So on December 14th, 2012 for the first time ever, after 15 years of helping children in Mexico, they turned their attention to the United States and hosted the first Teleton USA! Their goal was to reach $7,000,000 by the end of 48 hours and during these 48 hours we would hear testimonies from amazing children who have either gone to a Teleton in Mexico or were in desperate need for one in the United States. Their stories were nothing less than awe-inspiring and would cause anyone with a heart to cry. All of these children, in spite of their medical strife, walked onto the stage with the most genuine, heart-warming smile and revealed that their greatest dreams we're to lead normal lives. There was one boy, in particular, who touched my heart the most and his name is Sebastian. Sebastian has a disease in which his arms and legs contorted themselves in ways that render them unusable, so when asked what his greatest dream was his response was, "Quiero ser capaz de tocar mi cara y caminar un día." (TRANSLATION: I want to be able to touch my face and walk one day).
Needless to say, Sebastian had me crying like a baby and wanting to donate every cent I have. Yet Sebastian and all those other inspiring children taught me that strength doesn't mean being "tough", it means that you find the beauty of life even in the darkest of times. You find hope in the midst of hopelessness and you find love in yourself. These children showed me how lucky I truly am to have the advantages I have and it is because of these children that I am becoming a Madrina (TRANSLATION: Godmother) for Teleton and will sponsor a child. I hope that by reading this you also become inspired and donate to Teleton because whatever money you do donate will be changing a child's life. If you wish to donate to Teleton USA you can visit the website: www.teletonusa.org
