The MAW Castle

I had to attend Make-A-Wish Training a few weekends ago, to ensure that I could still volunteer. I was originally supposed to go in February, but that weekend I was sick - it just wasn't my month. So I was glad I actually had a chance to go to the last one. It was in Monroe Township, which is pretty far from me, but the drive wasn't all that bad, aside from the rain on the way home. Anyways, the Make a Wish Foundation of NJ just recently built a castle on this land to have a centralized place to grant wishes, and to really make the whole process magical.

We were taken on a tour of the whole castle, but since they still want it to be a surprise to every child that walks into the castle, we were only allowed to take pictures of the outside and the first floor [the second floor is where all the magic happens]. It's truly spectacular, and I was in awe. I could only imagine the reaction of each child, and I hope to one day take on a wish that involves me going to the castle.







Buddy, the Cake Boss, is involved in Make a Wish and helps grant a great amount of wishes because many children want to meet him or bake with him. He made the cake that you see in these pictures for their Grand Opening.

If you're interested in getting involved with the Make a Wish Foundation in your state visit - here

A child with a life-threatening medical condition who has reached the age of 2½ and is under the age of 18 at the time of referral, is potentially eligible for a wish. If you know a child that matches this criteria, and you'd like to refer them to MAW, click here. It's an amazing experience, ask me I've helped wishes get granted, and there is nothing better than seeing the smile and excitement on a child's face.  

Cystic Fibrosis Walk 2012

I'm walking for this boy right here. Kyle. May 12th. 

I've known him since he was practically a baby. His family used to live in Jersey, and his mom would play softball with my mom. At 4 months old he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis - a genetic disease that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that causes problems in the digestive system, as well as the respiratory system, specifically in the lungs. It not only clogs up the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe, it makes it difficult for people to digest food and get all the vitamins and nutrients needed, because of the narrow passageways in the pancreas.

 

Approximately 30,000 kids and adults in the United States have cystic fibrosis. Kyle was one of them, and he received a double lung transplant on July 5th, 2010, without regret. He put up one hell of a fight for 18 years, and just a month after he turned 18, he passed away while in the hospital. 

He moved to Florida years ago with his family, with the idea that the warmer and less polluted weather would help - I'd like to think it did. Our families kept in contact - texting or through facebook - and we'd always send our prayers as he continued his battle. He had to be one of the strongest boys I've met, and he just kept pushing. I'll never forget the moment I watched a video of him walking, something he hadn't done in a few days while at the hospital, and it was like watching a miracle. To have battled for 18 years is clearly nothing short of just that - a miracle. I looked up to him, even though he was younger, and in the end I hope this story gives you strength and hope.


To find out more information about Kyle's Story visit -


     Ardiana's blog [ his cousin ] - Ardiana
     Cystic Fibrosis Website - CFF
     Ronald McDonald House - A Family's Journey with Cystic Fibrosis

To donate to this wonderful foundation and help Kyle's memory live on click - 

"Money buys science and science buys life" - CFF.org

Thank you. I greatly appreciate it. 

Happy 4th of July!

I hope everyone's 4th of July is spent with family and friends. May you all make memories on this glorious day, but don't forget to thank the one's everyone should be thanking. Those in our armed forces, who put their lives on the line, all for us to have freedom <3 Thank you! I am truly grateful for all you have done!

Even though some of us may not be able to fight for our freedom on the battle field, we can fight for other things here in our country. Therefore, I need to ask you all a favor. I have recently been given the opportunity to help out an extraordinary charity - The Samantha Lorene Caliafiore Memorial Fundraiser. This charity began when a little girl passed away in the hospital from an infection, that the doctor's said she didn't need surgery for. She was only 5 years old. So her mother and father, who are very close friends of Sal's, my boyfriend, started the charity in order to help New Jersey families with financial problems due to the abundant medical bills of their children with medical conditions. Now although money doesn't solve their child's condition, it does give them a bit of comfort to know they can sleep at night without having to worry about money. Now this charity has been entered into a contest to win $20,000 to help these same families of New Jersey! With $20,000 they will be able to help many more families! So it's up to us to help them win, all you have to do is vote! Please take two minutes out of your day to vote for this deserving charity and if you have any questions just comment and ask away. Please pass this on to anyone you know! Thanks! ♥

here's the link:

http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/550814447-samantha-lorene-calafiore-memorial-fund-inc?src=charity-details-wall-post-self

Click on green “get started” to vote button

Click on the “allow” button

Window will pop up and then click on “like” button for Chase Community Giving

Click on Vote Now Button

To verify your vote has gone through, you have to be on the Chase Community Giving page. Across the top mid part of page it will say…home….search&vote…leaderbaord…CLICK ON LEADERBOARD. Blue tabs will come up and one will say MY VOTES. CLICK ON MY VOTES. Samantha Lorene Calafiore Memorial Fund should show up and have a check mark saying thanks. 

Also can learn about Samantha, her fund and a link to Chase Community is on the homepage: www.samanthafund.com

Thank you so much! Have a happy & safe weekend!

Kickin' It.

Time for Change! This picture is so enlightening and exciting. Perfect for this time in my life.

What an amazing picture from - Shannonpix's Shop - Check it out.

Recently I signed up at CKO Kickboxing for a free week trial. 

CKO KICKBOXING!

Let me just tell you, that even after only taking three classes, I am now ADDICTED to kickboxing. I haven't worked out that hard or sweated that much ever! I used to go to the gym on campus and didn't work out half as much as I do kickboxing. I love the whole instructor telling you exactly what to do, always keeping you moving. At the gym I'd end up taking more water breaks and wondering what I should do, than doing the actual working out. During kickboxing, depending on the instructor, you take a minimum amount of breaks for a few seconds each. The instructors keep you busy by having you punch/kick the bag, push-ups, crunches, sit-ups, jumping jacks, jump rope, and any other exercise to tone not only your arms and legs, but your stomach too! 

I swear by kickboxing. It is the most intense workout I have ever experienced. Although I am extremely sore, I want to keep going! I never went to the gym by myself, but with kickboxing I am all for going by myself. I cannot wait to see my toned body, even after just a week. You're supposed to burn at least 800 calories in the hour long class. 

I intend to sign up for kickboxing when my week is through. Although it's quite expensive at $699.00 a year, there are other packages for three months, each month, 10 weeks, etc. I am willing to spend money on something I know will work. 

I'm also eating healthier!

My New Year's Resolutions # 3. work out more often & eat healthier = more toned & fit .. can be crossed off.

The #6. be more charitable ... is also being worked on. 

Like I've previously said, I will be walking in the March for Dimes [March for Babies]. In April, I will be walking to raise money to support programs in my community that will help mothers not only have healthy, but also full-term pregnancies. For some reason, I feel the need to fundraise, as well as walk for this organization. I just told my family, as well as friends and my boyfriend, and they are backing me up 100%. I'm so thankful. This is going to be a whole new experience for me because I have never ran a marathon or walked for a charity. This is an exciting new chapter in my life, and I feel so very lucky to share this with all of you. 

I also have been signing petitions for animal protection as well as for people, including children. 

This is the website you can use if you want to sign petitions to help too! - The Animal Rescue Site

This is the website you can use if you'd like to donate to the March for Dimes [March for Babies] - MARCH FOR BABIES - DONATE PLEASE! :] 

Please help these great causes, it will be greatly appreciated!