Monday, September 15, 2008

"My story..." Monday, Filming the commercial


Have any of you noticed that new little addition on my right side-bar? The one labeled "Commercial Footage"? Check it out if you have a moment.

Our daughter was born on Christmas Eve of 2005 and over the next year or two, we stayed in close touch with the hospital that saved her. Notice I do not write "hospital that took care of her". The treatment she received went beyond that. I feel blessed beyond belief to have given birth to C. in the hospital adjacent to one of the best NICU's in the country.

Last summer (2007), I received a phone call asking if our family would be willing to film a commercial for a new campaign the hospital was launching called, "Hope Happens Here". Without hesitation, I agreed.

Our commercial ran consistently through the winter and spring of '07-'08 on NBC. I cannot tell you how odd it was to hear my voice ring out from the speakers. Or how odd it was to be "recognized" while grocery shopping. People delighted in reporting each time they "saw me on TV!" We still pop up every once in a while.

I also taped a radio spot, but I never actually heard myself. Others have though... my brother-in-law apparently heard me just about every time he drove to work.

Anyway, the YouTube clip on the right is not the actual commercial. But it is a piece that Riley Hospital compiled with some of the footage they taped. You can hear my husband and my honest opinions about the care we received and why we were so pleased.

The stories you can hear and the people you meet at an excellent children's hospital are absolutely amazing. I was so honored to speak on behalf of the one that saved our precious child...

3 comments:

Blessings From Above said...

Sounds like a phenomenal facility. I could not agree more, the right NICU can make the difference between life or death.

Ryann said...

We were also able to share our story during the 2007 Riley Radiothon with WFMS. My husband did the interview and the radio station edited it with a country song. It played on the radio and it was strange to hear his voice and our story broadcast for the public. We were certianly blessed to be so close to Riley Hospital, we didn't even have to stay at the Ronald McDonald house (we live 15 minutes from Riley). We brag and boast about our experience at Riley and think it's wonderful when others do too. I love watching your commercials!

JessieLeigh said...

I love listening to the Riley Radiothon!

I cannot even express how strongly I feel about the value of a superb children's hospital. I'm not sure I would consider moving anyplace that didn't have a great one nearby!