Of Golf Carts, Big Smiles, And Being Amazing

These days in the news, so there’s so much heartbreak – so much about people who use their position of influence for evil instead of good.

I can’t change the whole, but I can give you a peak into that sad news not being the only news. Yeah, maybe it’s the sad kind that sells, but quietly, powerfully, all over the world, amazing people are silently doing incredible things.

So, this weekend, let me give you a small peak into something wonderful. And I hope it will bless you as it has blessed us.

Many hospital fundraisers are well publicized, but there are some that are quiet too. This last week, we spent 24 hours with the quiet and the powerful, and dear ones, how I wish you could see what I saw…

The Lurie patient families gathering with each other and foundation staff; hugging and talking like long lost friends — because trials knit strangers together by their souls even when they’ve never met.

Lurie families and staff gather with actor, Anthony Anderson
Chase hands out Cliff bars with Julie, a member of our Lurie staff family
Lurie patients and siblings in the photo booth

The three little neuro boys – who beat their odds and defied their statistics – running and tagging and giggling through a crowded ballroom full of VIPs.

The beautiful girl – thirteen long years in a wheelchair – who pushed up onto her braces, braced her courage and body against the podium, and told her story, shouting “Isn’t that amazing?” to a standing ovation.

Ellie and Chase

The leaders of companies, the heads of foundations, professional athletes and actors – one and all treating small children with big disabilities as if the children were the heroes whose autographs were sought and whose selfies were precious.

Selfie with Robbie Gould
Selfie with Kevin Butler

The men and women who hand beautiful, expensive golf clubs without a care into the hands of small children and teaching them how to tee up and tee off.

The looks on the players faces when asked how the game is going – the shrugs and smiles and “That’s not why we’re here today. Today is for the kids.”

Chase met Mr. Butler last year and couldn’t wait to see him again this year!

The absolutely huge center for a pro football team crossing clubs like swords and falling “dead” to the ground under Chase’s cry of “surrender or die!” – all because he’s a dad too and he gets that kids are kids no matter what.

The players who paused their game (time and again) to sign their golf balls and give the kids rides in their golf carts.

Chase gets driving lessons from former Cubs pitcher, Kerry Wood
Lurie’s Aaron Conn with all the patients and siblings
More driving with Kerry
Chase and Darcy practice driving with former Chicago Bears player, Kevin Butler

The mothers and fathers who gave up their own families in the middle of crazy, busy lives to fly to Chicago on behalf of a children’s hospital.

Chase and Charlie with Anthony Anderson

The winners who took their signed football prizes in hand and turning, bowed over bald and broken children and placed the prizes in the kids’ hands instead.

Chase with Mike DeMatteo, giver of his signed football

The silent money that bought four pieces of children’s art, framed like the greats, for thousands of dollars.

The dozens holding a sign for a boy who wasn’t there because he was on the table for his ninth brain surgery – his second in two weeks.

Kerry Wood and Darcy support Team Matthew

And dear ones, so much more. So much more! I have as many small story moments treasured in my heart as Chase has fist bumps, high fives, and “Hey, do you know you’re awesome?” questions.

Chase and Robbie take a minute to perfect their lounging skills

The few pictures I took have names to them so you can see and know what and who you’re seeing, but dear ones, there are no names in the stories because they, the famous, the amazing; they wouldn’t want you to know. That wasn’t why they gathered. So, you don’t need to know all the names behind the stories, but I do want you to see a bit of their hearts.

And these hearts? Well, they raised well over $800,000 for the hospital.

Robbie Gould with the Lurie kids and members of the Ace Foundation
Robbie speaking his heart

Quietly, powerfully, people are doing incredible things.

~MbM~

In Which Chase Goes Golfing

These days, it feels like we are waking up to bad and worse news every day in which coups and killings mix with hate and stealing. At times, even our words aren’t our own and too many are out to take advantage, so today, this week, I want to share something amazing with you.

These pictures represent a whole day of GOOD.

Nope, more than that, actually: a day of WONDERFUL.
It was a day last week when people came together around a common cause and lovingly, sacrificially sought to make a difference in the lives around them.


People were stepping out of their comfort zones left and right and you know what was left on the course?


Love and laughter.


We started as strangers and became family.


And to what end?


Nearly a million dollars raised for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.


So, check it, people…


No matter what’s in your newspaper, your in-box, or your social media feed today, there are a lot of amazing people out there quietly doing wonderful things all day, every day.


-MbM-

Chase with his new special friend and encourager, former Chicago Bears (and super bowl champion!) place kicker, Kevin Butler - you guys, this was a special connection for Chase
Chase with his new special friend and encourager, former Chicago Bears (and super bowl champion!) place kicker, Kevin Butler – you guys, this was a special connection for Chase

 

With Robbie Gould as we kick off the pairings party
With Robbie Gould as we kick off the pairings party

 

Bob helps Chase sign his Lurie trading cards
Bob helps Chase sign his Lurie trading cards

 

Chase tries to jump for a "high five" from former Chicago Bears offensive lineman, Roberto Garza
Chase tries to jump for a “high five” from former Chicago Bears offensive lineman, Roberto Garza

 

Former Chicago Bulls championship center, Bill Wennington looks up to Chase's friend, superstar Matthew
Former Chicago Bulls championship center, Bill Wennington looks up to Chase’s friend, superstar Matthew

 

Chase has to get on Bob's shoulders to greet former Chicago Bears offensive tackle, James "Big Cat" Williams
Chase has to get on Bob’s shoulders to greet former Chicago Bears offensive tackle, James “Big Cat” Williams

 

Chase being Chase with The Ace Foundation's Chris Doucet
Chase being Chase with The Ace Foundation’s Chris Doucet

 

Spending some time with former White Sox outfielder, Mike Huff
Spending some time with former White Sox outfielder, Mike Huff

 

Darcy and Harlow (Lurie patient and cancer survivor) show off their many autographs while representing the hospital
Darcy and Harlow (Lurie patient and cancer survivor) show off their many autographs while representing the hospital

 

Chase gets lessons in using his new selfie stick from NFL quarterback Matt Blanchard
Chase gets lessons in using his new selfie stick from NFL quarterback Matt Blanchard

 

Chase and Harlow bum a ride on the course with their new best friend, Robbie
Chase and Harlow bum a ride on the course with their new best friend, Robbie

 

My favorite picture ever - Robbie Gould with some of the Lurie kids and their siblings. The love and joy in this picture is amazing!
My favorite picture ever – Robbie Gould with some of the Lurie kids and their siblings. The love and joy in this picture is amazing!

 

Amazing Women Alert! Lurie's CMN Director, Morgan Shea poses with Darcy and the Ace Foundation's Chris Doucet.
Amazing Women Alert! Lurie’s CMN Director, Morgan Shea poses with Darcy and the Ace Foundation’s Chris Doucet.

Heartfelt thanks to Robbie Gould, Erica Gabel, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, The Ace Foundation, Chris Doucet, Morgan Shea and all the athletes, vendors, and supporters of this incredible event!