Medals for Mettle in Chicago... in the news

so, i was google-ing my name and M4M as i had a moment of being too lazy to log into my blog... and found this article!

http://www.examiner.com/x-560-Running-Examiner~y2009m6d25-Donate-those-unwanted-running-medals

Medal to Gavin

Gavin is the sweetest boy. He is the middle of 5 children and has such a sweet spirit. Early in his development, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Non-Specified) (PDD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). PDD has similar features of autism and SPD is when the "sensory signals do not get organized with the appropriate responses." This can lead with difficulty with speech and social isolation. Sadly, sometimes these conditions can go un-acknowledged.

Gavin is a fighter... along with his parents. Balancing 5 children along with assuring Gavin and the other's specific needs are met... is amazing and a feat within itself! I wanted Gavin to have one of my medals b/c i wanted him to know to NEVER give up.

I was watching The Spirit of The Marathon the other day and one of the people said... "some people run marathons to compete in them and other run them to COMPLETE them"....

i think that is true for life too. Here's to Gavin! Go Get 'Em!!!!

"Let freedom never perish in your hands." ~Joseph Addison

We had another medal drop for Medals4Mettle at the Chicago VA Hospital July 4th weekend. It was an amazing experience as i was able to work with a wonderful family whose boys collected the medals for their Mitzvah Project. The VA identified four in-patients (all women veterans) whom they wanted to receive a medal. It really was touching and the boys did great! I am so thankful for all the men and women who have served and are serving our country. Their sacrifice is greatly appreciated and i hope they felt that today with their medals.

M4M in Action

This week, i feel like i officially began with Medals4Mettle. Although I have been collecting medals and corresponding, i have not yet been able to get out into the 'action' till this week.

Children's Memorial Hospital is the 'only freestanding hospital exclusively for kids and is ranked #1 in almost every major pediatric specialty.' M4M has donated medals to them in the past and I will able to reconnect with them to donate some more medals to deserving children.

The hospital's radiology department has really enjoyed the medals and gives them to children who require sedation for tests or need long MRI's. Terri told me that knowing their is a medal when they done is an amazing source of motivation to be brave and proceed with the test.

Well, we are on our way!!! Next Stop: North Chicago VA

**** if you are interested in assisting, please email me

Welcome

This blog has been created to let you know of local events going on for Medals4Mettle in the Chicago Area. Please read our mission statement to the right and contact us if you are interested in getting involved and giving back!!