May is for Miracles

This month Ariana and Nicole Fulmino from Children's Specialized Hospital have been visiting our local Costco stores to thank them for their support and fundraiser.  All the employees are so supportive.  Ariana walks around as if she is an employee.  She even has her own badge!

We also have visit many Walmart stores with Kaitlin Davis from Children's Specialized Hospital.  They are also working very hard.  Thank you to all Costco, Walmart, and Rite Aid!

...and we can't forget, White House Black Market and Chico's had beautiful "Creating Miracle Charm Bracelets."

Walk N' Roll

The Walk N' Roll was an amazing event.  So many people gathered together to raise money for Children's Specialized Hospital.  We just can't say enough how grateful we are for all that Children's Specialized has done for us.  Ariana is our little miracle!  Team Ariana was at the walk showing our support!

Team Ariana!

2012 Champion Kick off - Ariana's 80's Party

How exciting! Ariana and her twin sister, Briana, went to Sweet and Sassy to get ready for the CMN Hospitals Champion kick off party.  They had a blast getting their nails and make up done!

There was a fun 80's dance party at Children's Specialized Hospital.  We were dressed 80's style, ate cupcakes, and dance to "Living on a Prayer"! It was so much fun!

Dance Marathon

Ariana loves to go to Dance Marathons.  We just went to one early May and she had a blast.  It is also wonderful to see young adults working together and supporting CMN hospitals!

Ariana loves taking pictures with Miss New Jersey!

Ariana loves to dance! Colette Forcier, from Children's Specialized does an amazing job at the Dance Marathons.  She teaches Ariana the moves :0)

Rock Climbing

Peak Potential is a non-profit Rock Climbing Program serving children with disabilities.  Ariana loves Rock Climbing.  She had so much fun, and is hoping to go back in the fall!

Family Advocacy Day

We were so excited to be part of the Family Advocacy Day in Washington D. C. last July.  We were excited to meet other families and lawmakers to spread our message to protect Pediatric Care! Ariana was on the Star Ledger and NJ.com, Channel 4 and 12 news! Our little super star!! She met with Senator Menendez, Senator Lautenberg, and other representatives.  It was a busy but productive day! Ariana and Briana were also very excited because they were able to meet "ICarly".  They love watching that show! :0))

Meet our family

Here is Ariana's story.  Meet our family. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81oBqxfNVXM&feature=relmfu

Ariana is very happy

We are so honored that Ariana was chosen to represent CMN hospitals for New Jersey.  We are excited for this amazing year and to share our journey with everyone.  We are just so grateful to our CMN hospital - Children's Specialized Hospital!  Ariana is making remarkable progress.  She is finally ready to go back to school and we can't thank Children's Specialized enough for all they have done for our little girl.

Ariana's Story

Ariana
Age 10
Children's Specialized Hospital
Traumatic Brain Injury

Doctors witnessed a miracle the night 7-year-old Ariana was pierced with an arrow. She wasn’t supposed to live, but she fought through that first critical night and hasn’t given up since.

After a seven-week coma, Ariana awoke and began to face the effects of a massive stroke and aneurysm. Taking her diagnosis and recovery one day at a time, Ariana never gave up hope but fought with a smile and cheerful attitude.

Today, Ariana continues to progress with cognitive, speech, occupational and physical therapy. Her strong spirit helps her keep up with all her favorite things, including music, dancing and soccer. Her recovery is a reminder of the importance of staying strong, especially when times are tough.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champions

Champions is a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals program that brings attention to the important work being done at its 170 children’s hospitals. It does this by honoring 54 remarkable kids who have faced severe medical challenges, and helping them tell their stories.

The Champions program designates a child in every state who has bravely battled a serious injury or illness. The Champions represent the 17 million children treated at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals every year. The 2012 Champions have dealt with a wide variety of injuries and illnesses including genetic diseases, organ transplants and traumas, as well as various types of cancer.

The Champions travel for a week in September, first to Washington, D.C., where they traditionally meet with their state representatives on Capitol Hill and visit the White House. They then take a private chartered flight, provided by Delta Air Lines, to Orlando, Fla. While there, Champions meet Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals corporate partners, hospital representatives and media partners. These groups convene to celebrate a year of medical miracles during the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Celebration event at Walt Disney World Resort.