46 Mommas Shave for the Brave

Maybe you’ve heard of these inspiring women, maybe you haven’t – but we think you should hear about them. Their team name says it all; 46 Mommas. They are a group of 46 moms of children who have fought or are currently fighting cancer. Their goal is to make a difference, to get the message out there that kids get cancer too. What better way to do that than to shave their heads in solidarity with kids fighting cancer?

While the women on the team come from different parts of the country, different backgrounds, different occupations; there is one thing they all have in common, childhood cancer.

Take a moment and check out the children they are honoring -  the children they are mommas to and reason for doing this: KIDS HONORED

Please join us in helping spread the word and help them hit their fundraising goal. No donation is too small (or too big). If you cannot donate, you can still make a difference and help by spreading the word via Twitter, Facebook, Blog, email – anyway you can. Take a few minutes, and do it for the kids.  That’s what we all are here for…Thank you.

Join them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/46Mommas

Tabitha DeGruy; Afiveoh4uplifting

Our new Everyday Hero is Tabitha DeGruy who started an organization called Afiveoh4uplifting, let us tell you why!

About the Founder:
Her name is Tabitha DeGruy, who for the first three years of her life was spent living in Children's Hospital (in New Orleans, La) due to birth abnormalities. She was born without a right arm and at 9 months old her right leg had to be amputated. Tabitha’s left arm is half the length of a normal length arm, but none of this has ever STOPPED her. Tabitha’s family raised her just as any other kid in her family. Tabitha says “The labels cripple or handicapped were never used to describe me..EVER!”

Tabitha started her mission October 1, 1992 when it was first called (The Second Wind Club). They re-organized on October 1, 2007 when she sat down with my family and came to the conclusion that she would no longer allow the lack of compassion of others to stop her from doing what she was destined to do. After a few hours Tabitha had a new name for their mission and a stronger game plan. Tabitha says “My life has been a truly blessed one and it's only fitting that I share my blessings with others. This mission is about ONE family doing God's work. It's about what God has placed before us. We accept what is and what will be, because we know He will be with us every step of the way. With my family and great friends by my side we have built this into something truly beautiful and we hope you will soon join us in this effort.”

What Does Afiveoh4uplifting Do?
Afiveoh4uplifting Lovingly creates goody bags, cards and "Uplifting Mail" for Children in Hospitals, Children and Adults battling (ANY) illness or disability, Children and Women living in homeless shelters.  They Uplift (anyone) in Need! Afiveoh4uplifting also uplifts children, men and women battling cancer through programs such as "Make A Child Smile", "Spirit Jump", "Send Love Today", and "Chemo Angels and now Friends Like Us with greeting cards.

What’s Behind the Name?
Afiveoh4uplifting was named because Tabitha & her family are originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and she wanted to keep her home close to herself as she is a hurricane Katrina survivor.  FiveOh4 (a play on spelling) is the area code for New Orleans.  Tabitha said “Since we are aiming to uplift others that's how the name came to be”

Why an Everyday Hero?
Tabitha goes far, beyond and above the call to serve those in need. She has a golden heart filled with God’s love, compassion and beauty! Her generosity is amazing! Tabitha DeGruy and Afiveoh4uplifting to us is an “Everyday Hero” for all she is doing to help and make a difference in the lives of others. You will be blessed to know her :)

We highly recommend this organization. If you’re able to help with postage stamps, oriental trading gift cards or even with the support of a donation, please contact them.

Donations Of Postage Stamps Or Oriental Trading Gift Cards Are ALWAYS Needed and Deeply Appreciated! Friends Like Us donates postage stamps to help…join us in helping :)

If you would like more information or to help in any way, please visit these resources below.

Check out this video called “Woman Uplifts Spirits with Mail” about Tabitha DeGruy http://www.ksat.com/video/23006571/index.html

Afiveoh4uplifting Contact information:

Afiveoh4uplifting - PMB 1155
13909 Nacogdoches Rd. #105
San Antonio, TX 78217

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Fiveoh4upliftin

Web: http://afiveoh4uplifting.org

Email: afiveoh4uplifting@gmail.com

     

Layers Of Love

Layers of Love, comforting chemotherapy patient’s one blanket at a time!

The first time Patty Beidleman, the founder of Layers of Love sat with her parents in the waiting room of the Cooper Cancer Institute, she was struck by not just the number of patients that walked through the door, but by how many of them carried a tote bag with a fleece blanket tucked inside.

As Patty and her mother walked her dad in for his appointment, the reason became apparent- the temperature in the treatment room dropped considerably. The first thing her dad said as he settled into his chair was “I sure wish I brought my blanket with me…it’s cold in here!” Not only is the room kept cooler, but as Patty soon learned, being cold is a side effect of chemotherapy.

While hospital blankets are of course provided, they are the standard, thin sort; hardly the type to really provide any real warmth and comfort. Judging by the blankets they saw the other patients bring, fleece was the fabric of choice.

As Patty drove home that day her thoughts never left those patients who, like her dad, could use all the comfort they could get at that point in their lives. That’s when the light in Patty’s head went off and layers of Love; Comforting Cancer patients One Blanket at a Time was born.

Layers of Love’s mission are to provide comfort and warmth to patients like Patty’s Dad who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment at Cooper Cancer Institute.

Patty said “My Dad was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in the fall of 2009.  He had surgery to remove the tumor in Dec. 2009.  The result of the tumor was that it was successfully removed; however it had spread to his lymph nodes.  This January 2010 he began treatment for his cancer.  Chemotherapy, followed by 6 weeks of radiation treatment, and now beginning this Week another round of chemotherapy”

Layers of Love was born with an idea.  Their first goal is to provide every patient at Cooper Cancer Institute with a homemade fleece blanket.  They started with Cooper Cancer Institute because that’s where Patty’s Dad is undergoing his cancer treatment.  Right now they have a goal of 74 blankets, one for each year of Patty’s Dad's life. However, Layers of Love has bigger goals.  After providing for patients at Cooper Cancer Institute, they want to move to the pediatric wing at Cooper Hospital; from there they want to move to every hospital and cancer center in the United States, providing them all with blankets for comfort and warmth, both for the adults and the pediatric patients.  Layers of Love wants to make sure every patient knows they are NOT alone, that there are people who care for them, even if they have no family or friends there with them to help them fight.

Patty is a happily married, stay at home Mom, of one 13 year old daughter. Layers of Love happily now takes up most of her time.  It is truly a labor of love. Patty said “I would be remiss if I did not mention the wonderful people I have met both through Facebook and Twitter since our drive started.  It is because of them that we are as far as we are right now.  We are grateful for each and every one of them”.

Layers of Love is collecting new, homemade, no sew fleece tied blankets to make chemotherapy patients experience more comfortable. Why fleece? Not only is it warm, but it is soft and breathable. And unlike wool, it is machine washable.

Have you ever seen an organization and you knew instantly where their heart was? That is Layers of Love to us, you can feel and see their heart. We know where their heart is and it is filled with love, compassion and generosity towards all who have been devastated by cancer and going through chemotherapy. This organization is to us an “Everyday Hero” for all they’re doing to help and make a difference in the lives of others.

We highly recommend this organization. If you are able to help with blankets or even with the support of a donation, please contact them. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact them.

Click on Links to visit:

 Website   Twitter   Facebook   Email

GiveForward.org

GiveForward is a privately held social venture started by two people who had the idea that they could change the world by making it super-duper easy for people to raise money online for the things they care about.

Their Philosophy

We believe that everyone has the ability to change someone's world. Whether you're a small non-profit raising funds to build a school in Africa, an individual running a race to raise money for your favorite charity, or just chipping in so your neighbor can pay for unexpected medical expenses, your efforts can make someone's life a lot better. Our goal at GiveForward is help as many people as possible by providing an easy-to-use tool that makes it simple to raise money online no matter what your cause might be.

Their Story

Desiree Vargas, Co-Founder and President

Half Costa Rican half Kansas Citian, Desiree graduated from Yale University with B.A. in Latin American Studies in 2004.  Prior to launching GiveForward, she worked as a specialist in collegiate entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City and as an independent consultant for Arabella Philanthropic Investment Advisors.  She is passionate about philanthropy and the role that young and small-scale donors can have on our communities. When not working, she spends her time inventing new recipes that don't always work, walking her golden retriever, Ellie, and going to Zumba.  Desiree likes Hangar One, cheese, and kicking Ethan's butt in bar trivia.

Ethan Austin, Co-Founder and Second Banana

Originally from Southern California, Ethan graduated from Emory University in 2004 with a B.A. in political science and holds a J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law where he was member of the Law Review. When he is not at GiveForward, Ethan can typically be found scouring the aisles of Trader Joe's for something deliciously microwavable or training for marathons in his banana costume.  He volunteers for Imerman Angels, a cancer-support organization and also serves on the steering committee for Climate Cycle, a Chicago-based environmental non-profit that helps put solar panels on Chicago public schools. Ethan is licensed to practice law in California. He likes fish tacos, costume parties and the ice water at Chipotle.

GiveFoward is a wonderful organization making a huge difference in the lives of so many people all around the world. We can most definitely say that they are world changers and “Everyday Heroes”. Thank you Desiree and Ethan for all you do, we appreciate you!

For more information of GiveForward,

please check out their resources.

 GiveForward.org

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Facebook

T.V. Interview

 

Flying Horse Farms

Flying Horse Farms, where camp is good medicine!

Flying Horse Farms is a magical, transforming and fun camp for children with serious illnesses.

When kids come to Flying Horse Farms, they are no longer a kid with cancer. They are not contained by their asthma or sickle cell disease. The toll on the body from heart disease, arthritis or hemophilia is forgotten. When kids are at Flying Horse Farms, they’re different. They are Kids!

In 2007, camp founders Jenni and David Belford, through their own experiences with A Kid Again (aka Adventures for Wish Kids) were moved to build a permanent, year round camp for children with serious illnesses. For a child with a serious illness and their family, the experience of an old-fashioned summer camp can be life-changing. For the campers, it's a chance to try new things, make new friends, and discover new things about themselves. For the family, it's a break from hospitals and doctor's appointments. It may also give parents some much needed time to spend with other siblings, or even each other.

Flying Horse Farms also has a built in health center. The health center is the most important building at the camp because it ensures that treatment can continue and that medical issues can be addressed. It will provide 24-hour care by specialized doctors and nurses so campers can push their limits, but not their health.

Flying Horse Farms is a not for profit 501 c 3 organization located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio on nearly 200 acres of gently rolling hills. The property includes wetlands, ponds, wooded land and a spectacular connection with nature.

For more information on Flying Horse Farms, to make a donation or to show your support, please visit these links

Flying Horse Farms

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Chapel Hill House

Built on a Foundation of Hope

Chapel Hill House is an 1835 log house originally located in Southeastern Ohio. In 2001, the house was relocated to 82 acres of peaceful, rural, wooded and grassy lands in Morral, Ohio, purchased by Larry and Annie Joseph. Larry and Annie then proceeded to renovate the house. It was their goal to build and provide a weekend retreat, offering a quiet place of respite for families that are dealing with childhood cancer. Larry, at the time, was enduring his own battle with cancer and knew first hand what day to day life was like in the grasp of such a dreadful disease. He, as a grown man, couldn’t imagine what it would be like for a child to go through life not knowing what the next day might bring. With that in mind, the couple’s goal to make this dream a reality became a mission without the possibility of failure.

They also realized that providing a place such as this was only part of the task. They needed to find families who were in need of this retreat. After just a few attempts at partnering with various groups, Larry and Annie were introduced to Kids'n Kamp. As an organization centrally located in Columbus, Ohio, Kids'n Kamp retained contact with over 300 families with children fighting cancer at any given time. Once the two groups became acquainted, a relationship was quickly established and Chapel Hill House moved onward.

After countless hours of unimaginable drive and effort, the project approached completion in 2003 when the first family of guests arrived. There have been many weekends spent at Chapel Hill House and an unanticipated value granted to those families who needed the time and togetherness, which they received. Chapel Hill House continues to move forward and provide the much needed time together that these families value so much. We appreciate their support, effort, thoughts and ideas, and even their love for this place they cherish so much. They appreciate Chapel Hill House for its meaning, its serenity, its peace, and its support. Just as families support the Chapel Hill House, it supports them. Evidence of this can be found all around Chapel Hill House including three signs, place randomly throughout the nature trails by Larry himself. They are simply one word each:

 

Dream, Giggle, Believe

Larry Joseph lost his battle with cancer. His dream was to build a place for families to go for the weekend to try to forget the pain and suffering from cancer. His dream came true.

Our story with Chapel Hill House

We found Chapel Hill through Kids'n Kamp in Ohio. We scheduled a weekend to take our family to enjoy this house. It was amazing! We met Annie Joseph, which is an amazing woman with a heart bigger than anyone else we have ever seen. We walked into the house and was breath taken by its beauty. Annie had food waiting on us, all the pantries were stocked. Even a cookie jar filled with homemade chocolate chip cookies (which our kids hit immediately). There was nothing we needed to worry about, everything was provided to us. All we had to do was enjoy our family.

Well, we did! We needed that weekend away so much. With all the business of dealing with cancer, chemotherapy, bills, jobs and everything else that can press against you. This was a paradise get-away! Our family had the most wonderful time together. We laughed, loved, played, set to eat dinner together; the small things we can take for granite and not make time for… is where we can find a time of healing.

We are thankful for Chapel Hill House, we are thankful for Larry and Annie Joseph and we are thankful for them opening up this wonderful place to us. Chapel Hill House is making a difference in the lives of so many families who are currently dealing with or have dealt with childhood cancer. Chapel Hill House is an “Everyday Hero” to us and so many others.

If you would like to find out more information about Chapel Hill House or make a donation to help support them and what they do, here are some links to follow.

www.friendsofchapelhillhouse.org

www.chapelhillhouse.org

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