You were the one who investigated the idea of working with NYC’s Ronald McDonald House. Can you tell us about that?

I remember when we first started looking for charitable partners to align with for the foundation. We had one goal – find a partner that embodies the spirit of Chelsea. We reviewed several different foundations including NYC’s Ronald McDonald house. Aunt Jody made the initial trip to meet the directors, but I went with her shortly after to meet the staff, see the facilities, and most importantly…meet the families. My aunt was particularly excited to go back again, and I shortly learned why. The spirit of everyone in the place was joyful and honest. Even though these families and children were going through the toughest of times, they were still filled with hope and excitement for life. Immediately walking out of the place, my Aunt Jody and I had dinner and we decided that our next partnership would be with this foundation. This place had everything that reminded us of Chelsea. There was an endearing passion shared between the staff and residents of the house. There was a determination shared by each family member to get through all the hard times – and to do it together. Most importantly there was an infectious, caring presence that mirrored the one Chelsea had throughout her life.

 
And so you designed “A Day in the Country” with all of the families. There is an amazing photograph of you with a small child asleep on your shoulder as you seemed to walk through the apple fields. Tell us about him and your friendship that day.

What a fun, unforgettable day! Organizing the event had its challenges, but meeting the families and children the morning of the trip made it all worth it. After taking a long bus ride with endless rounds of singing “Wheels on the Bus (Go Round and Round)”, we arrived to the orchard to do some apple picking and create some adventures through the pumpkin patches! The weather was gorgeous. All of the CMF members were unintentionally quickly drawn towards a particular family or child and shared the full day with them. My particular new friend was a big fan of the hat I wore that day. He quickly jumped on my back and I gave him a piggyback ride through the pumpkin patch all day. We had an incredible time and spent an unforgettable day together. Chelsea was definitely with us for the trip.