Munroe supports Harry and all the other kids at Children's Hospital

We know that this past week's Miracle Radiothon was one more opportunity for people to support Harry's recovery and the recovery of all the sick and hurt kids at Children's Hospital. On Wednesday afternoon, Richard, one of my colleagues at Ecole Munroe Junior High, had asked whether it would be alright to use Friday's "Spring Fling" dance to raise money for the Children's Miracle Radiothon and to do so in Harry's name. Earlier that morning, another colleague, Desiree, had let us know about the "EISI and Friends Challenge" (see previous post), and Richard didn't want our students and staff to miss a chance to support Harry.

Many of the girls remembered that this was a formal sock-hop. A few boys, and Richard, dressed for the occasion.

I was touched by the suggestion, recognizing it as yet another example of the deep concern my staff has shown since we learned about Harry's illness. By the end of the afternoon, the school community -- staff, students, and parents -- had raised $1,236. With EISI's matching donation, this represents a contribution of $3,708. Our student leadership team also signed up for the "Dr. Goodbear Miracle Club," which involves a monthly contribution to the Children's Hospital Foundation, and before the afternoon ended, two students surprised me with a giant "get well" card for Harry, filled with the signatures and good wishes of Munroe students and staff members.

Shake, rattle, and roll!

We don't yet know the final totals for this year's Radiothon, but as people phoned in throughout the afternoon yesterday, they reported that Radiothon volunteers were clearly increasingly familiar with the combined connections to the EISI Challenge and a very special patient named Harry Venema. Harry's Auntie Kathleen and I were delighted to find him in excellent spirits when we visited yesterday evening, near the end of the first day of his second round of chemo. He's improvising here on a homemade maraca, celebrating along with all the people who have dedicated their music and love and dancing to his recovery.

Thank you to everyone.