Chapel Hill non-profit The Monday Life changes its name

Due to a reporting error, a previous version of this story said that the Duke Children’s Miracle Network filed a trademark lawsuit. In fact, it was the Children’s Miracle Network, a parent organization for which the Duke branch doesn’t control the decision-making process, that filed the lawsuit. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes for the error.

A Chapel Hill non-profit organization has changed its name, but its creators say it has retained its mission.

The Monday Life, formerly called Miracle Mondays, chose to change its name on Nov. 21 after receiving a trademark lawsuit from the Children’s Miracle Network.

The Monday Life raises money to provide a happier and more comfortable environment for hospitalized children.

Founder Joey McMahon said the group will retain its purpose, so he doesn’t expect the name change to affect its work. McMahon said he wanted to avoid conflict with the Children’s Miracle Network so that both groups could continue to focus on the kids.

To make hospital stays more enjoyable The Monday Life collects $1 from its donors every Monday. Since its creation in August 2010, the organization has raised $35,000, McMahon said.

Now that the organization has changed its name, it has also unveiled a new mascot organizers say match its cause — Miles the Pig.

Chris Mangum, in charge of social media for the organization, said kids can relate to the dancing mascot.

“Our organization is fun, and we want to make the environment for kids good,” he said.

The group’s website also underwent a redesign to reflect the name change, Mangum said.

“Everything we do is online, so the campaign was an online launch,” he said.

People can sign up to make contributions on the web, and McMahon said the donation amount is small to make participation more accessible.

“I wanted people to feel good about giving,” he said. “If people know they’re making an impact with a dollar — that’s huge.”

The funds have helped provide toys, music therapy, massage therapy for parents and several iPads.

Carolyn Schneiders, a certified child life specialist at Duke Children’s Hospital, said The Monday Life has impacted the environment for the patients and families.

“They bought seven iPads that prepare patients for their surgeries with virtual preparation books, and there are also applications that distract the children during procedures,” she said.

Joey McMahon’s brother, Ricky McMahon, and vice president of marketing for the organization, hopes to involve students at UNC and other colleges.

“Maybe we can get student organizations or Greek students to promote the organization,” he said.

Schneiders said hospital staff members are happy to see The Monday Life continue, even if it is under a new name.

“A lot of the staff was excited to see the non-profit’s progress,” she said. “They have touched many children’s and parents’ lives.”

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