Philanthropy: what it means to me

Going into recruitment, I had absolutely no idea what a philanthropy was, let alone what it meant. Little did I know, this one word would have a HUGE impact on my life. Phi Mu’s national philanthropy is Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals; for our chapter specifically, we focus on CMN Hospitals of Alabama in Birmingham. When I first found out about Phi Mu’s philanthropy, I knew that I had an instant connection.

At the age of 8, I had a heart complication. The nurses and doctors at Children’s Miracle Network Hospital of Alabama did such an excellent job of providing the support that my family and I needed. My story is one of many that my sisters and I share with this amazing cause. So many of us have personally experienced the good that this hospital brings to patients and families.

Through many of our philanthropy events, we have been able to meet families who have also been impacted by CMNH, many of them local to Jacksonville State University, and we have had the privilege of hearing their stories first hand. This amazing philanthropy has grown even closer to my heart since that first day of recruitment when I stepped into Phi Mu’s room. By serving as our chapter’s philanthropy director along with participating in our events, I have realized that Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a cause that I will always be an advocate for. The relationship that our chapter has with Children’s of Alabama has shown my sisters and myself just how much we can do to offer hope to these families.

For me, our philanthropy means hope for a better and brighter future for so many of the children who are patients at this hospital. In the end, knowing that we were able to raise over $30,000 this year and raise awareness for the kids is what makes all of our hard work and dedication worth it.

- Madison Watson, Philanthropy Coordinator