Every Austinite knows about Dell Children’s Hospital and every American knows about Costco, but do you know what one has to do with the other? And where does ABC Blind and Drapery come in? The answer lies with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Since 1983, CMN has raised more than $5 billion for 170 different children’s hospital across the United States. As you probably deducted, Dell Children’s, as the only dedicated freestanding pediatric facility in the area, is one of the receivers of funds from the Children’s Miracle Network. Enter Costco, a corporate partner that makes a difference for these children in need. Every May, Costco members are able to contribute to the Miracle Balloon Campaign. Each customer is prompted to donate at checkout and in turn writes his or her name on a balloon, which is then displayed at the front of the warehouse.
We often give to such campaigns and wonder where the money goes and who it’s helping. Virginia Tamplen of the Children’s Miracle Network, shared a miracle story about the little ones’ these funds are helping. Mandy & Gary Moss are proud parents to Carter (5) and Kennedy (2), both previous patients of Dell Children’s. Carter was put on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation or life support) after suffering from Meconium. The Dell Children’s staff worked diligently for weeks to stabilize Carter and according to Mandy, “he is now an active, talkative, loving 5 year old with no side effects!” The Moss family found themselves returning to Dell Children’s after finding out that at 20-weeks gestation, their daughter Kennedy had a congenital heart defect called AVSD (Atrioventricular Septal Defect) and tricuspid and mitral valve leaks. While Kennedy’s birth went smoothly, she was sent to Dell’s PICU two weeks later after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The Moss family was welcomed by familiar faces and after weeks of treatment, it was decided that Kennedy needed open heart surgery. Mindy and Gary decided that Dell Children’s was the best hospital for the procedure, knowing full well that Kennedy was in excellent hands. Kennedy’s recovery from surgery was a complete turnaround in the best way possible. Mindy acknowledges that she has two miracle babies thanks to Dell Children’s Hospital.
ABC Blind & Drapery is proud to sponsor a campaign that helps children like Carter & Kennedy Moss. As a major donor for the second year, it’s important to remember why we make these type of commitments. We’ve had the pleasure of serving the Austin area since 1947 and as a locally owned and operated business, we recognize the importance of community. Yes, we strive to provide Austin homes with high quality window treatments and excellent customer service, but we are also a staff of parents. Our business depends on homes, but our joy stems from the people inside of them. We are more than happy to contribute to CMN, an organization that helps Texas families get healthy and be happy.
