Just a reminder to all of my friends and family to take a moment and thank God for what He has blessed us with. So many times we get wrapped up in our problems (myself included), and we lose sight of all the wonderful people and things in our lives. There are so many people in our world who struggle with poverty, abuse, and health issues, among other things. And, any little bit that each person can help, will go a long way towards helping others. If you're able to do so, I urge you to research some charities and give what you can.
Here are some foundations and charities that I regularly support. I've included their websites and would be honored if any of you would be willing to choose one or more of them to
support as well.
American Heart Association https://donate.americanheart.org/ecommerce/donation/donation_info.jsp;?campaignId=101&site=Heart&itemId=prod20008
The American Heart Association was the very first charity foundation that I supported. I lost both of my grandpas (at what I considered an early age) to heart disease. I will never forget the heart attacks I witnessed or my time spent with both of them in the hospital during their final days with us. I also know, though, that without the money raised by the American Heart Association, the doctors and the hospitals would not have the knowledge and technology they obtained from research to have helped them. My dad is proof of this technology as he has an ICD (implanted cardioverter defibrillator) that should shock his heart should it stop beating or become irregular. As you can see, this is why I'm passionate about helping this organization. In fact, this year I became a "Dear Neighbor" volunteer. This is another easy way to help the American Heart Association; check it out on their website as well.
Arthritis Foundation
I became a regular supporter of the Arthritis Foundation when I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, first, and later, rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic pain from arthritis can be debilitating. I've been there! My worst pain with this disease came right after Michael and I married. But with the help of medication, and now with better knowledge of how nutrition and stress affects my body, it's largely under control. One of my biggest struggles is to understand that there will be bad days, and it's okay to rest on those days; I have the tendency to feel very guilty and beat myself up if I don't accomplish anything on any given day. This is where I need to work on my spiritual self, I think. Anyway, one thing I would like to add to my support of this group is finding a local Arthritis Walk to join in.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
My support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began after our nephew, Eli, was diagnosed. Eli is an energetic and happy little 4 year old who can put a smile on anyone's face! Research over the years has provided better technology in dealing with this disease, but the patient/parents must still be very disciplined in their treatment regime. Each year, CFF holds a Great Strides Walk to raise funds and awareness. My family will be walking in support of Eli at Creekmore Park in Fort Smith on Saturday, May 15th at 9:00 AM, and we welcome everyone to come join us.
Methodist Family Health Foundation
This was a new one this year for me. Our church took up a special donation for this organization, so I participated. I have bookmarked their website to learn about the foundation at a later time, but I did read their mission statement, and I will share it: "With God's guidance and within the Wesleyan focused healing and caring tradition, we will express God's love by providing quality compassionate behavioral healthcare to those we serve."
New International Version (©1984) The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
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