Friday, June 24, 2011

Thank you to the Purdue University Women's Basketball team especially Coach Versyp. I love playing basketball!!! And guess what?!?!? Only 13 years until I graduate from high school and can try out for the team!!! Look out girls........my stats are awesome!!! Thanks for the autographed basketball Coach!! Boiler UP!!!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Wrapping up our tour in Lafayette

The last and final stop on my Walmart tour was Lafayette. I was very excited about this store appearance because all of my family came to see what I've been up to while on the road promoting fund-raising for Riley Hospital and Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. My aunts were there, my grand-parents, my nana, everyone!!! They all caravaned down to Lafayette to see me. Can you believe it?!?! As I entered the store, I was amazed!! There were so many employees and tons of balloons & decorations. Several associates even came from other area stores to take part in the event. I was escorted to the stage to sit on a very tall stool. Greg Williamson shared information about the Lafayette Walmarts efforts over the past year in raising more than $16,000 for Riley Hospital!!! WOW!!! Way to BOILER UP Purdue nation!!! Next my mom shared my story about how Riley Hospital has made it possible for me to be here today. It is because of all my extraordinary doctors & nurses that I am such great shape today. And the fund-raising efforts by Walmart & Sams Club have had a hand in it too!!!! All the money raised goes directly to Riley Hospital to help kids from all over the state of Indiana. Your dedication & drive to continue to support Riley Hospital & Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals year after year speaks volumes. Thank you for always going above & beyond the call of duty when it comes to raising money for Riley kids. On behalf of every child ever treated at Riley Hospital for Children, I appreciate every penny you raise!!!

Thanks to the Walmart team for my new boombox & CDs. I love all my gifts and my cake was awesome!!! You guys are fabulous!! I promise to stop by next time we are passing through town on our way to Indianapolis!!! See you real soon!!!!
Hey!!! Look who I spotted at Walmart on 38th street!!!





Look out Indy...Here I come!!!!













Later that week, after my Terre Haute visit, I traveled to Indianapolis. This was a really special visit because Indianapolis is the home to Riley Hospital for Children. We stopped at the Greenwood Sams Club to congradulate them on raising over $21,000 for Riley Hospital. I presented store managers Stan & Charlie with a plaque and a 4 foot tall banner to hang in their store showing that they are a top fund-raising store in Indiana. It was such a pleasure to meet all the associates and employees who are helping raise money for Riley kids like me. We told jokes and encouraged everyone to continue to drive home the support for Riley. We enjoyed a giant cake with my picture on it and took lots of pictures. After the presentation, Charlie sent me on a shopping spree to pick out things for all the kids at Riley. Jane was my personal shopper. She escorted me through the store to help me select books, DVDs, CDs, and other items that my friends back at Riley could use.

Riley is Indiana's only comprehensive childrens hospital in the state and they treat tens of thousands of kids every year. I think it is important for people to know that Riley Hospital provides HOPE for every person that passes through its doors. My mom says she walks through the doors with confidence every time we visit because she knows that all of my favorite doctors are working hard to find cures for our illnesses. And Sams Club & Walmart are partners that are helping to make this all happen. Every cashier asks every customer to donate because they know that a little pocket change can make a big difference!!!