For one lucky child, Thanksgiving 2015, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Lions worked hand-in-hand to give Conner Smith of Commerce Township a Turkey Day that he’d never forget. As the winner of the 2015 #MIKidsCan VIP Turkey Day Experience Sweepstakes, Conner’s entry was chosen from 1,300 contestants who submitted descriptions of their healthy habits for a chance to win a day with the Detroit Lions. Ever since Conner’s dream Thanksgiving last year, complete with tickets to the Thanksgiving Day Detroit Lions game, a ride on the Blue Cross parade float and dinner at Ford Field, he has continued to live an active lifestyle and hopes to be an inspiration to this year’s entrants. Since my big sweepstakes win, I’ve found even more ways to stay active every day. I took the #MIKidsCan pledge to be more active last year when I entered the sweepstakes with the help of my mom, but I’ve played baseball for the past nine years and participate in leagues all year-round. I love third base, pitcher or center field -- but I’m not just an awesome baseball player! I also enjoy swimming, football, basketball and playing on the trampoline. I’m the youngest in my family, but that doesn’t stop me from encouraging my siblings to get outside and play. Since the sweepstakes, we have all tried to go on more walks together and play catch as a group. This month, my whole family saw the results of our hard work, by completing a 5K together for suicide prevention and awareness. Winning the sweepstakes helped me think more about my exercise and healthy food choices. I now play a part in choosing my snacks and lunches every day and it’s exciting to discover new, healthy foods! Even by myself at school, I have started making better choices that have shocked my mom, like picking fruit instead of French fries. I want to say thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Detroit Lions for the awesome experience! Relive my special Thanksgiving Day with me by checking out the video below:
Think your child leads an extra healthy life and deserves star treatment this Thanksgiving? Enter to win this year’s #MIKidsCan Turkey Day VIP Sweepstakes here. This post is part of a storytelling series we call, “Beyond the Card.” These stories will feature Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members, employees, and communities who are making meaningful differences throughout our state. We invite you to follow Beyond the Card stories here at MIBluesPerspectives.com and through the hashtag, #BeyondtheCard on our social channels. If you have a story you would like to share, please feel free to contact us at stories@bcbsm.com.
