CMN Hospitals Champion Takes the Pixels Movie Red Carpet
On July 18, celebrities took to the red carpet to celebrate the premiere of Sony Pictures’ movie, Pixels, about gamers saving the world from aliens attacking Earth through classic arcade games. Extra Life, a fundraising program within the gaming community that has raised more than $14 million for CMN Hospitals, teamed up with Sony Pictures for the release to raise awareness for the 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout North America. The organization added their own star to the red carpet — 2015 Tennessee Champion Jessica Meyer. Jessica stole the spotlight with her quick wit and charming personality as she interviewed celebrities during the event.
Jessica spent months being treated at her member CMN Hospital, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, after an inoperable tumor was discovered behind her eye following a visit to a health screening kiosk at a local Walmart. During the next few months, despite Jessica enduring chemotherapy, weekly blood transfusions, 24 rounds of radiation, and other painful procedures, she never once lost her smile, telling those around her, “I choose to stay positive. I choose to fight.”
Jessica rocked the red carpet with that same dazzling smile, making friends and melting hearts during her time in the Big Apple. This is her account of the experience she had on the red carpet.
I can’t believe I was in New York! This past weekend I was a reporter on the red carpet representing Extra Life, a fundraising program for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Yes, a 12-year-old girl from Nashville, Tennessee, visiting the Big Apple.
Let me start by saying this was my first time in New York City. Yep, first time ever! Wow, there really is a lot of people and very tall buildings. I made the most of my NYC experience by riding a taxi cab and taking the subway. I had the best pizza and ate late night take out Chinese food. I saw many landmarks and took a stroll in Central Park. And I picked up a Hard Rock T-shirt to add to my growing collection. Did I mention I had the best pizza?
Here are some of my experiences that I had while representing Extra Life at the Pixels movie premiere:
Adam Sandler was so cool and happy to wear the Miracle Band. It was very exciting to meet him.
Kevin James was so much fun to talk to. He made me laugh during the interview.
Michelle Monaghan was so friendly and very pretty too. She even held the microphone while I put on her Miracle Band.
Josh Gad is hilarious. I said, “Hi, I am Jessica Meyer from Extra Life.” Josh Gad then responded, “Hi, I am Josh Gad from life.” Too funny.
Peter Dinklage was great to talk to. He told me that he would love to challenge and beat President Obama in Centipede for a 24-hour gaming marathon.
Check this out, Waka Flocka wore a Miracle Band too.
Me, the microphone, the red carpet, and the best crew ever (Ed Nescot and Sally Gilotti!)
I am 4’5”, so I had to stand on an equipment box to interview all the celebrities that I look up to (wink, wink – no pun intended).
Even though I had to add a few extra inches, I enjoyed talking with professional reporters that were next to me on the red carpet.
It was totally awesome talking to Adam and other celebrities whom I had only seen in the movies and on TV, and I was so happy to be representing an organization that has helped me beat brain cancer. Just remember to put your money where the miracles are and to always play games to heal kids. Join me (player name Jessica Meyer) and fellow gamers at Extra-Life.org for the 24-hour gaming marathon on November 7, 2015.
Love,
Jessica Meyer
If you would like to donate to Jessica’s Extra Life fundraising page, visit: http://cmnh.co/0Z