Bethany I and got together in Moorhead this past week to make a few appearances. We had a busy day filled with news casts, hospital and nursing home visits, and our fundraiser for CMN at Pizza Ranch in Glyndon.
VALLEY NEWS LIVE
The Valley News Live from Fargo-Moorhead decided to feature Bethany and I on our efforts to raise money for CMN as well as to share about our personal platforms.
Wednesday started promtly at 4:00 AM. The Courtyard Marriot of Moorhead graciously donated a room for Bethany and I to stay in the night before. We, along with our director Melissa, arrived at Pizza Ranch in Glyndon at 5 AM. We were both very excited a bit nervous. We were greeted by Dean who is the general manager of the Pizza Ranch in Glyndon. As I walked in I joked with him a little, stating that I wanted pizza right now bright and early. He lauged at my joke...Little did I know he had actually prepared some breakfast pizza for us!! I was amazed by his complete support and thoughtfulness towards the both of us.
After recieving some coffee, which was really needed at the time, STEVE POITRAS arrived to interview us along with his camera man! The camera was set up, and before we knew it, it was rolling. We were interviewed on 3 different 2 minute incraments talking about CMN and our platforms. The filming was all done live! Great practice, I must say! The recording took about an hour. It went extremely fast! The expereience was so great! Steven and his crew were great to work with!
I had received many calls throghout the day from family, and friends saying that they say me on TV! It was a great learning experience and such a blast!
MERIT CARE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL VISIT
After Bethany and I had taken a quick nap to recover from the early morning we met up with the CMN coordinator Hillary for a tour of the Children's Hospital.
I hope that if you have never gotten to see the beautiful Children's Hospital that you would take the time to take a tour and learn about the incredible hospital! The entire 4th floor of the Merit Care Hospital in Fargo, ND is dedicated to children. The floor has an adorable theme with a forest feel, including one character named Alphonz who is the mouse kind of the hospital! Bethany and I were so amazed by every unique detail to mail boxes, special clocks, skyline ceiling, and a special play room that fits to every age group!
One of the highlights of the tour was getting to visit with a few young patients!
I would like to first introduce you to six year old Jada. She had gotten her tonsils out a few hours before Bethany and I had visited her. Jada and I clicked right away! I shared with her that I had also gotten my tonsils out when I was six. She nodded her head and blinked her beautiful big brown eyes as I told her that I knew it hurt. She got enough energy to eat a popsicle when Bethany I were there. Before we left she told us that we both looked "very pretty." So precious!
I also had the complete honor of meeting 14 year old Morgan. Morgan was diagnosed with cancer not to long ago. She shared with Bethany I that she was only supposed to be in the hospital for 5 days, but she ended up getting sick from her chemo treatments. I asked her if she was almost done with her treatments. She told me that this was only her second round and she had many more rounds to go. I am pleased to share with you that despite her situation she was very positive! We didn't really talk much about the cancer that had changed her life, but every day ordinary things from high school, to getting your nails done. She was such an inspiring young woman! I can't imagine having to be in the hospital fighting cancer my freshman year of high school. I'm so confident that Morgan will continue to fight strong! It was a very humbliing experience to meet such an amazing girl. I often fought back tears as I thought about my crown, being held on my head, by pins that were holding on to my hair. I had woke up that morning and got to curl my hair. Morgan didn't have that experiene I did that morning. You may not think about something that simple, but to Morgan I'm sure it's huge! I would encourage you to keep her in your prayers. I hope that she is as much as an inspiration to you as she is to me.
The Merit Care Children's Hospital is supported by CMN. If you are thinking about making a donation I hope this stories will give that extra push to do so!
EVENTIDE ASSISTED LIVING AND NURSING HOME
After having a fabulous lunch Bethany and I traveled to Eventide to speak to residents about CMN and our pesonal platforms. I got to share a little bit about myself and my platform "It's No Joke, Say NO to Smoke." I talked with several ladies that had never been smokers! I was so proud of them. I also had the oppurtunity to chat with a retired Vocal Music Educator. I want to be a vocal music teacher some day! It was so fun to learn more about it from someone who had experienced it for 25 years.
Bethany and I had a blast visiting with all of the residents and enjoyed there questions. We signed autograph cards and sang songs for them. They were all so great to chat with! They are so wise! Every time I visit wtih the older generation I learn something new! :)
SUCCESSFUL FUND RAISER AT PIZZA RANCH
At 4:30 it was back to the Pizza Ranch in Glyndon for our Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser! We were there for 3 years speaking with customers and encourging them to make donations. We signed several more autograph cards! We also same "Happy Birthday" to a basketball coach! His basketball players were around 12! I spoke with them about staying smoke-free if they wanted to continue to excel in basketball. They all agreed!
I spoke with many adorable young girls and boys as they enjoyed there meal about my platform as well. They shared many different stories with me. I'm so excited to tell you that not one child I met wanted to be a smoker when they "grow up." I also got to share my personal story with an older couple after they enjoyed there pizza! They were so supportive of what I have been doing to educate my generation about staying smoke-free! I got some great pictures of many of the people I had the oppurtunity to meet! I hope you enjoy them!
The night ended before Bethany and I knew it and we sat and enjoyed or very own pizza with our families and directors.
We had a complete blast that entire day and were so thankful for the many more stories to share with you!
*Special thanks to!*
Courtyard Marriot of Moorhead
Valley News Live and Steve Poitras
Pizza Ranch of Glyndon and General Manager Dean
Hillary, CMN Coordinator
Jada and Morgan at the Children's Hospital
Eventide Assisted Living/Nursing Home
Kelly Beniek, photographer
Miss Moorhead/MRRVOT directors, Amber, Shelley, and Melissa
Family and Friends
God Bless,
Paige
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