Health Archives - Page 9 of 12

Cancer August 13, 2014

TCU Frogs for the Cure

I never ceased to be amazed by the way that the right people always enter my life at just the right time. As you all know, this week I have been prepping for my first-born to leave the nest and head off to Texas and TCU. In all the craziness I received a phone call from a friend who wanted to introduce me to an incredible woman named Ann Louden, who helped start and drive a non-profit at TCU.

The organization is called TCU Frogs for the Cure and is dedicated to supporting those with breast cancer and helping to find a cure. Ann, a breast cancer survivor, called to chat about her organization’s new video that is being filmed this weekend at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. She said the organization began in 2005 when TCU athletics partnered with the Susan G. Komen® Greater Fort Worth to sponsor a first-ever pink out halftime presentation at a university….which has now become a national trend.

A few years later they created a music video that combined inspirational music and hundreds of survivors and supporters. Each year since, the music video has gotten more elaborate and included more students, survivors and community leaders. This year, the video is being filmed in 5 cities, including my own hometown Pasadena, this Saturday August 16th from 1-5pm.

So grab your friends and register here to be a part of this epic celebrity filled music video to inspire others to find a cure. It is events like this, started at TCU, that have influenced and inspired thousands to adopt a cause and come together to make a difference.

I know I’m inspired and so grateful my son is heading to TCU. Whether pink or purple is your color, it doesn’t really matter but what does, is that you care to give of yourself to help another.

Charity Matters.

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Charity Matters Inspiration August 6, 2014

Camp with a Cause

Its summer and summer means time for camp. Camp is a time for children to play, make friends and have new experiences. However, when a child is suffering from a serious illness camp takes on an even bigger purpose. Camp becomes a place to be a kid with others who are facing the same challenges. Camp becomes a place of hope and healing. That is exactly why Camp Soaring Eagle was created. This special place provides the healing power of laughter to thousands of seriously ill children by giving them the opportunity to go to a medically supervised camp at no cost to the campers and their families. The camp was founded by entrepreneur Max F. James.

Max began his life as a Tennessee farm boy where his father was a share cropper. A life of hard work and dedication lead him to the Air Force Academy, Vietnam and then Stanford Business School, where he received his MBA. Max said in an interview recently, “My two children and my wife, Linda, helped me build the business, so we set up a family foundation, wanting to start giving back to the community. Over the years we wrote a lot of little checks, but then my son sent me to Orlando, Fl, to Camp Boggy Creek, one of Paul Newman’s Hole In the Wall camps, where seriously ill kids can attend a medically supervised camping program. We decided we could also do something like that. ”

Since 2009, Camp Soaring Eagle has sent hundreds of seriously ill children to camp and continues to keep growing and expanding. Providing campers and families a happy slice of summer fun and memories to last a lifetime. As Max F. James said, “I have been tremendously blessed and strongly believe that when one gives it comes back tenfold.”

Charity Matters.

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Cancer July 23, 2014

When Life Gives You Lemons….

I have to admit that I have spent a little time lately being nostalgic and looking back, which includes looking at past Charity Matters post. The post below was one of my very first and probably not seen by too many at the time so I thought it was worth sharing with each of you. Enjoy!

Just the other day my 10-year-old son and his friend asked if they could set up a lemonade stand. It was a hot day and he and his pal worked hard to get business up and running. I was so touched that many of his “customers” stopped and asked my son if he was doing this for a cause.

He wasn’t, but at the end of the day we decided to see what causes there were involving lemonade stands and this is one that we came across. It may not be a “small non-profit” but it is a perfect example of small ideas that create big change.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOiBLRQ96QM&feature=player_embedded#at=148]

Every non-profit started small and most began with lemons. So next time you drive by a lemonade stand, stop…you never know what can come from one glass of lemonade.

Charity Matters

Copyright © 2011 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Health July 9, 2014

Doctors without Borders

A few weeks back my husband and I were sitting at a sushi bar and had the most interesting conversation with the gentleman sitting next to us. It turns out that he was a pilot, as a hobby, and used his free time and resources to fly U.S. doctors to remote areas of Mexico to provide medical treatment. Our conversation got me thinking about the well-known organization Doctors Without Borders or Medicine Sans Fronteriers (MSF), as it was named by its French founders.

Doctors Without Borders all began when Raymond Borel and Philippe Bernier, journalists from a medical review, issued an appeal to establish a group of doctors to help people suffering in the midst and wake of major disasters. On December 22, 1971, 300 volunteers made up the organization: doctors, nurses, and other staff, including the 13 founding doctors and journalists.

“It’s simple really: go where the patients are. It seems obvious, but at the time it was a revolutionary concept because borders got in the way. It’s no coincidence that we called it ‘Médecins Sans Frontières.’” MSF was created on the belief that all people have the right to medical care regardless of gender, race, religion, creed or political affiliation, and that the needs of these people outweigh respect for national boundaries.

What began with two journalists need to bring attention to suffering around the world and those who had both the compassion and skills to ease it has now grown into an international organization that we can not remember a time without. Today, Doctors without Borders is in 28 countries and since its founding, this incredible organization has treated over a hundred million patients!

It is an age-old story that continues to inspire, people who use their voice, passion and compassion to change the lives of others……change our world. And you never know who might be sitting next to you at a sushi bar.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Cancer June 30, 2014

Brides Who Make a Difference

We simply could not end the month of June without some sort of wedding post. All those beautiful June brides, who are just returning from their honeymoons and now wondering what do I with their big white dress? Chances are pretty good that you won’t be wearing it again anytime soon.

Here are a few suggestions whether you are a bride new or old, know a bride or happen to have a big white dress stashed somewhere in your closet. That special dress that made your day will brighten someone else’s and help support these amazing causes.

1. The Bride Project Wedding dresses are donated to The Brides Project from all across the country. Some are “pre-loved” donated by brides who want to see them dance another day. Many are donated directly from bridal salons, so they are brand new. The best part of all is that the money raised from the sale of gowns supports families touched by cancer through the Cancer Support Community in Ann Arbor, MI.

2. Brides Against Cancer Wedding gown sales are an important fund-raising event for Brides Against Breast Cancer. The thousands of generous donations received from designers, manufactures, bridal shops, and individuals worldwide, enables Brides Against Breast Cancer to contribute to wellness and educational services to those impacted by cancer.

3. The Bridal Garden The Bridal Garden, has a collection of one-of-a-kind wedding gowns for sale at up to 75% off the original retail price. Their vast network includes; couture designers, exclusive retailers, and individuals who generously donate their gowns. The Bridal Garden is not only a bridal boutique, but also a not-for-profit charitable organization whose proceeds benefit education for disadvantaged children.

4. Brides for a Cause a bridal store that raises funds for charity. Brides for a Cause is partnered with Wish Upon a Wedding, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering situations. Brides for a Cause will accept your wedding dress on their behalf, sell it and send 50% of the proceeds to the charity.

So the next time you receive a wedding invitation, think about sharing this info with the future bride. Since weddings are all about love it seems to be a match made in heaven. Who knew that cleaning out your closet could raise funds, change a life and spread the love and joy that you felt on your wedding day to someone else?

Sounds like the best wedding gift of all.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Matters Inspiration May 7, 2014

Build it and they will come

Ten years has gone by in a flash! Where it has gone? Somedays I honestly don’t know. A decade ago a group of us got together and founded a non-profit called The Spiritual Care Guild of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Our goal was to provide chaplains 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the children, families and staff at CHLA. We knew then if we simply could help one life, then we had succeeded. That was the beginning of the motto, “One Spirit, One Soul, One Child at a Time” and of our non-profit.

I am happy to report that we have exceeded our wildest dreams. Dreams are exactly what started this in the first place. Our friend, Father John Sigler was a chaplain at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and he had a dream of chaplains of all faith traditions at CHLA and reached out to us for help. Our first event was appropriately called, “Field of Dreams.” A benefit held in a stunning backyard that had a regulation baseball field. That in itself was an almost impossible feat!

Guest walked in thru turnstiles, strolled throw rows of fresh corn, met Dodgers and Angels baseball players and then at the twilight hour set up their blankets and watched the movie Field of Dreams on a 30 ‘outdoor screen. It was a magical night that changed everything.

This Saturday, May 10th, the 10 founders will once again return to the baseball field and revisit our very own Field of Dreams. What started a decade ago was much bigger than a cornfield, it was bigger than each of us and continues to continues to impact thousands of patients and families. I know that 10 years ago I could not have imagined what has been accomplished today. The one thing I will know for sure when I walk onto that field this Saturday night. I will know that dreams do come true if you just Go The Distance.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Autism April 16, 2014

Easter Seals

When we think of large companies or organizations its easy to forget that they didn’t all begin that way. We see only what is before us and not where the organization came from. Almost always, the beginnings are humble and behind every great organization is a person with passion and a story. Easter Seals, one of our countries oldest non-profits, is no different.

It all began in 1907, when Edgar Allen lost his son in a streetcar accident. There was not proper medical care in their town and as a result Edgar’s son did not survive. Edgar, a Ohio businessman, sold his business to begin a fund-raising to build a hospital in his town of Elyria, Ohio. Once the hospital was built he learned that children with disabilities were hidden from public view. In 1919, determined to help these children, Edgar Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children, the first organization of its kind.

By 1934, the organization launched its first Easter “seals” campaign to raise money for its services. Donors showed their support by placing seals on their envelopes and letters. A Cleveland cartoonist designed the first seal based on the concept of simplicity, believing that those served by the charity wanted “simply for the right to live a normal life.” The lily became Easter Seals’ logo in 1952 for its symbolism with resurrection and new life and has appeared on their seal ever since.

The Easter Seals campaign was so successful that by 1967 the organization changed its name to Easter Seals.

Today, what began as fundraising campaign for a hospital, has grown into an organization in more than 550 U.S. cities with over 23,000 employees and thousands of volunteers. The Easter Seals organization continues its mission in helping individuals with disabilities and their families, live better lives. They offer help, hope and answers to more than a million children and adults living with autism each year.

From humble beginnings to a lasting legacy of compassion.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Autism April 9, 2014

A trash truck, a boy and a moment

One of the first words my oldest son said was, “Twas Twuck.” Every Wednesday we would sit by our big upstairs window and wait for the beloved trash man. He would waive, smile, honk and make our day. This morning I went looking for something to share with you about Autism and the story I came across simply made my day.

What has made this story so impactful, really had nothing to do with autism but rather with a beautiful act of kindness. Manuel Sanchez, the trash man, gave Daniel the toy garbage truck that he purchased with his own money and had no idea that Daniel had autism. He just knew that Daniel was always waiting for him each week.

In a recent interview Manual said, “That little boy is so special, and he will steal anybody’s heart as soon as you see him,” Manuel told his employer. “I didn’t know what he has but there’s something very special about him.”

Obviously, there is something very special about Manual Sanchez too. His kindness has gone viral and he has inadvertently become the messenger of Autism awareness month by showing the world that the more you give the more you get.

Charity Matters.

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Education April 7, 2014

World Health Day

I know that on friday I told you that this week is National Volunteer Week and by the way it still is. However, today is World Health Day….I know it probably isn’t on your calendar but that’s why I’m here to share a little snippet of info.

The World Health Organization created these days to inform us all that our world is small and we need to all look out for our health and the health of others.

This years focus is on mosquitoes, flies, ticks and bugs …..I know not a glamorous topic but they may be a threat to your health, your family, your home or simply when you are traveling. This short video highlights simple measures we can take to protect ourselves and the international message of this years World Health Day.

So consider your self informed. Don’t forget the bug spray when you head out on Spring Break and remember that your health is a gift. Take a moment of gratitude for that and have a wonderful World Health Day!

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Profile April 2, 2014

Girls on the Run

Last week social media was all a flutter over a tutu, a photo and a very inappropriate comment from a magazine. While the story of Monika Allen was interesting, the real story was about supporting a non-profit, called Girls on the Run. A story that is just as impressive and with an amazing founder behind it all, Molly Barker.

In 1993, Molly Barker was on a run and had an epiphany that changed everything. A four-time winning Ironman competitor, Molly had life-long struggles with issues of self-worth. On that fateful run, she began to plan a program to provide preadolescent girls with the tools to embrace their strengths and navigate life’s challenges. In 1996 that is exactly what Molly did with the help of thirteen brave girls. Twenty-six girls came the next season, then seventy-five and by 2000, Girls on the Run International, a 501c3 organization was born, when Molly realized that so many girls could not pay for the program.

Girls on The Run’s mission is to create a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.They meet twice a week in small teams of 8-20 girls, teaching life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. The girls learn understanding themselves, valuing relationships, teamwork and understanding how to connect with and shape the world at large.

Today with the help of over 55,000 volunteers, the Girls on the Run program currently serves over 130,000 girls in 200+ cities across North America each year. They have served 713,855 girls since inception.

I came across this quote from President, Elizabeth Kunz in regards to the tutu story, which I think sums up what makes this organization so inspirational.

“At Girls on the Run, we believe that girls have the power to change the world. While it is easy to silence or ignore the voice of one person, the voices of many united in purpose has power! Amazing transformation is possible when we embrace and live our core values of joy, gratitude, empowerment, connectedness, responsibility and intentionality. By celebrating one another, connecting with one another and coming together as one powerful movement, we can create healthy dialogue, elevate thought and, indeed, change the world.”

Charity Matters.

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Charity Profile March 26, 2014

Project ALS

The other night at dinner I was discussing my heroes, people who take a bad situation and make them better for others…or in most cases, non-profit founders. My friend asked me if I had ever heard of woman named Jennifer Estes? I said,”No.” My dinner guest said, look her up, she sounds like your type of hero. How right she was.

Jennifer Estes and her sisters founded the non-profit, Project ALS. I had heard of ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease but I wasn’t clear about the impact that one woman’s life could have on this disease. Simply extraordinary.

Since 1998, Project A.L.S. has raised over $67 million and changed the paradigm for medical research. Jennifer lost her battle to this insidious disease on December 23, 2003 but her legacy lives on through her sister’s tireless efforts to find a cure for ALS. Jennifer Estes was not only a hero but a reminder to each of us to treasure each moment, the power of voice and a shining example of what one person can accomplish.

Charity Matters.

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Health February 5, 2014

February is all about heart

February is a month about love, and the heart. It is a time for cupids, Valentines and a time to talk from the heart and about it. Talking about the heart and from the heart are not always easy. This month, with my Dad’s recent heart troubles, my heart is heavy thinking about families whose children suffer from congenital heart disease or CHD.

It always hard when someone you love is sick but when it is a child the challenge is even greater. I came across this for an upcoming event and thought it shared the parent’s perspective.

Did you know that……

Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths worldwide
About 1 out of every 100 babies are born each year with some type of Congenital Heart Defect in the United States (approx. 40,000/year)
Nearly twice as many children die from Congenital Heart Defects in the United States each year as from all forms of childhood cancers combined.

So when I was told by a friend, whose son suffered from CHD, about Its My Heart, I was determined to share it with you. Its My Heart.Org‘s goal is to provide strength and support for those affected by Congenital Heart Defects.Their goal is to be a resource for families who are not sure where to turn when their child is diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease. They create networks among families, groups, hospitals, and the community and even provide grief counseling for families in need. Their goal is to make your heart lighter when someone you love is suffering from CHD.

So, as we enter the month of love, from my heart to yours I wish you a very happy and healthy heart month.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Cancer January 8, 2014

If only for a moment

Being carefree, something all of us remember in our youth and sadly long for, when our life’s responsibilities get in the way. A new video, from cancer survivor and founder of the Mimi Foundation, Myrian Ullens de Schooten, offers this gift of spontaneity to cancer patients. Myrian founded the Mimi Foundation, “Because of this experience my conviction has grown that cancer must be fought not only on the medical front, but on all fronts. Using this principle I want to ensure that all those who have to face this disease receive support, help and comfort.” This project accomplishes just that.

Just that moment of joy, silliness, freedom and the unpredictable. The video is in French with sub-titles, but the language of joy is universal. Take a moment and treat yourself to a small slice.

It simply doesn’t matter what language you speak or what you look like when you are suffering from cancer. What matters is the smiles, the fun, the joy and the moment that each of these people gave to another.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2014 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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Charity Matters Inspiration November 1, 2013

Movember: Changing the face of men’s health

Photo curtesy of Movember.Com — Photo courtesy of Movember.Com

Today is November 1st and the beginning of Movember. No, this isn’t a typo but rather a movement. You may recall that last November there seemed to be an unusual amount of facial hair and beards. Those beards and unshaven faces were not by accident, but rather a statement for men’s health.

A statement that all began in 2003, when two mates in a bar ( Travis Garone and Luke Slattery) were having a simple conversation about whatever happened to the moustache or the Mo, as they called it, and a joke about bringing it back. These buddies from Melbourne, Australia decided to talk their friends into growing a Mo for a purpose. They were inspired by a friend’s mom who was raising funds for breast cancer and decided to direct their efforts towards men’s health and prostate cancer. They sent an email titled Are you man enough to be my man? The result was 30 guys willing to take up the challenge and pay ten dollars each, towards their cause and the beginning of Movember.

Their goal started small but never wavered. These four friends wanted to recruit men who would support Movember, who by the way are called MoBros. The Mo Bros, would begin by registering at Movember.Com and start Movember 1st clean-shaven, then grow and groom their Mo, for the rest of the month, raising money along the way. In addition, these men become walking, talking billboards for their cause. Not to exclude the girls, they also started Mo Sistas, who champion their Mo by registering and supporting the Mo Bros in their life.

What started as a fun bar conversation in 2003 and 30 MoBros in Melbourne, Australia has morphed into 3 million participants globally, who have raised more than $446 million to date. Movember, is more than a month but rather through the power of the moustache, it has truly become a global movement that is changing the face of men’s health.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2013 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

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