Starlight - March for Miracles

After my post yesterday

THe more I look at this picture, the more I love it -
it was a throw away and then I  did some editing and
I  noticed FeiFei looking through the window on the back side!

We woke up bright and early this morning, and have spent the last few hours seeing the fabulous in people.

I have no idea on the numbers but there had to be several hundred runners who came out to help raise funds for Starlight - raise funds for OUR kids so they all get to experience some pretty amazing things.

Starlight does not just celebrate our kids with special needs but also their siblings - always recognizing the sacrifice our amazing older kids go through whether financial, time or dealing with the stupid comments I mentioned yesterday.

THey had fun activities while we waited.
They had food which I have no idea how a 13 year old could eat that much and then run 5 k LOL!
But best of all (since daddy works Sat) were Cadets from the Air Force Academy who ran with children in wheelchairs and most importantly some of our kids!

Tristan and Morgan insisted on doing the 5K (this old out of shape momma knew pushing 3 kids that far was a no go!)

So we found a Cadet to run with Morgan in her first 5K (I was worried she would get lost)

The littles and I did the 1 mile fun run/walk

I do tear up when I think that most likely next year Cav too will be running!

Brahm had his balance bike since he was having some leg pain from his first days of all day school.

Cheering on Tristan - He did awesome!

And Morgan running with her Cadet

Awesome runners - I am so proud of!

The coolest thing of all is the Littles got these medals ~ Athletes donate their race metals for SN kids!!

Starlight Foundation Fun

It took me a long time, and finally encouragement from our friends to join the Starlight Foundation in our area.  It is a fabulous foundation but for children with life threatening illnesses or disabilities.  The problem I had - little man wasn't disabled.  By joining the foundation, I had to actually admit that my little guy was different, that his disability affected his life.  Once again I spiraled down the steps of loss and the Welcome to Holland poem once again rescued me.  That was almost 2 years ago, and I jsut laugh at myself now.  BUT it is a huge step that I believe all parents of challenged kids must go through.

One of our areas biggest sponsors are the Air Force Academy and their cadets.  THey offer man power to run events, donate space, but more importantly they make the kids feel special.  Despite the level of disability, these young 20 year olds make each child feel capable and special!

Today, the Lacrosse team offered an opportunity for the kids to come and watch a scrimmage, and then they took the kids and played with them one on one or two cadets per child.  It was incredible.  Little man brought his special lacrosse stick we had made small enough for him.  He of course won over the cadets and had them rolling with his antics and celebration dances.  

In addition, our big kids also got to participate.  It has taken me time to realize that they should be celebrated also.  Our life is very different since we had little man.  You can't fly across the country for Dr visits without all the kids being affected.  I in no way think it has had a negative impact on my kid, but it is nice to be able to do something "totally awesome" that they wouldn't be able to do if little man didn't have his issues.  So, they had a fabulous time also, with cadets giving them one on one time and giving them hints and tips.

Go little man, go!

Morgan was a scoring fiend on the Academy's head coach!

Awesome opportunity and we feel so thankful!