I am in Orlando, FL for the Children’s Miracle Network’s Celebration 2009, celebrating the miracles of Children’s Miracle Network. Taking place over the next few days, last night off with one of the most important parts of the celebration—“Meet The Champions”—the 70 kids who have overcome illness and injuries of every kind from the U.S., Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Delta Air Lines has been a proud sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network since 1998, and is the title sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network’s annual Children’s Miracle Awards, a recognition event that honors individuals who have made significant contributions in the lives of children. Although Delta has been a sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network for over a decade, this is my first year to be a part of this exciting event!
The highlight of last night for me was the pin exchange. The sponsors brought pins to give to the champions. We went from child to child, meeting their siblings and parents, and having each sign or stamp our book of “2009 Champions” as I gave them the Delta pin. Many of them had pins to give in return, but all had great smiles and tremendous gratitude. It was almost overwhelming to shake the hand of a young man or woman who had been through so much – many having had 40 or more surgeries in their lifetimes.
One really gratifying moment: the mother of a four year old from Dublin beamed when she saw my Delta shirt, telling me what a great flight they had getting here, how great the service was, and how much she appreciated Delta for getting them here.
Delta Air Lines’ support also includes underwriting air travel for Children’s Miracle Network national staff and the charter flight for the Champions Across America children and their families to travel from Orlando to Washington, DC. Delta also helps create awareness of Children’s Miracle Network with SkyMiles donations through delta.com from SkyMiles members.
If you’d like to contribute your SkyMiles to the cause, you can do that here.
Frank
Manager
External Affairs and Community Relations