Heading back to Orlando Florida, I want to tell you about an event that still brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face every time I think about it. Louder than a rock concert, sweeter than a symphony, nothing compares to the Medal Ceremony that takes place during the Children’s Miracle Network’s Celebration weekend. An occasion where each and every Child Champion from across Canada and the United States is brought out on stage and presented with a medal. A medal to celebrate where they have come from, what they have gone through, and to give all of us in attendance a chance to stand up and cheer at the top of our lungs! These Champions have been selected to represent their home provinces and states, and they represent with pride. They are incredibly special little people who have each overcome severe medical challenges and have their own incredible story of strength. These babies are proud, and they should be, they are miracles!
This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Celebration event founded in 1983 by John Schneider, Marie Osmond and her family. 30 years of truly making a difference. The hosts for the evening were none other than the fabulous Nick Canon, “Shake it Up” star Zendaya, and Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri. They gave a little intro, provided a few smiles and even sang a little song.
However the true stars of the evening were the kids. I held my breath as our first Canadian Champion took to the stage. She was introduced, we were told she loved her Dad and her friends, and then briefly told her personal tale of survival. She shyly and gracefully accepted her medal and posed for the cameras. Her shy smile was met with thunderous applause and a hundred camera flashes. I was lost. The feeling in the air was electric, the cheering was overwhelming. I was in no way prepared for the floodgate of emotions I would feel as I watched these strong little people, wise beyond their years, have their moment in the spotlight.
These kids owned the stage. They strutted out, waved, danced and took their bows to thunderous applause, screaming families, and cheers of encouragement.
I might have teared up each and every time a new Champion was introduced. Happiness, sweetness and joy combined apparently equals waterworks for me.
After each child took a bow, an opportunity for one last group picture of the whole gang! Then off to sleep so they could tackle Disney World again the next day.
This is an event I will never forget. Children’s Miracle Network is a cause I will forever support, not just because of the work and the miracles I saw first hand this weekend, but because these kids, they are our kids. Any one of these sweet children could have been anyone of our children. I am forever grateful that I‘ve not needed the services of Children’s Miracle Network, but I know those who have and frankly, you never know if you will. Thanks again to Children’s Miracle Network for inviting me along on this trip, and to each family I met for allowing me a peek into your world. Wishing you a lifetime full of joy, happiness and of course lots more Mickey Mouse.
So very touching,such an amazing program !
this gives me chills! i love that they are honoring these brave souls with medals and incredible experiences! i love nick cannon and the work he does! what a great organization!
what a truly great organization Children’s Miracle Network is! That is great that these kids get recognized and treated with honor! LOVE IT!
This is such an inspiring read, it is so wonderful for children to be acknowledged for their heroism and their incredible bravery for the challenges they have gone through.
These are really some incredible families and children. I was so honoured to tag along, thanks for reading and cheering them along!
That sounds like a really great ceremony — I would have been tearing up right beside you. Thanks for sharing this important information.
What an amazing event for these little people. Thanks for sharing!
It really was my pleasure!! This is an incredible group of children and I was thrilled to tag along with Children’s Miracle Network.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, from your posts you can tell that it was a very special experience. It is a great program!
This really was a special experience! Children’s Miracle Network does some amazing things. Thank goodness they are there for the families that need them. Thanks for following along on our adventure
What an amazing experience!! Thanks for sharing this with all of us
It really was a pleasure to attend and share this event! Thanks for following along!
Thanks for following along! This is absolutely an experience none of us will ever forget.
What an awesome pogram and story! Very inspirational!
Love to see Children’s Miracle Network in action, they do some pretty incredible things!! And yes, these little people were truly inspirational, thanks for following along.
Inspirational is the perfect word to describe both the program and these fabulous families. Thanks for following along on our adventure!
Absolutely wonderful! I really love the fact that there ARE programs like this out there for the kids to enjoy!
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Although I had no business feeling this way, I felt so proud of these kids! They have all been through so much. Thank goodness for Children’s Miracle Network and all of those who support them
It is kind of comforting to know that there are programs out there like this! I loved being able to thank some of the people of Wal Mart (who are major sponsors of this program) and give shout outs to people who have made donations to Children’s Miracle Network, without them there would be no Champions program! Thanks for following along on our trip, much appreciated!
that really is so cool…and it will be something that the kids remember forever….big smiles here….
I loved that not only will the kids remember this forever, but so will their siblings and parents. It was an event for the entire family. Time to celebrate and just have fun!