Hard Rock Cafe and National Aquarium

Baltimore, MD.

Just this past Sunday, our families rocked out at Hard Rock Cafe and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. We started the day with a great lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, where kids (and parents!) enjoyed the fun atmosphere. It was hard for some of us to stay in our seats with all the cool guitars, posters, and life-sized figurines! True to the Hard Rock style, we enjoyed burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and salads. Of course we managed to squeeze in cookies! We then headed off for the Aquarium where we enjoyed the marine scenery and life. The day continued with a dolphin show, where we learned all about how dolphins learn tricks. We capped of the day with a 4-D movie that gave us a close look at marine life. The day was a hit with all of our families, and we can’t wait to go back! Here is what some of our families had to say about the day:

Thanks to you and Starlight MidAtlantic for yet another great time!!! The kids had a ball. And the 4-D movie truly shook all of us up. Thank you for filling our Sunday afternoon with much laughter and being an
enjoyable time with family and friends. Davida Best, a Starlight MidAtlantic mom.

We had the best day. The food was great and the service was efficient at the Hard Rock Cafe. The Aquarium was so much fun. We really enjoyed the sharks, turtles, and sting rays. The dolphin show was the biggest hit. Thanks so much! Amy, Ryan, & Justin Hargadon, Starlight MidAtlantic kids. Check out the picture of them posing with the sharks:

Hello Starlight MidAtlantic Family

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Program Services & Volunteer Coordinator for Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation-MidAtlantic.  It is truly an honor to be a part of an organization as esteemed as Starlight MidAtlantic, and I am very excited to begin working on behalf of each you. Thank you in advance for this great opportunity and I intend to do everything I can to make every Starlight MidAtlantic experience a memorable one for you.

 

            Since I have gotten to know many of you over the past months, I think it is only fair that you know more about me!  I grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated from the University of Maryland in 2002 with my Bachelor of the Arts in Communication.  I am a recent graduate of American University, having earned my Master of the Arts in Public Communication in May 2007.  My work experience includes as a staffer of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the U.S. Senate, and most recently as Grassroots Outreach Associate for Save Small Business, a small advocacy non-profit in Bethesda, Maryland. 

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            While credentials give an idea of my background, they don’t truly capture who I am and why I feel so excited to be a part of Starlight MidAtlantic.  As a childhood cancer survivor, I have always known that I wanted to integrate my experience with cancer into my career path.  The recent publication of my book, I Never Signed Up For This! An Upfront Guide to Dealing with Cancer at a Young Age allowed me to help young patients in their battle against cancer.  However, I realize that there are countless children facing various health challenges, and I hope I can use my life lessons as a cancer survivor to better serve you and your child in this challenging time. Starlight MidAtlantic is precisely the type of organization I’ve dreamed of working for, and I consider it my personal mission to serve you to the best of my abilities.  My experiences give me an inside perspective, but as each situation is different, I will rely on you to let me know best Starlight MidAtlantic can serve your family.

 

            It has been such fun to be a part of Starlight MidAtlantic these past months and get to know so many of you. I simply can’t wait to meet each and every one of you!  My goal is to bring kindness, hope, understanding, and most importantly a little fun and happiness to your child’s life.  I know that every child’s life tells a story, and I can’t wait to hear you child’s story.  Thank you for this incredible opportunity and I feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or just to say hi!