How You can make a difference
When we gift out books to families or when we visit places and chat with people who are going through terrible times, I know when we leave or when they contact me after they read my story that all the work we do with my foundation does “make a difference.” When I begin to work on and complete my Evening of Inspiration each year and realize that we have raised enough money not only to gift hundreds of copies of my books but can gift a substantial donation to CHOP, I lay my head down at night a know...
Read MoreBoston
What can I say or do to help us all understand this senseless crime. I cannot express my emotions over watching the news and seeing this bombing unfold before our eyes. It sickens me to think or say that we are not all kind, helpful and understanding, but I can say honestly that we outweigh those who feel compelled to do these unthinkable things. My heart is broken for everyone who was injured, for those who lost their lives, and for those who had to witness this unspeakable crime. I have faith in the...
Read MoreMaking a Difference
How do I plan on making a difference? I always know that I will make a difference each and every year. Sometimes I do the same things; other times I add something or hear about something worthy of involving myself in and I do it or a group of us do it. One of the things we love doing at least once a year is visiting our friends at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern NJ. We bring lots of my books to gift out to the patients and their families and also cook dinner for all the families that are staying there. It...
Read MoreStatistics of Volunteers
Funny that there even would be studies on volunteering as far as I am concerned but there is and it does vary from state to state. Not sure why it would be so varied but I guess population, metropolitan areas, need, and things like this play a roll in it. I think how someone is raised is going to be part of who you become and why you would need to help and/or give back. If you are raised as a person who is involved in your community, such as doing nice things for neighbors or groups, then you will most likely be...
Read MoreIt’s Not What You Do – It’s Why You Do It
Visting the Ronald McDonald Houses, going to Gildas Club to deliver books, meeting families - why do I do it? It is not just about raising money for charity. Although when I send my checks to CHOP to help make hospital stays more comfortable for the familes, it does give me great pride and pleasure to do so. The other side of what I do – visiting families, listening, smiling with them, cooking them dinner, and helping to serve them keeps me grounded. It reminds me I am only, or shall I say we are only, one...
Read MoreImportance of Volunteering
Sometimes people ask me why I do so much to give back. I have repeatedly heard, “haven’t you been through enough in your life to make up for all that extra giving”. Although at times I am taken aback by some of those comments, I do not get upset or angry but I do share with them my personal feelings. For me, giving back fulfills an emotion towards people and allows me to truly understand that I was not, and still am not, the only person who had problems with my health, especially as a child....
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