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WhyMommy Love and a Breast Cancer PSA

Christy — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:19:44 +0000

Social media can be difficult for people to understand. It may seem strange to connect with those who live across the country, or across the world. It may be hard to believe that you can build true relationships with people you rarely (or never) see in person. Certainly not every person you meet online will become a lifelong friend, but I met my husband online, so I know that it can be the basis of a deep and long relationship. What happens more often, however, is that you build other types of bonds. You grow to care about people who made you laugh in a difficult moment, or helped when you need advice. You may have realized they were kindred spirits through the writing on their blog, or their posts on Facebook. Perhaps they were tweeting about the same silly TV show, or doling out parenting advice. Sometimes you meet them in person and immediately make a connection. Social media isn’t all that different from “the real world” in that way. You meet people, you learn about them, and you grow to care.

Dr. Susan Niebur, also known to her social media friends as WhyMommy, is one of those people I grew to care about. I did meet her once in person, but mainly know her from her activities online. She blogged at Toddler Planet about her family and, more increasingly, her own health. When I learned that she passed away yesterday, I was heartbroken. She had been fighting inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) for nearly five years and they had recently brought in hospice. I knew it was just a matter of time, but I guess you’re never really prepared for this sort of thing. My heart goes out to her husband and two young kids, who are very close in age to my own children.

The truth is that there are other bloggers who knew Susan better than I did. I’ve decided to leave the loving tributes to them and instead, pass along Susan’s message. In addition to being a wife and mother, Susan was an astrophysicist, activist, and crusader against IBC. Since Inflammatory Breast Cancer isn’t discussed very often, I want to share it with readers and ask you to pass the information along. You could save a life. I’m sure that Susan has saved, or at least prolonged, numerous lives through her honest blogging and tireless community education.

We have always been taught to search for a lump in the breast, but Inflammatory Breast Cancer doesn’t always present as a lump. Instead, it can cause a redness, pain, heat, swelling, pitting (similar to the skin of an orange) and inverted nipples. It often presents in younger woman than other breast cancers and is highly aggressive. It can quickly spread to other organs. Susan had a wonderful IBC page with basic info, as well as links to other sources for information. Please take a moment to read more.

Susan’s message was a simple one. If you see any changes in your breast, if anything seems “not quite right,” get it checked out. She was diagnosed in June, 2007. According to her website, only 25-50% of women diagnosed with IBC live past 5 years. You may have seen my recent post about catching up on my own health concerns, and I want to reiterate how important it is to take care of yourself. I’ll repeat what I said there:

…please take a moment to make the call for yourself. Call your doctor. Call a local clinic. Just call and get yourself checked out. It is scary to think that something might be wrong. On the other hand, if you can stay on top of your health, you significantly increase their ability to fix anything that does go wrong.

In honor of Susan, please share information about IBC with your friends.

Nominate Your Favorite Charity for a Boost from ableBanking

Christy — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:04:26 +0000

*Please don’t leave nominations on this blog. You can nominate at the ableGiving site.

Having worked for some (very) small non-profits, I can attest first-hand to the kind of impact a smaller donation can make on their ability to further their mission. That “every bit helps” mentality is part of the impetus behind an innovative new online bank, ableBanking. ableBanking isn’t open yet, but their plan is to offer customers better interest rates, smaller account minimums, and the opportunity to help out a local charitable organization of their choice just by signing up. To help kick things off, ableBanking is asking you to nominate your favorite Massachusetts 501c3 charity to be eligible for a $1000 gift. The top five nominated organizations will win.

You may not be familiar with online banking, but ableBanking will provide savings accounts (Money Market and CD) for consumers. Because they have no brick-and-mortar establishments to maintain, and due to their commitment on using marketing dollars for good rather than simple self-promotion, they will be able to donate $25 for each account opened to the account holder’s choice of charity. On top of that, on the account-holder’s anniversary with the bank, ableBanking will donate an additional 0.25% of their average balance to a charity of choice. It doesn’t cost you anything. If the math is making your head swim, here’s an excerpt from ableBanking’s website:

You won’t see big ableBanking billboards, or signs in stadiums, or tv ads. Instead, with our customers, we are going to redirect significant corporate dollars to help our communities. How much? Approximately $2.5 million for every $1 billion in deposits in our bank will go to charities. If you’re interested in the math, if a community bank has $10 billion in deposits (and many do), then our customers would be giving $25 million to charities each year – and they’d STILL be getting much better rates than traditional banks offer.

If you’re wondering what the catch is, you’re not alone. I thought the same thing. But the cool thing is that there is no catch. The idea is that consumers should be excited about their bank, and thrilled to be able to support local organizations. That’s it. Instead of ads, ableBanking hopes word of mouth will spread organically because of the benefits. In fact, your organization may choose to have a fundraiser by encouraging people to sign up with ableBanking and taking in the $25 per person donation. ableBanking has already partnered with 6 local organizations (Rosie’s Place, Greater Boston Food Bank, MSPC-Angell, Teach for America, JVS Boston, and Boston Children’s Chorus) to help tell their stories. You can learn more about each of these partner organizations as well as ableBanking through some wonderful videos on their YouTube channel.

If you’re not quite ready to move your savings account over, that’s OK. ableBanking isn’t quite ready for you to do that, either. Instead, they’re asking for something simple. Head over to the ableGiving site and take just a minute to nominate a local organization. Tell your friends to do the same. The 5 groups that receive the most nominations by January 31, 2012, will win a $1000 grant from ableBanking. It’s super easy. If you’re concerned about entering in your email address, ableBanking has assured us that they won’t be spamming you every other day. They will let you know when they launch, at which point you can feel free to unsubscribe if you’d like.

Nominations are open to all 501c3 non-profits who serve Massachusetts communities. One nomination per person, please!

Disclosure: I am being compensated by ableBanking to help spread the facts about this kick-off program. The opinions contained in this post are my own.

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Community Research Initiative–Leading the Way in Clinical HIV/AIDS Research

Christy — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:47:15 +0000

Community Research Initiative’s mission is to lead the way in clinical HIV/AIDS research and to ensure access to life-saving drugs to those in need.

Community Research Initiative (CRI) was established in 1988. I was still in high school and fear of HIV/AIDS was still rampant. Today, the panic of HIV/AIDS has died down and the push for better treatment options has led to significant improvement in the longevity/quality of life for those diagnosed. With their involvement in over 150 clinical trials, CRI has played a large role in this progress. In addition to their work on clinical trials, CRI administers the HIV Drug Assistance Program (HDAP) for people who would otherwise be unable to get their medications.

There are a number of ways to support CRI and they work they do. In-kind donations/discounts in the realm of travel, hotel and brochure printing would help them deliver their message. Volunteers and sponsors are needed to help spread the word and to organize Circle of Friends fundraising parties. They also seek bike riders and crew members for the Harbor to the Bay fundraising bike ride from Boston to Provincetown (held on September 17 of this year).

Connect with CRI:

Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation

Christy — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:41:28 +0000

The Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation engages neighborhood residents in an on-going process of shaping and carrying out a common vision of a diverse and stable community in the face of sustained economic pressures.

If you live way out in the suburbs, as we do, you may not know what a community development corporation does. In this case, Allston Bright CDC provides a variety of services that help maintain the health and vibrancy of the community. In particular, the Allston Brighton CDC helps ensure there is affordable housing, provides education and financial assistance to small business owners and families, encourages the development/maintenance of open spaces and helps the community rally on their own behalf.

There’s something to be said for pitching in to your own neighborhood to clean a park, host a block party, paint a mural, or otherwise create your own environment. I remember putting a lot of work into my elementary/middle school building and speaking out at a school committee meeting. It resulted in a strong sense of ownership and pride that I still hold with me to this day. The Allston Brighton CDC provides a lot of services to residents, but the community organizing aspect certainly stands out as one that truly contributes to the health of a community.

If you’d like to support the mission of the Allston Brighton CDC, they can always use office supplies and equipment like computers and phone systems. Office-based volunteers are also welcome.

Want to connect with Allston Brighton CDC?

Families United in Educational Leadership Sets Higher (Ed) Expectations

Christy — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:38:48 +0000

I come from a home with two college-educated parents. In fact, both of my parents have worked as teachers. The question wasn’t whether we would go to college, but where. And it wasn’t whether we could pay for it, but which resources we would call on. I don’t mean to say that my parents put pressure on us to go on to college. It simply never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t. It wasn’t until many years later that I realized that this isn’t an experience everyone has.

Families United in Educational Leadership (FUEL) is an organization that strives to help more families see college as an expectation. FUEL says:

Our Mission is to provide incentives to galvanize the ambition of low income families for their children’s higher education.

FUEL works with low-income families in Boston, Chelsea and Lynn. They provide a matched-savings program, financial literacy education, and other resources to help families along the path to higher education. Families commitment to making regular deposits into a college fund, attending workshops, and keeping their kids in after-school/out-of-school programs.

The best way to support FUEL and help send young people to college is through a financial donation.

Connect with FUEL:

Friends of the Children-Boston Proves Mentoring Pays Off

Christy — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:51:03 +0000

Much of my work experience prior to becoming a writer involved engaging with young people, primarily in at-risk communities. I know that often their parents are, for various reasons, unable to to really support their children academically or socially. I firmly believe that, as a society, we have to help all of our children reach their potential, even if their parents are out of the picture, working multiple jobs, lacking their own education, or are incapacitated for one reason or another. We are strengthened by the success of each and every young person, not just those who have the most resources available.

Friends of the Children-Boston (Friends-Boston) is a revolutionary mentoring organization committed to fostering academic achievement and character development of children from at-risk communities to avoid cycles of poverty, abuse or violence and become successful members of society. The organization provides Boston’s most vulnerable children whoFriends-Boston calls Achievers with 6-8 hours a week of therapeutic mentoring for twelve years from first grade through high school graduation.

I like the model of this program. They only take on kids in Kindergarten or first grade and stick with them for the long haul. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t benefit from an extra person helping you along, providing extra-curricular activities, and just providing another caring voice.

Friends of the Children-Boston could use items for their families, including store gift cars, coats, toys, and games. Volunteers are welcome, as well. Families who want to get involved can apply to be a “Family Friend” to one of the Achievers. Join the Achiever and mentor in after-school activities and special events, plus enjoy a correspondence. This requires a donation of $1000 a year with a minimum two year commitment.

Want to connect wit Friends of the Children-Boston?

The Theater Offensive–LGBT Acting OUT

Christy — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:47:47 +0000

The Theater Offensive was founded in 1989 based on a gay men’s guerrilla theater troupe. Today, the mission of The Theater Offensive is:

To form and present the diverse realities of queer lives in art so bold it breaks through personal isolation and political orthodoxy to help build an honest and progressive community.

In addition to the theater experiences many of us are familiar with, The Theater Offensive also takes their performances to the streets of Boston, raising awareness, educating, and having fun. What I find most exciting is their True Colors: Out Youth Theater initiative, a touring theater company of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgener, queer and questioning youth and straight allies. The group ranges in age from 14-22 and performs at school and community events in the area. I understand what it feels like to be “other” in your school, community and even home. And given how challenging it can be to come out to family and friends, I can’t help but think how powerful it would be to see people you can identify with on stage. Not only that but it’s the chance to educate entire groups of young people on issues facing the LGBTQ community.

You can support The Theater Offensive by donating your time. They will work with you to find just the right volunteer opportunity. And, while they wouldn’t turn down financial donations, a old Macintosh computer would be welcome as well. Perhaps the best way to support The Theater Offensive is to attend one of their shows and bring a friend.

Connect with The Theater Offensive:

Casa Myrna Vazquez–Ending Domestic Violence

Christy — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:41:31 +0000

When I was in college, I dated a guy who was extremely manipulative. For some reason, I just couldn’t leave him. I suspect it has a lot to do with my relationship with my biological father, but it became imperative that he stick around. Later he told me that he hoped to marry someone “passive” like me and I was stunned and infuriated. I don’t consider myself to be a passive person, and I suspect that anyone who knows me and reads this is chuckling at the very idea of that. The bottom line is that this experience helped me understand how complex relationships are, and why someone may choose to stay in an abusive situation. There’s love, a need to be loved, fear, confusion, and a variety of other emotions that come into play. In her recent interview with Diane Sawyer, Jaycee Dugard explained why she never left her captors, even when she had ample opportunity, by saying that the fear of the unknown was far worse than the fear of what she knew.

Casa Myrna Vazquez aims to eliminate those fears by providing victims of domestic violence a place to stay, education, and support. Launched in the 1970’s, they now provide a toll–free hotline supporting callers in five languages, and counseling and advocacy programs. They have a limited amount of emergency, transitional, and teen parent housing for women and children. Casa Myrna Vazquez also reaches out to the community with programs of awareness and prevention for both teens and adults.

There is a wonderful success story on their site which I strongly suggest you read. Teen-age mom Gabby came from a violent home situation and finally chose to leave when she realized the effects it was having on her son. Casa Myrna Vazquez provided a safe place and helped her learn about parenting, how to take care of herself, and even encouraged her to get her GED. The story is in Gabby’s own words, and it’s a moving one.

Casa Myrna Vazquez has a few ways you can get involved, including donating new household items and food, hosting a fundraising/awareness party, or making a financial donation. They also encourage you to raise awareness about domestic violence and to start speaking up.

Connect with Casa Myrna Vazquez:

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Rosie’s Place Helps Women in Need

Christy — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:50:55 +0000

When I was very young, my mom struggled to make ends meet. Young, single, and with a baby to care for, she was lucky enough to have support from family and friends. I was too young to remember this, but I have worked in homeless shelters and have seen first-hand many of the challenges people face when they just can’t make ends meet or are unable to work. It’s not just a matter of not having a home; homelessness impacts your ability to find/maintain a job, educate your children, fight off illness/depression, and get back on your feet. Organizations like Rosie’s Place provide a range of services to people in need.

Founded in 1974, Rosie’s Place is a well-known organization in the Boston area. They provide housing, meals, a food pantry, education, jobs, and other services to poor and homeless women. It was the first drop-in and emergency shelter for women in the United States.

The mission of Rosie’s Place is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for poor and homeless women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.

Rosie’s Place accepts no money from city, state or federal government sources, freeing them from the constraints that often come with those funds. There are plenty of ways you can support Rosie’s Place, including volunteering and donations. But you might also consider a purchase from the Women’s Craft Cooperative, which supports women in need by providing a way for them to earn a salary. They have beautiful jewelry, bookmarks and other gift items that can be purchased online.

Want to connect with Rosie’s Place?

Tips for Enjoying the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl

Christy — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:05:00 +0000

If there’s one harbinger of summer in Boston, it’s the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl. I have been wanting to attend for years, but something has always gotten in the way. This year, FedEx, the Scooper Bowl sponsor, asked if I’d like to attend as their guest to cover the event and I took that as a sign. I packed up the kids in 90+ degree weather and headed out for a delicious adventure.

By way of history, this was the 29th Scooper Bowl. The event began in 1983 when four ice cream companies (Brigham’s, Baileys, Emack & Bolio, and Hendries) agreed to serve ice cream at the New England Dairy Festival on the Boston Common. They decided to give their income, a modest $1,000, to the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer research and patient care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The idea took off, eventually becoming an event of its own, and the Scooper Bowl was born. This year, the Scooper Bowl raised more than $358,000, bringing the total raised over the 29 years to more than $3 million!

We had a fun time, as you can see from the picture above, but I thought I’d share some tips that may help you enjoy your time even more.

Take public transportation if at all possible. The Government Center T stop drops you off right at the gates of the Scooper Bowl.
A visit during the day will most likely yield smaller crowds, but lots of school groups.
Leave the stroller at home if you can. Navigating the crowds with a stroller is a nightmare, especially if you’re by yourself. That brings me to the next tip…
Go with a friend, especially if you’re bringing young kids. You have to work your way up to a tent to grab the cups of ice cream and back out again. It’s a lot faster without little ones in tow.
Bring wipes. The lovely people at FedEx had wipes at their tent, but having some on hand for the inevitable ice cream accidents is a better plan.
Plan ahead, especially with kids. The Scooper Bowl website has a list of all of the flavors available.
Buy tickets in advance online and avoid the long lines.
It’s going to be crowded, chaotic, and possibly very, very hot. Plan accordingly.
Make sure to visit the water stations as needed to stay hydrated, especially when arriving at and departing the event.

Special notes for my friends with food allergies:

Visit the Scooper Bowl website and click through to each of the product links to find allergy information.
There was supposed to be some indication of products with nuts on the boards at the event, but it was very difficult to see the boards. I couldn’t find any info, but had looked things up in advance. I also made it a point to ask a server at each station. Don’t rely on that info, as they are super busy scooping, but it can be good for a last-minute confirmation.
There are typically several options that are dairy free (some lovely sorbets).
Given the chaos at the event, this isn’t a great place to be if you’re concerned about the tiniest bit of cross contamination. It could very easily happen, or someone could spill ice cream on you.

I will definitely go again, preferably with another adult… I just hope that SoCo Creamery is their with more of their Dirty Chocolate ice cream. Yummmmmm…

Disclosure: We attended the Scooper Bowl on media passes provided by FedEx. There was no promise of a positive review and the opinions contained in this post are my own.