The synonym of heartbreak

Hello readers and friends---today I'm sharing a different kind of post, written by my friend and co-worker, Hasti. When I learned that Hasti was named a Woman of the Year candidate by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I wasn't surprised at all, because Hasti's heart is as big as her smile. She is one of the kindest and most hardworking women I know, and I'm honored to call her a friend and work with her on a daily basis. Hasti is raising money to benefit those fighting cancer---and below is her story...


The first time the word cancer truly affected me I was about 12 years old, standing next to my grandfather's hospital bed praying for him to wake up and be ok. I was in Santa Barbara for the summer staying with my grandparents when one night I woke up to baba being taken to the hospital. He wasn't feeling well and it was a very scary night. I remember hearing the word cancer so clearly that next morning. It was just me and my uncle in the ICU room with him when the doctor explained it could be cancer. The word I held on to was "could!" It made it seem less certain. Unfortunately it was certain. My grandfather whom I loved with all of my heart and soul, who taught me how to read newspapers before other kids could even read children's books, who carried me on his shoulders to the park, who would buy me books that were much too complex for my age, who was the only person to call me "my daughter," had advanced cancer. He left us long before I was ready to say goodbye. He was young, only in his mid-70s, and I wanted him to keep teaching me how to be a writer and how to be so cool, calm and collected. I wanted to keep growing up with the most intellectual man I have known helping me along the way. I didn't get that chance, but our short time together has affected me more than I could have ever imagined at 13 when I lost him.  

My grandpa worked in communications in a job very similar to my current position. He was adored by many. I'll never forget my other grandfather crying the day we lost him. That's the kind of man he was. He was one of my greatest role models and there isn't a day when I don't wonder how much more he would have taught me if he had been around a few more years. I wonder how he would've loved that I pursued journalism after watching him read newspapers and learning to read the news with him. I wonder if he would be proud of me. 15 years since his passing and I still get choked up writing about him. 

I hate cancer. It is a nasty word with an awful meaning. Since my grandpa's death I've known many others with cancer. I've lost loved ones, both of my grandfathers and celebrated with others who beat that awful disease. Now cancer is something I help fight. As a writer for Texas Children's Hospital, I try to communicate the great work of our incredible staff members who are helping kids beat cancer every day. Most recently, I am fighting cancer by helping raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. As a candidate for Woman of the Year, I've vowed to raise money to fund research that will hopefully one day eradicate blood cancers and in the meanwhile, the money will help families suffering after hearing the devastating diagnosis. The man and woman of the year campaign is a competition between 10 men and 10 women who spend 10 weeks raising as much money as possible for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The winners are the man and woman who raise the most. 

This Friday, May 30th, my fundraising efforts will be over but no matter the result, there will be one little boy who I will forever remember. His name is James and his family found out he had leukemia just as they were getting ready to embark on a family trip.  They were expecting their second baby and James was just an infant. They were in for the journey of a lifetime and just a few years later, little James is cancer free and has been named the boy of the year. He and his family have vowed to share their story to help raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which they credit with helping save their son's life. I have vowed to campaign in James' honor. He has touched by life and will forever be the best part of my 10-week campaign. 

What are you doing today to help kids like James? Here's your chance to join the fight. From now until Friday at 5PM, please donate as little or as much as you can. Every dollar is one step closer to finding a cure. What I've learned from my grandfather's time here is that your impact on other lives is all you leave behind. I hope I am able to make a difference in someone's life.

Click here to donate: 
http://www.mwoy.org/pages/txg/houston14/htaghi
 
-Hasti Taghi

Bows for Babies- Support A Wonderful Cause

Amanda and I connected for the first time via my Veronika's Blushing page on Facebook.  She sent me a note telling me she thought she had seen me at the hospital (I was pregnant at the time and seeing my OB) and that she had a baby in the NICU there.

I work pretty extensively with our neonatology service and have a special place in my heart for these families after having worked with so many of them on news stories over the last few years. I meet these families during a very vulnerable and stressful time in their lives and it is a privilege every time I get to meet their precious miracles and learn about their journeys.

I want to share with you a very special project Amanda is working on to support new moms and dads who have babies in the NICU at Texas Children's Hospital and also to bring a moment of happiness to families who have to spend a holiday in the hospital. 

Tell us briefly about your pregnancy and experience having Cami in the NICU

After a scary pregnancy, filled with more downs than ups, Cami was born at the gestational age of 25 weeks and 5 days, weighing just over 2 pounds. We were incredibly lucky to know ahead of time that she would be born early so that we were prepared to get to the hospital at a moments notice. 

Though our NICU stay was long, and filled with highs and lows, we managed to maintain a positive attitude, knowing how lucky we were to still have Cami with us. In addition to the great relationships I had with Cami�s nurses and doctors, one thing that always made me feel special was when volunteers brought us an unexpected gift, whether it was a hand knit baby blanket or a cup of hot tea.

After 86 days in the NICU, Cami came home. Not a day goes by that I don�t consciously think of how lucky I am to have my perfect angel on Earth.

When did you first come up with the idea to give/donate bows and bow ties to babies in the NICU at Texas Children's?

We were so fortunate to not have to spend a Christmas in the NICU.  As we were decorating for the holidays and planning out all of the traditions we were excited to start for Cami, it dawned on me that even though WE weren�t in the NICU for Christmas, other families were.  I knew I wanted to do something to bring joy to these families, but wasn�t sure what that was.

I considered making ornaments that the families could put on their Christmas tree at home, but decided I wanted to give the babies and families something special that they could enjoy inside the hospital. Then it hit me - bows! When Cami was in the NICU, the nurses would help me tape regular bows onto her CPAP hat because I couldn�t find any preemie sized bows.  Even though this was something only the families of baby girls could enjoy, it was something that was very special to me during our stay that I wanted to share with others.  I made about 60 tiny headbands and put them in a little baggie with a before and after picture of Cami wearing the huge bow I had bought her at the hospital gift shop during our NICU stay. I made a promise to myself that I would think of something to do for the boys by Christmas 2014.

What inspired you to start your business � Squishy Cheeks BOWtique?

After making bows for the little preemie girls, I decided I wanted to start making and selling bows to others via a Facebook page.  I named the business after my once tiny, now big squishy baby girl � Squishy Cheeks BOWtique.  After the first couple of weeks of operation, moms of boys started telling me that I need to offer something for boys.  I joked around with them about the idea of making bows for boys until it hit me � bow ties!

Since I learned how to make the bow ties in March, I decided Easter would be the perfect holiday to do a bow and bowtie donation to the hospital.  

Tell us about what you have planned for this Easter for the babies in the NICU

This past Christmas, I was so late with my idea of making and donating bows that I had to drop the bows off at the front desk of the NICU.  For Easter, I am very excited that I might have the opportunity to actually take the bows to the families and see them on some of the babies.   

I will be holding a bow sale on my Facebook page starting this week, with profits going towards the Easter bows and bow ties.  If the sale is a success, I hope to have money left over to donate to a great organization offered to moms in the Texas Children�s Pavilion for Women NICU called First Memories Texas.  They go into the NICU rooms each week and take photos of the babies.  Then, they print the pictures and provide scrap booking supplies for moms and dads to make a memory card for that week.  I put all of the cards I made during our NICU stay into a photo album and it is something I treasure greatly.

If you would like to support a wonderful cause and get a cute little hair bow or bow tie for your little one (or the baby of a friend or family member!) please visit Amanda's Facebook boutique page here. Thanks for your support and for making a difference for these babies and families!

I also want to mention that through my job I have worked with First Memories Texas and they are a wonderful volunteer group providing a very crucial service to our NICU families. I have done a few news stories with them on the news and I can't tell you just how much happiness they bring to families who want to document their child's journey. You can learn more about First Memories here.

Holiday Giving- Making a Difference for Children

When I announced my pregnancy a few weeks ago, I talked about gratitude.  The holidays stir up those feelings in me even more.  

For the last few years, my husband and I haven't been big on getting Christmas gifts for each other. We get a few things here and there, but most of the time we just agree not to buy each other anything major.  This year, we ordered a Panini Press on sale at Williams Sonoma as our gift for each other.

I think the joy of Christmas really comes from kids---seeing their smiling faces opening up their gifts and being so excited about Santa. I was lucky enough to be introduced to some charities where we can make a difference in the lives of children we'll never meet.

Before I get into this post---this is not about "bragging" about what we do philanthropically---it's about empowering other young people to reach out and make a difference in a child's life.  I feel like I have a platform here to really spread a message about giving back and based on the amazing comments I get everyday from my incredible readers, I know I will learn about many important organizations that a lot of you support as well.

Earlier this year, we started to sponsor a little girl named Jenifer in Guatemala through an organization called The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission.  My cousins have both gone on a Mission trip with this organization to help build houses for some of these families, so it's an organization we wanted to contribute to because we know it makes a direct impact on the life of a child like making sure they have food and get to go to school. For just $35 each month (a few trips to Starbucks or ordering pizza in) you can help a child get the essentials we take for granted each day.  During the holidays, The Arms of Jesus gives you a list of items you can choose from as a special holiday treat for your sponsored child.  This year we had them send Jenifer some clothes and shoes and toys. If you'd like to learn more about this organization, please visit their website at: http://www.armsofjesus.org.

(from The Arms of Jesus website)

Every Christmas, we also sponsor a child through CPS (Child Protective Services) through their "Bearing Gifts" program. You can fulfill the wish of a child in care of CPS in Harris County by sponsoring a child and purchasing the three gifts on their wish list. This year, we sponsored a 7 year old girl. She wanted an Easy Bake Ultimate Oven, Girl Tech Password Journal and Hello Kitty CD Boombox.  It was so much fun to go to Target and Walmart with my husband to get the gifts for her, knowing that though she is going through a tough time that she may not fully even understand...she will get to smile on Christmas morning like all children deserve to.  You can check out the Bearing Gifts website if you are interested. Gifts are due by Dec. 14th. You can also help the organization in other ways, here.

(from the Bearing Gifts website---toys ready to go to each child that was sponsored!)

My boss at work sponsors several families through her church each year so a lot of my co-workers got together this year to sponsor multiple families.  A lot of the kids are asking for coats and clothes and some toys---but the most heartbreaking thing I saw on the list was blankets. I don't know why but (maybe due to my pregnancy hormones) I got teary eyed in the car on the way to Walmart because I was thinking of a child asking for a blanket on their Christmas wish list.  We got some blankets and some sports equipment like a football, soccer ball, etc. I don't have a specific link for this one, but a lot of schools and churches do programs like this for children and families in need during the holidays. Ask around in your community to see if there is a program in your area that supports local families.

If you can give this year---or any time of year---I encourage you to look into volunteer or sponsorship opportunities where you can make a difference.  No matter what you're passionate about, make one of your New Year resolutions to help make the world a better place---it's an easy one to keep (and feel good about all year round) I promise.

Thank you for reading!  Please feel free to share below any organizations you support during the holidays (or any time of year).  

A Wrinkle in Time & A Very Special Young Girl- Help Her Birthday Wish Come True!

Oh linen. So perfect for the summer, yet so wrinkle-prone.  What's a girl to do? Wear it anyway, I suppose. Does casual Friday mean "linen wrinkles permitted?" Probably not, but a girl can wish, no?

For all of you Lulu fans---this post is for you :) and please read the end of this post, because I think the story will move and inspire you.

Dress- Zara (old) (similar style here)

Cardigan- J.Crew (other styles here)

Shoes- Ivanka Trump

Necklace- Banana Republic

 

Before I go, I want to share with you this incredibly inspirational story.  You may remember that one of my readers, Joel from Saadia Organics (my review of their 100% argan oil is here) hosted a giveaway last year.  We've kept in touch since, and when she emailed me with this story about her daughter, I was moved and just had to share with my readers.

Joel's daughter, Eden, who is turning five next month, decided that she wanted to forgo birthday presents for herself this year so she can make bedtime better for poor Moroccan kids.  You can read her full blog post here, but I am also posting it here because I think this is an incredible cause and so inspiring that a girl so young would have the heart to give and be so philanthropic at such a young age.

Hi everyone! My name is Eden and I�m going to be five years old on August 15th. I am very lucky. I have lots of clothes, toys, books and I even have my own room. But I have been to Morocco where my Grandma Saadia lives. Lots of the kids there don�t have very many things. No toys or art stuff. And not very many clothes to wear. Some kids smaller than me have to sell tissues on the streets for money. It makes me feel sad.

I was surprised when my Daddy told me that hardly any poor Moroccan kids have pajamas. I have lots and lots and lots of pajamas. I wear a fresh pair every night. But not Moroccan kids. They just wear their school clothes when they sleep.

I don�t like bedtime very much. I�d rather stay up and play or do fun things. Sleeping is boring. But I am happy that I have nice pajamas to wear. I put them on and then I brush my teeth and then I go to bed. I want Moroccan kids to have these things, too.

My birthday party is on August 11th this year. I am asking my guests to bring presents for kids in the countryside of Morocco instead of presents for me. My mom asked me how many pairs of pajamas I�d like to collect. I said 30. Then I asked her how many poor kids there are in Morocco. She said a few million. Then I changed my mind. I would like to collect presents for at least 300 kids in Morocco. Wouldn�t it be crazy if we got 3000?

If you would like to help you can send a package directly to my Grandma in Essaouira. In the package, please put:

• 1 pair of brand new pajamas (for hot weather or cool weather) for a school-aged girl or boy (size 5-12)
• 1 new kids toothbrush (most kids don�t get to go to the dentist in Morocco)
• 1 new tube of kids toothpaste

And take it to the post office and mail it to:
Saadia Sabour
Rue Chbanate No. 118
Essaouira, Morocco
tel: 0666 25 20 84

After my Grandma gets these packages, she will give them to my Uncle Omar. He is a teacher in a poor school in the countryside. If he gets lots and lots of pajamas, he will give them to other schools with kids who need things. If you want to add some school supplies in the package for the kids, that would be nice, too. But I really want lots of kids to get new pajamas this summer.

Please help my birthday wish come true!

Dear readers--- if you were as touched as I was by Eden's project, and if you can, please consider sending a pair of pyjamas to a child in Morocco and help make Eden's wish come true.  I am planning on sending a pair or two myself.

Thank you so much for reading!