Inspired Families
December 14, 2011Written by Contributing Writer, Sarah Farthing
I am repeatedly amazed at how some families are able to find inspiration and motivation out of challenges, suffering and sometimes loss. It is so admirable to me that they find the resources and will within themselves to reach out and help other families.
Here are just a few examples of the power of love:
Lobes of Love
“Karen Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer the day after Thanksgiving 2006. For the next four and a half years she faced cancer with courage, strength and amazing tenacity.
In the Fall of 2010, Lobes of Love™ began as a project when Karen’s daughter, Tammy, decided to honor her mother, by collecting and then distributing earrings to breast cancer patients at their doctor’s offices during the month of October. The project was such a success with both donors and recipients that she immediately surpassed her initial goal of 200 pairs and ultimately, at her mother’s urging, reset her goal for 2000 pairs. Earring donations continued to arrive, and with the new goal easily met, the project took on an exciting new dimension. Now year-round, Lobes of Love facilitates thousands of simple individual acts of kindness, making an uplifting impact in the lives of many.
Lobes of Love™ is an organization devoted to providing free earrings to breast cancer patients. New or gently used earrings are collected, disinfected, repackaged and then distributed to oncologists and other caregivers of cancer patients. Women can choose for themselves a pair that we hope will provide a ray of sunshine during an office visit or challenging time.”
New and gently used earrings can be mailed to:
Lobes of Love
PO Box 4387
Lawrence, Kansas 66046
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Kaps for Kendall
Kendall Atkinson tragically died following a bone marrow transplant for Fanconi anemia on March 14, 2004 at the age of 20.
Her sisters, Allison and Whitney, started Kaps for Kendall in her honor:
Our goal is to raise money to fight Fanconi Anemia, the disease that took the life our sister, and to provide special hats for kids and adults, who have lost their hair from chemotherapy and radiation.
How you can help:
1. Make a tax deductible donation to the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund (FARF), Kaps for Kendall project through the donate link on our website. For every $25.00 you donate, a hat will be given to a person undergoing medical treatments that cause the loss of their hair.
2. Donate a hat. Knit, crochet and fabric hats are all welcome.
Kaps For Kendall
7051 Palisade Drive
Littleton, CO 80130————————————————————————————————————
Cooper’s Cause
When Cooper was born with multiple heart defects that demanded countless open heart surgeries, his family faced an immense amount of medical expenses during the most difficult time in their lives. Many of the family’s friends stepped forward to organize various fundraising events to help the family manage the financial burden of their unexpected journey. Graciously, Cooper’s family could not help but “pay it forward” and begin setting up a trust fund that would help other families in similar situations. Everyone involved in Cooper’s Cause Foundation has a passion for helping and their time is donated to this cause. The foundation operates with little expenses and no compensated employees.
When you support Cooper’s Cause Foundation, you are helping families that have health insurance but do not qualify for many of the programs designed to aid in the unexpected and substantial financial burden related to pediatric heart conditions even after the insurance payments. You will be supporting the average American family who desperately needs a hand up in ensuring their little fighters receive the medical care they so desperately deserve.
Cooper’s Cause Foundation
PO Box 303
Lawrence, KS 66044
www.cooperscause.com
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Beth
on December 14, 2011 9:19 amThank you for sharing these wonderful giving ideas! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, whatever you celebrate in your heart – remember “Life is a special occasion!” Hope everyone feels like I do and can’t possibly choose just one of these fabulous ideas.
Mama Nolte
on December 14, 2011 10:21 amThank you for these inspirational stories. I will keep these addresses handy for donating throughout the year.