THE POWER OF 50, MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER!!

At the time of this blog post, I find myself traveling to northern Indiana to meet with the Lenker family. Their son Matthew was granted a Make-A-Wish on October 10, 2010, his story and pictures can be found under the “Faces of the Make-A-Wish” tab at the top of this blog. In addition, I just received word from Keli Young that her daughter Maeci, received the ALL CLEAR from her doctor. Maeci was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (February 2010), and today, MAECI IS CANCER FREE! Maeci was granted a Make-A-Wish in November of 2010 and traveled to the Magic Kingdom with her good friend Gracie. On February 26, 2010, Gracie Bennett was diagnosed with a stage 2 Oligoastrocytoma, a very rare tumor found mostly in male adults (1.8%) and even more rare in a child. Currently, Gracie is undergoing chemotherapy as part of her treatment plan. You can learn more about Maeci and Gracie and their efforts to give back at www.maeciandgracie.com. 

Maeci Young & Gracie Bennett

Matthew Lenker

What do three these three beautiful childen, with three different medical condtions have in common? Through the magic of an out of this world wish, the Make-A-Wish Foundation gave each family hope, strength and joy while briefly alleviating the stresses of a serious medical condition. Each wish, on average, costs about $7,200 - $7,500, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants 1 wish every 40 minutes. Please partner with me to raise $7,500 for this amazing organization. This fundraising effort will allow the Make-A-Wish Foundation the opportunity to grant the wish of one very deserving family. I’m calliing it “THE POWER OF 50, MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER!” If 50 people will donate $100, we would be two-thirds of the way to our $7,500 goal. I know donating $100 at one time seems very overwhelming and I appreciate your consideration. However, what about $20 / month over the next 6 months? Starting July 1, 2011, I would like to challenge everyone to make a $20 donation on the first of each month (July, 2011 - December 2011) myself included, and help me grant the wish of one child with a life threatening medical condition. I know these are tough economic times and any consideration given towards making a donation is greatly appreciated. My sole intention of “Running 4 Wishes” and the “POWER OF 50, MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER” is to simply give back, as well as being part of something greater than ourselves.

In closing, thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I am only three months into this journey and already I feel so blessed. Blessed to be inspired and motivated by three special children (Matthew Lenker, Maeci Young and Gracie Bennett) and I hope, hundreds more.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with each of you to make “Running 4 Wishes” a success.

Thank You and God Bless!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Testimony Tuesday: The blessing in brokeness

The following was written by Faith Dority on her blog, www.faithdority.blogspot.com.  I read this last night and immediately felt moved to share, please enjoy.  Faith, thank you for allowing me to share, it was a pleasure talking with you last night and I look forward to future conversations.

Over the past few weeks, it has been brought to my attention, that I have friends and acquaintances with little ones experiencing physical troubles that are feared to be lifelong. Nothing breaks my heart more then a child that has to suffer some deformity, due to birth defects, or accidents, and to know nothing will ever be able to fix it. I do try to keep it in perspective, children are so resilient, and the number one way to ensure success in that child is by the adults who surround them. I feel lead to address this, I feel I offer some insight for the adults with these gifts from God in their lives. These children are not broken, they are fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image, even if it's not the image we had in mind.

Does the term Amniotic Band Syndrome mean anything to you? For most, probably not. It has only been in recent years that even I became aware of this specific term. This is significant to me because I was born with ABS. What this means is, I only have one hand! I am missing about three inches of my arm, my wrist, and my left hand. And I have never let that stop me from achieving my goals, but I can only attribute that to my family. I remember the stories my mom would tell me of how she didn't get to see me for three days, and how they told her I would be developmentally delayed, not to have lofty expectations. Talk about dashing a mothers dream! Fortunately, there was someone there who saw things differently, and no one can remember who that person was! My grandmother tells me of a conversation she had in the waiting room with whom she thought to be a Doctor. He felt I would be able to accomplish anything I wished, but it would all depend on my families attitude toward the situation. He explained how I would only be restricted in my achievements by limitations my family imposed on me. I do believe there was some divine intervention in that conversation, I believe it made all the difference in how my future would evolve. It hasn't always been easy, I have shed many tears over life with "little hand". I can remember some pretty mean things that have been said and done, but they made me stronger, and I was rightfully shy a good portion of my life, not anymore, ha! I never placed any limitations on myself, though scared to try sometimes. I remember wanting nothing more then to be a Cheerleader (instilled at birth, I am sure, by my Drill Team mom), how was I going to do that? The stunts, the tumbling, how would I hold the pom-poms? That fear, held me back a whole year. And when I did try-out, I rocked it! I had to think out of the box and be creative. I also had the support of an encouraging mother and amazing friends. I was just as effective at stunting as my two handed counter parts, and I discovered I could tie my pom-pom on with a hair scrunchy. Tumbling? No problem, I had long accomplished the basics, my first attempt at a spotted back handspring however, landed me on my head! My response, "Do I get to try again"?! My senior year of High School we were state champs, I cheered in the Shrine Bowl, Florida Citrus Bowl, and competed at the national level in Orlando, Florida, ESPN, baby! I also had the opportunity to try-out as a UCA All-Star, I made it. I didn't stop there. I then took my passion for Cheering to the next level and earned a spot on the Cheerleading Squad at Francis Marion University.

To this day, I remain active as a Nationally Certified Fitness Instructor, I know my class gets a kick out of me tying my weight on with my pink bandanna. I even have my coffee mug handle fitted snugly on my arm as I type. There are ways around things. And my three children know full well, "I can't", is not language I accept! I have come to a place in my life were I have gained the understanding that I might spend a lifetime one-handed, which I wouldn't change, but I will spend eternity two-handed. That said, lets move on from my story. If you have questions, just ask.

I feel pretty confident in saying, when your child doesn't exactly meet your vision, you probably place blame on yourself, wondering what you did wrong, or could have done differently. You have to remember, God does not make a mistake. Once you can get past the guilt and isolation you feel you have to get creative. There is no time to consider the what if, take your what is and get moving. You have the blessed opportunity to learn more from your own child's special needs then you ever thought possible, and remember, your attitudes and actions will shape your child's image of themselves. With that in mind, it's important how you refer to them. Using language like, "He suffers from.....", "She can't do....." will affect how they see themselves. Building a vocabulary of positivity and encouragement is the best gift you could give any child. You have been given a grand assignment to care for a child with a special need, and you will never be given more than you can handle. I want to get across how humbling it should be that you have been entrusted with the care of an exceptional child. Finally, I know all situations are different, and can be difficult, but it takes the same tenacity, courageousness, and Faith, regardless of your circumstance. No one is broken, just unique, and all our gifts are given by the same spirit.

                                                                           Go Gators!

                                                                   Holding a 'Chair'

    I couldn't resist! A day at the Magic Kingdom while cheering in the Florida Citrus Bowl.

                                                    Me & My family today.

No matter what you do, always remember to.......Keep the Faith!

In addition, Faith has a second blog, www.disneyfaith.blogspot.com, please take a second to visit both her blogs.  

Running 4 Wishes

2011 looks to be an interesting year. My daughter becomes a TeEnAgEr (nothing can ease that anxiety), I turn 40 (enough said on that subject), and last but not least, I will train for and complete the 2012 Walt Disney World's Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge.  Completing a Half Marathon, 13.1 miles on Saturday, January 7, 2012 and a Full Marathon, 26.2 miles on Sunday, January 8, 2012 (curious about why…….see earlier comment about teenage daughter and turning 40).  As a result, I have decided to use my self-diagnosed mid-life crises to benefit something larger than myself.  I want to do something that motivates me each and every day; something that will inspire others to do more even when they think they can’t; but most importantly, I wanted to do something that will directly benefit children.  Therefore, my training will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® by raising awareness and support.  My goal of raising $15,000 over the next year will grant the wishes of two children with life threatening medical conditions. 

As I begin training for the 2012 Walt Disney World's Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, I will use my blog, (www.runnning4wishes.blogspot.com) to chronicle this 11 month journey, keep everyone updated on my progress, as well as raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana – Indiana region.  If you are interested in helping me reach this goal, there are several ways to do so: 

• A one time donation 
• A once a month donation 
• A once a month donation, based on mileage ran for that month 
• Or any other way you might find suitable. 

Also, there is a link in the upper right hand corner that allows supporters to make donations directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® electronically.  Furthermore, this link will allow you to track my progress towards reaching the $15,000 goal on or before January 8, 2012. 

The decision to tackle such a project did not come easily.  I have been debating the idea for sometime, mainly concerned with the possibility of failure.  Then I came across this quote from Jim Valvano, “I think you have to have an enthusiasm for life.  You have to have a dream, a goal. You have to be willing to work for it.”  From that point on, my focus has been clear and my resolve strengthened. Honestly, I’m not sure what to expect over the next 11 months; however, I am confident of the following:

• there will be times of disappointment as well as times of excitement. 
• there will be new friendships made and old friendships renewed. 
• most importantly, two children with life threatening medical conditions will be granted their wish because of your generosity and donations to Make-A-Wish.In closing 

I want to thank each of you for taking time to visit my blog.  Any consideration given towards making a donation or donations is greatly appreciated.  Please check back regularly for updates on my training and our efforts to reach $15,000.  If you would like additional information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, please visit their web site at www.makeawishindiana.org.

Thank you and God Bless!!

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

* 100% of donations benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® *