The battle with childhood cancer for a family is like going to war. In "survival mode," often one of the first things to leave the family agenda is fun. There is so much energy concentrated on treatments and the changes in their lifestyle that take place that relaxation and fun are sometimes forgotten as a necessary element to a balanced life. Not to mention that often a family's funds are restricted to life necessities and scheduling a "real" vacation is out of the question due to the constantly changing and demanding illness of cancer.

For this reason, The Miracles of Mitch Foundation has formed a collaborative partnership with the Hilton MSP Airport Hotel and the Mall of America --both in Bloomington, Minn.-- to offer Minnesota Miracle weekends. This special program offers a relaxing respite weekend to the families of children battling cancer. Each family is treated to a weekend where they are greeted on Friday afternoon by MOMF volunteers and Hilton Hotel workers, presented with passes to Nickelodeon Universe and Underwater Adventures at the Mall of America, and surprised when entering their suite, which is generously decorated with toys and presents for ALL the kids. They also receive a pre-paid Visa card, gas card, and disposable cameras to document their weekend adventure. Kids, especially, find this experience so free from worry and pain that it's been called an "extra Christmas" by some. It is not uncommon for a parent to declare in relief, "You guys have thought of everything!"

That's what we do... we alleviate the daily strain and constant worry for a family in pain. We've found one way to do that is with the Minnesota Miracle Weekend, thanks to the generosity of the Hilton MSP Airport Hotel, Mall of America, and our generous donors.