Christmas Donation to Greenville Memorial and Ronald McDonald House

On Friday, my mom and got to be Santa's helpers as we took a donation of journals and sketch books to teens at Greenville Memorial. This was our third donation, but the first one at Christmas!

While there, Emily Durham, the Child Life Specialist who handles donations, shared with us that 400,000 children A YEAR come through Greenville Memorial and the speciality clinics! I knew they helped many people, but that's a lot!

This is me with all the donations. Since many families stay at Ronald McDonald House, we knew they could use journals and notepads to help them keep track of things. Often, it's the little things that mean the most when you are in stressful situations.

This is hanging on the wall of the Ronald McDonald House. My mom and I both loved it. "Together... we can change a child's life." THAT is the reason that I'm able to do what I do. These donations would not be successful without the help of generous companies, friends, and family members who want to make a difference! You helped put smiles on so many people's faces.

2nd Journal and Coloring Book Donation to Athens, GA Children's Clinic

On Monday, Mama and I took another donation of journals (this is the sixth trip in all!) and coloring books to the children's clinic in Athens.  The worker who took them said, "The kids are always asking, 'Do you have anything for us?'"

This donation included beautiful scrapbooks from Paperchase in London. Juliet White, manager of Ten Thousand Villages store in Atlanta, was kind enough to send an assortment of journals also.

These notebooks were donated by Katie Leamon, a luxury card and stationery company in England. Their notebooks are so whimsical! I know the kids will love the five notebooks you sent!

I also thank Chanel Cobb for her contribution to this project! This project of giving has become bigger than I ever dreamed when I started over a year ago! THANK YOU to everyone who has given! So many kids will smile knowing that someone cares about them this Christmas!

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Journal and Coloring Book Donation to Athens, GA Children's Clinic

I  finally got the chance to take a box of journals and coloring books to a children's clinic in Athens, GA. They treat various problems in children. Mrs. Gordy's Honor's Spanish class collected journals, coloring books and notebooks throughout the semester and gave them to me at the end of the school year. Life happened, and I was unable to take them until now.

An employee said, "This is AWESOME!" The kids will LOVE this!  I also bought several journals thanks to a donation from Nancy Moureau. Thanks,  Nancy, Hart County High and Mrs. Gordy's students!

I have another box filled with goodies from various companies that I will take at the end of November to this same children's clinic.

If you would like to donate to this project, feel free! I just ask that you get journals suitable for girls and boys, bright colors, and preferably no composition notebooks. It is always great to give back! Pens and colored pens are ALWAYS welcome!

Celebrating International Day of the Girl with Teza Technologies

Molly Bukowski, Director of Special Projects at Teza Technologies, contacted me a few months ago and asked me to post something in honor of International Day of the Girl. While International Day of the Girl was October 1st, Teza Technologies and I believe women should be celebrated more than one day of the year!

International Day of the Girl is a holiday committed to celebrating the successes and opportunities available to girls all over the world. Teza Technologies CEO Misha Malyshev believes that everyday should be the Day of the Girl in order to celebrate their successes in life. These opportunities pertain to everything in life, but Teza Technologies wants to celebrate the women in science, technology, engineering, and math(STEM).

There are many reasons women should be celebrated. A woman's strength is unmatched. Just her presence alone changes the atmosphere around her. This is especially true in science, technology, engineering and math because women are not often in these industries. I believe a woman's perspective is needed in every field of the workforce.

Women should be celebrated because they know what it means to be selfless. They often put others needs before their own. Working in science, as part of a team to find a cure for cancer, is one of those instances that you need to be selfless. When working as part of team, you have to give up the need to be right so even greater things can be accomplished.

Women who work in any STEM occupation are fearless. They aren't afraid to challenge societal norms. They see no limits, only opportunities.

I am thankful that my high school now has STEM classes that feature women in film production and technology, health occupations, and a math club.

Women, you are helping to change the world! I salute you!

Giving Back to Greenville Memorial Hospital Journal Donation 2

My mom and I took a second journal donation to Greenville Memorial Hospital this afternoon. Some will be given to parents who have children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and teens. This is my fourth journal donation total since I started last year.

There were around 385 journals.

Spector & Co. donated 362 7x10 eco journals that say "You are Just Awesome!"

Ex Libris Anonymous in Portland, OR donated again. This time Jacob sent around 20. I didn't count them all this time. Ex Libris Anonymous is unique because they make blank journals out of old books. Each cover is unique and every book has some of the original pages throughout.

 Morgan, one of the volunteers with Child Life Services, said, "Thank you so much for thinking of us!"

This was more than just a nice thought. Greenville Memorial Hospital did SO much for my brother and I as premature babies. I can't say enough about the fabulous NICU team, including our nurses, Jill and Nicole. These are special people who work tirelessly in the most fragile environment. 

This was a way to say, "Thank you!" Even though I took one donation last year, I wanted to keep on giving. Kids need to know someone cares! 

As I told Morgan a little bit about myself and why I started the journal donation project, she was ecstatic!

No sooner than I had written down my contact information, I felt the pangs of an unwelcome visitor. My mom was talking with Morgan, but I was in pain. My left leg seized up from the pain of a muscle spasm. My last one happened about two months ago. 

I told Mama and she said, "Try to relax it."

"I can't move it!" I didn't shriek from fear. This was familiar to me. I was struck by the intense pain. I knew I had to get it out of the position it was in if I had any hope of relaxing the muscle. I shifted in the car. The pain was still there.

"You know you can lay the seat back," Mama said.

As soon as I did that, the pain felt deeper. I felt more pulling. That was NOT going to work. Mama was trying to drive, but her mind was also focused on me.

"See if you can hold your leg up and let the muscle relax that way." I just couldn't get it into a good position. "Ow, ow, OW!"

"I'm going to stop the car and help you stand up. I don't know if you can, but we're going to try."

Mama stopped the car and got out to help me. "Just ease your legs over the side," she said.

I didn't know what would happen. The last time this happened, I was doubled over in pain and could hardly stand.

I got out to stand up and held onto my mom. As I stood up taller, I could breathe easier. I closed my eyes. All I was focused on was relaxing. 

"Do you need some help?"

"Do I need to call someone?"

"No, she's fine. Her muscle locked up, and I'm letting her stretch it. This has happened before."

I kept my eyes closed. I couldn't deal with anyone in that moment. I felt the muscle relax. I stood there for a few seconds, hoping that intense pain wouldn't return.

After I was better, Mama told me a lady in another car had stopped to offer help. That was very nice of her. I normally don't share much about what I go through, but the Bible says I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. Even though many people say I look like I have it all together, I don't. I have messy, unpredictable moments just like everyone else. In spite of that, I choose to focus on the good things today. I choose to focus on the kids' lives that will be touched through my journal donation made possible by generous companies.

Giving Back to Greenville Memorial Hospital

Today I took a large donation to Greenville Memorial Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of the Carolinas. Longtime readers will remember me mentioning them in my About Me posts. This is where everything began, so I was honored to be able to give back to them today.

Without God and the help of knowledgeable doctors and nurses, my brother and I would not be alive today. This was also another way of saying thank you to Dr. Griffin and all of those involved in my care after my surgeries related to cerebral palsy.

 A local school gave generously. I was able to buy lots of nice journals for the teens at Greenville Memorial.

I also want to thank my grandmother and Aunt Gwen for giving money so I could buy journals. My mom and I had a lot of fun shopping for them!

Several other companies agreed to donate. Each one is listed below.

 Studio Oh! sent some of their journals. These were perfect for teens because of their compact size. The pages inside had colorful drawings and inspirational quotes throughout. I loved that these journals had so many pages!

 Linda Singh, owner of Sitara Collections, was generous enough to donate a second time. These are a few of her fabric covered journals. Aren't they beautiful?

 Paperblanks blew me away! These journals were each unique and well made. Many closed with magnetic flaps. If I were buying a gift for my mom, these would be at the top of my list!

 W.S. Badger Company sent some of their all-natural lip balm. I know the teens will appreciate this often overlooked item. It was a necessity for me during my hospital stays.

 Scout Books is another generous company. They sent a wonderful selection of their various journal designs. These are perfect for doodling the hours away.

Elum Designs sent these beautiful fabric journals. I am continually in awe of what great stationery companies produce. Eye-catching designs and quality products. It doesn't get much better than that!

Last but definitely not least, Thimblepress sent a very fun package of a few of their notepads. The "Do Something Awesome" notepad and a couple of floral notepads.

When starting this journal project, I never dreamed I would meet so many great people. There really are great businesses if you search long enough. My goal has always been to put a smile on other people's faces, but each one of these companies has put a face on mine. I appreciate your generosity more than I will ever be able to convey.

I already have another donation planned tentatively for November or December!

More Journals and Lip Balms for CHOA

Today, I took a second donation to CHOA - Scottish Rite. In all, I took 238 journals and 60 lip balms! The beige and pink journals in the bottom right of the box came courtesy of Hammerpress Letter Press & Design Studio. They were so kind to send 50 journals.

The lip balms were donated by EcoLips, an organic and natural lip balm company.

 NightOwl Paper Goods located in Birmingham, Alabama donated ten of these cute journals. I love the animals!

 Ex Libris Anonymous donated fifteen of their super cool journals made from old textbooks and books. What a great way to reuse books!

 In Blue Handmade was gracious enough to donate five of their small, handmade leather journals. I got to pick out the stamps for each one, so that was a lot of fun!

 Sitara Collections sent six of their exquisite handmade leather journals made by women in India. These were stunning! They are not lined.

Thistle Farms totally floored me with their response to my email. Penny Hall and Tonya Sneed took time out of their busy schedules to make 90 - yes, 90 journals for this donation. How awesome is that?! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, ladies!

Lastly, my friends Tanya Hudson, Chanel Cobb, and Sarah Parker's MCG Bible Study group sent these journals. I cannot thank everyone enough! It is my hope that the teens at CHOA have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

You might be wondering what my next stop is. The next donation will be going to Greenville Memorial Hospital. I spent several months in the NICU there as premature twin and two major hip surgeries as a teen.

Hart County High Gives Back to CHOA

My alma mater, Hart County High School, has gotten in on donating journals to CHOA! After an email to a teacher approval from the principal, the ball was rolling full speed ahead. I was just asking to see if any of the clubs wanted to donate, but some classes actually wanted to help. 

Mrs. Pratt's  freshman STEM class raised $140 in THREE DAYS!!! Do you know what this means?! I can buy five cases of journals in addition to what I already have! This is fantastic and yet another reason my small town is special! 

They made this jar. The whole group met my mom today, which was a surprise. I hated I missed it, but I wasn't feeling well. We had some pictures of the class, but mostly everyone wasn't looking. So, I am not going to post unflattering pictures. No worries, I will get my mom to take more on a different day!

HCHS, YOU ROCK! 

Giving Back to CHOA

Today after a doctor's appointment with Dr. Brosky, I dropped off a donation of journals and lip balms to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta(commonly known as CHOA) - Scottish Rite campus. As of right now, there were 97 journals and 100 lip balms donated!

Lauren, the hospital volunteer in the picture, said, "Thank you! This is such a kind and generous gift. The little kids always get stuff, but we rarely get things for the teenagers." 

She also said, "Journals are such a nice gift!" She was elated over the lip balms, too!

Thank you to all who gave! We have made a difference!

It all started on June 25, 2014. I was getting ready for my foot surgery, and I decided to do something good for others instead of focusing on my pain. 

Here's what I posted to my personal friends on Facebook and friends of my blog's Facebook page: 

"Okay, since I feel better when I am doing something, I've decided to tackle something that has been on my bucket list for at least four years. Longtime readers will know that for my 21st birthday, I wrote a blog post called "21 Wishes." Oneof those things was to give back to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta(CHOA), a hospital I have been a patient at a various times in my life. During one of those hospital stays, I won a journal playing bingo. 

Ever since then, it has been my goal to give back to kids who are considered adolescents because they are often forgot about when it comes to donations. I chose journals because I want to provide them with the materials to spark their creativity and expand their horizons beyond the hospital walls. Dreams start as thoughts in our heads, then go to words on a page, and eventually become reality. 

I am going to buy the first case, which will contain 24 journals in various colors, suitable for young men and women. If anyone else would like to buy a case and give to something bigger than yourself, please let me know. I am only one person, but together we can ALL make a difference in the lives of these children. A case is $24. (If purchased separately they are $1, not including tax). If you still want to help, but can't contribute that much, let me know. You can mail a check for any amount and I will buy the journals for you and add them to the box. This is not about me. I have already arranged to meet a volunteer at CHOA when I bring the donations."

I emailed eleven companies, only two donated. One donated without me asking. Sally, of Heavenly Homemade, gave of her time to make her all-natural lip balms in various flavors that kids would like. Two friends also gave. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

So, blogging friends, if YOU want to help make a difference, just click the contact link and send me an email. Any color or design is acceptable, just no composition notebooks. Most people have been giving 4x6, 5x7, or 5x8 journals. You can buy hard cover, soft cover, leather, etc. I will gladly give you my home address in a message so you can ship them to me. I plan on making a second trip in November. Writing friends, feel free to share this on your blog or website as well. 

Making my Hometown More Accessible

Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook have already seen this. The blogging community is so vast, it made perfect sense to post it here. This article appeared in my hometown newspaper, The Hartwell Sun, on July 10th. It is a result of a letter to the editor I wrote about accessibility issues concerning our post office and other downtown areas. I am so proud to be raising awareness for something that is often not even thought about. This has been in the works for quite awhile, and it is a little overwhelming to see it in print! Even if you don't have mobility issues, you will be aware of areas that are not easy to get to when you get older. 

I have done more research, but I am a bit limited since I am still recovering. Right now, I just have a list of improvements that need to be made with some other relevant information.

If you would like to read it, just click on the photo and then zoom in. I am posting this because I have readers from all over the world, which will help me in coming up with more ideas for helping my community. Please leave a comment with your ideas or email me. Your input is invaluable. My readers are so awesome, so I have no doubt that you will have some ideas. Aside from the things I already mentioned in the article, what would YOU do to make a town better for people in wheelchairs, parents with babies in strollers, or the elderly? 

Ready, set, write!

I'm Blessed

You know sometimes you come across a story that just knocks you flat and puts things in perspective.

That happened to me a few weeks ago when I came across Summer's Story. I went back on her blog last night and to read about what she is dealing with, how she's often in so much pain she can't even walk, hard to access ports, and dumbfounding the medical community while raising a beautiful daughter, all I can say is wow!

 Then again this week after my mom shared Katie Dama Jaskolski's story. Please take time to watch the video about her life. It is nothing short of AMAZING! 

I have to be honest and say for the past few weeks I have been focusing more than normal on the pain in my foot. When I should have been praising God and not focusing on what I felt like, I was doing the opposite. After reading these stories, I went to bed last night saying, "I'm blessed!" Yes, I have to deal with pain and not able to do everything I want to right now. But, through it all, I'm blessed.

I don't have so much pain that I can't walk, I don't have a rare disease, my bones and joints are healthy in spite of what some may say. I'm not in the hospital. So, I'm grateful today! I make a choice to focus on the good things. What about you? 

Philippians 4:8 says, 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Sweet Freedom

I'm happy to report that I am free for a MONTH! Free from papers, projects, presentations, and tests! What ever will I do with myself?! Blog, of course!

In case you didn't know I have been nominatedf or an award from WEGO Health. I've done several posts about them before. I now have a nifty little badge on my left sidebar that enables you to vote for me in just a few seconds! Just enter your email and hit endorse me!

In other news, I'm still having some foot issues, so I'm trying compression stockings.

I celebrated my 23rd birthday by studying for finals. Yep. :) I'm grateful for another year!!

My little nephew is growing like a weed! He's only 18 months, and already in a size 6 shoe (it is a tad big)! He is learning so much and just laughs at me when I use my headset with the Dragon voice recognition software that has been a lifesaver for me when I am not feeling well.

I've missed everyone!

Memories Rewind: Halloween Throwback

While looking for a specific photo one day, I found this one and couldn't resist sharing. It was at my old church's fall festival, and I was not in the mood to have my picture taken. Mama made me anyway, and now I look back on this photo with fond memories! Yes, I had an attitude!  As you can see, my brother was not fazed by my antics. :) I was some kind of princess, but that's all I remember.  My mom just said I was Cleopatra!

P.S. You can nominate me for one of WEGO Health's Health Activist Awards by going here. Just make sure you put the name of my blog, which is Making my Mark. My name is Madison Sanders. The blog URL is http://dropletsonajournal.blogspot.com They just ask you to tell them why I should be nominated. Winners will be featured on the WEGO Health network, which is a huge opportunity to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, strength, and overcoming adversity. Thanks in advance!

Advocating for Another: Wrap Up

Well, I finally squeezed out a little bit of time to do the last post for WEGO Health's advocating for another blog carnival. 

Put a bow on our Advocating for Another week by sharing what you’ll plan to do going forward. Free write or choose one of the bonus ideas.

I have some exciting plans in the works, but  nothing I can share just yet. I am making something that will benefit the disabled community and their friends and family. I'll update as I can! I can promise you don't want to miss it!

I just want to encourage everyone to look for opportunities to help others. If you don't, who will?

Advocating for Another: The Spark Within

Even though school and life got in the way, I still wanted to finish the advocating for another posts.

Today's post is a letter to my [blogging] community.

After so many surgeries, I lost my spark. When I was younger, I would do anything my brother did. I wouldn't think twice about any limitations. Going to the doctor and experiencing so much pain made me cautious, uncertain about taking steps, rolling over in the bed. Simple things that I wouldn't have batted an eyelash at before. 

I didn't wake up one day and discover my spark was gone. When I had physical issues one right after the other, it began to slip away little by little. I really noticed a difference after my spinal fusion because it took me longer than most people to recover. In all honesty, though, it started the year before when I was in agony 24/7, soaking my pillow in tears because I couldn't sleep with that pain. Just waiting for daylight to shine through my window so I could take some medicine to at least dull the pain somewhat.

It happened when I would have to sit in church services with my TENS unit on 60, the highest setting, with an ice pack because my back hurt so bad.

It happened when I woke up to discover a bright red place on my hip that hurt deep inside of me. It happened because my cousin, who was young at the time, had to see me lay in the bed rather than doing fun stuff with her because I was hurting...but I didn't know why.

It happened after countless pokes from nurses taking blood tests but finding nothing wrong with me. It happened when my mom was told to take me to the ER in Atlanta, spending hours crying waiting for a doctor to see me only to hear them say they had seen nothing like it.

It happened on the way home from Atlanta, when I was throwing up on the intersection with no where to pull off. It happened when I knew something was wrong, and experiencing utter frustration when the residents on call in the hospital thought I was crazy.

It's so important that we don't let a disability or our circumstances cause us to be a shell of our former selves. I've spent a lot of time trying to get back to the person I was. I've missed the girl who was full of spunk. I've missed the girl who would take a hard fall, and jump back up with a bleeding elbow and go right back to playing outside. I've missed the girl who had a zest for life. After this weekend, I've made a conscious decision to get her back. I'll share more about that later. All I can say is "Watch out world, Madison is back!"

Advocating for Another: Inspirational Quote

"If we all did the things we are capable of, 

we would astound ourselves." 

~Thomas Edison 

I love this quote because is so true. So many times, we don't do something because we don't think we can. We make up excuses like I'm too old, I don't have the knowledge." Yadda yadda yadda. We never know what we are capable of doing until we try. Take Thomas Edison for example. He had thousands of failed attempts at the light bulb, but he kept at it. Look at how one idea changed the world forever. Light is everywhere now. 

People are constantly breaking world records in the Olympics because they thought they could do it. What are you holding back from because you don't think you're capable? Let the fear of failure propel you forward to something better, bigger, than you ever imagined. Discover something your good at and work until you become great. Don't let life pass you by because you're sitting on the sidelines. Be a participator in life!

Advocating for Another: Once Upon a Time

It’s storytelling day! Write a story about yourself, your community as though you’re a children’s book author. Be sure to include a beginning, middle, and end. Extra points for illustrations! 

Since I've told plenty of stories on my blog, I'm going to do something a bit different...a poem!

Once upon a time there was a young girl who stood out among the rest
She was spunky and Southern, and thought no outfit was complete without jewelry!
There was just one problem: she couldn't escape the stares about the colorful braces that hid under her dress.
"Oh well," she thought, "that's the least of my worries!"

She grabbed her backpack and headed for the bus
Anticipating the adventures she'd have in room 201
Finding a friend, she started chatting. That was a first day of school must!
With all of the cackling, you'd have thought we were at a chicken run!

Alas, it was time for class to begin
Just then my new friend whispered, "What are those things on your legs?"
"They help me walk better," I replied with a grin.
"Cool," she said. "Do you like chocolate eggs?"  
Afraid we'd get in trouble, we stuck our nose in our books.  We wanted to be alive to enjoy the weekend!

If you want to join in the blogging fun with WEGO Health, click here! (Link no longer exists)
Be sure to like WEGO Health on  Facebook to read everyone else's posts!

Advocating for Another: Betcha Didn't Know

Today’s post theme is all about the reveal. What’s something people would be surprised to know about your life as a  Health Activist, your community, or condition. Uncover it and elaborate upon in stream-of-consciousness-style.

This means this post won't be connected and might not make sense. It will just be my thoughts.

Contrary to  some misinformed people, cerebral palsy is not a progressive disability. Whatever grade brain bleed you had, is what it will remain. Also, it's not possible to pass it on to a baby should a woman with cerebral palsy choose to have children. Along those same lines, not everyone with cerebral palsy will struggle with learning. They could be like me and have a mild case that only affects the lower extremities, not the brain.

People with cerebral palsy can work. They are more productive than some able-bodied members of society. We might have to do things a little differently and a little slower than most people, but we get it done. Not walking on time as a child made me tough. I found a way to get to my toys, button my clothes even when my fingers fought me every step of the way. (Now, admittedly, necklaces are still a bit tricky.) We find joy in the journey. 

Change doesn't affect us like most people. It's all I've ever known. Between new doctors, hospital visits, and altering our schedules on any given day due to pain just becomes something we adapt to along the way. 

Love is much more than a feeling. It's something I actively give to those around me. I've seen how disabilities affect people's lives, and I'm determined to make the most of each day. 

I'm a goal-setter. Even today as I've slept most of this beautiful afternoon away, I did manage to read a chapter for my Mass Media class. That makes me feel content, even things didn't go exactly as I'd planned. 

Of the people I've met with disabilities, their personalities, dreams, goals, shine as we talk. I don't even notice a girl or boy with a disability... or maybe a wheelchair and oxygen tank. The parents look over approvingly as we talk like two young adults sharing and listening about life. Sure, maybe there's a bustle of patients in the background, but right then, at that moment we are not bound by disabilities or stereotypes of what doctors say we can and can't do. We are two young people with the whole world at our fingertips just waiting to be changed by us.

Advocating for Another: Challenge Accepted!

Today's post almost didn't get written because I've been dealing with a cough and congestion in the middle of trying to complete things for school.

This prompt is aptly titled challenge accepted because it deals with the hard things about leading a community.

1. Making sure everyone's voice is heard. I'm in the process of working on a way to fix this. There are so many people that need encouragement, it's hard to reach everyone.

2. Coming up with relevant and interesting content. I'm sure every blogger has had that moment where they question things. I try to keep the communication flowing between my readers by asking for everyone's input, what you want to know about me or cerebral palsy. Usually no one responds so I'm assuming it's because they don't know what to ask. This leads me to my third point.

3. Educating the public. So many people don't know about disabilities and how they affect the person and their family. Especially with the internet, there is SO much information available by people who claim to be experts. I'm working on making a change in this area as well, but I can't say anything just yet because I don't have all of my information together. 

 In my opinion, education starts at home. I can't tell you how many parents I've come across who discourage their children from asking me questions. I love it when that happens because it gives me the opportunity to smash the stigma associated with disabilities while watching a child soak up new information!