From the Heart
I hope while reading these small gestures, they give you as much joy as they gave me doing them. I am hopeful that they will inspire you to pay it forward. Trust me when I say, it will give you a feeling like none other. Your heart will be full.
In October of 2015, I was in search of a place to start donating books. One day, ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council) came up in conversation, so I went to chat with them. I have, to date donated 331 books, 3 single-size bed sheets, 56 stuffed animals, 8 VCR movies/shows, binders, crayons and Christmas decorations. ASAC is a great organization that works with many other organizations to reduce the underage use and abuse of alcohol, the misuse of prescription medicines, and the use of nicotine products and illegal drugs. Please visit their website www.asac.us for more information on what ASAC does and also how you can help or donate.
In June 2015, three of my friends and I enjoyed a girls' weekend in Naperville, IL. My search for things to do in the area resulted in finding a hospital with a Ronald McDonald Center. My suggestions to go together to purchase children's storybooks, coloring books, and crayons, was well received. We donated these gifts to the hospital. The Ronald McDonald staff happily and gratefully received the items and assured us they would bring the children much joy.
Not only did I receive that HEARTFELT feeling, but it brought me more joy to share it with three of my best friends. What could be better than that?
Around the time "Pay It Forward" became popular, I felt the need to do something fulfilling. Inspiration came when my youngest stepson, his wife, and their daughter delivered fresh cut flowers in vases to the elderly at a senior home. Their heartfelt stories of the warm receptive looks and joyful smiles of the residents filled me with yearning. I knew that this was the kind of generosity that sang to me.
My sister Sue purchased begonias and I bought the pots, the dirt, and some butterfly stickers. My friend Cheryl and I planted 24 begonias, decorated the pots, and brought them to the senior center where my mother was living. All the dining room tables became alive with Spring. It not only brightened up the room, but the looks on the faces of the residents made it priceless.
My heart was filled for days after this event and I discovered that I wanted to help out more by donating to other causes - to bring joy and happiness to others.
On May 9, 2016, I began working at Curves. On the 31st, we had a member go into Cardiac Arrest. I had to perform CPR on this lady and luckily she survived. I am so thankful that I had CPR training and I hope that everyone will consider taking the class as well. Please click on the following link for a quick 6-minute video I did at a presentation this past July.
In February 2017, my friend Traci was diagnosed with Stage IV, Diffused Large B-Cell, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. During her FIRST chemo session, she saw first-hand the need to help cancer patients. Even with all the resources and everything that is being done, it simply is not reaching everyone in need in the corridor.
A month later, in March 2017 - Inspire One (a non-profit) was created. When Traci asked me to join her to help others in need, I did not think twice; probably not even once. I was so excited and honored to be part of such a wonderful cause.
Inspire One will donate any way they can to help make cancer patients' journey a little more bearable.
If you feel you would like to donate, please mail your check to Inspire One, 260 S. Mentzer Rd., Robins, IA 52328.
After 10 years of feeling terrible and fighting so many different “illnesses” (trial and error), in January 2021, my friend Julie finally received an answer. She was diagnosed with 6 tick-borne diseases, 1 of them being Lyme disease. Now, the fight of a lifetime.
CDC recognizes Lyme disease, but the guidelines for diagnosis, treatment plans, protocol, and proper treatment have not been updated since Lyme was established about 40 years ago. Basically, the treatment and testing for diagnosis supported by the CDC guidelines and that the insurance will support and follow is ineffective. Leaving many suffering or misdiagnosed or having to advocate and navigate the path without the support of insurance.
If you are “lucky” and get a positive result from the very ineffective testing most doctors use, they basically say, “Ok, we will give you a small round of antibiotics.” Then they write you off as “cured,” which you are never fully cured of this disease. Once you have it, you are lost and left to figure out what to do about it, and then the insane financial burden. To explain it to your network, you feel so, so lost. If people don’t understand, they judge and turn their backs. They have even said, “At least you know, so now you can cure it and be better soon.” This almost makes it worse. The stress and disbelief that comes from the unknown, are not helpful in feeling better.
There is no one-size-fits-all with Lyme. Everyone is different and needs different approaches to treatment and diagnoses. Each infection has a different protocol for the best treatments. There is not enough research or education to help those with these tick-borne diseases.
In May 2021, I held a yard sale and was able to raise $600 for Julie and her family. This was a small amount to put towards her treatment, but every little bit helps.
Julie and her husband have two young girls who also have Lyme. Julie is fighting her heart out daily and one day soon, we will be advocating to bring better awareness to this disease. I ask that you please search Lyme disease and learn more. Advocating for this will be a long road, but we will CONQUER one day and hopefully help others who are fighting as well. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to help. Thank you in advance.
I had been thinking about hosting a 5K for Lyme awareness for a year now and suddenly, one day a post came across my FB page; "How To Host a 5K." If that wasn't a sign, I am not sure what would have been.
At the beginning of March 2023, I met with my friends and told them what I wanted to do; they were ALL in. In three short months, I was able to get three radio stations, a local news station, and our local newspaper (front page) to promote our 5K/1K Lyme Awareness Run/Walk. June 3, 2023, was AMAZING!!! We were able to raise $9500 in sponsorships, donations, and registrations. Unbelievable!!!! I am still a little shocked that we pulled this off so quickly. This event is now an annual event. Our next one will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
On October 7, 2023, Pam and I held our first Lyme Support Group. It has become my passion to help those fighting this horrible disease and to bring awareness. This first meeting was so heart-filling. We learned so much about how each person has a different fight and different treatments. This is a monthly meeting and we hope that eventually, we will fill whatever room we are in. I love to hear the stories, it helps me to learn more about this disease. At this point, most people in Iowa have to go to a chiropractor, eye doctor, or someone who treats Lyme with holistic. I am yet to understand this, but I look forward to that day.