On May 19, I was invited by Jennifer Salvitelli, the Massachusetts Director for the Queen for a Day Program, to visit the Pediatric Unit at the UMass Memorial Hosptial in Worcester, MA. Queen for a Day was started by Jenna Edwards, a former Miss Teen All American, Miss Florida America, and Miss Florida USA. This is an amazing organization that has chapters nationwide for groups to visit with children in pediatric units and take part in reading, playing, and fun art activities. Attending with me was Brooke Bibealt, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. We met with children from the ages of 2 all the way up to 21. Some of the visits we had to put on a full outfit of mask, gloves, and smock. It was incredibly rewarding to see the smiles that we put on these children's faces as well as that of their parents. One young man in particular was actually asleep when we came by, but his mom woke him to tell him he had some special visitors, and the look on his face was priceless. Being a mom, I certainly had a soft spot in my heart for this visit as it made me appreciate Sierra and her health even more so and makes me realize how lucky we are. I look forward to having many more visits like this as it is one of my most favorite appearances thus far as Mrs. Massachusetts. I love children, and if I can make just one child smile, then it was so worth making the visit.
It’s remarkable when people who have the power to make a difference in the world start to do good deeds – not just for show, but for real. Visiting these children must have meant so much for them. Now they know that not only their doctors and their own families care for them, but others as well.
ReplyDeleteMalachi Cates