Thoughts

With the tough times at Dave's jobs, there are few things that we get to do. Which in turn means there are very few things we can donate too. I have for many years wanted to get a personalized license plate back, but this time I want a special plate. I want an organ donation plate which means the fee of the specialty plate will go towards MO Organ Donor Program. I have thought about it for years what my plate will say and I want it to say, 4 NRP. But right now it just isn't in the budget, but I know one day I will get that plate. Besides taking our things we don't need or use anymore to Goodwill, there are two things I make sure we can muscle $5- 10 for for the past two years. I would like to speak about them both here.

The March of Dimes

I talked before about someone that I met online through my mommy forum Trish here. To recap, she was due 5 days before I was due with Caelyn. She had Robbie at 26 weeks. Through this past year, they have had many ups and downs, good times and great battles. She and her husband David are very strong people and they love their little miracle with all their heart. This is what Trish has to say on her March of Dimes donation page.

As the mother of a preemie, particularly one as early as Robbie was, I know far
too well the power of research.
When I was 26 weeks pregnant (not even into
my third trimester yet) I was suddenly stricken with what I thought was terribly
heartburn. Two days later, I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia. The
"heartburn" turned out to be my liver swelling. My blood pressure was
dangerously high, my body was filling will fluid that threatened to shut down my
organs and, without Robbie's early birth, would have killed us both.
Preeeclampsia is one of the oldest recorded conditions, yet we still don't
have a cure. Organizations like the March of Dimes are dedicated to changing
that, and in the mean time, trying to save the babies who come too early because
of it and other pregnancy complications.
I would like to shake the hands of
every researcher who has fought to save our children. Since that doesn't appear
to be an option, I will instead focus my efforts on supporting those who hope to
eliminate prematurity and infant death.
I hope that you will join me in my
mission, either with a monetary donation of your own, or simply by joining me in
the walk for awareness.
--Trish
Proud mother of a boy who defines the
adage "Good things come in small packages."
The mission of March of Dimes is
to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth,
and infant mortality.

St. Baldrick's

This foundation was introduced to me by someone I also met through my mommy forum, Kierstin. Her neighbor lost a child, Charlie, to cancer. Here is a little about Charlie.

Charlie was diagnosed on April 19, 2004 with a very aggressive form of pediatric
cancer, neuroblastoma. He endured chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and
radiation and was cancer free in January of 2005. He unfortunately relapsed on
his first day of 2nd grade in 2005. He lost his battle on September 19, 2006.He
was the most courageous little boy and has taught many of us more than we could
have ever taught him. He always wore a smile even though he endured so much pain.
He never gave up his will to live. Unfortunately, neuroblastoma is too sneaky
and aggressive and that is why it is so very important to rally and raise money
in his memory. So, our team, Charlie's Angels, will be participating once again
this year to continue to bring awareness in Charlie's memory as well as all the
other children fighting this dreadful disease. Please help us find a cure!

Not only does Kierstin's husband Brian shave his head, but Charlie's Daddy and sister do as well. But since becoming aware of this foundation I have had a cousin who's son was diagnosed with lymphoma and my dear friend Crystal from college's nephew, Cameron has been battling neuroblastoma (just like Charlie).





So after reading this, please hug your healthy kids. Give them kisses and let them eat candy for breakfast. Because somewhere very close to you, there might be a little boy or girl who has struggled or is struggling just to stay healthy. With out your kindness and generosity their struggles would not be heard and fought for.