Tag Archives: Help

November 29, 2016 · 2:25 pm

A New App to Help With Depression Management

“This post was developed in partnership with Pfizer as part of an Influencer Activation for InfluenceCentral.”

I know many people who struggle with depression. It can be very difficult for them to even complete the smallest tasks and in the worst stages to even get out of bed. It is very hard to watch someone you care about go through this because you know that they have so much good to contribute to the world.Thankfully we are now very aware of depression and understand that there is help available.

Millions in the United States suffer from depression and 1 in 15 adults have reported experiencing one major depressive episode in any given year. People can feel overwhelmed, alone and hopeless when dealing with their depression. Treatment for depression often includes a number of approaches such as talk therapy, medication, peer support, and a personal wellness plan.

However, even with all that, it can be hard for some patients to stick with their treatment plan. The results of a recent survey found that 70% of patients being treated for depression or another mental health disorder would appreciate some type of mobile tracker to monitor their moods, treatment,progress and more. The good news is that with all the advances in technology there are tools that can help patients as they manage their depression.

Recently, I was selected to test an app developed by Pfizer called the Moodivator. Pfizer consulted with psychiatrists to create this helpful tool that goes along with a patient’s treatment to provide motivation in a simple, effective and mobile way. The Moodivator lets patients track their mood,set goals, establish routines and more that may assist them and complement their treatment. The app is easy to navigate and use, you can see a video about it HERE.

The app is free and can be downloaded for iPhones at the Apple App Store. I downloaded it recently and was amazed at how easy it was to begin using. I liked that you could easily enter your mood and then add details of why you feel that way. You can also set goals for yourself. They can be things that you need to achieve that day or long-term goals.

You are able to enter and keep track of important work, personal or family tasks as well. There is also a reason that you enter for your goal so that you can remember why it is so important to achieve. Having an app like this on my smartphone makes it easy to see how this can really help someone who is taking baby steps to make positive changes and get more out of life.

If patients use the app consistently it can provide great insight to them about why they feel certain ways and perhaps notice a pattern that can even be shared with their care givers if they choose. The mood tracker is a simple sliding scale so it is easy to adjust and record mood changes throughout the day. They may notice that they experience sadness at a certain time every day and may find it is triggered by the same thing every time. That knowledge can help them identify and eliminate triggers that will help them break that cycle

“The Moodivator app is not a treatment for depression and does not take the place of your doctor’scare or advice. This app also includes information about a prescription treatment option for depression.”

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Tagged as App, Depression, Health, Help, Influencer Central, iPhone, Manage, Mental Health, Moodivator, Pfizer, Wellness

July 31, 2015 · 4:20 pm

#BeeBold For Bees & Join Friends Of The Earth BeeAction Campaign! We Did!

I love being outside this time of year because there’s so much beauty to be seen. I have my perennials exploding with color, gold and rose finches by the dozens, cardinals, doves, robins, wrens, chickadees, woodpeckers, swallowtail butterflies and even a pair of majestic bald eagles that nest on our lake all around. Of course along with the birds we have our helpers the bees who keep our flowers, vegetables and fruits pollinated.

I am very opposed to any type of pesticide use that is not natural or organic. Did you know that bees are dying at alarming rates due to the use of pesticides that are toxic to bees called neonic pesticides. Did you know that many bee friendly plants you can buy have neonic pesticides in them? Neonic pesticides are one of the most widely used class of insecticides in the world and are manufactured by Bayer and Syngenta.

Bees are crucial for our food system. Are you aware that bees and other pollinators are essential for two-thirds of the food crops we eat everyday such as almonds, squash, cucumbers, apples, oranges, blueberries, and peaches.

One out of every three bites of food we eat is pollinated by honeybees. The land around our home is a pesticide free zone and we garden organically and the many sunflowers, perennials and vegetables and fruits we have growing all over are flourishing thanks to bees.

Neonics are also harming other helpful insects and animals critical to sustainable food production and healthy ecosystems, like wild bees, butterflies, dragonflies, lacewings, and ladybugs,birds,earthworms,mammals and aquatic insects. There is an urgent need to restrict neonics in the United States and Canada.

Bees contribute over $20 billion to the U.S. economy and $217 billion to the global economy. Neonics are widely used in the U.S. on 140 crops and for cosmetic use in gardens. Neonics can last in soil, water and the environment for months to years to come. Neonics can kill bees outright and make them more vulnerable to pests, pathogens and other stressors while impair their foraging and feeding abilities, reproduction and memory.

Beekeepers have lost an average of 30% of their hives in recent years, with some beekeepers losing all of their hives and many leaving the industry. This is too high to be sustainable. Recent losses are staggering making it difficult for beekeepers to stay in business and for farmers to meet their pollination needs for important crops like almonds and berries.

Friends of the Earth is helping to do something about the declining bee populations and the use of neonic pesticides. Bringing awareness of the dangers of using neonic pesticides and with their “bee’n’bee” kits that allow people to create a bee oasis in their backyards.

BeeAction-Create A Bee Friendly Yard:

Friends of the Earth U.S. had “bee kits” and “bee’n’bee” houses. The kits contain organic sunflower seeds and resources, a bee-safe and pesticide-free zone aluminum yard sign and other informational materials. The “bee’n’bee”kits will include a mason bee house and resources to maintain the house and create pollinator friendly habitat.

Both kits will include resources that will allow people to get more involved with Friends of the Earth and its #BeeAction Campaign. The goal is that after taking action in their own backyards through the “bee map” and kits, individuals and families will use it to connect and stay engaged with Friends of the Earth and the campaign on marketplace and local, state and federal organizing around protecting bees and other essential pollinators.

We recently received a “bee’n’bee” kit with a mason bee house and resources to create a pollinator friendly habitat. It is advised to hang the mason house on a tree, fence or your house about 3-6 feet above the ground in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. It is also advisable to have a wide range of annuals and perennials for the pollinators we are attracting.

Some Good News:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will phase out neonics by 2016
More than a twenty nurseries, landscaping companies and retailers across the U.S. are taking steps to eliminate bee harming pesticides from their garden plants and their store
BJ’s Wholesale Club , announced they will require vendors to remove neonics from plants by the end of 2014 or else they will carry warning labels.
Home Depot, has decided to label plants with neonicotinoids and is working with its suppliers to “find alternative insecticides for protecting live goods and bees.
Lowe’s, made a public commitment to eliminate neonicotinoid pesticides from its stores including products and plants treated with them, redouble existing integrated pest management practices for suppliers and provide additional material educating customers about pollinator health.
Whole Foods issued a new product rating system, which identifies pollinator protection as a priority by restricting neonicotinoid pesticides.
Cities, states and universities across the U.S. have taken steps to restrict neonicotinoids.

We Need To Do More!

We need to change the law to restrict neonics in the U.S. as Europe and Ontario, Canada have done.

Our own survival is tied closely to the survival of bees and other pollinators. Find out more how you can help the bees and other pollinators at BeeAction Campaign. Follow Friends Of The Earth on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

This post is sponsored by Friends of the Earth. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

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Filed under Education, Family, Family Fun, Life, Life Stages, Main Page Post, Natural, Nature

Tagged as #BeeBold, bee'n'bee kits, BeeAction Campaign, Bees, Friends of the Earth, Help, Mason Bee House, Neonic, Pesticides, Pollinators, Save

February 11, 2015 · 12:22 pm

6 Ways To Save Monarch Butterflies With The #NWF

Living in the lush mountains of upstate New York, we are blessed to be surrounded by acres upon acres of lush meadows and fields. My kids have always been around nature. In fact, I still remember when my daughter was entering 3rd grade, we were to look at the milkweed plants to try to find a Monarch Caterpillar. We did and we sent it in to her class. Every year the third grade does this and they raise the caterpillars and set the gorgeous Monarchs free.

We are in a crisis though, since 1990 the Monarch populations has decreased by 90%. I have noticed how rare it is to see a Monarch but was surprised to learn we lost such a large percentage. The more I thought, I could not recall seeing even see one last year. The beautiful yellow Swallowtail butterflies are prevalent and feed on the many succulent perennials in my garden. I have to do my part this year to try to bring the Monarch population back!

You may be wondering what we can do. It’s as easy as planting Milkweed. Milkweed serves as a food source, nursery and home for the Monarchs. The National Wildlife Federation says there is hope for the Monarch if we act now. Below you find 6 ways to save Monarchs with the NWF. This information and more is on their website so click the links below to learn more.

Six Ways to Save Monarchs with NWF

Help Save Grasslands – America’s native grasslands are critically important for monarchs. They offer both milkweed for monarch caterpillars as well as nectar plants for adult butterflies (and many other pollinators too). Today, more than 90 percent of native grasslands have been converted to cropland and development. Grasslands are disappearing faster than any other ecosystem in North America, and that’s a big problem for monarchs. Join NWF in fighting to save grasslands for monarchs.
Support Highway Habitat Corridor – NWF and USFWS are working to create a coalition of agriculture leaders and highway transportation organizations to plant milkweed and nectar plants along monarch migratory flyways and in other important monarch breeding grounds along key Midwest and Texas corridors. Learn more about highway habitat corridor plan and how to support it.
Plant Milkweed – You can make saving the monarch personal by planting milkweed in your yard or garden. There are many milkweed species found in North America, so no matter where you live, there’s at least one species native to your area. You’ll be rewarded not only with he knowledge that you are making a difference, but by attracting monarchs to enjoy. Find out what milkweeds are from your region.
Don’t Use Pesticides – Monarchs are insects, and so spraying insecticides will kill them. Make the commitment to avoid spraying pesticides in your yard. Find out how to garden organically.
Create Monarch Habitat– NWF’s Garden for Wildlife program can teach you how to turn any outdoor space into a complete habitat for monarch. Just provide food, water, cover and places to raise young. It all starts with what you plant and you can create a habitat garden in your own yard, at your office, your church or the local school grounds. Entire communities are launching efforts to create monarch habitat. Learn how to create a wildlife-friendly garden.
Join NWF Affiliate Efforts in Your State — Eleven of NWF’s state affiliates are active partners in the Garden for Wildlife program, teaching people how to create habitat for monarchs and other wildlife. They offer regional expertise and resources, offering native milkweed seeds, running monarch tagging and citizen science efforts and even working on legislative solutions. Joining these efforts is a great way to get involved on the local level. Find out if your state’s NWF affiliate is working to protect monarchs.

I hope you will join me in doing our part to create a natural habitat for the Monarchs. Please let me know if you plan to participate. I am really looking forward to seeing more and more of these beautiful creatures. I know we will if we all do our part. So, are you in?

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Filed under Education, Gardening, Health, Life, Mommy Ramblings, Natural, Nature

Tagged as Butterfly Garden, Help, Milkweed, Mommy Ramblings, Monarch Butterflies, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Habitat, NWF, Plant, Population Decrease, Seeds

November 29, 2014 · 12:17 am

Shop World Vision #GiftCatalog For Gifts That Give Back & Giveaway!!!

I don’t know if you ventured out on Black Friday today, but I sure didn’t. I’m so glad too after seeing some of the craziness on the news tonight. If you are looking for a meaningful gift that truly depicts the sentiment, “it is better to give than to receive”, you should check out the World Vision Gift Catalog. The Catalog is filled with over 250 poverty-fighting gifts starting at just $10. When you choose to give where it is needed most, you can receive a handcrafted gift for your generosity.

Choose from handcrafted gifts like Cinnamon Boxes, Serving Spoons, Beaded Necklaces, gorgeous Cuff Bracelets and more that you can keep or give to loved ones this season. It may seem odd to give the gift of a goat, chicken or clean water but it could mean life for someone living in poverty. Take a look at the 2014 World Vision Gift Catalog and consider giving a life changing gift this holiday season.

To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, visit www.worldvisiongifts.org or call 855-WV-GIFTS. You can visit with World Vision on Facebook and Twitter. Since it began in 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative; more than 844,000 people helped someone through the Catalog in the last fiscal year alone.

Look at these gorgeous hand crafted serving spoons from Kenya. These are just one of the many gifts available when you give and they are perfect for entertaining or giving to someone who does.

Would you like to have a chance to win a set of serving spoons. If so, just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

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Filed under cause, Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings

Tagged as #GiftCatalog, #HolidayGiftGuide, Gift Catalog, Gifts, Giving, Handcrafted, Help, Kenya, Meaningful Gifts, Mommy Ramblings, Poverty, Serving Spoons, World Vision

August 18, 2014 · 12:30 am

Join The Mighty Fight Against Childhood Cancer With Auntie Anne’s & Alex’s Lemonade Stand!!!

ALFS-media

As the mother of a cancer survivor, I was 100% on board when approached to spread the word about Auntie Anne’s Pretzels partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand to raise money to fight childhood cancer. The founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand was a four-year old girl named Alexandra “Alex” Scott. She was born to Liz and Jay Scott in Manchester, Connecticut on January 18, 1996, the second of four children. Shortly before her first birthday, Alex was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer.

alex-scott

To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, has raised more than $80 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 450 pediatric cancer research projects nationally. Watch the video below to learn how this amazing girl took lemons and made lemonade to raise money and help kids with cancer.

The facts are startling. One in every 330 children develops cancer before the age of 20. Auntie Anne’s is continuing the fight against childhood cancer by teaming up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation with the goal of funding 10,000 hours of research to find cures for the mini but mighty fighters battling cancer. Now through September 15th , Auntie Anne’s will be asking guests to “join in the mighty fight against childhood cancer” by visiting their local store and purchasing an Auntie Anne’s customized pretzel ribbon icon for $1. As a token of appreciation, Auntie Anne’s will provide a coupon for $1 off the next purchase of any pretzel product and drink. One hundred percent of proceeds collected through the in-store campaign will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

This is Auntie Anne’s third annual nationwide fundraising campaign for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To increase awareness of the mighty fight against childhood cancer, the iconic pretzel brand launched a social fundraising campaign that began July 28th. Across the country, donors will be able to show their support by donating to the mighty fight online and receiving a coupon for their next visit to Auntie Anne’s.

I would like to introduce you to Elijah, he is the Mini But Mighty Hero Of The Week! Elijah is from Little Rock, Arkansas and he was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma in August 2005. After much research, prayer, and careful consideration, the decision was made to travel 1,200 miles from their home in Arkansas to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. For the past five years, Elijah has been able to receive the help he needs. He is fighting hard every day!

Elijah_front

Auntie Anne’s has been partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand since 2011 to find cures for children who are in the mighty fight of their life against cancer. How can you help? By donating, you’re helping Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation fund potentially life-saving cancer research. Here is what your donation could fund:

$5: Supports Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation one cup at a time
$15: Provides a gas card to help a family drive to a hospital for treatment
$25: Funds a half hour of childhood cancer research
$50: Funds one hour of childhood cancer research
$100: Enables a family to reside at a nearby hotel so they can stay close to their child receiving treatment
$400: Funds one day of childhood cancer research

If they reach their goal of $35,000, they will help fund 700 hours of childhood cancer research! In appreciation of your donation, Auntie Anne’s will email all donors a $1 off coupon, valid at participating U.S. stores, within 7-10 days after your contribution. Want to make a donation to The Might Fight? No donation is too small so just click HERE for the campaign page and show your support today!

Don’t have anything to give? You can still help, all you need to do is click! For every share of the Mighty Fight campaign, Auntie Anne’s will donate $0.25 towards childhood cancer research. You can find the “Share” button on the campaign page.

To keep up to date with Alex’s Lemonade Stand you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter , YouTube and Pinterest!

Follow Auntie Anne’s on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram!

A donation to The Mighty Fight was made in my name to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation as a thank you for my participation in spreading the word about this worthwhile cause. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Tagged as Alex's Lemonade Stand, Auntie Anne's, Childhood Cancer, Donate, Elijah, Help, Hero Of The Week, Join, Lemonade, Mini But Mighty, Mommy Ramblings, Pretzel, Research, The Mighty Fight

August 3, 2014 · 12:17 am

Win a MoonPie/ First Things First Prize Pack!!! #FirstThingsFirst

Summer is all about spending time and making great memories with the people you love. With all that together time it’s so important to make sure that we’re spending some time to strengthen those relationships. First Things First (FTF) is an award-winning not-for-profit organization in Chattanooga, Tennessee dedicated to strengthening families.

We were sent 5 FTF videos to view and pick our favorite from. I viewed the videos and my favorite was; Save Your Marriage. The reason I liked it best was because it can seem that in today’s world, divorce is the first solution to many experiencing a difficult time in their marriage.

I think many so-called experts even jump there. Don’t believe me? Try googling almost anything situation that could occur in a marriage during a difficult time or argument and you will see the results. Most will be to leave your spouse, kick them to the curb etc. Then people who do that instead of at least trying to work things out find that usually the same issues play out again, just in a different relationship.

FTF is a resource that collaborates with and is supported by a broad cross-section of community organizations, groups and individuals. FTF accomplishes it mission through meaningful media messaging and skill building classes.

Did you know:

• 24 million children are growing up in homes without their biological fathers.

• Only 30% of divorces are due to infidelity, addiction or abuse, 70% of divorces are due to couples feeling disconnected.

• Couples who manage to devote time specifically to one another at least once a week are markedly more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships and lower divorce rates, compared to couples who do not devote as much couple time to one another.

• Fathers provide unique benefits to their daughters through their active and positive presence from the time of birth all the way through adulthood.

If you would like to view the other videos, you can click on the links below:

Lost In Translation

Daddy/Daughter Relationships

Dad’s Way

Date Your Spouse

Would you like to win a MoonPie/ First Things First Prize Pack? If so enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

MoonPie-First-Things-First-Prize-Pack

MoonPie/ First Things First Prize Pack Includes:

MoonPie / First Things First Family Prize Pack includes:
– His and Hers MoonPie T-shirts (2 Large T-shirts)
– 2 Boxes of MoonPies

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Tagged as #FirstThingsFirst, Family, First Things First, Help, Marriage, Mommy Ramblings, MoonPie, Prize Pack, Relationships, Strong, T-Shirts

July 28, 2014 · 11:00 pm

Schoola Helps Schools In Need When You Buy or Donate Kid’s Clothes!!! #clothes4schools

Are you back to school shopping for your children? Maybe going through clothing they have outgrown, wondering what to do with it all? If you are, you may be interested to know how Schoola can help you and your child’s school. Schoola is an online shop dedicated to recycling brand-name children’s clothing, with 40% of the proceeds going to schools in need. The innovative new program – which saves parents money and gives back at the same time – has been heralded by Fox News, the LA Times, Forbes and Parenting Magazine.

Mommy Ramblings was selected to participate in a special campaign called “20 Days of Schoola” Adopt-a-School. Mommy Ramblings was given of choice of 3 deserving schools and it was hard to choose, but we selected a small school in the Bronx called KIPP Academy. KIPP Academy has a goal to raise $25,000 to fund a music program. KIPP Academy works hard to support kids who need all the help they can get. Ninety-five percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. More than one in seven receives special education services. Music helps KIPP Academy reach and engage every child who enters its doors. The slogan on the Music Room wall sets the stage—All of Us Will Learn Music. No matter what backgrounds they come from or what challenges they face, they learn lessons together that will serve them the rest of their lives.For more about Kipp Academy and how Schoola helps schools in need watch the video below.

I was blessed growing up to be able to go to a school that had the funding to offer all kinds of great in school and after school programs for students. Sadly many schools today cannot offer as much to students and so students are denied the opportunity to participate in art, music and sports programs that can stimulate and nurture natural or learned talent.

My older children were also able to participate in programs like I was and their school years were enriched with music lessons, great art programs, sports programs, extra curricular programs and more. My younger children who are just entering school are also able to do the same, but many schools have been impacted by lack of funding and have had to cut programs like music, art and sports.

You Can Help

You can shop on Schoola for back-to-school clothing, even clothing new with tags and for every transaction that is processed by going through this link, Schoola will donate $1 to KIPP Academy. That’s not all, everyone that requests a donation bag through the same link will help too because Schoola will donate $1 for every requested bag to Kipp Academy. Perhaps the best part is, if you send in a donation bag of clothing, you can fill out the name of a school you support and for every $5 in sales, Schoola will donate $2 to the school you selected!!! That’s a real win-win for Kipp Academy and the school of your choice!!! You can follow Schoola on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on all the latest happenings.

This post is brought to you by Schoola, the best place to buy discounted kids clothes all while give back to schools in need.Click here to learn more about Schoola.Click here to see what people are saying.

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Tagged as #clothes4schools, Activities, Adopt, Art, Campaign, children, clothes, Clothing, Donate, Help, kids, KIPP Academy, Mommy Ramblings, Music, Name Brand, Needs, Save, school, Schoola, Schools, Shop, sports, Talent

May 1, 2014 · 1:55 pm

Help Aflac Kick Cancer’s Butt By Sharing #DuckPrints #Giveaway

As the mom of a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor, I find the incidences of cancer diagnosis rising so troubling. It seems every time I turn around, I hear of another person being diagnosed. Aflac has a goal is to raise awareness and donations to aid in the fight against childhood cancer via a variety of social media activities using #Duckprints. The ultimate mission of Duckprints is to eradicate childhood cancer.

Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every #Duckprints tweet/retweet on Twitter or post/share on Facebook. They need your help to get the word out! It’s an opportunity to not only help spread awareness, but to contribute to a great cause!

About The Aflac Cancer Center

The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the largest childhood cancer centers in the country.

The Aflac Cancer Center is committed to providing childhood cancer patients a brighter future through advanced medical treatment, family-centered care, a child-friendly environment and innovative research.

Aflac is proud to have donated more than $87 million to the Aflac Cancer Center, with the goal of reaching $100 million by the end of 2015.

About Childhood Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rates for all childhood cancers combined increased from 58.1 percent in 1977 to 79.6 percent in 2003.

In 2007, approximately 10,400 children age 15 or younger were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by illness in the U.S. for people age 15 or younger.

Aflac Duckprints is committed in its mission to eradicate childhood cancer. Thanks to donations made to the research and treatment of this disease, 75 percent of childhood cancers can now be cured.

In honor of Mother’s Day and Aflac’s goal to help support the fight against childhood cancer, Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every post or tweet of former Aflac Cancer Center patient Trisha Henry Gaffney’s inspiring story using #Duckprints.

Trisha Henry Gaffney’s Story

On Valentine’s Day 1996, 19-year-old Trisha was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive tumor usually found in the head, neck, hands or feet of young children. Trisha’s was the first reported case to occur in the right ureter, the tube connecting the kidney and bladder.

After going through surgery to remove her right kidney, ureter and a portion of her bladder, Trisha spent a year at the Aflac Cancer Center undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

Following her treatment for this rare form of cancer, Trisha Henry Gaffney was eager to put her health problems behind her. The last thing she wanted to do was dwell on the effects of her illness.

Trying to Get Back to Normal

Trisha was eager to get back to school, and in January 1997, she went back to Illinois ‒ where she was a student and scholarship swimmer at the University of Illinois ‒ to finish the last few months of chemotherapy.

Her treatment ended in April 1997, and she was ready to put her focus on all of the positive forces in her life. During her treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center, Trisha had started dating Andrew Gaffney, a fellow swimmer from high school. She had a big group of friends in Champaign, Ill. she looked forward to seeing again. In addition, she became a journalism major with the goal of focusing her energy on telling others’ inspirational stories of overcoming obstacles.

In 1998, a friend encouraged Trisha to visit the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center. The Aflac Cancer Center provides specialized, long-term follow-up care and helps identify and treat problems associated with the effects of cancer treatment to help survivors lead a full life, including school, work and a family of their own. However, the idea of going to even more doctors didn’t sit well with Trisha.

“You don’t want your cancer to define you,” Trisha said, “but as you get older, you realize it plays a much bigger part in your life than you’re willing to admit.”

Hearing More Bad News

After several years of going to general doctors for check-ups, Trisha finally made an appointment with the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center.

“After college, I devoted myself to my work and being normal,” Trisha said. “I put cancer behind me. Then it reared its ugly head at 32.”

During her first appointment at the Cancer Survivor Program, Trisha received her health records. She was able to gain a broad understanding of her entire health history, including her treatments and the issues they could cause, called late effects.

After meeting with the Medical Director, Trisha went to a fertility specialist, who delivered some devastating news. The lab work showed Trisha’s chemotherapy and 23 radiation treatments had wreaked havoc on her body. Only one ovary was functional, and the radiation had damaged her uterus; she was approaching an early menopause, and she would not be able to carry a child.

“It’s devastating when you can’t have a family,” Trisha said. “I froze my eggs that year. I thought, ‘Screw you, cancer! I want my own kid.’”

After her sister’s best friend offered to be a surrogate, Trisha and Andrew, now her husband, became parents to Isabella in April 2013. Isabella just celebrated her first birthday, and this Mother’s Day will mark Trisha’s second, thanks to the Aflac Cancer Center and its programs.

The impact of the Aflac Cancer Center isn’t lost on Trisha. Without the intervention of doctors and nurses in her health, her life would be incredibly different. “If I hadn’t had my friend telling me to go to the Cancer Survivor Program at the Aflac Cancer Center,” Trisha said, “I wouldn’t have my daughter.”

How You Can Help

So please tweet and share your little hearts out for this great cause!!! Now through Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11), Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every tweet/retweet, or post/share on Twitter or Facebook using the #Duckprints hashtag.

You can also stay up on all the latest by following Aflac on Facebook and Twitter!

Giveaway Details

Enter our giveaway to win a $50 Restaurant.com Gift Card.

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Tagged as Aflac, Donate, End Cancer, Facebook, gift card, giveaway, Help, Kick Cancer, Mommy Ramblings, Restaurant.com, Share, Twitter

March 9, 2013 · 9:45 pm

Join To Help Kellogg’s Provide 1,000,000 Kids with Breakfast That Normally Go Without!!!

As a mom I feel breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped. When I heard that 1 in 5 kids may be starting the day off without breakfast because food is not available, I wanted to do something. I was happy when asked to partner with Kellogg’s in getting the word out and trying to help get 1,000,000 breakfasts to kids that would normally go without during a school year. In this economy there are so many families struggling and it really is bad in our local area. With the 1 in 5 statistic there is a good chance that the 1 is one of my kid’s friends. Kellogg’s Share Breakfast Program could use your help,with your support, Kellogg’s can feed the potential of kids in our communities by sharing one million breakfasts with children who may go without. Simply visit the Kellogg’s Share Breakfast website HERE to learn more and how you can help by just sharing a video.

Kellogg’s® and celebrity dad and actor Taye Diggs have partnered to share breakfast with children in need as part of the third consecutive Share Breakfast initiative. Starting today, families across the country can share a breakfast with a child in need by simply sharing a public service announcement featuring Diggs on ShareBreakfast.com. For each view, share and comment, Kellogg’s will share breakfast.

Along with in-school breakfast partner Action For Healthy Kids®, Kellogg’s and Diggs are making it their mission to show families how a wholesome breakfast can help kids reach their full potential every day. Kids who eat breakfast have more energy and focus for learning, yet nearly one in five children across our communities go without breakfast. That’s why Kellogg’s and Diggs are leading the charge to help end childhood hunger and are rallying families across the U.S. to help provide breakfast for kids in need.

As a dad, Kellogg’s Share Breakfast campaign is a cause Diggs feels passionately about. His mom was a teacher and he was raised on the belief that eating a wholesome breakfast helps give kids the potential to have a great day. As a child, Taye grew up as the eldest of five children in Rochester, New York and after the sudden death of his father, Taye stepped up to help his mother care for his four younger siblings. Through his family leadership, he can relate to the financial worries that many families in America face in putting food on the table every day. In the program’s third year, Kellogg’s Share Breakfast will share one million breakfasts* with kids in need through grants to schools or school districts to help them increase their participation in school breakfast programs.

“Just imagine what kids across the country could accomplish if they each had a great start every day. That’s why I am partnering with Kellogg’s and the Share Breakfast program to help make this a reality,” said Diggs. “Join me in raising one million breakfasts to help get America’s kids the start they deserve.”

How to Join the Share Breakfast Movement

Families across the U.S. can join Diggs in the Share Breakfast movement and give the power of breakfast to kids in need. Every time you do one of the following, Kellogg’s will share breakfast to a kid who might otherwise go without:

Share the public service announcement with friends.
Like or comment on the Share Breakfast Facebook page.
Pin the public service announcement on Pinterest.

Visit ShareBreakfast.com to watch the public service announcement with Diggs and learn about all the ways families can get involved for Share Breakfast 2013.

Here are two Tweets you could use to help:

Did u know 1 in 5 kids may go without breakfast every day? @Kelloggs_US will share a breakfast for every RT #ShareBreakfast
Make a difference in a kid’s life & RT the @Kelloggs_US #ShareBreakfast PSA http://tinyurl.com/cqr576a featuring @TayeDiggs

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kellogg’s. I received a product sample as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.”

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November 29, 2012 · 3:09 pm

Help The MomPreneurs of Touchstone Crystal Affected By Hurricane Sandy!!!

I love bringing you great reviews and the chance to win some great giveaways and that’s a really fun part of blogging. The feedback I have received from some of you who tell me stories of how winning a certain giveaway really made your day or let you give a gift to someone in a tough economy and more, is very heartwarming .

I was recently asked if I would share with you the hard time that some are going through in their business as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Touchstone Crystal recently contacted me about the plight of some of their Independent Consultants. Now let me tell you I do not work with Touchstone nor have I ever purchased any of their products but being affected in our area especially opened my ears. More than 250 of the independent entrepreneurs who work with the brand as a means of income to support their families have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy. These women are unable to make money during the holiday season because they have lost basic necessities of life–ranging from power and heat to even losing their homes in some cases. Touchstone Crystal Division of Swarovski has launched a Holiday Hurricane Rebound campaign to support its mompreneurs.

In order to make it possible for these women to continue to earn income during the holiday season, Touchstone Crystal has launched a campaign to assist these women to partner with other women around the country to host holiday parties online. As an added incentive of support, Touchstone Crystal is offering double jewelry reward credits for anyone volunteering to host an online holiday party with them. You can see the detail by clicking HERE!

So why not help others do a little holiday shopping while really helping others this season, it will really leave you feeling great! Thanks for taking the time and I hope that you can support some of the women entrepreneurs on the East Coast.

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Tagged as Help, Hurricane Sandy, Mommy Ramblings, MomPreneurs, Touchstone Crystal