Special Friends Day 2012

For the third year in a row, I have volunteered for Special Friends Day at my college, even though I am now a graduate. While Special Friends Day of 2011 held many eye opening interactions with children with special needs, I feel as if I am more inspired and motivated by these children as each year passes. This year, my friend, Mel, who has volunteered with me for the past two years decided to join me once again! We were paired with an adolescent boy this year, instead of an adolescent girl, like we have had for the last two years. We were nervous, and weren't sure what to expect.

During the meeting, we received our paperwork, and noticed that there would be a male volunteer that would join us, and suddenly we felt better about bathroom trips and any other problems that could arise. When we got out of the meeting, we immediately called our special friend's mom, and had a great conversation with her about the day and what we could do to help her son have the best day ever! Mel and I went out to dinner afterwards to catch up and talk further about the upcoming Special Friends Day.

When the day came, we got our shirts to wear, and patiently waited for our special friend to arrive. My anxiety was high because I just wanted the day to start! When we finally did meet our Special Friend, I was more than excited to lead him around the gym and make it the best day ever. The theme this year was Candyland, so we immediately took a picture with the King of Candyland. Afterwards, we did everything from dancing, bouncing around in the ball pit, jumping in the bounce house, doing crafts, and eating lots of pizza, cotton candy, and popcorn! We were told to keep him away from the TV/movie room, so we made sure that he was moving and always smiling! When he didn't want to do something anymore, we moved on! The day ended rather quickly, too quickly if you ask me, and before we knew it our special friend was headed home with his cousin.

I immediately emailed our special friend's mom telling her what he did in detail, including his meet up with a girl from school, who might just have a little crush on him! His mom was so thankful, especially for the pictures that I included, because her son isn't able to talk much and tell her about his day, so she was grateful for the pictures and my detailed email. She said this year the day was run much better than last year and that it was much more organized. Her email made me smile, because even though I knew my special friend had a great time, it was great to see how much it meant to his mom, as well.

Volunteering is something I try to do as often as I can, because I am fortunate enough that I can volunteer, whether it's with Make-A-Wish, volunteering at the hospital, or days like Special Friends Day. I love interacting with children especially, not only because my career goal is to become a Child Life Specialist and it's great to get more experience, but because these children whether they are sick or have special needs, they're still children and they deserve all the laughs and smiles in the world too.

90 Minute CKO Kickboxing Fundraiser

Hurricane Sandy. I'm sure anyone and everyone knows about this hurricane that took many lives and destroyed dozens upon dozens of houses, especially houses on the New Jersey coast. It also destroyed our shore... it's sad, not only for the people who lost everything, but for those who spent their summers down the shore and turned moments into memories. We can no longer go "dts," at least not yet - clean up will take months.

While I wasn't greatly affected, I know others who were - those who lost their home, including everything in it... a home that now has to be demolished and built back up again, those who lost power for 7+ days, and those who simply lost a tree in their front yard. I provided my house as a safe haven for others to come and charge up, to chat and enjoy a healthy lunch, and to sleep when their house got too cold.

I wanted to do more though, much more. While I'd love to volunteer to clean up the shores, they aren't accepting too many volunteers, at least not yet. Instead they are asking that people donate money and supplies to help those in need. As soon as CKO Kickboxing announced that they'd be holding a fundraiser challenge, I signed up immediately. Those that signed up would donate $20, which would go to the Red Cross and participate in a 90 minute kickboxing challenge. They were also collecting supplies ranging from socks to toothpaste! Aside from the money, I had a couple of extra gallons of bleach and donated that, because I figured that during the clean up, it might be necessary to have. I also recruited my mom and my friend to join.

We arrived early that morning and claimed our bags, three in a row. We also began to stretch, and before you knew it we were faced with the 90 minute challenge of kickboxing! There were 6 trainers who took their turns pushing us to our limits, and I must admit it was intense, but well worth the sweat. I just kept thinking about all of the people that lost everything and that only made me punch and kick harder. I love kickboxing, so I loved the challenge, and it was great doing it with people I care about. We made it, though sweaty, we had finished!

I found out later that day that we had raised $6,000 to support Sandy Relief efforts and had collected a few tons of supplies. I couldn't have been any prouder at that moment, to realize that I had helped... no matter how bad I busted up my knuckles!

Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes 2012

A few weeks ago I volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Walk for Wishes, a nation-wide fundraising event (though mine was specifically in NJ), in which proceeds support the Make-A-Wish wish granting mission so that every medically-eligible child in NJ can experience the magic of having a dream come true. The walk/5K was at Liberty State Park in Jersey City and the day could not have been any more beautiful, even though it was super cold.

They asked if any of the volunteers could bring family members to help, so I recruited my mom and brother; however, when that day came it was only my mom and I who headed to the park, because my brother was sick. We bundled up and when we arrived, we were immediately given our jobs - I was in charge of signing people in to the walk and my mom was in charge of handing out shirts. It was packed, and I couldn't believe the turnout. Eventually we were told to go down the path of the 5K run & walk to help guide people along, as well as separate the runners and the walkers so that no one was running into each other. When the runners were on their way back, I was clapping and encouraging them with motivating words. The most inspirational, memorable quote I heard that day was from a group of young girls running together and one girl goes to her friends, "come on girls, think of the kids." It just amazes me how some young individuals care so much. I get the chills any time I think of that, and it will definitely push me when I run in my 5K. It should push all of you to do your best everyday, because you can.

It was one morning out of our busy days that we took to help others. The North Jersey Walk/5K raised over $53,795! After the run and walk were over they handed out awards and played tons of music, while everyone refueled with water. If I hadn't volunteered, I would have definitely signed up for the 5K myself because not only am I training for one now, but I would've been able to help raise money for Make-A-Wish, an organization that I hold close to my heart.

Afterwards, my mom and I grabbed lunch, but not before taking in the scenery and the incredible views. We even had the chance to see the Empty Sky New Jersey September 11th Memorial, which was absolutely breathtaking.

We then decided to go to a wine-tasting, and eventually dinner with my brother. The day was perfect. We were able to help others, and spend time together. I will definitely be taking part in this incredible fundraising event next year.

[via instagram: kristynnicole1]

Walking Down Sesame Street

A few days after my first graduation, I had signed up to attend the The Todd Ouida Children’s Foundation Annual Conference – Strengthening the Supports: Enriching the “Everyday Leaders” Who Support the Mental Health and Well-Being of Infants, Children and Families at MSU. It was only about $30.00 for students, so I decided to attend because some of the sessions seemed interesting. When I was talking to my friends on campus, they told me that they were volunteering to help out a former professor we had, and that I should too. I wasn't sure they'd refund me the money, but when I asked - they were happy to have someone else volunteering.

I was nervous I wouldn't get to listen to the speakers, but I helped out during the beginning and during the breaks, and I was still able to learn a great deal about children and the helping professions.

Now I'm sure you're wondering what this has to do with Sesame Street right? Well, Bob McGrath, the music man on Sesame Street was at this Conference! Can you believe it!? I hadn't known at that time that Bob McGrath was Bob, but when I found out I was ecstatic, because I was such a huge fan of Sesame Street when I was a little girl. During his presentation, the audience grew quite and truly listened to what this man had to say. He's not just the music man, but he's a powerful individual that advocates for children everywhere. He told us that music is an extremely helpful agent when helping children learn.

At one point he asked for volunteers to come on stage and sing with him, as well as play instruments, which of course I did. He also included the audience in singing one of his songs, one we all know from Sesame Street.

During the break he was selling his CDS and books, so I decided to buy one because he was signing each and everyone that someone bought. I, along with the other volunteers, helped him during this time, because it was a lot for just one individual to deal with. At the end, he gave us a free CD, and signed it! So I ended up with two of his greatest CDS, and I proudly set them on my desk.

[instagram photo]

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. 

Special Friends Day 2011

Special Friends Day. A day when students volunteer at my college, in the recreation center, to be a child's,  friend for the day, participating in activities and games all day. These children are special, though they have a disability, it is necessary for them to be able to play and enjoy the same activities just like any other child would!

Last year, I participated in this amazing opportunity with my friend from another college, and we had such an eye opening experience, that we knew we needed to do it again this year. I must admit, this year was even even more intense, because our buddy couldn't speak her needs, like the buddy we had the year prior. She would repeat whatever she had heard last, and although she was extremely capable of physical motions and movements, her mental capacity was quite low.

What amazed me was the strength her father had, having two children who were disabled, though one more than the other. I can't imagine how I would handle the situation, but I know that I won't ever know unless I am put in that position. I give these parents and families more credit after volunteering for two years in a row, because it was stressful for me ... not knowing what she wanted, how to make her have the best day, or even when she needed to go to the bathroom.

I wish I could do it next year as well as years to come, but I am graduating in May, and therefore, won't be able to. I do hope that other individuals get involved though, because it's not only eye opening, but it's memorable. I will always remember my two buddies, and think of all they need to go through and battle against in the years to come.