OT: GIVING BACK

I know there are a lot of worthy causes in the world, a number of which may be near and dear to a number of people on this board and deservedly so. On this Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, I would like to mention one of mine.

When I was just a young girl I remember watching the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for the first time. I was touched by the stories of those afflicted. I have been committed to this cause since that time. Through my volunteer activites with MDA on Memorial Day I have had the honor to meet many of the children, adults and families dealing with the 42 neuromuscular diseases supported by MDA. I am always awed by their courage and positive outlook on life despite the adversity they face on a daily basis. Some of those I have met are no longer with us.

If you have ever watched the telethon, you may notice the large amounts of money being donated by various corporations. This money goes directly to research, which has made great strides over the years yet still has a way to go before eradicating these diseases. However, it is the pledges by the average person like you and me that goes directly to the families to help with care, equipment, and support they need.

Some people I have spoken to about this cause over the years have told me they do or don't support this cause because of how they feel about Jerry Lewis. Yes, he is a huge part of the telethon. However, this is not about Jerry Lewis. It is about these children and adults who are fighting for their lives.

I feel I have so much to be thankful for in this world. Each day we all speak about the things we are all thankful for. If you do not already have a way to give back for all of the blessings in your life through the charities you already support, please consider this one. If you would like more information, please go to  http://www.mda.org/.

Thank You for your consideration!

Debbie

 

Debbie I admire you for what you do. I did Special Olympics for almost 13 years, My olympic hero's name was Frankie. I had him from the time he was 12 until he was 21. Up until him I had a different charge every  year. Frankie was different he was a challenge because up until I took him over in 6 years prior he had only won 3 medals and no gold because he was so withdrawn. I broke him out of his shell and from 12 - 21 he won 23 golds, 12 silvers, and 16 bronzes. All of that because I treated him like a normal person and not like a mentally challenged blind kid. On his 21st birthday which happened to fall on spring games after we took 3 golds and 2 silvers that day at the end of the day he told me that he wanted to talk to me and i said sure Frankie whats up and these words stayed forever in my head He said " Mr. Dusty he said I am retiring from the olympics" I could do nothing except thank him for working so hard for me and told him I had to take care of something and I went to my car and cried because the Frankie and Dusty era was over. I too retired after those Olympics. We were a great team together. I contribute to the MDA all year through the federal combined plan and those kids will melt your heart and I to watch the telethon every year. So again I salute you for your work.

Thank you Dusty. Once you have one of these experiences and your heart is touched, I feel you are forever changed for the better. I salute you as well.

one of my best friends has a son with MD, so we donate to his collection campaign each year and my company matches my gift.  there are a lot of charities out there that need our time and money.  i serve on a volunteer leadership council at work and i absolutely love volunteering.  if anyone is ever interested in doing any volunteer work with me... let me know... and i'll post some great opportunities. 

i am walking with a team of individuals from work in the susan g komen race for a cure in october.  if anyone on here is interested in walking with us, let me know and i'll send you the link to register for our team.  however, it would also be pretty cool if someone formed an OH team and got some ladies and gents from the board to walk with them.  great exercise for a great cause!