Sharing Hope During #ChildrensHospitalsWeek
Guest Blogger: Carolyn Brady, Miss Maine 2019
In this time of uncertainty, the Miss Maine Class of 2020 has taken this opportunity to devote time to our youngest warriors as well as those that continue to fight for and with them. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals national partnership with the Miss America Organization has allowed participants to not only raise funds, but also to push the boundaries of what we can do to show our support and appreciation for the medical community serving at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH). In honor of #childrenshospitalsweek, we have put our best foot forward as we work to come together while staying apart.
As Miss Maine 2019, I have had the pleasure of working with BBCH in a variety of ways over the course of my year thus far. In additional to serving as a weekly STAR Volunteer for BBCH, I have been fortunate enough to participate in a number of fundraising events that countless Miss Maines have previously attended. Given that there is no rule book on how to push through a pandemic, I have chosen to be guided by hope: the hope that we all have for the light at the end of the tunnel and the hope that those kiddos have knowing that we will try to find a way to help them. My goal has been to share this hope with as many people as possible, and my Miss America Organization sisters have chosen to do the same.
The young women vying for the title of Miss Maine 2020 have also been keeping busy during quarantine and making the most of every opportunity to give back to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Their creativity and compassion never cease to amaze me. They have taken on every project imaginable, from sewing masks, collecting medical supplies, and even donating thank you baskets to our health care workers, to hosting giveaways in hopes of encouraging donations even during this difficult time. I know that when I pass on this title, it will truly go to a young woman with a heart for service.
I believe I speak for the entire Miss Maine Scholarship Program when I say that serving BBCH is important to us for so many reasons. Right now, it is especially important because we know that more than ever before, the term ‘at risk’ has taken on a whole new meaning. We know that the term ‘tomorrow’s new normal’ is a privilege not guaranteed to everyone. We know that our kids can’t wait and if there is anything we can do assist we consider it to be nothing less than an honor and a privilege.
