We helped raise well over $20,000 for her foundation, The Mia Hamm Foundation, that is for the benefit of families in need of marrow and blood transfers.   We worked closely with our community to make this event a raging success for all involved.

 

Mia started the day with us by having lunch with about 20 kids. Everybody got to know each other in an intimate setting.    Following lunch, Mia signed probably 200+ items ranging from balls to shirts over a 40 minute period. She posed for photo after photo, always with a smile on her face and engaged with the awe struck fan. Once the autograph session was complete, she hosted a 40 minute Q&A period the crowd of players and family members.   

 

Mia’s message during the Q&A period struck a cord for everyone listening.   Soccer is a sport she loves. It’s a sport that she mastered by working hard and being brave. Yes she was scared at times, like when she joined our national team and was the youngest player at age 15.   She encourages all of us to stand tall and always be brave.   Mia made it clear, she made some lifelong friends playing soccer. Her friendships were, and are very important to her.  Having fun was a must for her. I think these are great things for us all to hear and think about.

 

After the Q&A period, Mia played soccer with 50 of the kids that raised the most money for her foundation. It was exciting to see how fast and fluid she is on the field. She was a great sport. The kids, and Mia I think, had a ball!

 

Finally, as she was rushing to leave and catch her flight home, she was still being mobbed by kids wanting her autograph. She signed item after item as she made her way to the rental car. Only then did she stop signing items.

 

Mia was a great role model all day. She allowed our kids to experience a life event they will never forget.    She offered us valuable life lessons and a road map that served her and our country well. 

 

Mia, thank you for coming to Portland and providing this opportunity to our community.