tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64119863200596983912024-02-19T00:42:04.947-05:00Red Thread PromiseRed Thread Promise is a non-profit, international organization that provides medical care for orphans. We can make a difference in the lives of kids in need, by being more conscious consumers. We make purchases, when possible, by logging onto Igive.com, which donates a percentage of sales to Red Thread Promise. Please join us and make a difference in the lives of kids in need.
Log on Igive.com Assign The Red Thread as your charity. Clicks count for kids at The Red Thread Promise blog!Jessica Arnoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18070834240868189517noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-22400867295911010992015-10-05T08:48:00.000-04:002015-10-05T08:48:43.938-04:00Celebrating 12 Amazing Years With You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllsFkWzLSdXG2HJOxgPsei1hN2iIlVD3oM9t1l69sA2j2pQxVV4UyTqVzraWsvBXVgF9RC7uA3yLHiOW_3P9MHeCBoyEr-9j5dmFRrpXrqmgI7c2WxDLznxGD2xccp1LMW8FkCGSpBzKl/s1600/closing+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllsFkWzLSdXG2HJOxgPsei1hN2iIlVD3oM9t1l69sA2j2pQxVV4UyTqVzraWsvBXVgF9RC7uA3yLHiOW_3P9MHeCBoyEr-9j5dmFRrpXrqmgI7c2WxDLznxGD2xccp1LMW8FkCGSpBzKl/s1600/closing+graphic.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is with mixed emotions that we share with you—friends, volunteers, donors and prayer warriors—that <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Red Thread Promise is closing its doors today</span></b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 12 years working on behalf of children with disabilities, is time for our board, volunteers and donors to embrace a new future, finding new and creative ways to contribute. Our hearts are full from the work accomplished, but change is not always easy. Please pray for us during this time of transition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we move forward with great anticipation as individuals, but no longer as The Red Thread Promise, we want to take this opportunity to thank you and to reflect on what, together, we've done over the last twelve years. Throughout this time. The Red Thread Promise has primarily worked in China, Haiti and the United States providing underserved children with:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medical care and treatment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medication </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surgery and hospitalization</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blankets and comfort items</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deaf and blind learning materials</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food and clean water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diapers and infant items</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summer camp experience</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eye exams and hearing screenings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hearing aids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hippotherapy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therapeutic riding</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wheelchairs, canes, walkers, crutches</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But above all, working together, we have given children even greater gifts: <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>hope and love in abundance</i></b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years, we have built countless relationships with children, working with them over time, watching them grow, helping along the way as we were able. We knew their names, ages, likes and dislikes, abilities and disabilities. We treated each child with love, kindness and respect, things often missing in their young challenging lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are grateful beyond words for your contributions that have turned opportunities into realities for kids over the years, and for positively influencing the lives of these young ones and their families. In turn, our lives were forever changed. Our eyes were opened to the plight of others. Our awareness heightened that what zip code you are born into can greatly affect the opportunities available. Our hearts were overwhelmed with the affection you showed for the children we encountered. Our hands and feet were mobilized to advocate for the most vulnerable. We hope yours has been changed as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How you can still help</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to continue supporting children with disabilities, we’d like to offer the following suggestions. Each organization below has been a wonderful, trusted partner over the years and we know that they will honor your wishes for your donations of prayers, time, and financial gifts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hippotherapy in Ohio and Georgia</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Checks payable to Jacob's Fund: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacob's Fund</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1630 Tipperary Drive, Middletown, OH 45042-3875</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medical care </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Checks payable to West Tennessee Haiti Partnership: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">West Tennessee Haiti Partnership</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">c/o The Diocese of West Tennessee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">692 Poplar Avenue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memphis, TN 38105</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Vincent’s </span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Education </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Checks payable to Friends of St. Vincent’s: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends of St. Vincent’s</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">105 Federal Street, West Hartford, CT 06110</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Vincent’s </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Food </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Checks payable to Friends of St. Vincent’s: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends of St. Vincent’s</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">105 Federal Street, West Hartford, CT 06110</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We thank you for supporting </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Red Thread Promise </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>and our work over the years. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Alone we could do little, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>but together, we accomplished much!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-3024747516969777492015-07-24T13:04:00.000-04:002015-07-24T13:04:01.364-04:00Nathan's Future, Your Kindness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdM4_cJ26nJ5G6A_9VD9TqpoCS_D6L_5qhhrT3BO4jKZLw-2au_q8444ZNWFbSDvSEEUpWSsWylDO6HUFnWtiLXrs-qJd3YM7e5XQFQc5fuNU6pE9caXj-PkQ_jorShohj4nHGJKspsQ/s1600/Nathan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdM4_cJ26nJ5G6A_9VD9TqpoCS_D6L_5qhhrT3BO4jKZLw-2au_q8444ZNWFbSDvSEEUpWSsWylDO6HUFnWtiLXrs-qJd3YM7e5XQFQc5fuNU6pE9caXj-PkQ_jorShohj4nHGJKspsQ/s320/Nathan.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bright, Funny, Thoughtful Nathan</div>
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You give ability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
give mobility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You give hope and a sense
of achievement. Thanks seems not enough to say for what you give.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And yet, genuine and heartfelt thanks is just what Nathan
and his family, and we, at The Red Thread Promise, want to express.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmbrqP5bBQH9yVuMA2awH5cum7xrzsP8I2YB4wXvJY1_9Wmgfa6mZIstY-rxnftpkEVg2Yjb1yJuN_eQnD1YiiKJXQKbc4Kda6pzXDYUhEAKpIxYo2jKlor-wqGO3JXBpoh6pG73BdRE/s1600/Nathan+and+mom+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmbrqP5bBQH9yVuMA2awH5cum7xrzsP8I2YB4wXvJY1_9Wmgfa6mZIstY-rxnftpkEVg2Yjb1yJuN_eQnD1YiiKJXQKbc4Kda6pzXDYUhEAKpIxYo2jKlor-wqGO3JXBpoh6pG73BdRE/s320/Nathan+and+mom+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nathan and his Mom Talk with TRTP on a Hot Day in June</div>
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Your generous donations are going to put Nathan on a walking
path, for the first time since November 2014.</div>
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It’s been a long, hard road for this young man, who was
diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma at age three. His treatment included
chemotherapy, radiation, and two bone marrow (stem cell) transplants. While
recovering from the second transplant, he developed a brain infection
(toxoplasmosis) due to his weakened immune system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among the complications that arose was hemiparesis
(weakness) on his right side.</div>
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Walking with the uneven gait that resulted from weakness
eventually caused his right hip joint to become partially dislocated. Following
surgery to correct this condition, Nathan spent eight weeks in a body cast, and
several months in a wheelchair. </div>
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Today he’s regaining strength, using a walker and even
getting around on his own a little.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmbrqP5bBQH9yVuMA2awH5cum7xrzsP8I2YB4wXvJY1_9Wmgfa6mZIstY-rxnftpkEVg2Yjb1yJuN_eQnD1YiiKJXQKbc4Kda6pzXDYUhEAKpIxYo2jKlor-wqGO3JXBpoh6pG73BdRE/s1600/Nathan+and+mom+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUhiPIPUjB-AzAv6VtlC80JQBkaw5uXlkZJV5sFRDC8KHMChmG6uVywsOt46EgwCuFTsbAWwLacgcXupel7Eh4fg2l-p_YkNMEbUw5E2De6G3S7QH8xU-wfbuMhdAS00iiVYcwNnmQoo/s1600/Nathan+McLean+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUhiPIPUjB-AzAv6VtlC80JQBkaw5uXlkZJV5sFRDC8KHMChmG6uVywsOt46EgwCuFTsbAWwLacgcXupel7Eh4fg2l-p_YkNMEbUw5E2De6G3S7QH8xU-wfbuMhdAS00iiVYcwNnmQoo/s320/Nathan+McLean+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Nathan, Carefully Considering his Answer to "What do you like best about school?"</div>
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</div>
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For the past two years, Nathan has been coming to McKenna
Farms for physical therapy and is responding well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently he started aquatic therapy and loves
it! The next step of his treatment will be hippotherapy, as soon as his
strength returns and the hardware in his hip, part of last November’s surgery,
is removed. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Your gifts ensure that Nathan’s muscles and supporting
tissue and nerve fibers will continue to work together each week until he can
leave his walker behind, and safely mount his hippotherapy horse. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for your generous hearts.</div>
Glenna Lee Howell Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067722367977449795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-74827366514932591882015-04-20T12:19:00.001-04:002015-04-23T23:03:50.073-04:00Harper-Lynn Talks Again!<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Your help makes miracles happen.
</span></b>That’s what the families and therapists who work with the children you support
through Jacob’s Fund’s tell us. Harper-Lynn is one of
those children, and this is her story.</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9Bcls8j_HnQ2vFEgpgPMCYdnyKltn6RBq0V6hXdM4D6N81H5yCGxEQrgvE2tC43lBik44KQ9iEEUB5poT6WKUEXzK-LquGd5HoTmO8KoQM0YELfSYuVPq1e__wxVx-HpTkneJLlUC64/s1600/Harper+Lynn+Easter+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9Bcls8j_HnQ2vFEgpgPMCYdnyKltn6RBq0V6hXdM4D6N81H5yCGxEQrgvE2tC43lBik44KQ9iEEUB5poT6WKUEXzK-LquGd5HoTmO8KoQM0YELfSYuVPq1e__wxVx-HpTkneJLlUC64/s1600/Harper+Lynn+Easter+2015.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Harper-Lynn Easter Morning 2014 </span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"She changed before my eyes!"
says Tara.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're standing outside the fence of the indoor arena at McKenna Farms,
watching as Harper-Lynn, Tara's 2-1/2-year-old daughter, gives a command for
her horse to stop and starts using the horse-shaped whistle her therapist,
Rachel, has just handed her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harper-Lynn is smiling and talking with Rachel in the bumble-bee voice of a
very young child. And Harper-Lynn is little—the smallest helmet is too
big for her, so she's wearing a Queen Elsa <i>Frozen</i> hat under it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four months ago, Harper-Lynn began hippotherapy, after nearly a year of
frightening, disheartening events. At eighteen months, her vocabulary
included one hundred words and phrases. Then, suddenly, something happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within three months, her vocabulary dwindled until she could only say Momma and ball; she lost muscle tone and began falling down, and she
began having aggression and sensory issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we watch her ride, it seems almost impossible that we’re talking about
the same child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s composed, sitting
upright, carrying out the therapy tasks Rachel gives her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj2KzvlaW27MQoRyvoIBZgzzflY2XB6xu2o8VfPwal1RWbNT31dOQmmdq0hiISfGE8FK5yTtmC7eccrafxCZ7uJB-Lp99IDyZo4i-YTl2-L9DFO5VB9-NI6oDF688EX2SB96m8wZ1wcM/s1600/Haper+Lynn+Bryson+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj2KzvlaW27MQoRyvoIBZgzzflY2XB6xu2o8VfPwal1RWbNT31dOQmmdq0hiISfGE8FK5yTtmC7eccrafxCZ7uJB-Lp99IDyZo4i-YTl2-L9DFO5VB9-NI6oDF688EX2SB96m8wZ1wcM/s1600/Haper+Lynn+Bryson+4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> At the Frog-Sorting Station on Jacob's Trail</i></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When she began hippotherapy in November of 2014, Harper-Lynn still wasn’t
talking or interacting with those around her, even after several months of
therapy delivered in the standard indoor setting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“But Spirit, her horse, wouldn’t move unless she gave commands:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop! Go!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>says Rachel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so she gave the command, and took off, on her horse and in her
speech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, Tara says, her favorite subject of conversation is Spirit. She’s always
asking, “When can I ride Spirit again?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rachel reports that Harper-Lynn has made gains in language and
communication, as well as social skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The horse is a big draw for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her strength and endurance have improved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During therapy, in order to reach the toys we
use, she has to reach beyond midline, get the toy, then correct to
midline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s doing this on the horse
using her core muscles, not her arms.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2bM8-Z6BBbZdHCN8U1-W9W0Mu_lm5RhPm4zk6ezOVdVUbnYcPW3yC76qMgfGB8hwzZtohhYh8PolZSOm1im0po3OMmJKpSQ4Khn1AVIRcnnVxxuXrpVfqhPWDPCscb4Tu2dWzziMT8A/s1600/Harper+Lynn+1+March+11+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2bM8-Z6BBbZdHCN8U1-W9W0Mu_lm5RhPm4zk6ezOVdVUbnYcPW3yC76qMgfGB8hwzZtohhYh8PolZSOm1im0po3OMmJKpSQ4Khn1AVIRcnnVxxuXrpVfqhPWDPCscb4Tu2dWzziMT8A/s1600/Harper+Lynn+1+March+11+(8).JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the indoor arena, Harper Lynn wears her Frozen </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hat under her helmet </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">even the smallest helmet is too big for her) </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>but she solves the problem with great fashion sense.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“And,” she adds, “She has good carryover at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mom continues to work with her.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tara’s summation of her daughter’s improvement is less clinical, but just as
clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“People who know us, people at
our church, say the change is miraculous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cry when they see what she is able to do now.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As she says this, there are tears in her eyes, and mine, tears of joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hers for the little girl dismounting from her
horse near where we stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mine for
Jacob Noah Beachy, my grandson, who began hippotherapy here in 2006 and talked
about his horse, too, and whose spirit lives on in the lives of little ones
like Harper-Lynn through the scholarships we provide in his memory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I want more children to have this opportunity,” says Tara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So do we, Tara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So do our supporters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s through the generosity of people like you that we are able to change the lives of children like Harper-Lynn. Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>~Glenna Fisher, Jacob's Fund Director</i></span></span>Glenna Lee Howell Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067722367977449795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-68573597851086437462015-03-19T21:47:00.000-04:002015-03-19T21:58:46.451-04:00JACOB’S FUND :: “You never think it’s going to be you…” The heartbreak of heart defects<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5W2m_VAa-BdvXII66SI0yVjckV5l-7mkVFmFT8Wa64H5dSIT5h0F1G5zFwopf75ygiPrfd9IrtNBh8eb8uB49tkiIsea6MOVVlv8rEg4xbUpj6BoU_5xXBdU7fjb7JOzXFC98W9UpUzd/s1600/11051637_932727713427769_636998188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5W2m_VAa-BdvXII66SI0yVjckV5l-7mkVFmFT8Wa64H5dSIT5h0F1G5zFwopf75ygiPrfd9IrtNBh8eb8uB49tkiIsea6MOVVlv8rEg4xbUpj6BoU_5xXBdU7fjb7JOzXFC98W9UpUzd/s1600/11051637_932727713427769_636998188_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liam, post surgery</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">USA :: It was this little face on a friend’s Facebook page, pleading for medical assistance, that caught TRTP Vice President Sonya’s attention. She clicked on the picture to learn about Liam, an infant who will be fighting an up-hill battle his entire life due to a life-threatening congenital heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallot (TET).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, The Red Thread Promise is VERY familiar with Tetralogy of Fallot as it has touched our lives directly through the loss of both <a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2011/07/celebrating-jacobs-life.html" target="_blank">Jacob Noah Beachy</a> and little <a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2008/09/ping-will-have-surgery-tuesday.html" target="_blank">Ping</a> from China. The family’s story struck a chord with us, an instant connection, and we knew down to our core that we had an obligation to help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqLAxBYYu_P5qnWCdarFeCYQeGRRYTXGkOTX98uPCw-utZG09KI4LFKkKAVNF09I-_1i9-804wB0wUo2dtdMVUkXk23bHflzpG9sFZCim3iluuPfavlRgbs_PSbb58hRtDRY7qJvl8pzB/s1600/11025486_932727666761107_1607779871_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqLAxBYYu_P5qnWCdarFeCYQeGRRYTXGkOTX98uPCw-utZG09KI4LFKkKAVNF09I-_1i9-804wB0wUo2dtdMVUkXk23bHflzpG9sFZCim3iluuPfavlRgbs_PSbb58hRtDRY7qJvl8pzB/s1600/11025486_932727666761107_1607779871_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Newborn Liam, before surgery</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“I loved you before you were born.”</span></b> </span>~ Maureen Hawkins</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At mom Kara’s 20-week ultrasound, the couple were given devastating news that their unborn son had a rare and serious congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. This young couple’s life was soon consumed by bi-weekly echocardiagrams, visits with the cardiology team, surgical team and much more frequent OBGYN appointments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To add insult to injury, three weeks before Kara’s maternity leave, her company unexpectedly chose to part ways with her as they appeared not so understanding of her family’s predicament and the time these appointments took from her job. Once again, Kara and Edward were devastated and terrified. The specter of certain and serious health problems their unborn son would suffer coupled with the suffocating onslaught of cumulative medical bills that could not be paid from their single income overwhelmed them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“My husband and I continue to lean on God and our faith, trusting things would work out while we try to hold it together emotionally...fearful of what lies ahead for our family and our youngest son.” <i>~ Kara</i></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcu3OZaYADriHuFhEmTDYF431CEs0HAaky_OCSgK5oXIIUzHLcNSc3Kt_4P_UK0SAS1ljMJeLBydUEqcU7ezXuM0KzhZGu4fRORYfN4cUw6Z3F3VuQbT3MesKyh24TqFGzPHDQQvz89CX/s1600/11034793_933187330048474_133869394_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcu3OZaYADriHuFhEmTDYF431CEs0HAaky_OCSgK5oXIIUzHLcNSc3Kt_4P_UK0SAS1ljMJeLBydUEqcU7ezXuM0KzhZGu4fRORYfN4cUw6Z3F3VuQbT3MesKyh24TqFGzPHDQQvz89CX/s1600/11034793_933187330048474_133869394_o.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mom and Dad and their newborn son</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Not the birthday his parents expected.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Liam arrived in September, a whirlwind of medical teams took over his care during his three weeks in the NICU - very expensive care and another blow to the family’s finances. October and November were spent establishing a routine for this precious, but fragile, infant. Then one night in early December Liam stopped breathing in his mother’s arms. Frantically, Kara prepared to perform CPR on the kitchen counter, her 7-year-old watching, while paramedics were en route. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Dad getting ready to hand Liam over to the surgical team, <br />the scariest moment of this young couple's lives</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That fateful night marked the beginning of a month-long stay at Texas Children's Hospital and an immediate open heart surgery. Several times the couple thought they might lose Liam; he had to be intubated, and faced unknown respiratory issues. Birthdays, Christmas, and New Year's were spent in the hospital... all-the-while doing their best to attend to Liam’s 7-year-old big brother. The mountain of medical bills grew ever higher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully, on January 10, 2015, Liam was released from the hospital after receiving a pacemaker. But his journey is far from over and definitely not an easy one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At just four months of age, Liam is a high risk for practically everything. Due to his compromised health, he is unable to be vaccinated so his family is virtually isolated from outsiders so as not to introduce any type of germ or virus to their home. Only a tiny core group of people are allowed around Liam and every precaution is being taken. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the next year, Liam will face multiple monthly appointments with specialists to monitor his condition and plan for future treatment. Eventually, Liam will receive a pulmonary valve replacement and additional surgeries are anticipated throughout his life. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Kara and Liam</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How you can help.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know us. We couldn’t just read about this child, talk to his mother at length, and walk away. We have committed to helping the family with current and future medical care for Liam. We also had some unexpected fun baby shopping (not a usual thing for us!) to provide items that Liam will need over the next year: cases of specialized formula, diapers and some fun things as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Please help us support Liam’s journey to a healthier heart.</b> Gifts in his name are fully tax deductible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Checks can be sent to:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Thread Promise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">249 N. Belfield Ave, Havertown, PA 19083</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simply put the word “Liam” on the check’s memo line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By <a href="http://www.redthreadpromise.org/help.html" target="_blank">credit card</a> (click on PayPal button - <b><i>no PayPal account necessary</i></b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you donate online, kindly send an email to kathy@redthreadpromise.org stating how you want your donation allocated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for your continual support of children in need of medical intervention via The Red Thread Promise. Paying it forward.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxlh5msGVYne_X9EqeyjnDqvWnQNkx1CMArg7rLCfqM8dBzXv9cuhx1DXwpCwa5pYd_TKN6yxMzhb3Fs4WwfxsKRyIENa6zfNQGp0_UQwPYgWm444EgLaDHtxZUpjj8zu0e2ppJ0U2rnt/s1600/10816099_932728993427641_1470471432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxlh5msGVYne_X9EqeyjnDqvWnQNkx1CMArg7rLCfqM8dBzXv9cuhx1DXwpCwa5pYd_TKN6yxMzhb3Fs4WwfxsKRyIENa6zfNQGp0_UQwPYgWm444EgLaDHtxZUpjj8zu0e2ppJ0U2rnt/s1600/10816099_932728993427641_1470471432_n.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-39825858971186237092015-03-12T15:39:00.000-04:002015-04-04T08:53:00.564-04:00USA / CHINA :: A ramp for Laila<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxHdv_fZceUb7d4dryuFo1rt6Cc0n1V9M7pnXLvE5SIksx9kHNPu4iAwmjOg6I1Dybl4lG0C_lydDqwvG4bh7LEt4Xd0xp4icnvDsChsNE7hknO3zop3f6os4YOJVNNbaOBQts4HKiOY7/s1600/1509996_10155267574970244_172531585350441783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxHdv_fZceUb7d4dryuFo1rt6Cc0n1V9M7pnXLvE5SIksx9kHNPu4iAwmjOg6I1Dybl4lG0C_lydDqwvG4bh7LEt4Xd0xp4icnvDsChsNE7hknO3zop3f6os4YOJVNNbaOBQts4HKiOY7/s1600/1509996_10155267574970244_172531585350441783_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Laila at home</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love Laila Mei, a beautiful, feisty, four-year-old Chinese girl and her American forever family whose story we first shared with you last year when we funded the purchase of her first manual wheelchair! Leila Mei’s story of foster care, adoption, misdiagnosis followed by a heartbreaking diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a progressive genetic neuromuscular disease, had us on an emotional roller coaster.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we came away with, though, was HOPE for the future as we continue to love and support this family, watching Laila grow and prosper. You, The Red Thread Promise community, made Leila’s much-needed wheelchair a reality.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The road to independence</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, as winter yields to spring, an organization in Laila’s family’s community has committed to provide skills, tools, and manpower to build a ramp/deck on the back of the family house for Laila to go in and out independently in her power chair!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Building will begin on March 28, 2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ramp will provide Laila the freedom to safely enter and exit her home, play in her backyard, and enjoy the independence every child needs. <b>Leila’s family is responsible for paying the costs of materials - $1000.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently however, due to the extensive time for appointments and advocacy that is required for Laila's care, Mom was forced to choose between her job and income or the complex needs of her family. Without her secondary income, saving the funds for the ramp is out of reach.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We need you</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that is why we bring this need to you, our supporters. Your contribution to Leila’s wheelchair ramp will make a huge difference in Leila’s quality of life. Would you consider a tax-deductible donation to The Red Thread Promise and designate it for "Laila" to help build an accessible ramp for this special girl?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Donations can be made by check or PayPal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=fOSAPh0ezcDNuaJbF49mS9RNmsVCjoJbJnJqUGhtGqmXPRuuyMpwR-HFRpi&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8de62a88b92df045c56447d40d60b23a7c" target="_blank">Credit Card</a>: Please go to our website and click on HELP, DONATE and the <a href="http://www.redthreadpromise.org/help.html" target="_blank">PAY PAL</a>. <i>You do not need a PayPal account to donate.</i> Designate: Laila</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Checks can be mailed to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Thread Promise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">249 N Belfield Ave</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Havertown, PA 19083</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Designate: Laila</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thank you Red Thread Promise community for your continued support.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Additional info about Laila</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/18frxFI" target="_blank">A micro-wheelchair for Laila</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1FTnWbK" target="_blank">Surprise, surprise, surprise!</a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQSOaeikTt3K5xs0-quvIFybkA6fIwhq_fjL5oSzoP_eryltUHxnC9flzbnJ303U5F13eZnwPfTKz0NW3INcpeuBInK5akpJGhetpV2VZYnp-um2-9IWqQ_PVqZGta49vJ_wBcZro20tv/s1600/11046198_10155267575290244_2104279377158362777_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQSOaeikTt3K5xs0-quvIFybkA6fIwhq_fjL5oSzoP_eryltUHxnC9flzbnJ303U5F13eZnwPfTKz0NW3INcpeuBInK5akpJGhetpV2VZYnp-um2-9IWqQ_PVqZGta49vJ_wBcZro20tv/s1600/11046198_10155267575290244_2104279377158362777_o.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Laila (lower right) and family</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Ramp Update</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are so pleased to announce that Laila's ramp is FULLY FUNDED! Thank you to those who generously contributed to meet this little one's needs. The Red Thread Promise and Laila's family are thrilled with the love that is continually shown to their family. Look for photos soon of her new ramp!</span></div>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-33133228542062979212015-02-05T15:57:00.000-05:002015-02-05T15:59:40.284-05:00HAITI :: FOOD UPDATE :: Everyone deserves to eat<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">EVERYONE</span></b> deserves to eat. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Today and every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">No exceptions.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br />Thanks to your generous support, we have raised over $6,000 to provide food for students at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti! That means YOU have provided 8,000 meals to these sweet kids! What an accomplishment, thanks to your big hearts.<br /><br />When we contacted St. Vincent’s Director Fr. Sadoni to tell him the good news he said:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WONDERFUL! The only thing we have now in our store is some bags of rice and beans. If we find this money, we can buy more rice and beans and other things like vegetables and meat to complete the meals for the children.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While our mission is to serve these children with medical care, we can not ignore their plight and need for nutritious food. <b>They need—no, DESERVE—to be eat healthy food on a regular basis</b> so they can get the best possible outcomes from surgeries and other medical care that we provide.<br /><br />Until a permanent food source is set in place, The Red Thread will continue to raise funds for food to sustain the children. The cost for three meals is just $2.25 per child per day! Kindly allocate your donations with “SV food”.<br /><br />THANK YOU for your generosity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>~ Sonya Yencer, VP</i></span>Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-43235579044626550672015-01-22T09:06:00.000-05:002015-01-29T11:03:52.192-05:00Kyle, Kyle, Ride and Smile<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ezyG79calUYlftFEk4bc2XwLXDpzCYv1ZH7rgw4qoJdIoS5EvE0K_WC-pC09V0i0l-vPhWBiKM4j_dkZuwCAgOo1UyUSAu5sNXEavt79drYIgQNg5qCXctAdZXqqB4g6LlFwHFDOWhs/s1600/Kyle+and+Kaylie+hand+in+hand+at+Hilltop+barn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ezyG79calUYlftFEk4bc2XwLXDpzCYv1ZH7rgw4qoJdIoS5EvE0K_WC-pC09V0i0l-vPhWBiKM4j_dkZuwCAgOo1UyUSAu5sNXEavt79drYIgQNg5qCXctAdZXqqB4g6LlFwHFDOWhs/s1600/Kyle+and+Kaylie+hand+in+hand+at+Hilltop+barn.png" height="326" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle and Kaylie hand-in-hand at Hilltop Equestrian Center</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is different with Kyle. </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a kind of different that
many other families understand, though. And those are the families Jacob’s Fund
serves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle is one of “our kids;” he receives hippotherapy at Hilltop
Equestrian Center in West Alexandria, Ohio. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle is 8-1/2, but his severe autism means he and his entire
family are “stuck in toddlerhood.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He’s
still nonverbal and, though a tall boy from two tall parents, he still needs
his diapers changed.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unable to
communicate, he often becomes frustrated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stressful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes. Challenging? Certainly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to be honest, sometimes sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">But Kyle isn’t a burden</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, as his mom, Kelli explains. Her blog about life with Kyle is titled “</span><a href="http://www.notjustanyone.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Not Just Anyone</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">” because Kyle is </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not just anyone</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, but an exceptional blessing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Little sister, Kaylie, pushing Kyle in his stroller</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Your support</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what has your support for this exceptional blessing meant
over the last year and a half, and what does it mean as he continues
hippotherapy at Hilltop Equestrian Center?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, we’re rooting for Kyle to become verbal, both for the
delight of hearing him communicate and because it will greatly lower his
frustration level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since he’s been
receiving hippotherapy, he’s begun to enjoy vocalization and he has started to
refer to people and objects using the same</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> vocalization each time.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He’s also recently learned to wave “Bye.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hippotherapy reinforces Kyle’s learning at his new school
for children with autism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amy, his
therapist, is excited about Kyle’s progress. “He’s made so much progress!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially with sequencing and attention to
task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we’re working on letter
identification.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Kyle and Dad</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle is delighted by his favorite videos, riding under
bridges and through tunnels, eating pizza, laughing and screaming as his family
makes calls on him with the referee penalty flag he got for Christmas. He
enjoys his special needs Sunday School class (and the elevator ride he takes to
get there).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he delights in giving
hugs and affection, sitting on Mom and Dad’s laps. When Daddy tickles him and
“wrestles” with him, his laughter delights his family as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And he’s a speed demon, always wanting his horse to go
faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amy, his therapist, has had to
change his horse because he needed more horsepower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kyle’s progress is exciting. His continued hippotherapy is
an essential part of his ability to make gains with verbal, mental, and
musculoskeletal skills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your support helps Kyle move forward, be it with the great
speed that Kyle loves to ride or in smaller increments. You play an important
role as you continue to support Kyle and all our Jacob’s Fund kids.</span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’d love to hear your
ideas on how we can work together to reach more people like you, who support
children with disabilities through hippotherapy and therapeutic riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just click on Post a Comment and give us your
ideas.</span></i></div>
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Glenna Lee Howell Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17067722367977449795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-61867345742753001522015-01-19T23:02:00.001-05:002015-01-19T23:02:14.835-05:00HAITI :: Not just one, but TWO!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyOAUs6pZ7Jjc_aHiCxRZilynvgRoLjJAWBhUC5qXuUMedNKD1z90rGzGfvbnefN2TwestScDNoi2-FxXWezzJHMVdtR-Twyy5LlT6Z_i8FTjP1jMmQJz5-OKiXPdYcKn4tIfclP-rn1_/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyOAUs6pZ7Jjc_aHiCxRZilynvgRoLjJAWBhUC5qXuUMedNKD1z90rGzGfvbnefN2TwestScDNoi2-FxXWezzJHMVdtR-Twyy5LlT6Z_i8FTjP1jMmQJz5-OKiXPdYcKn4tIfclP-rn1_/s1600/IMG_4159.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Stephanie and Wes</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Drumroll please... </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Guess which adorable toddler is <b>FULLY FUNDED</b> for BOTH of her club foot surgeries with Dr. Bheki (West TN Haiti Partnership)? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Oh yes, that would be sweet little <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wes</span></b>! </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Thankfully, Wes and mother Nadine </span>are now<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> in a more 'permanent' home after moving around from place to place. We are praying for this same, stable environment to continue during and following both of her surgeries, to help maintain the pair's physical comfort and emotional support during this time of change.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">From Stephanie, on the ground in Haiti (CPR-3): </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wes is defined by joy every time I see her lately. She has reverted to the happy self she was when I first met her over 6 months ago. Wes loves saying 'dadada', occasionally 'mama', and a 'bah' sound when she comes over to kiss you. Her emotions are finely in tune with her mother's; her joy is an indicator that Nadine is also doing well. We are all encouraged by the investment of time, talent and prayers being poured into and over them! </span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I'm always on the edge of my seat as I </span>observe<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> her unbalanced walk. Each step is a near fall as she does her best to move around. I just love her perseverance and know that this strong personality will endure these surgeries and rehabilitation!</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">
We are prayerfully looking forward to surgery number one and watching God's plan emerge for her.</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
Donations are still being accepted in Wes's honor. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Although she is fully funded, there are SO many children just like her that are still in need of surgery. </span></b>Your continued support, in Wes's name is deeply appreciated by those who will receive treatment due to your generosity.</div>
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<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
Donations can be made by credit card (via our <a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=MCE1oCVIMdr3dGq2PBGLTOjJS9-0-VGaWXgKkuwv-tmZDElMXculK_WwqUm&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d66f31424b43e9a70645c907a6cbd8fb4" target="_blank">PayPal</a> link - you do NOT have to have a PayPal account! Click the "continue" link beside the credit card icons) OR by sending a check to:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Thread Promise<br />249 N Belfield Ave<br />Havertown, PA 19083</span></blockquote>
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Please specify WES in the subject line. If there is no subject line, send an email to <a href="mailto:kathy@redthreadpromise.org">kathy@redthreadpromise.org</a> and denote your gift. THANK YOU!</div>
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<i>Read more about Wes: </i></div>
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<a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2014/10/haiti-dreaming-big-for-little-wes.html" target="_blank">Dreaming BIG for LITTLE Wes</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2014/11/haiti-so-close-to-walking-wess-last.html" target="_blank">So close to walking; Wes's last obstacle</a></div>
Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-88667072271653873802014-12-05T00:13:00.001-05:002014-12-05T00:13:25.210-05:00HAITI :: Maybe it's not about them...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zNVPyEnJBnuvGIZ3DVBOyWtDwZlU1jpiidl8jjKuiQ1Jwr0LQ2kCGpjlfHn_mFGjVW4IaBdFB4j6nKyPhcrDhXRbFFAJtdMmHVaRjN9wfywzEivJcVMKoWN9Kt-FgJWEpR0EiaSkDpFf/s1600/teacher+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zNVPyEnJBnuvGIZ3DVBOyWtDwZlU1jpiidl8jjKuiQ1Jwr0LQ2kCGpjlfHn_mFGjVW4IaBdFB4j6nKyPhcrDhXRbFFAJtdMmHVaRjN9wfywzEivJcVMKoWN9Kt-FgJWEpR0EiaSkDpFf/s1600/teacher+class.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Proud teacher with her students</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So often we go on a mission experience to help... to show compassion... to do something good for someone else... to show love. We come with expectations of how we will serve and the impact we'll make. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've got it all figured out in advance. We may not know every detail of how every moment will play out, but we have our checklist of what we have to do for "them" and if we can check those things off our list, we can label the trip a success.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But what if the trip isn't about "them"? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What if it isn't about the good we'll do for others? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What if the trip is about "us"? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if the circumstances that unfold provide the team bountiful opportunities for personal and spiritual growth? What if the importance of the experience isn't in the "doing" but rather what is being done to us? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if the relevance of the trip lies in the details that don't make the headlines (i.e. how many children served, how many teeth pulled), but those that strengthen the fabric of our souls? What if those minute events change our perspective and expand our hearts, far beyond the scope of this single trip? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Could it be that our presence in Haiti had a deeper relevance than simultaneously operating a medical and dental clinic for children with disabilities in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere? By all means, those things are important, even critical. To alleviate a person's physical pain so they can live more comfortably and in a better state of health is both compassionate and loving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what about the other less glamorous moments? The times when we weren't doing anything on our assigned lists. </span><br />
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<tr><td><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEFwBnkVgmU9Iu75IhbpUfkkVVft38gGUB4yDB7F31os9XErwjR0vld2gx8wd6eYhQGo12NjO9Rrn3sF50Qt5K4anTX2zqjUizHor7c77Sp0qkb5aZPALBqfamMDd9CV_AS2f7NHPUNWl/s1600/cleft+palatte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEFwBnkVgmU9Iu75IhbpUfkkVVft38gGUB4yDB7F31os9XErwjR0vld2gx8wd6eYhQGo12NjO9Rrn3sF50Qt5K4anTX2zqjUizHor7c77Sp0qkb5aZPALBqfamMDd9CV_AS2f7NHPUNWl/s1600/cleft+palatte.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When Phillip played with a child with a cleft palate sporting<br />a bigger brighter smile than all of us combined...</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC8DKl1sIG1k3uvrXZBLjBSwnreERXgwHukhr-XX-KGAgqeVc-bdMWRjjUcp-3XxwRqnNF2C7qQIsC6e3ZTBgOrQoUaUS2Z_Fu7t56p0Yk_UqTSVsWMAl86ZI_idNNcEJoj_Y5XjJZGuU/s1600/John+braids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpC8DKl1sIG1k3uvrXZBLjBSwnreERXgwHukhr-XX-KGAgqeVc-bdMWRjjUcp-3XxwRqnNF2C7qQIsC6e3ZTBgOrQoUaUS2Z_Fu7t56p0Yk_UqTSVsWMAl86ZI_idNNcEJoj_Y5XjJZGuU/s1600/John+braids.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When John patiently had his hair braided...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg59xcNopqAAMtQrCHnM5cAZ0-gwxq75bpzxYb3Rx_nZq5EejVyvYF2HHqn830ZZqNwxCBdHi5tfNGd0JHm6mFtdPdeRoeVOelmciGKU5JdVF0Y3G3dpwYZJm4eCznbrfBAN9p5mT6NIJK/s1600/Auguste+Sonya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg59xcNopqAAMtQrCHnM5cAZ0-gwxq75bpzxYb3Rx_nZq5EejVyvYF2HHqn830ZZqNwxCBdHi5tfNGd0JHm6mFtdPdeRoeVOelmciGKU5JdVF0Y3G3dpwYZJm4eCznbrfBAN9p5mT6NIJK/s1600/Auguste+Sonya.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When Auguste, a blind child, "brailled" Sonya's face...</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5V_M1Oh6Cmhh4evBFm-twv6balhiR_gDymdmPErj7ceomI5ctTHXZk2G2vtMoo4Ul55OfnRqixsWdZattypAwirgMpUwyLsIhNuF4jxYPP9DZN6o_jK9f5s2NJVyjh7sCT8BxFOG-A66/s1600/Bergens+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5V_M1Oh6Cmhh4evBFm-twv6balhiR_gDymdmPErj7ceomI5ctTHXZk2G2vtMoo4Ul55OfnRqixsWdZattypAwirgMpUwyLsIhNuF4jxYPP9DZN6o_jK9f5s2NJVyjh7sCT8BxFOG-A66/s1600/Bergens+drawing.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When a boy with no hands learned to draw with his feet...</span></span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AdoN5xg_ONnxsoCqE7xof7jvsQiEAPqkwrMZdniEVT_5hkvFn7OCWlS6DSqH70k2NI6lxmQe4WaS2ta5ySv1X_C1zpHcPFCNFpuuLi6VWNR6E9zLNiaNSaGcY3wEKVV2uB6i2B4m4Ktw/s1600/Claire+teachimg+guitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AdoN5xg_ONnxsoCqE7xof7jvsQiEAPqkwrMZdniEVT_5hkvFn7OCWlS6DSqH70k2NI6lxmQe4WaS2ta5ySv1X_C1zpHcPFCNFpuuLi6VWNR6E9zLNiaNSaGcY3wEKVV2uB6i2B4m4Ktw/s1600/Claire+teachimg+guitar.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When Claire taught a child to play...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN38zoViHBS1xVqCFQ-vf2A9PkLaFkzlj1LSzEnZQAEUruEgsB747wLHIUoeFm4s-6XLv8aYyDh7fEVCYrPIkfyEya44zeJwt7ujmm3ouSyOkfVjVA3VaXXm0Qj6icVsLflMFS4XNaOUN/s1600/Jaden+blind+boy+crying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN38zoViHBS1xVqCFQ-vf2A9PkLaFkzlj1LSzEnZQAEUruEgsB747wLHIUoeFm4s-6XLv8aYyDh7fEVCYrPIkfyEya44zeJwt7ujmm3ouSyOkfVjVA3VaXXm0Qj6icVsLflMFS4XNaOUN/s1600/Jaden+blind+boy+crying.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: start;">When Jaden had the chance to comfort a crying blind child</span>...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnTFGJabYP91OSM0gcn92N41v6cvqCWJVfsnHyVviGv-_us4ogqknGJPzvZF-qRBQinIQNjGX7ea4a_Wnty-hkFxAkB8ws7Fx04bE8Ip9FgnVQKrtPF7aYoctwgoId0Pmyk1qNcysroo5/s1600/Margaret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnTFGJabYP91OSM0gcn92N41v6cvqCWJVfsnHyVviGv-_us4ogqknGJPzvZF-qRBQinIQNjGX7ea4a_Wnty-hkFxAkB8ws7Fx04bE8Ip9FgnVQKrtPF7aYoctwgoId0Pmyk1qNcysroo5/s1600/Margaret.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When we fed crackers softened in infant formula to a 6 yr old<br />who will never hold up her own head...</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDVOj9vJVsCaI43gfP__cgp-_Xy0TNIR9LrbE1e53S0yTtpKl3aI3AIdTpKmappeq-zS__itPrMD2bQDhyv_VK7qV0UPAwM4cwsTsPW5HI2x9zwrrFFu0G4S_z6mZPT7sKuVg7LJY2xAt/s1600/skit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDVOj9vJVsCaI43gfP__cgp-_Xy0TNIR9LrbE1e53S0yTtpKl3aI3AIdTpKmappeq-zS__itPrMD2bQDhyv_VK7qV0UPAwM4cwsTsPW5HI2x9zwrrFFu0G4S_z6mZPT7sKuVg7LJY2xAt/s1600/skit.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When we performed the corniest rendition of 10 Little Monkeys <br />Jumping On The Bed for St. Vincent's students...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypKIu2M4zFwPXrMNY7C46Qfyfp_3EEgr2FCC1HBfM-tgqjQaMyfAYfMoXZDDByV1aNe4b-2js3iS7NLPr7Dm2uZ7Ch8klYSksfQ_ckoxenjFBKr8VS1UA4IdoROiwk9ZXK2pgREpQOAzj/s1600/breakdancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypKIu2M4zFwPXrMNY7C46Qfyfp_3EEgr2FCC1HBfM-tgqjQaMyfAYfMoXZDDByV1aNe4b-2js3iS7NLPr7Dm2uZ7Ch8klYSksfQ_ckoxenjFBKr8VS1UA4IdoROiwk9ZXK2pgREpQOAzj/s1600/breakdancing.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When a boy spontaneously </span></i></span><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">started </span></i><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">break dancing...</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8LRXh71PMvqqFNAW95HEzPCMpoVIoDl0yDUrrOPw803ZB9UehDylga0ektyDohI9z1uZKIBd80XMe3u5PV59Kx15RCl4Y_1DKMoeg2iaYAZUhIODAQCcOKZgag8pYHK__hAj67aBThVm/s1600/handbells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8LRXh71PMvqqFNAW95HEzPCMpoVIoDl0yDUrrOPw803ZB9UehDylga0ektyDohI9z1uZKIBd80XMe3u5PV59Kx15RCl4Y_1DKMoeg2iaYAZUhIODAQCcOKZgag8pYHK__hAj67aBThVm/s1600/handbells.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: start;">When the bell choir played </span><span style="text-align: start;"><b>Oh Suzanna</b></span><span style="text-align: start;"> for Dr Susan</span></span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F9At7SDGPGtq7Smc3BkypmUfUdr7ldPMZpDCnw6SwDTh7WeIHBv3pOuxo65IAIGHsoeSezsXfipWT0dbkWGu30FpAW7JjrQLItpK6SbCYTbWywM__l9bJgXI_EDXNmAqYyFjMGKwA04p/s1600/teacher+dancing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F9At7SDGPGtq7Smc3BkypmUfUdr7ldPMZpDCnw6SwDTh7WeIHBv3pOuxo65IAIGHsoeSezsXfipWT0dbkWGu30FpAW7JjrQLItpK6SbCYTbWywM__l9bJgXI_EDXNmAqYyFjMGKwA04p/s1600/teacher+dancing2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When a teacher danced with a group of elementary students<br />to the sound of Claire's singing and guitar</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe it's these moments that we are meant to have and reflect on when we re-enter our busy lives outside of Haiti. Maybe it's the strong faith and joy that we see in so many underprivileged and underserved children that keeps us coming back for more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe, just maybe, <i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">they are here to heal US</span></b>,</i> not the other way around.</span></div>
Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-26573494431957812572014-11-29T21:00:00.000-05:002014-11-29T21:39:02.071-05:00HAITI :: So close to walking; Wes's last obstacle to receive her first life-changing surgery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XeeT-UG3UZvd_TYjr4BO8E-LQFgoU0IchoSCL_TwLrx-MmGZMPKeMJLhCAba_TYniuZwtYPBMKrCJlT_Lkd712tHVy58j8ysUFzCl2LYnGoRO9n033scUWAtyXCfJ28OKS8lX10G1BzI/s1600/nadine+wes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XeeT-UG3UZvd_TYjr4BO8E-LQFgoU0IchoSCL_TwLrx-MmGZMPKeMJLhCAba_TYniuZwtYPBMKrCJlT_Lkd712tHVy58j8ysUFzCl2LYnGoRO9n033scUWAtyXCfJ28OKS8lX10G1BzI/s1600/nadine+wes.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Nadine and little Wes</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s hot this Tuesday afternoon in Port-au-Prince when our driver, Jonas, picks Jaden and me up for the drive to Bercy, some sixteen miles to the northwest. But then again, it’s always hot in Haiti. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bercy is Wes’ home. This is our first meeting with the sweet-faced eighteen-month-old we’ve only seen in photos. It’s important for The Red Thread that this meeting goes well, not just with Wes, but also with her teenage mom. <b><i>While our immediate goal is to get Wes clubfoot surgeries on both of her little feet, our ongoing goal is to establish a long-term relationship with this little girl and her mother. </i></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wes will need care and follow-up after her surgeries for the best possible outcome. This is The Red Thread’s way. We make every effort to meet and build a relationship with parents or caregivers of the children we help so we can better understand the child’s needs and meet them as a team. Each little one is precious to us, just like our o</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wn children, and we seek the best possible care for them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In return, all we ask for is the parent or caregiver’s consent to treatment, open communication throughout the proce</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ss, and the family’s active participation in the child’s care. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9QTapRUK5E664dtKDesYYviYWoIgfo9bvz9KURiQsAVwLvmFRxcTz53A9xJmcieQpvRhOnz1Qv8sECn3jpw-qGpwa0Mj4YRRABu4Dsk6v0kp48eNDoJOQAJswAZyAkpzorbwLAosUiWu/s1600/route+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9QTapRUK5E664dtKDesYYviYWoIgfo9bvz9KURiQsAVwLvmFRxcTz53A9xJmcieQpvRhOnz1Qv8sECn3jpw-qGpwa0Mj4YRRABu4Dsk6v0kp48eNDoJOQAJswAZyAkpzorbwLAosUiWu/s1600/route+1.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we turn onto National Route 1, we are amazed at how quickly the urban concrete cityscape of Port-au-Prince slips away, revealing open spaces and banana, palm, and beautiful flowering trees. Goats, rams, and the occasional cow or donkey dot the landscape around us. We drive through Canaan, an area that formerly housed a mountainside of tents housing displace people following the earthquake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passing through several small villages we get our first glimpses of the Haitian coast and the stunning blue waters beyond, places that would surely lure tourists if it were not for the surrounding poverty. Addresses are not always easy to find in Haiti, but after carefully searching, we find the driveway for CPR-3, turn down the dirt road and into the compound. Here, we’re warmly greeted by Amanda, one of the CPR-3 team coordinators, holding her infant daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a brief tour of the facility, Amanda and I get to the heart of the matter while we wait for Wes and her mother, Nadine, to arrive: <i><b>what are our two organizations—The Red Thread Promise and CPR-3—going to do for little Wes? </b>What will our intervention on her behalf look like? How will this partnership work to afford this child full use of her feet? How will the expenses—$4,000 for both feet to be repaired—be covered?<b> </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon Nadine arrives with little Wes in her arms. This little one is just as adorable in person as she is in the photos we’ve seen! Sweet eyes, chubby cheeks, and a tiny tongue that likes to peek out from between her lips makes Wes extra huggable! Nadine, on the other hand, is apprehensive and reserved, donning the typical emotionally-barren face so common among Haitians when dealing with strangers. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98GZJX4EpeulcRS4MsUYfAf3xziaiOcgSF2pv5zEEA7ojyonXpAAbCOgbF5pZwPPrvSR3u8kUNi_oEcIS9poes_BAR6gt4HmveVzt1JZlqjuxQAZxe5yfIV6QRDOccWiWUW0izWsCpCeb/s1600/nadine+wes+sonya+amanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98GZJX4EpeulcRS4MsUYfAf3xziaiOcgSF2pv5zEEA7ojyonXpAAbCOgbF5pZwPPrvSR3u8kUNi_oEcIS9poes_BAR6gt4HmveVzt1JZlqjuxQAZxe5yfIV6QRDOccWiWUW0izWsCpCeb/s1600/nadine+wes+sonya+amanda.jpg" height="640" width="557" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nadine, Wes, Sonya, Amanda and baby Adilyn</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we do what we do best - we begin to build a relationship with Nadine. As I ask questions and get to know Nadine, Jonas and Amanda gently put the young mother at ease. Before long, Nadine begins to share bits and pieces of her personal life: Wes’s near drowning, her current living situation (bouncing from family member to family member), Wes’s absent father, and Nadine’s own concerns about her daughter’s development. We listen and, in turn, share our hearts for the betterment of this young family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stress how much we care about both MOTHER and her child - our intervention is to help this young family as a unit, not just Wes, so they can both thrive in their own country. If Wes’s feet are corrected, it will lift a burden off both Nadine (as caregiver) and Wes as a community member. I explain that our goal is to help Wes develop into an independent child, capable of eventually living on her own. If we are able to correct her feet so she can walk normally, her future will be vastly improved, allowing her mobility that she may not otherwise have. I tell Nadine that we want her active involvement in her daughter’s care; that she will not be a bystander, but rather a partner in all appointments, surgeries, follow ups and physical therapy. And I encourage her to stay close to CPR-3 as they are her main support system on the ground.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JDANpXwBZ1tZG7nJLzKBE2-XXeG4hGLlkd-B_s4CmXBMNHL2dCGzGzJST7FDxoztNMRO05nVZt9IIQVlPLSQsNEh0r6jKIbD-nANmKYdkpr-Ur4cjvCY8OkQfbjW9Gy6knEOdRp_bei7/s1600/nadine+wes+walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JDANpXwBZ1tZG7nJLzKBE2-XXeG4hGLlkd-B_s4CmXBMNHL2dCGzGzJST7FDxoztNMRO05nVZt9IIQVlPLSQsNEh0r6jKIbD-nANmKYdkpr-Ur4cjvCY8OkQfbjW9Gy6knEOdRp_bei7/s1600/nadine+wes+walking.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Nadine and Wes leading Sonya, Jaden and Jonas to her aunt's home in Bercy</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nadine listens attentively, answering all of my questions, and even agrees to take us to the home where she is living, with her aunt and many cousins. When we approach the small cinderblock home, her family brings out the few mismatched chairs they have so we can be comfortable. We settle into this warm display of hospitality, playing with the children and talking.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rY0D4iH5JS-1Y0c9rifA3gkljSy5WcjlWqAZNf4kvMmOkI09PAXWI60bCoDTWwC_I4orsu72-UZt94hwvCDhfs6PjmOu0MMr90S9Y8UNz8BDx68da6n8JNSAZSNf9gSrjWLhy_kcYAVK/s1600/wes+cousin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rY0D4iH5JS-1Y0c9rifA3gkljSy5WcjlWqAZNf4kvMmOkI09PAXWI60bCoDTWwC_I4orsu72-UZt94hwvCDhfs6PjmOu0MMr90S9Y8UNz8BDx68da6n8JNSAZSNf9gSrjWLhy_kcYAVK/s1600/wes+cousin2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cousins</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1Pr5IOGak1DwEC6I0yJ00o7o_SHui5Fe-0DxRqhW8WuPJS3ipmA8kxOVaQii_znHe75VB_krsDlEz0n8H61Zotmz9PJ-GvmFHi_jXngQlmSoGG6Ri9w_YmIzJwqoHJ1owIfB5uszIINl/s1600/wes+cousin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1Pr5IOGak1DwEC6I0yJ00o7o_SHui5Fe-0DxRqhW8WuPJS3ipmA8kxOVaQii_znHe75VB_krsDlEz0n8H61Zotmz9PJ-GvmFHi_jXngQlmSoGG6Ri9w_YmIzJwqoHJ1owIfB5uszIINl/s1600/wes+cousin.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are so grateful for our meeting with Nadine and for the opportunity to be a part of Wes’s care. We are also thankful for the opportunity to partner with CPR-3 in meeting this young family’s medical and spiritual needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wes’s 1st surgery is scheduled for January 2015. Her <b><i>last</i></b> <b><i>obstacle</i></b> is to raise $2,000 for her first club foot repair. Dr. Bheki Khumalo (West TN Haiti Partnership) has graciously committed to performing the surgery FREE OF CHARGE! However, The Red Thread Promise must cover fees for her pre-op tests, anesthesia, the rental of a sterile surgical suite, the nursing and surgical staff, and Wes’s follow up care all of which are unavoidable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can change Wes’ life now and create a future in which she can live independently and care for herself; this is doable. Think of it: <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">if a single church with a congregation of 2,000 people each gave $2, BOTH of Wes’s feet could be repaired, changing the course of this child’s life forever. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CPR-3 and The Red Thread Promise need your help today to proceed with Wes’s treatment plan. <b>So far, $300 of the $2000 needed for her first clubfoot surgery has been raised for her care. We need to secure the remaining $1700 by December 31, 2014 to ensure that Wes can receive this life-changing surgery in January. </b>An additional $2000 will be needed to correct her other foot later in 2015.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now is the time to show Wes that we really do care. Donations in her name can be made to The Red Thread Promise via PayPal (button on sidebar) or check (address in upper right). Please write "Wes" in the subject line when possible. If there is no subject line, please email Kathy and let us know how you want your donation specified. With your support, we can change the course of this little girl’s life.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eZLOMF0TWwP_IgUrte1s7ryjMCpZH1Z6kvS95zMCXekCMLc7RtIS-9VIHzfhlgc3staWLMsC76JjQK3AcJ8k5suuCXsi8iveZjCbshiLcirrboZsuSsz-nDhY1ZitkxFJbttlttRrscg/s1600/wes+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eZLOMF0TWwP_IgUrte1s7ryjMCpZH1Z6kvS95zMCXekCMLc7RtIS-9VIHzfhlgc3staWLMsC76JjQK3AcJ8k5suuCXsi8iveZjCbshiLcirrboZsuSsz-nDhY1ZitkxFJbttlttRrscg/s1600/wes+feet.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wes's adorable little feet</span></i></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-14341743199205702162014-11-26T18:14:00.002-05:002014-11-26T18:30:28.839-05:00HAITI :: Love, not pity; St. Vincent's food update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IpqlKVx_BosyYHJ1XVZtie9zgpZHAp88ILW7xFKvrBsZ5sL_-aXj74xDmM8BY8_OisCjpk0UbaNU7NhfZq7Sr8RlWAqMVF1CNFhREhHMZRLl2zo1uXDY4WXAcIN_OEHGixMqhYsQ498c/s1600/IMG_4508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IpqlKVx_BosyYHJ1XVZtie9zgpZHAp88ILW7xFKvrBsZ5sL_-aXj74xDmM8BY8_OisCjpk0UbaNU7NhfZq7Sr8RlWAqMVF1CNFhREhHMZRLl2zo1uXDY4WXAcIN_OEHGixMqhYsQ498c/s1600/IMG_4508.jpg" height="425" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>It is Thanksgiving eve. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our team of 11 has just returned from eight days in Haiti at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince. In the USA, tomorrow we’ll sit down to a table groaning with more food than we can possibly eat, a rich bounty of flavors shared among family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet my heartstrings continue to be tugged by the children we saw last week at St. Vincent’s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3846em;">We had arrived to welcoming greetings in sign language, Kreyol, English and a multitude of hugs. Our team is well known to these children and the staff who care for them. We’ve made countless trips here to help these special kids who are blind, deaf, missing limbs, unable to walk, some unable to even hold up their own head. With these smallest of gestures, these gentle little ones healed our hearts that had been broken for them time and time again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3846em;">The purpose of our visit last week was to conduct both a medical and dental clinic, which we completed during the course of our stay. However, as always, our favorite moments were spent talking, playing, singing, dancing, and creating art with the kids. We love them like our own—they are extensions of our family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3846em;">But when mealtime came, our healed hearts broke all over again. <b>While the food situation has improved slightly, it is still abysmal compared to what it should be. </b>Some mornings, they receive a bit of bread and butter or some gruel. Thankfully, every day around 3:00 p.m. everyone receives a bowl of beans and rice. These photos were taken on Sunday, the day where they get a tomato-based sauce to go over the meal and even a morsel of meat.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF_clB2nxkEQdawSRG9KG7JJgHkJGNz25uUTP2SRLFNtv0GurxNz4y9ssnk00VrkIaYvLZyX5EzOSVBZ8yvlGB_288eOQNJ0f9hY_BgUuM2H40IyDZOQkenk4dNqSEQM__Wi4N_N5fRHV/s1600/IMG_4509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF_clB2nxkEQdawSRG9KG7JJgHkJGNz25uUTP2SRLFNtv0GurxNz4y9ssnk00VrkIaYvLZyX5EzOSVBZ8yvlGB_288eOQNJ0f9hY_BgUuM2H40IyDZOQkenk4dNqSEQM__Wi4N_N5fRHV/s1600/IMG_4509.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sunday's meat sauce</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first the kitchen staff was apprehensive about us taking photos. Their frowns turned to welcoming smiles when they realized that we were there to HELP bring awareness to their plight, their need, their hunger – and that our desire for that awareness is based on love, not pity.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeMMow_hf2vMD_EtMliuTdKYsqCf2RqAR4q7IpTJiHigu5o76kRqqxHHn2s8Izip_Uz3dY60HLCYgcj4AQbcIwvfJg7h0nVQm-VKku68hCJTxSQUHnCpQv7y9X4aJaF8FeCJBy0ALwbM8/s1600/IMG_4510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWeMMow_hf2vMD_EtMliuTdKYsqCf2RqAR4q7IpTJiHigu5o76kRqqxHHn2s8Izip_Uz3dY60HLCYgcj4AQbcIwvfJg7h0nVQm-VKku68hCJTxSQUHnCpQv7y9X4aJaF8FeCJBy0ALwbM8/s1600/IMG_4510.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genie in the kitchen</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We are thankful but the need is great.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like many others, The Red Thread Promise emphasizes thankfulness this week. <i>We are so thankful for all of the support we have received via your gifts.</i> <b>You have given $3,961 to date. This provides 5,281 meals to the children!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we need now is to ensure that the children of St. Vincent’s get 3 meals a day. The beans and rice they are currently </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">receiving</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3846em;"> will keep them from starving; but nothing more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cost for three meals is just $2.25 per child per day. For less than the cost of an average latte, a child can eat for an entire day! As we approach this season of overabundance and joy in giving, we know that we can do this, that you can do this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">Donations to feed the children can be made to The Red Thread Promise via PayPal (button on sidebar) or check (address in upper right). Please write "SV food" in the subject line when possible. If there is no subject line, please email Kathy and let us know how you want your donation specified.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Taking steps toward self-sufficiency.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For food for the future, The Red Thread Promise has become part of a project to bring both <a href="http://100gardens.simdif.com/" target="_blank">aeroponic and aquaponic gardening to St. Vincent’s</a>. We estimate that this project will begin in 2015 and are excited to help set the groundwork for St. Vincent’s to become self-sufficient. <b>In the meantime, we need to continue to feed the children. Your gifts make this possible.</b> Thank you for everything you are able to share with these children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>~ Sonya Yencer & Glenna Fisher</i></span></div>
Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-28528156932597725552014-11-21T23:04:00.001-05:002014-11-21T23:59:14.765-05:00HAITI :: Saying No<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LkEq-TpDZgnWZPfoZvjQhMpRPFe_8WdstlxukHO7mwakuxz7Vapk-n4qpp36yj32NQfVSs5Tsssa1kBZFNUhPzdnf2iv62Hv2qiUQviZliXrAFtRFevLJAoJUSa7Ywp7cvL-JRbwhG_R/s1600/PAP+e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LkEq-TpDZgnWZPfoZvjQhMpRPFe_8WdstlxukHO7mwakuxz7Vapk-n4qpp36yj32NQfVSs5Tsssa1kBZFNUhPzdnf2iv62Hv2qiUQviZliXrAFtRFevLJAoJUSa7Ywp7cvL-JRbwhG_R/s1600/PAP+e2.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Port-au-Prince street vendor</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the moment you step out of the Touissant L’overture airport, <i>poverty slaps you across the face</i>. You smell it in the trash along the street and on the sweat-drenched bodies; you taste it in the dry dusty air; you see it on the cinder block walls and tin shacks; you know it when you see the look of anguish on people’s faces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When a thin child with thread-bare clothing and holed-shoes walks up to you, rubbing his stomach and saying “hungry” (possibly his only English word), <b>how do you say no?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s what happened when we went to St. Christof. It is a sacred place, where 1,000s of bodies were buried in mass graves following the earthquake in 2010. The morgues were overflowing and the decay so great in Port-au-Prince that bodies were disposed in the only way possible. Soon after the area was covered in <a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2011/06/small-black-crosses.html" target="_blank">small black crosses</a> remembering those who lost their lives. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWRoLoJhUqS0rb3_rHXnntWN0mxj-MTkipEmiO9NKktAe8GN6rJkxHjsScyyFnRE1JuGj29z1Fa_4f3bSn7O4uXh-yohxS58FrXIuAhx9IvxdzBY97qab93IbOnnU2oHrxDHVAsvdCbqu/s1600/black+crosses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWRoLoJhUqS0rb3_rHXnntWN0mxj-MTkipEmiO9NKktAe8GN6rJkxHjsScyyFnRE1JuGj29z1Fa_4f3bSn7O4uXh-yohxS58FrXIuAhx9IvxdzBY97qab93IbOnnU2oHrxDHVAsvdCbqu/s1600/black+crosses.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Christof after the earthquake (2011)</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7RJ0JqpDZDFhM1NwWAFiHLaDEOF9bt0n0_OXjaadVyjMlMYuTuBm1QT3feTYXJksSLFl8cbLEt9RuPI8gCvLRP6ChZy6u_mWciPGeQTEDjiF7kgO50fSBn5F7c9JDRCdLnboNFok1NQU/s1600/St+Christof+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7RJ0JqpDZDFhM1NwWAFiHLaDEOF9bt0n0_OXjaadVyjMlMYuTuBm1QT3feTYXJksSLFl8cbLEt9RuPI8gCvLRP6ChZy6u_mWciPGeQTEDjiF7kgO50fSBn5F7c9JDRCdLnboNFok1NQU/s1600/St+Christof+1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>St. Christof today (2014)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our team always makes a point of stopping at St. Christof with both seasoned and new team members. It’s a time for remberence and reflection. This trip was no different…but for the child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THIS child, walking up to the team, saying “hungry” was too much. Our hearts too weary from the week and everything we had witnessed. The goodbyes from St. Vincent’s were still fresh on our tongues. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all *know* about the poverty in Haiti. We’ve read the statistics. We’ve seen the pictures on TV. We’ve even watched the masses pass us by us first-hand when we drive to and from St. Vincent’s. But when a single child lumbers up to you with his hand rubbing his stomach, it’s enough to bring our team into a sobbing mess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we ushered everyone back into the van, the tears turned to anger. <i>WHY can’t we give him a dollar? Just a dollar? Or a lollipop? I’m so MAD!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are GLAD you are mad! It’s NOT right. It’s NOT just. But it is the reality in Haiti and our good intentions are often misguided. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Long-term effects</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giving that single dollar or lollipop only perpetuates deeply rooted problems already present in Haiti:</span></div>
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<li style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">first and foremost it makes it dangerous for the child - our generosity would put him at great risk - if someone sees him with a gift from us, he will likely become a target and possibly a victim of violence - on previous trips, team members have witnessed scuffles among the Haitians as the team drove away, fighting over the tiniest of gifts</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it discourages independence - we don’t want to give the message “all good things come from white people” </span></li>
<li style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it is undignified, casting us in the role of rich benefactors and the recipients in the role of charity cases</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it makes it that much harder for the next team - if there was one child this time, there will be 10 next time and 50 the next, each asking for more and more - the original intent of paying respect to the deceased at the memorial is lost in a frenzy of misguided giving</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps the most wisdom came from the youngest member of our team, 13-year-old, Jaden: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The fact that we are already here [working in Haiti] acknowledges that we care. I don’t think we should stop here [at St. Christof] - it makes us sad and cry. We can’t help people if we are sad and crying.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>by Sonya Yencer</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HjxKoRYSpFGEuTSslM1hw45KZDYSH7BtBts49JkwNjoXiIbcJo4vEfdLpByjBh05rH9ZmMuENz7IRPBpvtP94wM0CKy52bawdvHk3mqAX65_1_z0bAkTBSAD0Gky93m8P-p0NNnvCy7j/s1600/St+Christof+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HjxKoRYSpFGEuTSslM1hw45KZDYSH7BtBts49JkwNjoXiIbcJo4vEfdLpByjBh05rH9ZmMuENz7IRPBpvtP94wM0CKy52bawdvHk3mqAX65_1_z0bAkTBSAD0Gky93m8P-p0NNnvCy7j/s1600/St+Christof+2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The plan for the St. Christof memorial</i></span></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-79644673589132812592014-10-27T14:19:00.002-04:002014-10-28T09:01:31.433-04:00HAITI :: Dreaming BIG for LITTLE Wes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEgSOxJvKwvY_0bRkaIR6qvoCnYf-0pO0zabCpWLXXOKgDHYGAQLoRh727bXuiHZvdcQeIj-3ow2qNrm1mOp4hvXvsE7W8tdmL7hgWAmrVIxa9SnPF6axmDnBU36a18cvZ-vPMlFRCzTi/s1600/IMG_7131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEgSOxJvKwvY_0bRkaIR6qvoCnYf-0pO0zabCpWLXXOKgDHYGAQLoRh727bXuiHZvdcQeIj-3ow2qNrm1mOp4hvXvsE7W8tdmL7hgWAmrVIxa9SnPF6axmDnBU36a18cvZ-vPMlFRCzTi/s1600/IMG_7131.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Meet 18-month-old Westhalineda</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Connections… </span></b>a vital word in the 11 year history of The Red Thread Promise (TRTP); the same word that will carry us forward into 2015. Our name fulfills a Chinese proverb, one that speaks of a silken red thread of destiny connecting every person who will be part of our lives from birth. We have evidence that the red thread does more than just connect us; it brings us close when the time is right, binding us together, evoking a responsibility to the health and well-being of others to which we respond together. <b><i>This is again one of those times where we need your help to meet the needs of one child - one precious soul in Haiti.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through a web of networking among friends and strangers too complex to explain in a few words, we find ourselves looking into the eyes of a spunky Haitian toddler named <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Westhalineda</span></b>. Stephanie, from CPR-3 (Coatsville, PA, another amazing group working in Haiti), knocked on TRTP’s doors asking for help for little Wes. Of course, we opened the door and said yes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephanie recalls seeing Wes—our nickname for her—for the first time, lying in a washbasin at the tender age of 3 months. Wes and her young mother, Nadine, were to be Stephanie’s new neighbors in Bercy, Haiti. Over time, an unbreakable bond between Nadine, Wes and Stephanie developed and Stephanie has the privilege of witnessing this young mother’s transformation from hardened unwed teenager to loving doting mother.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Wes and mother, Nadine</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wes is just eighteen months old, has a smile that goes as high as can be on her little cheeks, whose face lights up with laughter when you interact with her. That charming smile belies the fact that she suffers in silence from club foot as well as the developmental delays it is causing according to our partner and club foot specialist, Dr. Bheki Khumalo of West Tennessee Haiti Partnership (Memphis, TN).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Dr. Bheki Khumalo, club foot specialist, conducting an examination of Wes</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Born to a teenage mom in rural Haiti outside of Port-au-Prince, <i>Wes appeared doomed to a life of hardship and perhaps little love. </i>Her mother, Nadine—alone in the world since her mother died during childbirth and her father’s subsequent abandonment—was chided by her community for not being able to provide for her daughter. Early on, Stephanie recalls Nadine joking about throwing her daughter away. Life had hardened the young mom, leaving her with a flippant, defensive attitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soon, with Stephanie’s mentoring and persistent modeling of unconditional love, the barriers between mother and daughter broke down. Now, Nadine is her daughter’s fierce protector, head-over-heels in love with her child. This radical transformation over the past year and a half has clearly softened her heart. It is Nadine’s persistence in seeking care for her baby girl that led her to CPR-3 for help; CPR-3 to TRTP to utilize our experience treating children with disabilities; TRTP to Dr. Bheki for diagnosis and a sound treatment plan; and finally TRTP to you to provide financial support for Wes’s surgery and care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing up in Haiti’s animistic culture—meaning that the physical and spiritual world are believed to be interacting—Wes will likely face challenges that others will not. Culturally, a disability is often regarded as punishment or a mark from the spiritual world. This wide-spread belief leads to misunderstanding, isolation, neglect and even abuse of people with disabilities. By treating Wes’s condition, we will not only change her physical life, giving her the opportunity to walk normally, but also give her a solid place in her own society, free of stigma. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hugs from Aunt Christella after the consultation</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an initial assessment, Dr. Bheki has determined that surgery (coalition resection and stabilization of the feet) is the best course of action. The prognosis for Wes is good due to her age and the amount of cartilage he has to work with during the procedures. We are greatly thankful for CPR-3 staff, Amanda and Jordan, for taking the responsibility to get Wes to her first of many appointments with Dr. Bheki and for being our eyes and ears on the ground in Haiti.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But changing Wes’s future comes with a price tag. While <i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dr. Bheki (who has been working extensively in Haiti as a volunteer surgeon over the past 10 years) is donating all of his time and expertise to perform her surgeries and follow-up care</span></b></i>, there are still costs that need to be addressed before she is able to have the procedures. Dr. Bheki has done his best to negotiate the lowest price possible for the things we can not get donated in Haiti, including pre-surgical lab work the week prior to surgery, rental of a sterile surgical suite from a reputable hospital, anesthesiologist and anesthesia for the surgery, as well as Wes's follow-up care (medication, bandages, etc). <b>The estimated cost for each foot to be corrected is $2,000, for a total of $4,000. </b>Wes is slated for her first surgery in January 2015. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The time is now to show Wes that we really do care. </span></b>Donations in her name can be made to The Red Thread Promise via <a href="http://www.redthreadpromise.org/help.html" target="_blank">PayPal</a>, credit card or check (address in upper right). Please write "Wes" in the subject line when possible. If there is no subject line, please email <a href="mailto:kathy@redthreadpromise.org" target="_blank">Kathy</a> and let us know how you want your donation specified. <b><i>With your support, we can change the course of this little girl’s life.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we dream and pray about Wes’ future, our sense of responsibility grows; our lives and stories become intertwined. With a loving mother, CPR-3 just down the street where American neighbors are willing to advocate for her, and Dr. Bheki working with The Red Thread Promise to provide the surgeries needed to give her a disability-free life, we see a much brighter future for Wes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOU can be an active part of her life. Please give now.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBleuj8dThTBrld4O5AH7LuD9sTDzBfSexwO4IMsPqYYa-vrHcmZm8Lu7nKPVa0cbekajtdBcbwH8IeSwpBQ37HBs0NRJrVk9xfuFRO02m6E9NLgnlFC79k2HN2s6uWunqduUq5-kLpner/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+9.55.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBleuj8dThTBrld4O5AH7LuD9sTDzBfSexwO4IMsPqYYa-vrHcmZm8Lu7nKPVa0cbekajtdBcbwH8IeSwpBQ37HBs0NRJrVk9xfuFRO02m6E9NLgnlFC79k2HN2s6uWunqduUq5-kLpner/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+9.55.12+PM.png" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Such a sweet little girl</i></span></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-1592745404110976442014-10-15T22:55:00.003-04:002014-10-16T09:07:05.326-04:00CHINA :: Surprise, surprise, surprise!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDmrnZ3XczrPloiySUFWRszwq5pgncbLqNK7jAp4pdKSAdpX6qBWG3Sr8gm3cdbxKlZmH2YpyswnGM8W7PJRW2KB02gf0k09WtAs63d7VVIoYZIVpVltLdQ0J66mpmRVyzs-1A7kDMx2T/s1600/20140702_180429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDmrnZ3XczrPloiySUFWRszwq5pgncbLqNK7jAp4pdKSAdpX6qBWG3Sr8gm3cdbxKlZmH2YpyswnGM8W7PJRW2KB02gf0k09WtAs63d7VVIoYZIVpVltLdQ0J66mpmRVyzs-1A7kDMx2T/s1600/20140702_180429.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Charlet!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surprises are so much fun! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Little did we know that the silken red thread of destiny would surprise our team by re-connecting us with a beautiful little girl that we had supported during her foster care in China. Little DXX—who isn't so little anymore—is now settled in with a loving family in the United States who affectionately calls her <a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2013/11/china-home-for-dxx.html" target="_blank">Charlet</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's more? Charlet is sister to <a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2014/08/china-micro-wheelchair-for-laila.html" target="_blank">Laila</a>, the little one that we recently helped get a <a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2014/08/china-micro-wheelchair-for-laila.html" target="_blank">micro-wheelchair</a>. Coincidence? We think not! It's just that red thread doing it's business in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's an update on Charlet from her mom, Joslynn. We couldn't be happier that she is with this amazing family and growing up quickly.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Charlet (left) and Laila with their braces</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Since bringing her home in December of 2013, we have watched Charlet blossom into a happy-go-lucky, spunky little girl. Charlet has been through many “base-line” tests to mark her medical status and the doctors have been amazed at her health and mobility as a child who suffers from spina bifida. When we tell the doctors of her spine and shunt placement surgery at one month old, they are speechless to explain how she could have survived, as most doctors in the U.S. do these two surgeries separately and at an age much more than one month. There are many things medically that “should” be wrong with Charlet, but they just simply don’t exist. She attends physical therapy once a week to strengthen her body and to help her walk. When we brought her home at 2 years old, she could “cruise” but not walk and she could not stand for long periods. Charlet also recently received braces for her legs to help straighten her gait and keep her joints safe from improper movement. She is now walking independently and her strength and endurance are improving everyday. </i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Our greatest efforts for Charlet have been emotional. Charlet was abandoned at one day old, and though she was in a very loving group foster home, she has simply never experienced bonding with a mother and an unchanging family. She quickly accepted Jason as her big Papa Bear. She loves to cuddle with him and be carried around everywhere. You don’t realize when you adopt the things you will have to “teach” this child that simply come as a natural part of development when you are raising your biological children. We had to teach Charlet how to enjoy and not fear play, especially outdoors. Grass and swings were things of great torment in her early months, but it is such a sweet sound to hear her adorable belly laugh now as she swings. When indoors, and if left to her own devices, for many months she would simply sit and stare at us as we moved around a room, with no idea how to “play” by herself. She required our engagement, and even then, she often didn’t know how to interact. Charlet actually really enjoys her solitary time now and I love watching her sing and play with her dolls peacefully with no fear or painful stares in my direction. </i></span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charlet loves her big sister, Laila (3.5), and her really big brother, Steven (14). Laila and Charlet were adopted on the same day and they bonded quickly. They easily fall into their respective big sister/little sister roles. Charlet is a wonderful helper to her immobile big sister, often bringing her toys or helping her get things that are too heavy. Charlet and Laila are the predictably ornery little sisters who love to bug their big brother. But there is nothing more beautiful than seeing all three of my children cuddling on the couch or playing together on the floor. Charlet’s addition to our family has been an amazing blessing. Her early transition has been quite difficult for our whole family, but she is finally settling in, trusting the family she has been given, and knowing that we are hers forever!</span></i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnRyo6C5BtPReNHP2QrCbDBaTOENyE8K4d3EJao_sBNI422paTtDk9SysfyeTNsfszT68-NjSUb6JgDpZoIvl9z5J6VV0xAy14y71111owMp4N6zcy1cW3Z__Ws3wPXu_b73umiXvOPU7/s1600/20140713_103829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnRyo6C5BtPReNHP2QrCbDBaTOENyE8K4d3EJao_sBNI422paTtDk9SysfyeTNsfszT68-NjSUb6JgDpZoIvl9z5J6VV0xAy14y71111owMp4N6zcy1cW3Z__Ws3wPXu_b73umiXvOPU7/s1600/20140713_103829.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Charlet (left) and Laila</i></span></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-66006771518514698872014-10-07T07:30:00.001-04:002014-10-07T08:04:49.274-04:00JACOB'S FUND :: Our US program featured in International Innovations Healthcare magazine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPbFLJytWPz5DETg1ob4Mg_nCziqWr12H42vJ4T_wtyKZicbJ_fP98NlSRpcKXjPBrH1KxI2Xy5sDEYvdB2GeFADTI0m_SjZo8EN4UWGlU8KaHU5Gj6GFAGfMwy8Hb2w-L_J-6z6u07zc/s1600/Andrew+-+McKenna+Farms+-+autism+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPbFLJytWPz5DETg1ob4Mg_nCziqWr12H42vJ4T_wtyKZicbJ_fP98NlSRpcKXjPBrH1KxI2Xy5sDEYvdB2GeFADTI0m_SjZo8EN4UWGlU8KaHU5Gj6GFAGfMwy8Hb2w-L_J-6z6u07zc/s1600/Andrew+-+McKenna+Farms+-+autism+02.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Meet Andrew, a young rider from McKenna Farms</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX7Uc573xvzCt5qRy6H6P95V8o3PmQvRztelLzbsEC8pqGX8L-zS8IsQKa6MfQY0zXVuiu9efXO2xCwkRuTDO3KZ4rO4bnNTyO3GZBxdREd2xSdSd6AKI-KIGmGheTOlON3sx418v-PRH/s1600/Andrew+-+McKenna+Farms+-+autism+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX7Uc573xvzCt5qRy6H6P95V8o3PmQvRztelLzbsEC8pqGX8L-zS8IsQKa6MfQY0zXVuiu9efXO2xCwkRuTDO3KZ4rO4bnNTyO3GZBxdREd2xSdSd6AKI-KIGmGheTOlON3sx418v-PRH/s1600/Andrew+-+McKenna+Farms+-+autism+05.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Andrew giving his horse a hug after riding</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>by Glenna Fisher, Jacob's Fund Director</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Thread Promise is a volunteer organization. No fancy high-rise offices. No big salaries. No big-budget fundraising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">We’re in this for the kids. </span><br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always. Has. Been. Always. Will. Be.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we’re human. We like it when people say they like our work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So imagine our delight when we opened an email from Global Giving (a crowd-funding site that helps us raise programming funds), and read <i>this:</i></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have an ongoing relationship with a magazine called International Innovations Healthcare… they publish an article featuring a different Global Giving project every issue. For their next issue, they'd like to feature The Red Thread Promise's project "Give Equine Therapy to Children With Disabilities," which we think is great! </span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ve been bursting to share the news, and now that the article is published, we can! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hope you’ll like this fact-filled, science-based feature on Jacob’s Fund’s support for hippotherapy and the kids for whom it’s prescribed. Click on the image below to enlarge and read the entire article. Or you can view the original at <a href="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=d7765790-726a-4988-9b46-7469e7e07a25&pnum=54" target="_blank">International Innovation Healthcare</a>. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Jacob's Fund's article in International Innovations </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Healthcare magazine (click on image to enlarge) </i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW-ysDFS70vkTMs73jQcqiH-QQgxIhwxbHTTcuJ7axqd785qoRwaxrpkggoRrq5ufpxx0ywGELAodZdQyIMBDnk12yBcudBNc78FfzNQ8j5blFjo-5G-LjEBDdz8gOtCj_QmMuEvHdWYH/s1600/Andrew+-+McKenna+Farms+-+autism+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW-ysDFS70vkTMs73jQcqiH-QQgxIhwxbHTTcuJ7axqd785qoRwaxrpkggoRrq5ufpxx0ywGELAodZdQyIMBDnk12yBcudBNc78FfzNQ8j5blFjo-5G-LjEBDdz8gOtCj_QmMuEvHdWYH/s1600/Andrew+-+McKenna+Farms+-+autism+04.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Around the indoor arena</i></span></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-62082205367703202922014-09-24T23:08:00.000-04:002014-09-24T23:08:37.946-04:00JACOB'S FUND :: New perspectives<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxO8kiODm8r8X1TrGNIWW_eZy_ufle8TXFugzqGMJDx_cLJMDwdXbKtSmBP6MxpOKSJuw9zgcrYdDOf0hpVXmS0KMvGnXLDV-o8S1UVHw3zrkbpWs_tfAL4Ec7Cp-VJb3Adg5JjDFu3yc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxO8kiODm8r8X1TrGNIWW_eZy_ufle8TXFugzqGMJDx_cLJMDwdXbKtSmBP6MxpOKSJuw9zgcrYdDOf0hpVXmS0KMvGnXLDV-o8S1UVHw3zrkbpWs_tfAL4Ec7Cp-VJb3Adg5JjDFu3yc/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura meeting Spirit</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is always a joy to bring new people along on our trips as they offer us fresh perspectives on both our work and our partners. They take in everything for the first time, and their impressions are often poignant. Today we share those impressions with you, first from Laura, a supporter and horse-lover from Ohio. Then, we'll hear from our President, Kathy, as she shares the changes she's observed over the years.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Laura Ramsey :: </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a full-time in-home clinical social worker for children and families. I have had the privilege of working in many settings from hospice to foster care during my career. Never in my professional life have I seen anything quite like McKenna Farms; I was truly in awe as I took it all in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived to a see white picket-fenced farm, the parking lot full of cars, the entire area buzzing with children and therapists. McKenna Farms has an ease and a feeling of home coupled with the murmur of evidence-based therapy and change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">McKenna Farms seamlessly joins physical therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic riding, and hippotherapy, all in one place. The staff, licensed professionals, talented horse handlers, and dedicated volunteers work together seamlessly to create an environment in which therapy is delivered to 350 kids per week. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At McKenna Farms, I see and hear passion everywhere. I see it in the faces of both clients and parents. I hear it in the voices of those who talk about their experience and those who are delivering therapy. </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jessie, founder and director, has dedicated her professional career to creating a unique farm that has managed to overcome the financial barriers that stand in the way of those who wish to join multi-disciplines together. Jessie’s passion spills over when she speaks of the future, which includes a pool where water therapy can be delivered on site. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My visit to McKenna farms made me clearly understand why The Red Thread Promise has chosen to support the children there. The Farm is forward thinking and capitalizes on the talents of many to impact the lives of children at a crucial moment in time. McKenna Farms is truly a one-of-a-kind agency that I look forward to returning to in the future.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAJswOs3sefI7lSFjSlBH-q9wgYuN3h66l1sLX6cVqRWHX2DQcZb1ZyL8QFffzS6DliinT-Y2RCcW3dYLNgQ7MNajykWhuXfdpAvpoY7OIm-My9l0VSl3dDmoLedldEtkVtQ_pdfhcsNN/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAJswOs3sefI7lSFjSlBH-q9wgYuN3h66l1sLX6cVqRWHX2DQcZb1ZyL8QFffzS6DliinT-Y2RCcW3dYLNgQ7MNajykWhuXfdpAvpoY7OIm-My9l0VSl3dDmoLedldEtkVtQ_pdfhcsNN/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kathy enjoying one of the therapy horses</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathy Korge Albergate :: </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our September, 2014 visit to McKenna Farms was my first in three years and it’s obvious that I’d been away too long. Way too long. So much has happened in that time. Laura, a friend of The Red Thread Promise, and Sonya, Vice-President of The Red Thread Promise, joined me on this trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though Sonya has made the trip several times in those three years, and her last visit was less than four months ago, she was astounded to see the changes made over the summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The outdoor riding arena has been rotated 90 degrees and moved closer to the fence bordering the pony corral. The remaining space where the area used to be has been readied for a future pool in which the children will take water therapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entrance to the Jacob Beachy Sensory Trail is now a pleasantly curved trail. The stations have been revitalized and a new one completed. In some areas the woods have been cleared and the trail extended toward the creek on the property. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only passion for these kids and their ability to grow and become more independent could fuel the constant improvements Jessie and her team continue to make at McKenna Farms. And only her complete professionalism and eagerness to employ every therapy avenue that will help these children could bring those improvements to fruition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a Jacob’s Fund partner, McKenna Farms embodies the spirit of The Red Thread Promise, enabling children to live the richest, fullest, most independent lives possible.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Vice President, Sonya Yencer</i></span></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-40689612512182625012014-09-06T21:56:00.001-04:002014-09-06T21:56:52.312-04:00HAITI :: Hunger - the single gravest threat for St. Vincent's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2014, no one should go hungry.<i> </i></span></b><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Especially kids.</i></span></b></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our best friends grew up in a poor family in the Appalachian Mountains. He is able to laugh now as he recalls his mom cooking white beans on Monday, pinto beans on Tuesday, and on Wednesday combining the two for their evening meal. Cereal at breakfast and bologna sandwiches for lunch rounded out their days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The majority of Americans haven’t known that level of poverty. But for the children at St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Haiti, three meals a day of any kind is a luxury that is out of reach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beans are a staple at St. Vincent’s just as it was for our friend’s family. Rice stretches the protein to fill the children’s stomachs. Yet today, this simple meal is served “infrequently,” and when it is available, <b><i>Father Sadoni tells us there just isn’t enough.</i></b> In desperation, he has resorted to sending every child who has a family back home because he is unable to feed them regularly. Only the orphans remain.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living with hunger.</span></b></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s difficult to fall asleep when hunger haunts your mind and gnaws at your stomach. Until, of course, your body is weakened from lack of food over a long period of time. Hunger is painful; malnutrition causes our eyes to fail, our skin to develop lesions, our muscles to weaken and shrink, our bones to stop growing, our immune system to fail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lack of adequate food destroys the cognitive processes, resulting in reduced intelligence and learning, stunting not only the body but the mind of a child.*</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meeting their needs TOGETHER. </span></b></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love and care: Fr. Sadoni and the staff at St. Vincent’s provide this in abundance on a daily basis. Their very presence in these children’s lives provides emotional nourishment and assuages the thirst for meaningful human contact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can show this same love and care to St. Vincent’s children by providing the basics—food and water—during this vulnerable time in their lives. Most of us reading this post have an adequate supply of both. Even our Appalachian friend’s mother was able to fill these needs for her sons. Our poverty is richness when compared to the plight of these children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join us in giving the life-sustaining gift of food. With your help, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Red Thread Promise is committing to supplying three months of food for the kids at St. Vincent’s.</span></i></b> $2.25 feeds each child for a full day. That’s $6,090 per month, $18,270 total. This is a real, attainable goal. The need is urgent. Children are going hungry every day. These kids’ deprivation compels us to have funds available for the first month’s food in the next ten days -- by September 16. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can do it with your help.</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Genesis 12:2 tells us: </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“I will bless you . . . </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>and you will be a blessing to others.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>YOU</b> are that blessing for these children, and so are your family, friends, civic groups and churches. It takes a village.... Please share the story of St. Vincent’s kids and their current dire need in your circles. Let’s reach our goal quickly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Donations can be made via PayPal through our <a href="http://www.redthreadpromise.org/help.html" target="_blank">website</a> or via check. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Checks may be sent to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Thread Promise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">249 N Belfield Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Havertown, PA 19083</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attn: Kathy Korge Albergate</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*http://40hrfamine.wordpress.com/how-hunger-hurts</span></i><br />
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-57505506809025236302014-09-01T21:52:00.001-04:002014-09-01T21:55:57.387-04:00JACOB'S FUND :: McKenna Farms Mission Experience, Late Spring 2014 part 2 - Many hands make light work<h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A football team, a bathroom and a shed – the makings of a busy mission experience!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Our job this weekend is to clear out brush that has grown along the fence between the corral and the trail, plant shrubs and flowers, replace two of the stations, paint and make repairs, and weed and mulch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It’s a tall order, but we’re about to get some major reinforcement. Nearby Harrison High School has just delivered a busload of students who are pouring onto the parking lot, eager to start work. They are divided into work teams and quickly dispatched to locations around the barn, farmhouse, and the riding arenas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Soon more than a dozen young men from the football team join us and begin removing small trees and brush from along the fence line and some larger trees that have fallen along the trail to the creek. The speed and efficiency with which they do this is astounding.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzt8SuiRwKfbLOmYZlsXVaXHMF5A8ov5i7tuGdndblxjoa-uFEhPdaTDJavNxOoMeXpoxNbWdQB_i3N1M8rwLSJRCEEeDhW6KngbjXJRAfoj80jZSXm5hBvsQ7iJOgsa9Q9K98p9hA6hG/s1600/IMG_3485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzt8SuiRwKfbLOmYZlsXVaXHMF5A8ov5i7tuGdndblxjoa-uFEhPdaTDJavNxOoMeXpoxNbWdQB_i3N1M8rwLSJRCEEeDhW6KngbjXJRAfoj80jZSXm5hBvsQ7iJOgsa9Q9K98p9hA6hG/s1600/IMG_3485.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Members of Christ United Methodist working on the Sensory Trail</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the Jacob Beachy Sensory Trail is thrumming with activity. As the young men of Harrison High haul brush and trees away, two members of our team remove old whiteboard and chalkboard, making way for the new, weather-resistant Plexiglas boards. Two more are busily wielding cans of spray paint, applying a fresh coat of primary colors to the shape sorter and hanging tubes and even a bit to themselves. And still a surprising number of us are hunched over, attacking weeds with unusual vigor. Even Jacob’s baby sister and brother get into the act, helping position the posthole digger and planting flowers.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKMaI50ohVRUyJm3sA_roIN3sVybL8o58VCaiOiEwyjbFQlSJ3LaixGqngAEVaPaA18ctRXEZhm-1Cd1dbahDC_YEfsvrF_4C9DMzF4amADUF224-ePSDM4zuS1I48s9v8Gn2ztkDFZOp/s1600/IMG_3490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKMaI50ohVRUyJm3sA_roIN3sVybL8o58VCaiOiEwyjbFQlSJ3LaixGqngAEVaPaA18ctRXEZhm-1Cd1dbahDC_YEfsvrF_4C9DMzF4amADUF224-ePSDM4zuS1I48s9v8Gn2ztkDFZOp/s1600/IMG_3490.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jacob's sister Elyse (left) & friend repainting the shape sorter</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The sun climbs higher and it’s hot! We’ve been working for more than three hours. It’s time for the high school students to depart, and they quickly assemble and board the bus, then disappear around the bend in the road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The trail is quieter now, with only the occasional metallic thud of the posthole digger, the regular buzz of carpenter bees and the thwacking and sucking sound of Jacob’s younger siblings’ shoes in the mud hole they’ve discovered. An old saying pops into our heads: many hands make light work. With the help of the high school students, we’ve accomplished much of our work on the trail.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jacob's brother Max helping out</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After lunch, we’re ready for more chores. Sonya, The Red Thread Promise’s Vice-President, tackles painting one of the bathrooms. She’ll have to do this alone, since there’s no space for another person inside the bathroom once she gets the ladder up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The rest of us head to the tool shed. This is more than a clearing out and reorganizing mission. You may recall that Jessie Moore, Director of McKenna Farms, lost Will, her husband and father of her two young sons, to a massive heart attack in December 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will and McKenna Farms were inextricably entwined. So much of the daily life of the farm depended on Will, and Will’s toolshed has remained pretty much untouched since his death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We gently consult Jessie as to what should be done with each item. Sarah, Jacob’s mom, is known for her organizing skills, so once the piles are sorted, she directs us in reorganizing the shed.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj7HD7YhE-B6JjgHHX-8LSvefkYNevlcA6a9EdbjV8AkYVujAR6E45bvzEqlujP8MLvmrDkNUT3SQ9xA7QpHyoYT_sTZD-ACZ4UYME_7pf2Yr6FRop4nroq4b50k35qYQL0zRrla6Z7Fj/s1600/bathroom+before-after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj7HD7YhE-B6JjgHHX-8LSvefkYNevlcA6a9EdbjV8AkYVujAR6E45bvzEqlujP8MLvmrDkNUT3SQ9xA7QpHyoYT_sTZD-ACZ4UYME_7pf2Yr6FRop4nroq4b50k35qYQL0zRrla6Z7Fj/s1600/bathroom+before-after.jpg" height="300" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Before and after - beautiful!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We head back to the farmhouse for a cool drink of water, and to admire Sonya’s handiwork. The bland off-white has been replaced with a first coat in an inviting shade of green.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweat trickles down our backs and faces. We are dirty and red-faced and we smile, thinking of the children who will be back to ride the trail Monday morning, breathing in the scent of sage and rosemary, tossing frogs into squares and circles and stars, playing the chimes, and talking about the pink and purple and yellow blossoms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> They’ll notice the freshly painted bathroom – kids love color. And although they won’t peer into the toolshed, the new farm manager will, and his job will be a little easier. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our mind’s eye we see the faces of those children, and our thoughts return to the conversations we’ve had with them and their families.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Exciting things are happening, and we’ll share those with you soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking for fresh faces for an upcoming trip!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Do thoughts of the children you’re helping support bring a smile to your face? We hope so. You’re an important part of what we do, and thoughts of you, too, makes us smile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Would you like to join us on our next trip to McKenna Farms in Dallas, GA, or visit our other partnering therapy center, Hilltop Equestrian Center in West Alexandria, Ohio? If so, please let us know. Email <a href="mailto:Glenna@redthreadpromise.org" target="_blank">Glenna</a> or call 513-423-0108.</span><br />
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<br />Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-45577626167758459032014-08-31T22:09:00.000-04:002014-08-31T22:09:34.243-04:00HAITI :: A week of surgeries<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwY-CAtwzPMOCaIcG6ZE_RoGREHi-ggBafsuSuaFA-ncPS5OEo5POMlbi3jr67iYy1izJ17QodaZVP5AyaZW0D8R8oQBs6mr1e2IGM_tRS6gAC1CutbgL6_LadPIL_yzZrvEwZFOM2cTr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-31+at+8.32.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwY-CAtwzPMOCaIcG6ZE_RoGREHi-ggBafsuSuaFA-ncPS5OEo5POMlbi3jr67iYy1izJ17QodaZVP5AyaZW0D8R8oQBs6mr1e2IGM_tRS6gAC1CutbgL6_LadPIL_yzZrvEwZFOM2cTr/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-31+at+8.32.30+PM.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Dr. Bheki performing an evaluation on a previous trip</i></span></td></tr>
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Dr. Bheki and his team from West Tennessee Haiti Partnership arrived safely in Port-au-Prince yesterday. He and Dr. Beauvoir, a Haitian surgeon, will begin seeing children at St. Vincent's tomorrow morning, including little Wes (who you heard about earlier this week on FB) as well as Jonathan, another little boy that the silken red thread of destiny connected us to. </div>
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Please keep Dr. Bheki in your thoughts and prayers as they provide love and care to many children throughout the week. </div>
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So thankful for our wonderful partnerships! We can't do this work alone.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMilCK8ROZ7CCRHWIroddCUmxLsts68jerBAtlr1TY9Sfvrh7KvBt-ovFJMaO4G5uOnyriJVElxswUitwz8VkvVOvqbOLbiY_pa-lKhavdP7G76eHdw0ju8ZcI-UVjnAYe-yXmCF2CthLo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-31+at+9.43.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMilCK8ROZ7CCRHWIroddCUmxLsts68jerBAtlr1TY9Sfvrh7KvBt-ovFJMaO4G5uOnyriJVElxswUitwz8VkvVOvqbOLbiY_pa-lKhavdP7G76eHdw0ju8ZcI-UVjnAYe-yXmCF2CthLo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-31+at+9.43.39+PM.png" height="640" width="451" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Having some fun mixing smelly scabies ointment!<br /></i></span></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-67139930264728696982014-08-31T22:05:00.000-04:002014-08-31T22:10:10.668-04:00CHINA :: 2-years-old and ready to take on the world with your help!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQPVsPOIzUKpSnocslp_b4Yt5bwlpPeu1BBxeTkvNJYsYOshqKeHB343YfW6BLZiN86QG_jhXhBzJMCOV6GIGoZopmCgYHTDawBZFSYB23P7mBg5NTYWU-lJEHqt_mvQmFfrivLUzsOz6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-25+at+11.13.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQPVsPOIzUKpSnocslp_b4Yt5bwlpPeu1BBxeTkvNJYsYOshqKeHB343YfW6BLZiN86QG_jhXhBzJMCOV6GIGoZopmCgYHTDawBZFSYB23P7mBg5NTYWU-lJEHqt_mvQmFfrivLUzsOz6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-25+at+11.13.34+AM.png" height="640" width="523" /></a></div>
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Meet our newest little friend from China! </h3>
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WXR is an adorable 2-year-old with a sweet personality - she's a charmer for sure with that smile! Thankfully, she has already received surgery for spina bifida and serial casting of her club foot and is doing well in the hands of our partners at Swallows Nest! Sadly, it appears that she may be incontinent as she came back from Shanghai with a horrible irritated bottom. The Red Thread has sent funding for her medicine as well as her follow up care. </div>
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Please help us support WXR by making a donation in her honor to our <a href="http://www.redthreadpromise.org/help.html" target="_blank">China program</a> (click on the PayPal button - donations are accepted via PayPal but you don't need a PayPal account). We hope and pray that she finds her forever home quickly. </div>
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Who wouldn't want to hug on this baby for years and years?</div>
Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-90469491810844546392014-08-03T23:43:00.002-04:002014-08-03T23:43:41.237-04:00CHINA :: A micro-wheelchair for Laila<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbrTT-cDr4ZQthukk-pFgaHZyouzr6v4fHZ1SBdfg_TXoleY3dFr5OwzQ6yKfnKOC349R50yoYnTA-_dODijQEDs4zYCKyHNgOtHBDxkAd26o6z3EFujYrQ-sSYh6DqktLqyp2rtaXMBc/s1600/20140718_171102b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbrTT-cDr4ZQthukk-pFgaHZyouzr6v4fHZ1SBdfg_TXoleY3dFr5OwzQ6yKfnKOC349R50yoYnTA-_dODijQEDs4zYCKyHNgOtHBDxkAd26o6z3EFujYrQ-sSYh6DqktLqyp2rtaXMBc/s1600/20140718_171102b.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>3-year-old Laila, all smiles!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past weeks, The Red Thread team has gotten an unexpected crash course in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), due to a precious Chinese girl named <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Laila</b></span>. The silken red thread of destiny recently connected us to this feisty 3-year-old and her American forever family and we’d like to share that story with you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Misdiagnosis</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Joslynn and Jason began fostering 18-month-old Laila in China, they were told she had cerebral palsy. Only three short months ago, after returning to the States, they found themselves faced with a new diagnosis for Laila: <b>SMA, the second most common fatal genetic disorder in young children.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children with SMA have problems with movement of any kind to varying degrees, even breathing and swallowing. SMA is an inherited disease that damages motor neurons in the brain and prevents important messages telling muscles “how” to move from reaching the muscles. When the muscles don't get direction on how to move, they become inactive, get smaller, and begin to waste away (a condition known as atrophy).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This degenerative disease limits the ability to complete simple tasks of life, like combing their hair. To date there is no cure, but many kids learn to live as independently as possible with therapy and treatment for the disease’s most troubling symptoms <i>(kidshealth.org)</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Moving forward</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as her parents knew her true condition, they began researching the disease and looking for support. Joslynn attended her first Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Conference in Washington D.C. to learn everything she could to help their young daughter. During the conference, Joslynn’s eyes were open to a real need for Laila: a micro-wheelchair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuRpvlwA3-s87iXTKlKn7shi45VGVKlCcOpMK8Q4-ODalZdPnZXKrKSscVOCm6fUcWAB8U3DvzAlA3USTgQR7Lf7Hz8k_Mx3Q0ZupoPfwz1esl0Xw4XqWCR_Sc_YzZc9ESR3gbRW-NSJ2/s1600/20140615_110056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuRpvlwA3-s87iXTKlKn7shi45VGVKlCcOpMK8Q4-ODalZdPnZXKrKSscVOCm6fUcWAB8U3DvzAlA3USTgQR7Lf7Hz8k_Mx3Q0ZupoPfwz1esl0Xw4XqWCR_Sc_YzZc9ESR3gbRW-NSJ2/s1600/20140615_110056.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A mother’s perspective</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Joslynn: “When I called my husband, frantic and emotional, begging him to agree to put an unplanned $4000 purchase on our credit card—to buy our daughter a micro-sized, 6-pound wheelchair—he asked me to consider it for 24 hours before making a decision. I don’t fault my husband at all for his rationality because we both knew it was an out-of-reach purchase for us. However, it wasn’t until my time at a Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Conference that I truly understood the worth of this tiny wheelchair and what it would mean for our daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the conference, I was overwhelmed with sadness at Laila’s lack of independence. Even though we were in a place where almost EVERY child was physically immobile, they were all “running around”, playing, squealing, and chasing each other with the aid of their wheelchairs. Meanwhile my daughter sat motionless and bored, waiting for me to push her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until that point, my husband and I had been satisfied to carry Laila from room-to-room inside our home and push her in a stroller in public. Together we decided that nurturing our daughter’s independence was critical to her development. We took a leap of faith and bought the wheelchair, not knowing how we would pay the balance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It only took a single day at home in her chair for my husband to join in my exhilaration over Laila’s newfound freedom. Her little face always beams with a smile while she’s in her chair. She loves to come into the room where I am and say, “Hi Mom.” And I say, “Hi Baby.” And then she says, “Laila go find Daddy,” and she wheels away. Only moments later she has usually circled around again, “Hi Mom!” We have set up little stations around our living areas where she can “play kitchen” or roll under her own little table to color or do stickers. She also loves to chase the cat or bump the front of her wheelchair into her big brother’s door in the morning to knock and say, “Wake up!”</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4cJKW1hUsDKWFybDi1ODETazu2XFIuZfHQo5AvA33BoY4mvAGD-ysl1DGCPdlm6mfvCxxZtYe_O7ISmR25FfeoCvgGgd_8UphAiB3-JRSa19-YY0vTIZmKXJkcJdD41IVNrHdj5-Ufr0/s1600/20140716_191047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4cJKW1hUsDKWFybDi1ODETazu2XFIuZfHQo5AvA33BoY4mvAGD-ysl1DGCPdlm6mfvCxxZtYe_O7ISmR25FfeoCvgGgd_8UphAiB3-JRSa19-YY0vTIZmKXJkcJdD41IVNrHdj5-Ufr0/s1600/20140716_191047.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Big brother, Laila, and little sister, Charlet</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our greatest surprise was how the addition of a wheelchair impacted the rest of the family. As a mother, I found myself relieved of many requests from my immobile girl: “Mom, I fell over; Mom, I want to see you; Mom, where’s the cat.” I didn’t realize how many times I moved Laila around and fulfilled her requests until then. And then there are the benefits to our youngest child, Charlet. Because of Laila’s condition she had to be carried everywhere, leaving Charlet constantly jealous when I made her walk while carrying her “big” sister. Now that Laila is able to move around by herself, Charlet is also more willing to be independent and walk. Big brother is so proud to push Laila in her chair and loves to play chase with her. And Daddy can now safely take Laila outside to the garage so she can “help Daddy do work,” which she absolutely loves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">There are no words to express the gratitude we feel to The Red Thread Promise. </span>Little did we know that we were already connected to them—they had sponsored Charlet in her foster home for TWO years prior to her coming home to us! And now, they have connected with our family again through sweet Laila. By paying the balance of the cost for Laila’s manual chair, my family is free to enjoy the perfect blessing of independence and mobility for our precious girl.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Helping Laila</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are so thankful for that red thread of destiny connecting us to this beautiful family not once, but TWICE. And YOU are the reason we were able to bring much needed mobility to little Laila. It is through your tax-deductible gifts to our programs that we help children with disabilities lead the fullest lives possible. Please consider giving today via PayPal or check made out to The Red Thread Promise, 249 N Belfield Ave, Havertown, PA 19083. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thank you everyone!</i></span></td></tr>
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-44132009214564133582014-06-26T21:49:00.001-04:002014-06-28T17:57:28.639-04:00HAITI :: Christina's first miraculous steps<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53mAyq-aQTwVlXTwr6LFYpkftYhJHs3GdVXqVvFq0sLk1j0gqcmJeHy4pJkf4aYy9sPM9pR2JwYSo6q4guwcvsPnVdLZwBrLc13l-7diPVAK52jcrr_C0ce_21zWhUMcPDt9qjbTmxyxD/s1600/Christina+02+WTHP+April+2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53mAyq-aQTwVlXTwr6LFYpkftYhJHs3GdVXqVvFq0sLk1j0gqcmJeHy4pJkf4aYy9sPM9pR2JwYSo6q4guwcvsPnVdLZwBrLc13l-7diPVAK52jcrr_C0ce_21zWhUMcPDt9qjbTmxyxD/s1600/Christina+02+WTHP+April+2014.png" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Christina after 2 successful surgeries<br />(photo courtesy of West Tennessee Haiti Partnership)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember beautiful Christina from St. Vincent’s? She is one of the many children we have connected with in Haiti over the years. Her story is nothing short of miraculous and, by supporting The Red Thread’s work in Haiti, YOU have been an integral part of her success. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>During a Red Thread outing in 2012</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An otherwise completely healthy infant, Christina was born with a birth defect that caused severe clubbing in both of her feet. Over the years she endured multiple unsuccessful surgeries and castings to correct her condition, after which she was no closer to walking than she was the day she was born.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2013, the tides began to change for Christina. No longer would she be resigned to life in a wheelchair, but rather to a newfound hope of planting both feet on the ground (something her condition never allowed her to do) and even walking independently!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Following her first successful surgery</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through our partnership with West Tennessee Haiti Partnership (<a href="http://wtnhaitipartnership.org/" target="_blank">WTHP</a>), Dr. Bheki Khumalo (clubfoot specialist / Memphis, TN) and Dr. Georges Beauvoir (surgeon / Port-au-Prince, Haiti), <b>Christina's first successful surgery was completed in August 2013</b>. The skilled surgical team performed a tendon release, bone and soft tissue correction, and finally a foot rotation on her right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After her foot healed, <b>Christina's second surgery was completed in February 2014</b> on her left. When the stitches were removed, she was able to wear a boot and worked with a physical therapist to strengthen her legs.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Gazing at two corrected feet<br />(photo courtesy West Tennessee Haiti Partnership)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In April came Christina’s miracle! Our partners from WTHP were conducting a clinic at Christina’s home, St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince. Dr. Jenn and Tiffany (visiting physical therapist and nurse respectively) began stretching Christina's legs and ankles, encouraging her to begin putting weight on her feet. Then it was time for Christina to stand up. With support of each arm, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christina put one foot in front of the other and took THE FIRST STEPS OF HER LIFE!</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 16 years of thinking walking was something unachievable, she was able to take her first steps and one of our partners from WTHP was able to capture it on video! The footage is raw but heartwarming. You can see the tender care given to her by Dr. Jenn when she gently wipes her face right before she walks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christina is a bright, energetic girl who is well on her way to leading a more normal life now that both feet are corrected. She will continue to work with therapists to walk and become increasingly independent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Christina may never have taken these steps without your support for which we are eternally grateful. </b>Your donations made it possible to rent a sterile surgical suite, purchase medications, schedule after-care and physical therapy, and cover all associated expenses for this beautiful young lady's care.<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are forever grateful for Dr. Bheki, Dr. Beauvoir and Dr. Jenn for their countless hours working with her.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We invite you to continue to be a part of this life-transforming process, helping kids like Christina, kids whose biggest obstacle in life was being born into poverty where adequate medical care isn't an option as their families struggle to put food on the table.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cost of both surgeries - $3600!</span></div>
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The long-term effects - priceless.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many more success stories like Christina’s shared on our Facebook, website and this blog. Our team is available via phone or email to answer any questions you may have about how we serve impoverished children with disabilities. We invite you to join us in making a difference in these children’s lives. Financial support can be sent via our <a href="http://www.redthreadpromise.org/help.html" target="_blank">website</a> or PayPal link at left or by check. Thank you for caring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-64434772305671469242014-06-08T23:06:00.000-04:002014-06-09T08:28:14.283-04:00JACOB'S FUND :: McKenna Farms Mission Experience, Late Spring 2014 part 1<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbL84IC7g21lePHtSZxyQa28CrZzxivd4OELtS08EheVVn2MzJi1wYJL66x6fpt1KVrQJeBo5ueMXOs12c7z_wY4My117yk6KMOvdsHyihY7P9_onDpSlAee5ZKxlcK684bi-4bN0HrSy/s1600/IMG_3413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbL84IC7g21lePHtSZxyQa28CrZzxivd4OELtS08EheVVn2MzJi1wYJL66x6fpt1KVrQJeBo5ueMXOs12c7z_wY4My117yk6KMOvdsHyihY7P9_onDpSlAee5ZKxlcK684bi-4bN0HrSy/s1600/IMG_3413.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>TRTP volunteer, Rhonda, greeting one of the therapy horses</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(left to right: Bernie, Rhonda, Wilma, Christian, Judy, Sonya, Glenna, Jim)</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’ve come back to McKenna Farms for another amazing mission experience. Back to visit the children and families we support, back to the gentle horses who lend their bodies willingly and gracefully, encouraging the children on top with their easy, repetitive movements, stimulating the small bodies to copy the sweet, free motion. Back to the quiet experts, the staff and therapists who make McKenna Farms a special, loving place for these children. </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Landon, his therapist and the horse-handler at the entrance </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>to the Jacob Beachy Sensory Trail</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time we’re working along the Jacob Beachy Sensory Trail (the trail), built in honor and memory of our own <a href="http://redthreadpromise.blogspot.com/2011/07/celebrating-jacobs-life.html" target="_blank">Jacob</a>, for whom Jacob’s Fund is named. Nestled in the woodlands surrounding the farm, the trail leads through forest and along a stream, circling back to the sensory stations. Each year, sun and rain weather and wear the stations along the trail, and this winter’s polar vortex has taken its toll.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we plan our work, we observe Landon on horseback placing colorful beanbag frogs into the openings of the shape sorter, stuffing a frog in a cutout of a red circle, matching the color and shape called out by his therapist. For him, this is fun. The sensory stations appeal to his senses of touch, vision, hearing, and smell with fuzzy and smooth-leaved plants; colorful flowers, plants, shapes and tubes; large melodic chimes; and fragrant herbs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, the affect of the activity reaches much deeper than fun – it is serious developmental science. Children like Landon who experience developmental delays often have difficulty processing sensory input, our basic interactions with the world. These are the building blocks of all activity, allowing them to negotiate the world in which they live. The sensory stations play a critical role in occupational therapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are so happy to work on this trail. It is so meaningful to us and to all of the young people who use it daily as part of their therapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now the work begins.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>McKenna Farm's new barn entrance</i></span><br />
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Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-37415030199232586132014-06-05T15:04:00.000-04:002014-06-08T00:13:08.450-04:00THANK YOU :: Columbus Montessori<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A big shout out to long-time
supporters from Columbus Montessori Education Center in Columbus, Ohio. The
Upper Elementary class, kids in grades 4-6, conduct various activities and
fundraisers throughout the school year to pay for their end-of-year trips. The
group always designates a charity to receive 20% of their earnings. For the 4th
consecutive year, that charity is The Red Thread Promise! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoatbOXDryP8igH4Q-3FLs6R9tcoCYPpTJ7X_QnHijtMmAHNo53RPJKvnHgZzujiixm_N3-If366_34Azera63NNMwBPE6wPNABpAVM850e32vuVjTbhqi6OMluSAlOvy13xSa6a9UNKjj/s1600/Photo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoatbOXDryP8igH4Q-3FLs6R9tcoCYPpTJ7X_QnHijtMmAHNo53RPJKvnHgZzujiixm_N3-If366_34Azera63NNMwBPE6wPNABpAVM850e32vuVjTbhqi6OMluSAlOvy13xSa6a9UNKjj/s1600/Photo+2.png" style="cursor: move;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alumni parent and TRTP VP, Sonya,
was on hand this week during the school's graduation celebration to receive the
check from a representative of the Upper Elementary class. We are deeply
appreciative of the efforts of these young people in supporting other kids.
Thank you for your continued support and best wishes to all of the graduates!</span></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Kathy Korge Albergatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00557508502658456643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6411986320059698391.post-73402411273651705602014-05-22T23:19:00.003-04:002014-05-22T23:20:50.507-04:00JACOB'S FUND :: Prayers for Fabiola<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-8XYY26oJwjMK81apxKV7ShmSgLf6Tn5CnUk3SLosHwafufEPOmcrVxvJdViaBj7VjMNkzdo17a-vIhBuOsX4WyBk8f8Ky-ab_1qQOY7k8BM3EHbn9f62TJqGToyS0fmv1DhoEeI7Cpb/s1600/PrincessFrame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-8XYY26oJwjMK81apxKV7ShmSgLf6Tn5CnUk3SLosHwafufEPOmcrVxvJdViaBj7VjMNkzdo17a-vIhBuOsX4WyBk8f8Ky-ab_1qQOY7k8BM3EHbn9f62TJqGToyS0fmv1DhoEeI7Cpb/s1600/PrincessFrame.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In loving memory</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sweet, sweet Princess.</b> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is with heavy hearts that we share that she passed away early this morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday morning, she came through her open heart surgery fine. By afternoon, the medical team was already discussing plans for her next procedure in 6 months following her expected recovery. Yet sometime during the night she slipped away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow TRTP VP, Sonya, her children, and a friend will be visiting Princess's mother, Fabiola, to comfort her in any way possible. Sonya is printing out the photos she took of her two days ago and framing them to give as a gift - a small something for Fabiola to take home. We cherish the photos and hope that the family does as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you pray, please say a prayer for the family who is in deep mourning. If you think positive thoughts, please send your energy to them. The mother, father and grandmother's separation from one another must be unbearable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gifts in her memory are gratefully accepted. Please write "Princess" on the memo line. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make a gift via credit card, visit our </span><a href="http://redthreadpromise.org/help.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">website</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make a gift via mail, please make checks payable to The Red Thread Promise:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Red Thread Promise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">249 N Belfield Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Havertown, PA 19083</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attn: Kathy Korge Albergate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you as always for your support for all parents that grieve the loss of a child.</span>Red Thread Sonyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02756834758351368048noreply@blogger.com0