Originally included Hopkins Children’s magazine Spring 2020 edition

Mo and his mom, Sonsy, first shared their story during the 2012 Mix 106.5 Radiothon broadcast while Mo was an inpatient undergoing treatment for retinoblastoma. Since then, Mo and Sonsy have continued to tell their story, stealing the hearts of the Baltimore community. Mo regularly calls Mix 106.5 to say hi to his DJ friends and their listeners, and as an avid sports fan, he can be heard frequently on 105.7 The Fan with his predictions and analyses. Also beloved by Ravens and Orioles players for his tenacity, sports knowledge and infamous laugh, Mo has become a local celebrity — making history in March 2019 as the first person to announce an NFL draft pick that was read in Braille.

In 2019, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) –– of which Johns Hopkins Children’s Center is a member hospital –– selected Mo as one of 10 National Champions to represent their organization and children’s hospitals for the upcoming year. Mo reflects on his experiences.

How did you find out you were a CMNH National Champion, representing Johns Hopkins Children’s Center this year?

I think I was downtown with my mom when she got a phone call. She was really surprised. I didn’t know how big of a deal it was, but I was excited when she told me because I love Johns Hopkins.

As a National Champion, what have you done?

I’ve done a lot of stuff to help people learn more about children’s hospitals and why they’re important. We got to travel to different states with the other National Champions. We met a lot of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals leaders at their headquarters in Salt Lake City. My favorite was we got to go to Vegas. We spoke and shared our story on stage with lots of people from the RE/MAX company. It was fun and a little overwhelming. The other champions are really nice. My mom didn’t like the food in Vegas, though!

How does the experience make you feel?

It makes me feel really proud to be helping Johns Hopkins. If you do not give, children will not survive the diseases that they have. It makes it easier being in the hospital when people donate and help give us the stuff that we need to make it more fun. I want kids to know they should be brave, so maybe sharing my story will help other kids not be so scared.

What would you say about Johns Hopkins Children’s Center?

My time at the hospital can be fun, but it can also be really hard because of the medicines I take and the type of treatments I get. It can be really tiring. My mom is always there with me. Always. The nurses are the best. They’re nice and they sometimes take time out of their day to hang out with me. That makes me feel special. This place is amazing, even though I wish I didn’t have to come here anymore.

You’re known for your incredible laugh. How do you stay so strong? And what would you say to people to keep them motivated?

The only thing I can say is stay positive. Don’t be negative. Look on the bright side. Make sure to laugh a lot. When you laugh, others laugh too. And then everybody feels better.

What is your favorite thing about Radiothon?

Everything! Just the whole thing. How can you choose? I really love coming back because I get to see the DJs and all the people who help take care of me, and I get to meet other kids like me. It’s a big dance party, and I have the phone number to call memorized — I love saying it on air.

What do you want to do when you grow up?

I’m going to have my own sports radio station and be on the air. And of course, I’ll have my own Radiothon. I mean what station wouldn’t?!