The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Smart Home Program offers an incredible opportunity to regain independence and improve quality of life in supporting our veterans and first responders who have suffered catastrophic injuries
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to constructing mortgage-free smart homes for our most severely injured veterans and first responders. Each home is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of the individual. These state-of-the-art residences boast an array of features, including automated doors and lighting, wider hallways, wheelchair-accessible showers, automatic door openers, adjustable cabinets and countertops, backup generators, and tablet-controlled heating and air conditioning systems. With these cutting-edge amenities, our heroes can reclaim their day-to-day independence and experience a higher level of comfort and convenience.
Through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Smart Home Program, they empower and honor our injured veterans and first responders by providing them with specially designed smart homes. Visit https://t2t.org/ to learn more and begin the journey toward regaining independence.
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
In our fast-paced world, time is a valuable resource, especially for busy heroes striving to make a difference. To optimize your daily routines and achieve more in less time, mastering the art of time management is essential. Here are some practical tips and strategies to supercharge your productivity and help you make the most of each day.
Prioritize with Purpose: Start by identifying your most important tasks and focus on them first. Prioritization allows you to allocate your energy and attention to the tasks that truly matter, ensuring progress on your goals.
Delegate and Collaborate: Recognize that you can’t do it all alone. Delegate tasks that others can handle effectively, freeing up your time for high-value activities. Collaborate with teammates, leveraging each other’s strengths and skills to accomplish more together.
Set SMART Goals: Effective goal-setting is crucial for productivity. Use the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Break larger goals into smaller, actionable steps to stay motivated and track your progress.
Utilize Time-Management Tools: Explore various tools and apps designed to enhance time management. From calendar apps for scheduling and reminders to project management software for task organization, find the tools that suit your workflow and help you stay organized.
Practice Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities. Dedicate uninterrupted periods to focus solely on important work, minimizing distractions and boosting productivity.
Eliminate Time Wasters: Identify and eliminate activities that drain your time without adding value. Limit excessive social media browsing, unnecessary meetings, or non-essential tasks that hinder your progress.
Take Breaks and Rest: Remember that rest and rejuvenation are essential for maintaining productivity. Incorporate short breaks throughout your day to recharge and prevent burnout.
By implementing these time management strategies, you can supercharge your productivity and make significant strides toward your goals. Remember, efficient time management is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and refining your routines to suit your unique needs as a busy hero. Stay focused, embrace productivity-enhancing tools, and watch your accomplishments soar. Unleash your inner hero and make every moment count!
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Mother Teresa, an icon of selfless compassion, remains an eternal symbol of love and empathy. Her tireless dedication to serving the poorest of the poor in India and beyond has left an indelible mark on humanity. Let us delve into the inspiring life and legacy of this remarkable humanitarian.
Unwavering Commitment to the Marginalized: Mother Teresa’s unwavering commitment to caring for the marginalized and vulnerable is a testament to her extraordinary character. With an unyielding spirit of compassion, she established the Missionaries of Charity, providing a haven of support for those in desperate need. From offering medical care and education to creating homes for the destitute and abandoned, her work touched countless lives, bringing comfort, dignity, and hope to the marginalized.
A Symbol of Love and Kindness: Mother Teresa’s legacy extends far beyond her humanitarian efforts. She has become an enduring symbol of love, kindness, and empathy. Her example reminds us that even small acts of compassion can create a profound impact, inspiring us all to embrace a more caring and selfless approach to life.
Mother Teresa’s selfless compassion continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of empathy and kindness. Her life and legacy serve as a guiding light, inspiring us to reach out to those in need, uplift the marginalized, and spread love in a world that often craves compassion.
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Since its inception, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has played a vital role in providing critical funding and support to local children’s hospitals, ensuring that every child receives the medical care they need. Join us as we celebrate four decades of compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of children.
A Legacy of Compassion and Care: For 40 years, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have been a beacon of hope for countless children and their families. Through their network of hospitals, they have tirelessly worked to provide state-of-the-art medical equipment, life-saving treatments, and compassionate care to children facing serious illnesses and injuries. Their unwavering commitment to making miracles happen has touched the lives of millions, offering hope and healing in times of adversity.
Empowering Local Communities: One of the remarkable aspects of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is its deep connection to local communities. By partnering with corporate sponsors, individual donors, and volunteers, they have created a powerful network of support. Every dollar raised stays in the community, helping local children’s hospitals deliver specialized care and support services to children and their families. This collaborative approach has made a lasting impact on countless lives and continues to foster a sense of unity and compassion.
Celebrating Miracles and Milestones: From breakthrough medical advancements to transformative stories of resilience and recovery, every child’s journey is a testament to the power of hope and the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals and supporters. We celebrate the lives touched, the futures transformed, and the enduring legacy of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for 40 years of dedicated service. Their commitment to improving the health and well-being of children has been a beacon of light in our communities.
Note: To learn more about the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals visit their official website at childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org.
Do you know a hero? We would love to hear about them: share their story with us!
Empowering Success Through Dress: The Impact of Dress for Success Organization
In a world where appearance plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, it is crucial to acknowledge the power of dressing for success. Dress for Success, a global nonprofit organization, has been at the forefront of empowering individuals by providing them with professional attire and support to thrive in the workplace. In this blog post, we will delve into the remarkable work of Dress for Success and the profound impact it has on the lives of countless individuals around the world.
A Mission to Empower: At its core, Dress for Success is driven by a noble mission: to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged individuals by offering them professional attire, career development tools, and a supportive network. By recognizing that appearance and self-confidence are interlinked, Dress for Success aims to empower individuals to reach their full potential in the workplace. Through clothing, mentorship, and career resources, this organization serves as a catalyst for change, instilling confidence and hope in those it supports.
Attire as a Tool for Success: Dress for Success understands the transformative power of clothing. The organization believes that when individuals dress professionally, they not only look the part but also feel more self-assured, capable, and ready to take on professional challenges. By providing men and women with appropriate attire for job interviews and employment, Dress for Success equips them with the tools they need to make a positive first impression, boost their self-esteem, and ultimately secure employment opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.
Beyond the Suit: Holistic Support: Dress for Success goes beyond providing attire. The organization offers comprehensive support programs that address the multifaceted challenges individuals face when entering or re-entering the workforce. From interview preparation workshops and resume building to mentorship programs and professional development initiatives, Dress for Success strives to enhance the employability of its clients. By focusing on the whole person, the organization helps individuals build a solid foundation for long-term success and economic independence.
Empowering Success Stories: The impact of Dress for Success can be witnessed through the countless success stories it has generated worldwide. Individuals who have benefited from the organization’s support have gone on to secure meaningful employment, build successful careers, and break free from the cycle of poverty. Dress for Success has become a beacon of hope for those facing adversity, offering them the tools, resources, and support they need to not only dress for success but also achieve success in every aspect of their lives.
Dress for Success stands as a testament to the incredible impact that dressing for success can have on individuals striving for economic independence. By providing professional attire, career development resources, and a supportive network, this remarkable organization empowers individuals to transform their lives. Dress for Success has demonstrated that when people look and feel their best, they are better positioned to succeed. Together, let us celebrate the work of Dress for Success and continue supporting their mission of empowering success through dressing for success.
World Wish Day is celebrated annually on April 29th and is a day to recognize the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the amazing work they do to fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of World Wish Day and the impact that the Make-A-Wish Foundation has on the lives of children and their families.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 by a group of friends in Arizona who wanted to help a young boy with leukemia fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer. Since then, the organization has grown into a worldwide network that has granted more than 500,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses.
World Wish Day was created to honor the anniversary of the first wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. On April 29, 1980, 7-year-old Chris Greicius, who had leukemia, was granted his wish to be a police officer for a day. He was sworn in as the first honorary patrolman of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and his wish inspired the creation of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Today, the Make-A-Wish Foundation operates in nearly 50 countries and grants a wish every 34 minutes on average. Wishes can range from meeting a celebrity or going on a dream vacation to receiving a special gift or having a backyard playset installed.
The impact that the Make-A-Wish Foundation has on the lives of children and their families cannot be overstated. For children with critical illnesses, a wish come true can provide hope, strength, and joy during a difficult time. It can also bring families together and create lasting memories.
As we celebrate World Wish Day, let us remember the incredible work that the Make-A-Wish Foundation does and the joy and hope that they bring to children with critical illnesses and their families. If you would like to get involved or support their mission, visit their website to learn more about volunteering, donating, or referring a child for a wish. https://wish.org/
Meet the hero pediatric surgeon who not only performs life-saving surgeries but also eases the anxiety of his little patients by riding with them to the OR dancing. His compassionate and creative approach spreads joy and comfort to children and their families during a stressful time.
Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit that connects children with serious illnesses or disabilities with college athletic teams. The organization was founded in 2011 by a group of former college classmates and student-athletes who recognized the power of teams and wanted to ensure no child was sidelined by sickness or disability. Through a two-year therapeutic program, Team IMPACT has fostered relationships that have enhanced the lives of thousands of courageous children and tens of thousands of student-athletes across the country. The team behind Team IMPACT continues to expand the long-standing tradition of athletes contributing to something far greater than themselves.
Some really cool examples of what Team IMPACT does:
Ben and St. Anselm’s College Men’s Hockey Team: Ben, a nine-year-old boy battling cancer, was matched with the St. Anselm’s College men’s hockey team in 2011. The team welcomed Ben as a full-fledged member of their team, inviting him to practices, games, and team events. Through his involvement with the team, Ben gained confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that helped him fight his illness.
Brianna and Merrimack College Women’s Soccer Team: Brianna, a 10-year-old girl with a rare genetic condition, was matched with the Merrimack College women’s soccer team in 2017. Brianna attended practices and games, and the team even made her an honorary captain. Through her involvement with the team, Brianna gained confidence and a support system that helped her deal with the challenges of her condition.
Colin and Boston College Football Team: Colin, a 12-year-old boy with a rare heart condition, was matched with the Boston College football team in 2015. Colin attended practices, games, and team events, and the team even surprised him with a special locker room reveal. Through his involvement with the team, Colin gained confidence and a sense of belonging that helped him deal with his condition.
Madi and Endicott College Women’s Volleyball Team: Madi, a 16-year-old girl with a rare neurological condition, was matched with the Endicott College women’s volleyball team in 2019. Madi attended practices, games, and team events, and the team even made her an honorary captain. Through her involvement with the team, Madi gained confidence, a sense of belonging, and a support system that helped her deal with the challenges of her condition.
Andi Callaway founded the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation a few years after her 6-year-old son was diagnosed
DANVILLE, CA — When Andi Callaway’s son was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a category of rare kidney disorders, one of the hardest aspects was the uncertainty that came with it. Nephrotic Syndrome is an umbrella term for a number of symptoms that vary highly by patient, so it’s hard to map out a proper course of treatment.
“It’s so individual for each child, that it’s kind of a matter of guess and check, so there’s no way to really know other than trying the medication to know whether that medication will work, and then once they’re on it, there’s really no way to know if it’s working,” said Callaway, an Alamo resident whose 16-year-old son has been dealing with Nephrotic Syndrome for over a decade.
“This disease is so frustrating for the parents because it’s infuriating, there’s nothing you can do, your child is so sick, their whole life has changed, there’s no information or answer or way to fix them. There’s not even really a plan, where you can say, ‘OK, this is our plan for the next year.’ It’s just changing constantly, so the constant disappointment and stress of it was really overwhelming so to me getting involved in it and doing something filled that need for me as a mom to try and help.”
Callaway started helping where she could, but she grew to realize that there was no single organization to provide comprehensive support to victims of the disease. In 2017, she founded the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, a now global organization whose main goal is to provide support to the families suffering from this condition.
“Our mission is to support the children diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome and their families and the ongoing search for a cure, but really our first and foremost priority is to serve the child and the family,” she said.
It achieves that through eight different programs:
The Backpacks of Hope Program enlists a team of volunteers to stuff backpacks full of valuable items specially curated for children with the syndrome. The backpacks include medical supplies (many of which are not covered by insurance), educational supplies, and comfort items. Each backpack is valued at around $350. The next backpack stuffing event will take place on April 21 at the Community Presbyterian Church in Danville. For more information, email dana@nephroticsyndromefoundation.org.
The Thermometer Program provides a hospital grade thermometer, valued at over $300, to immunosuppressed children anywhere in the United States. These thermometers allow families to get a quick and accurate reading.
The Finding Health series is a series of free webinars in which experts discuss a range of topics of importance to families with a diagnosis, including how to manage Nephrotic Syndrome in school, mental health, healthy eating, financial resources, and more.
The NSF Podcast, hosted by Callaway and Peer Team Leader Jeremy Bedig, which focuses on similar topics.
The NSF Peer Team matches older teens and young adults with NS with younger people for mentorship and friendship. Peer Team Leads host a number of events, meetups, fun activities, and more.
The Patient Grant Program gives thousands of dollars in grants to families dealing with NS. Many treatments are not covered by insurance, and related costs in transportation, mental health, diet and more can add up very quickly. NSF offers grants to pay for medical bills, counseling, utilities, rent and more, depending on the nature of the application.
The Little Angels Program provides a care package valued at $150-200 each for about 6-8 families each year undergoing an unusually tough time.
The foundation also supports research through active collaboration with several labs. They also help facilitate large clinical trials, sometimes through providing transportation to the location of the study. This year, the foundation also anticipates funding its first research grant of around $10,000.
These programs are expensive. The programming budget is about $500,000 a year, almost all of which comes from private donations. The foundation’s flagship fundraiser is its Day on the Green golf tournament at the Diablo Country Club, which features a live auction, raffle, awards ceremony, and 18 holes of golf. This year’s tournament will take place on May 22, and tickets go on sale April 1.
“Be fearless.” This simple yet powerful quote is a reminder that embracing courage can open doors to extraordinary possibilities in life. This post will delve into the importance of fearlessness, the benefits of overcoming our fears, and ways to cultivate courage in our daily lives.
Fear can hold us back from achieving our full potential.
Overcoming fear requires self-awareness and determination.
Fearlessness fosters personal growth and resilience.
Taking calculated risks can lead to rewarding experiences.
Supporting and encouraging others can help them embrace courage.
Real-world examples can illustrate the power of being fearless and its impact on our lives.
Example 1: Public Speaking Many people struggle with the fear of public speaking. However, when Sam decided to face his fear head-on and join a local toastmasters club, he improved his speaking skills and self-confidence. By embracing fearlessness, Sam overcame his anxiety and became an accomplished public speaker, opening new doors in his professional and personal life.
Example 2: Traveling Solo Leaving her comfort zone, Maria decided to embark on a solo trip worldwide. Initially, the thought of traveling alone was daunting, but by being fearless, Maria experienced personal growth and gained a newfound appreciation for different cultures. This life-changing journey broadened her perspective and helped her discover her strengths and capabilities.
Example 3: Starting a Business Michael faced numerous challenges and uncertainties when he took the plunge and started his own business. But, instead of succumbing to fear, he embraced a fearless mindset, allowing him to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. His determination and courage led to the successful growth of his business, demonstrating the power of being fearless in the face of adversity.
Being fearless can transform our lives, enabling us to reach our full potential and fostering personal growth. By facing our fears, taking calculated risks, and supporting others in their courageous endeavors, we can unlock extraordinary possibilities and experiences. So, remember, “Be fearless.” Embrace courage, and you’ll be on the path to a life filled with adventure, resilience, and self-discovery.
For your library:
“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers – This classic self-help book offers practical advice on how to overcome fear and anxiety and live a more confident and fulfilling life.
“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown – Another book by Brené Brown, “Daring Greatly” explores the link between vulnerability, courage, and creativity. It offers powerful insights and practical strategies for living a more fearless and authentic life.
Kindle Paperwhite (on sale 29% off subject to change) – With a 6.8” display and thinner borders, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and 20% faster page turns.
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