak with/to their local and national partners in an effort to allow these partners to 'see' and 'hear' the difference they are making.  As a result other avenues and opportunities have been birthed or opened up.  The Foundation contacted me last week to share they are launching a new group starting with #TeamBolton.

an excerpt from that message...

"This spring, we will initiate a new group within our Foundation and we’d like to begin with you. Families with Heart will be a group of involved, passionate and motivated patient families who want to continue to be involved and support our efforts to help CHoR through event participation, story-telling and at times, speaking opportunities"

I was truly humbled to receive this.  Don't ever underestimate the 'Power of One'...how far reaching one voice, one experience, or one decision can make or the impact/imprint it can have.

Ambassador.Champion.Advocate.Spokesperson.Supporter...stay tuned for more!

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

Our Crowned Princess

Mireya really enjoyed her reign as a 2012 Miss Chesterfield Princess. Participating in the pageant this year sort of got lost with so much else going on, and it seems like Pageant day arrived very soon after I got the memo (or at least that's the way it felt).  I was really apprehensive about Reya doing it based on the early onset of flu and her exposure to the crowd, not to mention what to wear!? The attire came together with moments to spare, but because it fell together so beautifully there was no doubt it was meant for Reya to participate again this year.  Thank you Lord for favor!

Reya had a moment on stage where she was indecisive about whether or not she was really going to state her name and age for the audience.  Without hesitation, her outgoing pageant sisters surrounded her, lifted the mic in her hand, whispered some words of encouragement in her ear and in that moment she raised her head and introduced herself loud and clear.  A few seconds after her introduction there was laughter throughout the auditorium.  I missed the gesture, but was later told Mireya lifted her hand to her head, swept it across her brow like 'whew'...glad that is over.  It truly was a endearing moment to witness.

2013 Preteen, Ms, Teen and Princesses

Mireya loved watching the contestants competing for the titles (Preteen, Teen and Ms.) sing, dance, and of course sashay across the stage in those beautiful gowns.  Before the crowning segment, the reigning Ms. Chesterfield, Delesia Watson extended a heartfelt thank you to the Miss Chesterfield Organization and shared her love for her little Princesses.  The girls adored Delesia, there were smiles and tears, but the precious memories they have of the time they spent with her over this past year are memories they will always carry.

Reya, Delesia & Paris

We're excited about spending time with Reya's new pageant sisters (and remaining connected to the outgoing one) and the new Ms. Chesterfield 2013, Kiara Williams (a second year UVA Law student).  We're also really happy to be a part of the bridge in connecting on a greater level with Children's Miracle Network. The Children's Miracle Network is the charity of choice for the Ms. America Organization (Ms. Chesterfield competes for Miss Virginia which ultimately competes for the Ms. America crown and title).  We'll be rooting for Kiara this summer when she goes to Roanoke to compete for the Miss Virginia title.

Special thanks to the Miss Chesterfield Organization...Kyle Grinnage (The Director) and her family have been dear friends to us for years.  Being a part of this sisterhood was one of the many things Mireya looked forward to over this past year.  Her illness and treatment prevented her from participating in many of the events, but those she was a part of were amazing times for her.  She is delighted to be re-crowned as a Princess for 2013.  I mean what little girl wouldn't love to wear a crown/sash while hanging out with other  princesses doing meaningful things in the community and having fun? And believe me....Makinley cannot wait to say 'Hi my name is Makinley Bolton and I'm 4 years old...it won't be long.  I don't think Ms. Chesterfield is ready for it.  Looking forward to another great year!

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!

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.