Simi Loved Happy Wheels

12 years ago. Georgia "Simi" Goodwin was 6 months old and diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). In that moment, we found our lives turned upside down and put on hold as we moved in to the hospital to begin a new life of nurses, doctors, ports, medical vocabulary, and beeping monitors. 

The doctors and nurses were fabulous. We loved them. They loved Simi. But nothing would prepare us for the ray of sunshine that showed up at our hospital room door with smiles and adventures. The Happy Wheels lady was at our door! For those precious moments the hospital room disappeared. It was a world of giggles and laughter, games and books and toys, and sparkling eyes of joy.

Simi knew that knock. And we did too. The anticipation of those visits! The folks at Happy Wheels (at the time it was only dear Tracey) loved our little girl. And by loving Simi, she loved us. Happy Wheels is a part of Simi's legacy. To this day we love Happy Wheels, not only for all they've done (which is immeasurable), but for who they are.

One day, each week throughout the year, Happy Wheels volunteers make rounds to each inpatient room with a decorated surgical cart filled with brand new books and toys. Happy Wheels visits approximately 400 children weekly at all 3 children's hospitals in South Carolina. Each child gets to pick out one toy/book of their choice every week for the duration of their admission. They get to keep the gifts and take them home!

Happy Wheels loves and cares for thousands of children (and their families!) every month by giving them opportunities to smile and let the weight of sickness and struggle drift away... even for just a moment. And then the bright eyed smile of anticipation when they hear that familiar "knock, knock, knock" at the door....it's the most welcome visitor of all....Happy Wheels.