Being involved with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has proven to be one of the most meaningful partnerships I’ve had as Miss Wisconsin. I came into this position aware that I would serve as the statewide ambassador for CMN Hospitals, but what I did not anticipate was how much this particular role would affect me. The Miracle Children I’ve met and formed relationships with have made me realize what it means to live life to the fullest and to appreciate health, even in its varying stages. Some of the strongest, most positive people I’ve met are the children who walk in and out of CMN Hospitals on a regular basis. Their courage, persistence and determination to love life are inspiring, to say the least.
I am proud to represent all of the children whose lives have been touched in some way, shape or form by CMN Hospitals in Wisconsin. Just this past summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Miss America Orientation Dance Marathon, held in Orlando during MAO Teen week. In just four hours, along with all 50 state Miss representatives and their teens, we raised over $42,000 for CMN Hospitals across the country. Those funds will not only help children receive treatment and care, but also go towards family services and counseling, hospital toys for children to play with, hotel fees for families who travel across the state to get to a CMN Hospital and so much more.
When I became Miss Wisconsin, I made it my mission to integrate CMNH into our organization as much as possible. With the help of family, friends and local businesses, I have raised just over $11,000 for CMN Hospitals since being crowned Miss Wisconsin, a number I am proud of and constantly working to increase. It’s been inspiring to watch college students across our state dedicate their weekends to hosting dance marathons for CMN Hospitals, participate in radiothons to raise money for the hospitals and make visits to the Milwaukee Wisconsin Children’s Hospital as well.
I am looking forward to continuing this wonderful partnership with the Miss Wisconsin Organization and CMN Hospitals. If you’d like to donate, please follow the link on the Miss Wisconsin homepage to give. Any amount is appreciated and put to good use.
Thank you for making miracles possible for children right here at home!
With Warm Regards,
McKenna Collins
Miss Wisconsin 2017
