Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Sim and our sweetie pit bull puppy Sierra

And here is Miss Sierra showing how much she missed Sim the night he got home after his first brain surgery


What an exciting adventure for Sim and the rest of us, we can't wait for what the year holds for us!  He is very proud to be taking this on, and he will work hard to make Texas and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals proud.  We also can't wait to meet all the other Champion's in September, but we'll get to know them through these blogs along the way for sure.

Sim was lucky enough to give two speeches again in April to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and at one of them he had the good fortune to be introduced by CMN Hospitals CEO and president John Lauck, and in between them we had his Champion launch.  He is a Plano, TX resident - born and raised here, so we held it in Plano for him at a place where he LOVES to be at.  He discovered martial arts two months ago, and USA Martial Arts in Plano has been amazing!!  It has been the BEST physical therapy for him that we could have ever had, and we are so lucky to have found this place.  We were thrilled they allowed us to have his launch there.  He was brought to the launch by Plano Police Department's Sergeant of the Year this year Sgt. Lindy Privett.  CMN Hospitals Sponsor Rep Angela Bynum had brought out balloons and a huge smile to show her never ending support of young master Sim, and we are so glad she was there.  Angela arranged for City Councilman Lee Dunlap to come introduce Sim after he finished his martial arts class with little brother Zane and a few of his friends from school who joined in.  Mr. Dunlap had a surprise with him...a proclamation from the Mayor that April 14, 2012 was officially Sim Scott Day in Plano, wow!  Sim gave a short speech to the little crowd who came out to support him, and one person who happened to be there that we didn't know gave Angela a CMN Hospitals donation right there which was a fabulous end to a fabulous morning!

Here is my cell phone video from that windy morning of Mr. Dunlap introducing Sim at the launch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnpPKWkU__E

If you would like to see more of Sim's story over the last almost three years here is his Caringbridge website
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/simscott

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Sim's Story

Sim
Age 9
Children's Medical Center
Brain Tumor

Sim is no ordinary elementary schooler. Although diagnosed with a grade II astrocytoma brain tumor at age 6, Sim maintains an active schedule including soccer, school and trips to museums.

Sim is naturally outgoing and is especially known for his ability to inspire others. Articulate beyond his young years, Sim recorded and posted cheerful and engaging YouTube updates following his two brain surgeries performed at Dallas Children’s Hospital.

Since his surgeries, Sim manages diminished vision in one eye by covering the stronger eye for several hours a day, allowing the weaker one to catch up. But even that doesn’t get in the way of Sim enjoying the things he loves most, such as playing with his two brothers. His mom says he is a perceptive and natural helper.

Sim is a gracious young man with delightful manners. “A lot has happened in my life in two years, some things scary and some things fun,” he says. “But what really sticks with me is the love from all around—that’s kept me happy and hopeful.”

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.