Pinwheels & Promises...oh yeah, and Tears

The Pinwheels and Promises luncheon turned out to be a tearjerker, too!

Michelle and Bo Dean

The special luncheon helped raise money for the UNC North Carolina Children's Hospital.  My friend, Bo Dean, spent a lot of time there as a child and said it forever changed his life.

The Children's Hospital is based in Chapel Hill but it has more than 25 satellite outpatient clinics, including here in Wilmington.  We heard stories from a patient and a parent, and we watched a video through a stream of tears.  I managed to keep my boo-hooin' under the radar!

The Children's Hospital is one of the top 10 children hospitals in the nation when it comes to pediatric endocrinology and diabetes.  One mother said she called a trusted doctor in New York when she discovered her son had leukemia.  Her doctor told her she needed to stay in North Carolina for treatment because it was one of the best places to get care.

I am a firm believer in the mission of children's hospitals.  I'm learning more about the North Carolina Children's Hospital, but for years, I worked for a station that sponsored the Children's Miracle Network and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  I was even fortunate enough to travel to Memphis and spend a few days on the St. Jude campus.  

You'd think children fighting chronic illnesses would be down.  And yes, sometimes they are.  But, they are so resilient and hopeful thanks to the people who volunteer and work for groups like the North Carolina Children's Hospital.  Every kid deserves to be a kid... even when they have to deal with adult issues.  It makes my heart swell to see it!