My Involvement with Michigan From The Heart:
A Life Changing Experience
by Carey Larabee
Carey Larabee (pictured in center with Doug Karsch left, and Ed Boullion right) is currently working at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, FL, as an advisor. He shares with us his unique perspective.
It is hard to put into words how much my involvement with Michigan From The Heart has meant to me. As a former patient and volunteer for almost eight years, I have gained an appreciation for the positive impact this program has on everyone involved. Prior to my enrollment to the University of Michigan in 1998, I completed an intense, two-week physical and occupational therapy program at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. As my rehabilitation progressed, there were times I became tired, needed energy and just wanted to go home. However, that was until I received a special visit from some U of M student-athletes, when my demeanor suddenly changed. For a sports enthusiast like myself, I could not have been more thrilled!
Noting my excitement, From The Heart Co-director Ed Boullion asked if I would like to volunteer once I became a student. He provided me with a wonderful opportunity, considering all my life others have introduced me to many of my favorite athletes. From then on, I had a chance to give something back, accompanying a group of student-athletes to the hospital on a weekly basis.
To see a child smile when he or she is introduced to a Michigan student-athlete is a special feeling. The satisfaction I received, knowing I helped make someone's day, is more gratifying than any visit I have ever received. Helping these courageous children forget about being hospitalized is what From the Heart is all about and it is truly a pleasure to contribute to its cause. In addition to the sense of pride it has given me, Michigan from the Heart has shown me the way to keep life in perspective by teaching a most valuable lesson: to always be thankful for what I have.
Now living in Orlando, I carry the values of From The Heart with me every day. Working at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, I still have an opportunity to make kids smile and help their sports dreams come true. Yet, I will never forget the people I met through Michigan from the Heart, who, along with my parents, are instrumental in giving me the passion to make a difference.
The relationships I have forged through the years I will forever cherish. Ed and Leann are a second set of parents to me, while Channon and Phil Boullion are the brother and sister I never had. From Rick and Karen Beeman, to Jeff Springer, Kyle Hall, Andrew Samuels, Brian Griese, Kevin Alschuler, Scott Forrester, Scot Loeffler, Brian Bush and Ryan Kelly. The list on lifetime friendships could go on-and-on.
Thursday night visits to Mott as part of the From the Heart program have become tradition- part of a student's cultural experience at the University of Michigan. I can still visualize Brian Bush and "RK" riding on the back of my wheelchair (Good thing they were baseball players and not Offensive Linemen!), as we cruised the halls to visit the next group of inspiring children. Or, the famous group picture with Big Bird following each trip to Mott.
With Ed and Leann's leadership, coupled with the growing support of current/former student-athletes and volunteers, I have no doubt this tradition will thrive, forever occupying a special place in our hearts.
GO BLUE!!
Carey Larabee (pictured in center with Doug Karsch left, and Ed Boullion right) is currently working at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, FL, as an advisor. He shares with us his unique perspective.
It is hard to put into words how much my involvement with Michigan From The Heart has meant to me. As a former patient and volunteer for almost eight years, I have gained an appreciation for the positive impact this program has on everyone involved. Prior to my enrollment to the University of Michigan in 1998, I completed an intense, two-week physical and occupational therapy program at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. As my rehabilitation progressed, there were times I became tired, needed energy and just wanted to go home. However, that was until I received a special visit from some U of M student-athletes, when my demeanor suddenly changed. For a sports enthusiast like myself, I could not have been more thrilled!
Noting my excitement, From The Heart Co-director Ed Boullion asked if I would like to volunteer once I became a student. He provided me with a wonderful opportunity, considering all my life others have introduced me to many of my favorite athletes. From then on, I had a chance to give something back, accompanying a group of student-athletes to the hospital on a weekly basis.
To see a child smile when he or she is introduced to a Michigan student-athlete is a special feeling. The satisfaction I received, knowing I helped make someone's day, is more gratifying than any visit I have ever received. Helping these courageous children forget about being hospitalized is what From the Heart is all about and it is truly a pleasure to contribute to its cause. In addition to the sense of pride it has given me, Michigan from the Heart has shown me the way to keep life in perspective by teaching a most valuable lesson: to always be thankful for what I have.
Now living in Orlando, I carry the values of From The Heart with me every day. Working at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, I still have an opportunity to make kids smile and help their sports dreams come true. Yet, I will never forget the people I met through Michigan from the Heart, who, along with my parents, are instrumental in giving me the passion to make a difference.
The relationships I have forged through the years I will forever cherish. Ed and Leann are a second set of parents to me, while Channon and Phil Boullion are the brother and sister I never had. From Rick and Karen Beeman, to Jeff Springer, Kyle Hall, Andrew Samuels, Brian Griese, Kevin Alschuler, Scott Forrester, Scot Loeffler, Brian Bush and Ryan Kelly. The list on lifetime friendships could go on-and-on.
Thursday night visits to Mott as part of the From the Heart program have become tradition- part of a student's cultural experience at the University of Michigan. I can still visualize Brian Bush and "RK" riding on the back of my wheelchair (Good thing they were baseball players and not Offensive Linemen!), as we cruised the halls to visit the next group of inspiring children. Or, the famous group picture with Big Bird following each trip to Mott.
With Ed and Leann's leadership, coupled with the growing support of current/former student-athletes and volunteers, I have no doubt this tradition will thrive, forever occupying a special place in our hearts.
GO BLUE!!
