My Week at the Children’s Miracle Network Conference [PHOTOS]

You might have noticed I wasn't here last week. Wait, you didn't notice?

So last week I had the privilege of attending the Children's Miracle Network conference in Orlando, a.k.a. Disney World.

I learned so much about the great work that Children's Miracle Network and the amazing work that they do for local hospitals across North America. They raise hundreds of millions of dollars each year to fund children's hospitals in place just like Shreveport-Bossier. Locally, they fund Christus Health.

And they have been doing it since 1983.

Two of the co-founders are John Schneider and Marie Osmond. Marie's name speaks for itself, but if you're a little fuzzy on John, let me jog your memory. He was the original Bo Duke from the TV show classic, Dukes of Hazzard. After watching the show with my parents as a kid, I had to get a picture with him. And yes, he's still a stud.

I just barely missed my chance to meet Marie.

My favorite part about the entire experience was meeting the kids. CMN picks 64 children as ambassadors, or as CMN has deemed them, the "Champions." Each represents a state in the U.S. or a providence in Canada. They have benefited directly from the work that CMN is doing and they truly are the rock stars of the entire organization.

Before the conference began, I was handed a booklet that contained each of the Champions' stories with a picture. I read each story and became attached to each of those kids, but it didn't prepare me for actually meeting them.

Reading the book made me sad. My heart broke for these kids. But then I met each of them at the pin exchange. These kids don't want you to feel sorry for them. In fact, they want to lead you. Each of them was ready to show off what they could do whether it be Will, a seven-year-old who signed his name with partially formed hands or Keldon, who quickly demonstrated that he is a smooth talker and a future ladies man.

And then there's Belle.

Belle is Georgia's Champion and she had no problem letting the world know what she can do.

On the day that we were introduced to the Champions, Belle's story was played on the big screen before the ceremony. She received a kidney transplant from her father when she was very young. In searching for a donor, doctors discovered that her mother had breast cancer. She has since been treated and the family is healthy. Her mom says Belle saved her life.

For the rest of the week this girl stole the show. I don't think there was a single person there who didn't leave without a story about their time spent with Belle. So outgoing, so energetic and clearly afraid of nothing. Smart, funny, and a great singer.

I mean, she took over the live stream for Extra Life and sang "Let it Go."

Later that night, she was pulled on stage with Lady Antebellum to sing their hit "Downtown." 100% unstoppable with a gumption for life that we could all learn from, just like all of the Champions are. And I fell in love with all of them.

And of course, we had to meet our Louisiana Champion, Sophia.

A little shy at first, Sophia quickly opened up when she found out who Bobby and I were. Bobby is the program director for Christus Healthy and CMN in Shreveport. Once she knew we were from her home state, she lit up.

We talked about her coming to Shreveport soon and being a guest on my show. She can't wait and I can't wait for you guys to meet her!

The most impressive thing about Sophia, even though she is just 8 years old, she didn't forget us the rest of the week and continued to greet us with a smile.

To talk about all of the other amazing things I got to do, like meet Nick Cannon, go to Magic Kingdom, sit front row for Lady Antebellum, and hang out with some friendly squirrels, would be exhaustive.

Check out my pics here: