Day 120 - Supported a Friend

Last week was our Relay for Life event and it was an overwhelming experience.  All the work that went into fundraising and getting everything organized was more than worth it.  Seeing all those survivors, caregivers and others that have joined the fight to end cancer was amazing.

Since Relay for Life is a national program, events occur throughout the year.  This weekend a friend of mine from college is participating in her local Relay event in California.

So for today's random act of kindness I supported her in her fundraising efforts.  A world with less cancer is a world with more birthday!!

Day 120 - Donated to Relay

Day 119 - Pledged to Never Text and Drive

I have been known to check my phone or text at the stop light while driving.  Such a bad idea and today I took a pledge to no longer text and drive.  No text message, email, website or video is worth the risk of endangering my life, my kids' lives or the lives of others on the road. 

AT&T has a texting while driving campaign called It Can Wait that urges everyone to take the pledge not to text and drive.  To bring awareness they have an online texting and driving simulator, No Text On Board stencils for notebooks, skateboards, bikes, and laptops, bumper stickers for your car and so many more educational resources.  I urge you to check out there site and take the pledge!

Here are just a few texting while driving facts:

**  Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be in an accident

**  75% of teenagers say texting while driving is "common" among their friends

**  100,000 + crashes a year involve a driver who is texting

Tell the world!  No text is worth the risk!

Day 119 - Pledged to not text and drive

Day 118 - Blood Donation for West, Texas

Behind financial support the current need for West, following the explosion, is blood donation. 

Trauma injuries, such as those caused by the explosion in West, Texas, typically require several units of blood immediately and blood components for follow up surgeries. Due to the multitude of injuries, the blood inventory in that area is being used quickly.  This is why it is so important for individuals to give throughout the year and especially during times of tragedy. 

The country's blood supply takes constant monitoring and replenishing, and blood resource sharing among geographical areas elevates during times of tragedy such as Boston and West. Because blood donors gave in advance both in these areas directly affected and those surrounding it, the blood needs of the West, Texas victims are, at the moment, being met. As these victims undergo surgery though, blood must continue to be provided.

So for today's random act I kindness I donated blood.  Had I realized that platelet donation was most in need right now I would have donated those instead of whole blood.  I will remember that 8 weeks from now when I donate again.  It's something we can all do.  It's quick and easy and the free juice and cookies is always a nice bonus.

Give Blood.  Often.

Day 118 - Donated blood

Day 117 - Donations to Homeless Program

Occasionally due to behavior the girls will lose their toys.  Today we decided was a great day to make a trip to our only local homeless shelter to donate some of these toys as well as a few items on their "urgent needs" list.

The Samaritan Inn is more than just a place to spend the night. It is a holistic program that teaches self-sufficiency and life skills. To assist the needs of individuals and families before, during, and after a homeless situation, The Samaritan Inn provides interactive, in-house programs for its residents and graduates. Those with special needs are referred to additional programs and resources available within the community to help during their crisis.

The Samaritan Inn provides, at no cost, a secure and clean place to live. Their building has separate living areas for men, women, and families. They also have a playroom and a fully equipped playground.

They serve three well-balanced meals daily and provide personal hygiene products. If necessary, clothing, coats and shoes are also available. Within this nurturing environment, experienced caseworkers assess each resident and his/her needs to develop an individual program plan with a goal of independence.

Hope these donations help to fill the gap temporarily and we will be back to visit soon!!

Day 117 - Donations to Samaritan Inn

Day 116 - Formula Coupons for a Neighbor

As I went through my coupons the other evening for shopping I noticed 3 great coupons for formula that were expiring soon.  As a mother who has paid for formula, times two, I totally understand it's value and the helpfulness of coupons.

I decided to post something on our neighborhood Facebook page and found a neighbor with a 3 month old that could use the coupons.  The girls and I got them ready and then dropped them off in her mailbox.

I really hope they get great use out of the coupons!!

Day 116 - Formula Coupons for a Neighbor

Day 115 - Lunch for the Children and Community Health Center

I love living near a large city because there is always something to do.  Museums, parks, plays, community events galore and of course every professional sport imaginable!  One of those professional sports teams is the Texas Rangers and through the summer they have teamed up with Papa Johns to offer a great deal.  Anytime the Rangers score 7 or more runs Papa Johns offers 50% off all online orders the following day.  Luckily they beat the Angels 11-3 last night so it provides a great opportunity for today's random act.

It is also Pay It Forward Day so hopefully some of those touched by today's random act will turn around and pay it forward for someone else.  Although the medical staff and volunteers at the Children and Community Health Center of McKinney are paying it forward in our community on a daily basis.

So for today's random act of kindness I sent lunch to the Children and Community Health Center of McKinney.  These folks are wonderful and exist to provide free basic healthcare to uninsured children and adults and bring change to the lives of those they serve in McKinney and the surrounding areas. Their vision is that every child and adult who resides in Collin County will have access to basic health care to live more productive and happier lives.  Patients are treated with dignity and compassion and volunteers, employees, clinical teams and donors are respected as valued stakeholders.

This staff works tirelessly and is making a difference one person at a time to improve our community and we appreciate all they do.  Everything that is seen and all of their efforts that may goes unnoticed.  You guys are awesome!!  Enjoy your lunch!!

Day 115 - Lunch for the Children and Community Health Center

Day 114 - Kindness at the Grocery Store

Ryan and I had to run to the grocery store for some things today.  While we were shopping we brainstormed some random acts to perform for people working in or around the store.  We ended up grabbing some flowers and 3 packages of chocolate candy.

On our way out we gave the flowers to a women working in the vision center and then a bag of candy to an employee collecting carts.  As we were driving away we tried to find 2 other people that we could give the candy to.  Ryan suggested the employee working in the little gas station box attached to the grocery store and I suggested a gentleman cutting the store's grass.  The employee at the gas station was so excited to receive the candy.  We don't know how the gentleman cutting the grass reacted because Ryan put it on his windshield before he could see us.  It is just so amazing to watch the girls get into the spirit of giving and see that love for their fellow human grow and blossom daily!!  AWESOME SAUCE!!

Day 114 - Kindness at the Grocery Store

Day 113 - Voted for Beatrice McDonald

May is National Mobility Awareness Month and is dedicated to showing the world how people with disabilities can live active, mobile lifestyles.  Although we're still a few days away from May there is currently a contest going on to celebrate National Mobility Awareness Month by voting for your favorite local hero.  The person with the most votes will win a fully accessible van for their family!  

 

Did you know…

• People with disabilities constitute the largest minority group in the United States
• Over 18 million people in the U.S. and Canada have mobility issues
• One in five elderly have mobility issues
• You have a 20% chance of becoming disabled at some point in your life if you don’t already have a disability
• There are mobility equipment manufacturers, dealers and driver rehabilitation specialists in your community dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities
• Automotive mobility solutions are available for people with disabilities enabling them to enjoy active, mobile lifestyles

Beatrice and her family live in Yonkers, New York a town which I have a lot of history with.  My aunt and uncle live there so we spent many a holiday and vacation playing with my cousins, raiding the local country club and walking down to the neighborhood deli for lunch.

Beatrice has four children.  One of those is 15 year old Colin.  He had severe seizures as an infant which left him severely developmentally delayed.  The family was able to transport Colin more easily when he was younger but now that he is getting larger it is much more difficult.  The family is in desperate need of a van that can accommodate him and his needs so he can continue to join the family for outings and trips.  

So for today's random act of kindness I voted for Beatrice, Colin and the rest of their family.  I really hope they win the van!!

Day 113 - Helped spread the word about national mobility  

Day 112 - Reusable Bags on Cars for Earth Day

Today is Earth Day and the weather is beautiful!!  To help bring awareness about today I decided to leave reusable grocery bags on car windshields in the grocery store parking lot.  It's such a small change someone could make but can have a huge impact.  We added a little note asking them to enjoy their bag and wishing them a Happy Earth Day with the following Native American saying...

"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

 

So enjoy today by celebrating this wonderful earth we've been entrusted to take care of for the short amount of time we're on it.  Recycle, plant a tree or a garden, pick up trash, buy locally or just dust off those reusable bags under the counter and ditch the plastic.

Happy Earth Day!!!

Day 112 - Reusable bags on windshields

Day 111 - Called the Police to Check on Someone

So I went to grab a few things at my favorite store today for our fundraising event and when I pulled in I realized the car next to me has someone that appeared to be asleep in the front seat.  He wasn't moving and it just seemed an odd time (11am) for someone to still be sleeping off his fun from the night before.

When I went in the store I mentioned it to the employee and asked if maybe he could go check on the man.  He said anything outside the store is nothing they typically handle.  So after I left the store I checked on him again and he hadn't moved at all.  I didn't want to knock on the window just in case so when I got home I called 911 and told them about him.

They said they would send an officer to check on him and thanked me for letting them know.  I'm sure that officer just ended up waking him from his peaceful slumber but better safe than sorry.  I'd feel horrible if something had really been wrong with him and I did nothing.

So if you're the gentleman that was simply sleeping in your car in front of Dollar Tree today and were abruptly woken by the police knocking on your window...I'm so sorry :(.  So, so sorry!

Day 111 - Called the police to check on someone in the parking lot

Day 110 - Cash for Veterans

The girls had a birthday party to attend today and we had to make a super quick stop at Walgreens for a card.  Outside was a super sweet woman asking for donations for US veterans.  I didn't have any extra on hand but when I was checking out grabbed a little extra cash so the girls could donate.  They enjoyed putting the money in her bucket and she was very appreciative.  I appreciate all our service men and women do to keep us safe and strongly believe we need to not forget our veterans.

Day 110 - Donation for veterans

Day 109 - Donated Supplies for West

Organizations, groups and restaurants in our area our doing all they can for the people of West.  One of those restaurants is Quaker Steak and Lube.  They are collecting supplies for the city today through this weekend.  The most requested items include diapers/wipes, new underwear, blankets, water bottles, grocery or home supply store gift cards, toiletries, sports drinks, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, nonperishable food, clothing, bedding, and dog and cat food.

So for today's random act of kindness we took a few cases of water as well as toiletries to Quaker Steak to be delivered to West.

If you are looking for ways to help here is a great resource that was just updated yesterday.

Day 109 - Supplies for West

Day 108 - Lunch for the Burn Intensive Care Unit

Yesterday in West, Texas, a town about an hour from us, there was a huge fertilizer plant explosion.  As of today there were 35 deaths (including first responders) with almost 200 injured.  Homes were destroyed over a mile from the blast site.  The town is very small and has been completely rocked by this tragic event.

Because we are one of the closest major cities and with Dallas having one of the best Burn Units in the country our community is ready to help in any way we can.  A number of those injured have been transferred up here to Parkland Hospital's Burn Intensive Care Unit to receive some of the best burn care in the country.  I worked for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, which is affiliated with Parkland for over 6 years.  I spent many hours with the students, staff and physicians of Parkland and they are a wonderful group.

I called the Burn Unit this morning to see how many staff members and doctors were working today to give me an idea on how much to order.  So for today's random act of kindness I sent them 8 yummy pizzas for lunch.  I'm sure they are swamped with work, questions from media and calls from family so hopefully this will give them one less thing to think about today.  I just can't imagine seeing people in that much pain day in and day out.  Definitely takes a special kind of person.

Hope you enjoy the pizza and we appreciate all you are doing to care for your patients including our neighbors from West.

Day 108 - Lunch for BICU

Day 107 - Went Door-to-Door for Relay

Today's random act was to accomplish two goals.  First and foremost to raise money for relay but secondly to get outside my comfort zone and meet some of my neighbors.  Without getting into too much detail I am currently fasting from Facebook for 7 days (hint, hint another 7 Experiment fast).  The idea is to work more on my "real life" relationships and less on my "virtual" ones.

I also feel like the art of little kids going door-to-door is almost a lost one.  It could be for a number of reasons but today we brought it back.  I came way out of my comfort zone and the girls and I headed out after work and went through the neighborhood asking for donations to our Relay for Life team in memory of our sweet friend Ileana.  For each donation we gave them a purple Hope/Faith/Love cancer awareness bracelet and little card about our cause and Ileana.

The girls did so great and I tried to keep from tearing up when I would share Ileana's story but I think it was therapeutic and a great way for the girls to tell neighbors about their wonderful friend.  We talked to a few neighbors who shared their own stories of cancer and how it had affected their family.  It solidified our mission and goal to raise as much as we can for the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Ily.  Go Team Imagine Dragons!

Day 107 - Door-to-door for Relay

Day 106 - Went Barefoot

Today is the annual event hosted by Toms Shoes One Day Without Shoes.  One Day Without Shoes is a day to bring global awareness to children's health and education by going without shoes.

For today's random act of kindness I will be barefoot all day.  My daughters' amazing school is also participating as well as my home childcare children and the 300 ladies in our women's bible study tonight!  That's a lot of pretty toes!


Unicef estimates that out of 2.2 billion children in the world, 1 billion live in poverty, with 300 million of these kids estimated to lack a pair of adequate shoes.  One Day Without Shoes has a mission to bring awareness to these heartbreaking numbers.  Joining and supporting organizations that provide shoes to children in need can make a lasting impact.

Here are 3 great giving organizations that are making a difference:

** IMA World Health give de-worming medication along with shoes to children, helping them stay healthy with a combination of prevention and treatment.

** Goods for good provide shoes, uniforms and educational support to help children stay in school.

** Save the Children and Cambodian Children's Fund provide youth leadership programs where students help educate the community on health and hygiene and provide shoes to younger children.


Day 106 - Went barefoot

Day 105 - Rain Ponchos for Parking Volunteers

As I hear discussion about more rain coming this week I can't help but think of all the people that either work outdoors when it's raining or volunteer outdoors when it's raining.  I have been holding on to a pack of 20 rain ponchos that my mom gave me over a year ago.  I knew I could come up with a great way to utilize those ponchos so today is my opportunity.

We have an amazing, amazing group of volunteers that serve each week at our church Preston Trail.  The parking crew is the first group we see.  They are so efficient and always the same group of guys.  They probably receive very little acknowledgment but they are out there serving EVERY Sunday through the heat, freezing cold and even the rain.

So for today's random act of kindness I'm donating these 20 rain ponchos to the parking crew to use for any future rainy Sundays.  Thanks guys for all you do!!  Hope these can help keep you dry.

Day 105 - Rain ponchos to the Parking Crew

Day 104 - Helped Build a Park

Today was one of the last Build Days for Hope Park Frisco.  I went out to volunteer and help where I could.  It was so wonderful to see all those volunteers working together!!  I was in a small group of 4 and we tackled putting together 6 picnic tables.  I was just excited to use power tools and I apologize in advance for any poor child who may end up sitting on an uneven bench...we did our best.  I promise :).

Day 104 - Helped build a park

Day 103 - Bought A Picket

Imagine a playground built to suit the needs of all children, at any age, with a focused consideration for children with special needs – an inclusive play adventure that brings children together and helps them build self-confidence, make friends and play as equals.  Imagine Hope Park!

Tomorrow I will be helping to build during Hope Park's Build Week so for today's random act of kindness I decided to buy a personalized name picket for the park.  These pickets will be a great way to support the park and leave a lasting mark on this wonderful all-inclusive community playground.

Hope Park’s design will be interactive, evoking a sensory play experience that engages children at many developmental levels.

Their mission is to bring the community together to give hope to children of all abilities, to provide a place where they can play side by side in a peaceful atmosphere built for them by a community that values the foundation of family.

Day 103 - Bought a picket

Day 102 - Gift to Someone Very Deserving

Anonymous gifts are so fun to give and a great opportunity to show appreciation.  I want to keep this vague in case this person reads the blog.  Just know the gift was for someone who has touched so many people and makes a lasting difference daily.

Day 102 - Anonymous gift

Day 101 - Butterfinger Bars for Walgreens Customers

When I went into Walgreens today the employee working behind the counter was having a tough day.  Some financial stuff was stressing him out and you could tell his thoughts were some place else.

I noticed that the butterfinger bars at the counter were 2 for $1 so I purchased 4.  I asked him to keep them out of the bag and he asked if I wanted a separate bag.  I said no I wanted him to take one and give the other 3 to customers that may check out after me.  People that really looked like they could use a little pick me up.

He told me that he wasn't able to have one because he was having a root canal but that he would love to pass them along to other people.  It definitely seemed to brighten his night a bit :).

Day 101 - Butterfingers for unsuspecting Walgreens customers

Day 100 - Fought Cancer

Day 100 was a pretty big milestone of this journey that I had been thinking about for a couple of weeks now.  Trying to think of something memorable to do.  Then things started to turn with our dear friend Ileana, Kailey's 6 year old classmate.  Suddenly my 100th random act of kindness seemed not so important.  Her trial medication to fight the cancer was not effective and she returned home a couple of weeks ago from St. Jude with every possible option exhausted.  After almost a year long fight Ileana lost her battle last night with cancer.  It's all I've been able to think about today and anything I can do to take my mind off the sadness is where I have focused my time and energy.

So for today's random act of kindness, dragging my broken heart, I worked to help pull together some loose ends for a few Relay for Life fundraisers to raise awareness and fight cancer in loving memory of sweet Ileana.  Our local event is in 2 weeks and we will do all we can in the next 2 weeks to make this the most successful fundraiser it can be.

Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

I know I will make a difference in the fight to end cancer and I know that by raising funds and walking in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event, I will help save lives from cancer.

It's amazingly heartbreaking to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year.  One more life lost is one too many.  We have to fight to find a cure.

A Relay For Life event is not only a way to join my community to fight back against cancer, but it is also a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease.

Please Join the Fight in honor of sweet Ileana Shuman!!

Join the Fight

Day 100 - Fought Cancer

Day 99 - Supported One Day Without Shoes

Next week the girls' school is participating in the one day event hosted by Toms, One Day Without Shoes.  One Day Without Shoes is a day to bring global awareness to children's health and education by going without shoes.

So for today's random act of kindness, in anticipation of next week, I purchased a shirt to bring awareness to One Day Without Shoes on April 16th.  The more bare feet there are, the bigger the footprint!  The best part is that with each Toms' purchase they help a child in need by providing a pair of shoes. 

Day 99 - Bought a t-shirt to support One Day Without Shoes

Day 98 - Sent a Superhero Her Cape

We have a little friend that is a real-life superhero in every possible way.  She is a fighter to the core and has the most amazing faith filled, loving family I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

For the girls' 6th birthday they had a superhero theme and got some pretty cool capes to wear during the party.  Just yesterday Kailey mentioned that it was sad that her classmate wasn't able to make the party because she is sick.  I suggested to the girls maybe sending a cape they wore for the party as a special gift.  They thought it was a great idea and thought it could really brighten her day.

So for today's random act of kindness we packed up that cape and mailed it off to our amazing little superhero.

Day 98 - Cape to a superhero

Day 97 - Bags of Clothes to Goodwill

The entire family tackled the house today and in particular our closets.  We did this a couple of weeks ago but it definitely needed another, more intense pass.  So while still working on my study of The 7 Experiment we decided to really purge our clothing.  Here's a great quote from the book about excess that really served me a slice of humble pie.

"Excess has impaired perspective in America; we are the richest people on earth, praying to get richer.  We're tangled in unmanageable debt while feeding the machine, because we feel entitled to more.  What does it communicate when half the global population lives on less that $3 a day, and we can't manage a fulfilling life on $25,000 (almost 35 times that amount): $50,000 (almost 70 times that amount)?  It says we have too much and it is ruining us."

The girls and I picked 7 or less items in each clothing category (shirts, bottoms, pjs, etc.) and bagged up the rest for donation.  Chris also participated but we gave him a pass on his work clothes so he ended up with a few more in those categories. 

I just feel horrible that we have so much excess while so many people around the world are in need so any little bit I can do to help, I will gladly do.  This book has definitely caused me to re-evaluate how we live and what we can live without.

Day 97 - Clothes for Goodwill

Day 96 - Got Colorful to Promote Healthy Living

Today was my first 5k Color Run and I LOVED it!  I ran with 10,000 of my closest friends and it was awesome.  Wonderful weather, lots of fun outfits and some exercise to top it off.

Now the single largest event series in the nation, The Color Run is exploding since their debut event in January of 2012 and will grow from over 50 events and 600,000 participants in 2012, to over 100 events and over a million participants in 2013. 

While The Color Run event is all about fun and positive energy, the 5k also focuses on promoting healthy living. Over 60% of Color Runners are first-time 5k runners and the event is making headway on the growing national focus of improving health and wellness.

Presently more than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese.  Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death.

Events like the Color Run help to combat the obesity epidemic and bring together friends and family in a unique, healthy, and fun environment, promoting wellness and exercise.  So for today's random act I got colorful for wellness.

Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be You.

Day 96 - Got colorful to promote healthy living

Day 95 - Soles 4 Some Souls

As I prepare for the Dallas Color Run tomorrow I started thinking about my shoes and which shoes I should wear, should the color packets wreak havoc on them.  Shoes are the one clothing item that so many of us have an overflowing abundance of and our only problem is which pair best matches our outfit.  But there are so many around the world that go completely without.  Unicef estimates that out of 2.2 billion children in the world, 1 billion live in poverty, with 300 million of these kids estimated to lack a pair of adequate shoes. That is just heart-breaking.

Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that has a simple concept: procure shoes and get them to those in need.  Having started after the 2004 tsunami of southeast Asia, their mission is to collect new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering, and used shoes to support micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty.

Soles4Souls has delivered over 19 million pairs of new and used shoes to those in need.  For every $1 donated to Soles4Souls, they can provide one additional pair of shoes to someone in need.  So for today's random act of kindness I made a contribution to purchase several pairs of shoes.

As I'm running tomorrow and looking at all those colorful running shoes I'll be sure to think about Soles4Souls and all those children that are presently going without.

Day 95 - Soles 4 Souls

Day 94 - Stood Up for Children

April is child abuse prevention month and the staff Dallas Children's Advocacy Center makes it their goal to stand up for children not only in April but all year long.

The mission of the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) is to improve the lives of abused children in Dallas County and to provide national leadership on child abuse issues. DCAC coordinates the investigation and prosecution of the most severe cases of child abuse in our community.

Last year, DCAC served more than 2,400 children (and their nonoffending family members) who were sexually abused, severely physically abused, or who had witnessed a violent crime. DCAC provides a warm, child-friendly environment to help children who are referred by law enforcement or CPS.

The DCAC invites everyone to stand up for children and offers some simple, positive steps to raise the profile of this important issue.  So for today's random act of kindness I took one of those steps and purchased a t-shirt to help support the DCAC and bring awareness to this issue.

We need to all stand up for children because there is no excuse for child abuse.

Day 94 - Stood up for children