Every nine minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that causes tremors; slowness of movement and speech; and impaired balance and coordination.  More Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease than with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and ALS combined. {facts about Parkinson’s}  Thankfully there is a wonderful nonprofit organization, Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society {DAPS}, that is dedicated to impacting and improving the lives of those affected by this disease.  See more images & video… [Read more…]

CHD stands for Congenital Heart Defect and each year, about 1 out of every 100 babies are born with some type of CHD in the U.S.  That’s one baby every 15 minutes.  It’s the most common birth defect worldwide and the leading cause of infant death in the U.S.  It’s a proven fact that the earlier CHD is detected and treated, it is more likely the affected child will survive and have less long term health complications.  Because of this, awareness and funding for CHDs is vital and an important mission.  See more images & learn more about this event…  [Read more…]

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas {RMHD} exists to serve and sustain families when serious illness or injury strikes the most cherished part of their lives, their children. They are the only organization that provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious illness or injury at a Dallas area hospital. The RMHD program was built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal, or where they will lay their head at night to rest. See more images, be inspired…  [Read more…]

Did you know that on average, 2 out of 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime?  In 2012 alone, 10,322 people died in drunk driving crashes – that’s one person every 51 minutes.  However, in the United States, the number of drunk driving deaths has been cut in half since Mothers Against Drunk Driving {MADD} was founded in 1980. To date, MADD’s work has saved 300,000 lives…and counting.

I recently had the honor of attending a Walk Like MADD kick-off event at their corporate headquarters to learn more about their upcoming walk in Dallas and hear Jonathan’s story of how drunk driving changed his life forever. Read Jonathan’s story, see his video & view more images from this event…
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He’s strong.  He’s brave.  He’s Liam and this is his story… Liam was diagnosed with a tumor in his medulla when he was just 10 months old.  It was discovered incidentally due to a mis-measurement at his pediatrician’s office, where his head appeared to have grown too fast.  He also had, what we know now, was a simple lazy eye.  The combination of the head growth and lazy eye lead us to our first MRI and the discovery of his brain tumor on May 20, 2013.  Be inspired.  See Liam’s video & more images…  [Read more…]

Although all of their stories are different, they all have one thing in common.  They all live with Congenital Heart Defects {CHD} and we don’t call them Heart Warriors for nothing.  Each of them has had at least one open heart surgery with many of them having two or three, not to mention countless other surgeries and ongoing treatments to help keep them healthy.  You would never know by simply looking at them… they are all strong, beautiful and brave.  I was so touched by all of their stories and I know you will be too.  Be inspired & see more images…  [Read more…]

Hari Mari is passionate about giving back and making flip flops that look as good as they feel, both on your feet and in your heart.  $3 of every pair purchased help kids battling cancer secure treatments vital to their recovery.   [Read more…]

If the glass slipper fits… wear it.  And this brave little princess does it well.  Shelby lives with multiple Congenital Heart Defects but you would never know by looking at her.  This beautiful 5 year old heart warrior is full of joy and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to princesses and Disney.  Her smile is contagious and you can’t help but have a good time when you’re around her.  Shelby is truly an inspiration and doesn’t let anything slow her down.  This is her story… see more images…   [Read more…]

Like beards?  And babies?  Well then, meet Courtney & DJ… this is their story of international adoption and how they are creatively raising funds through their beard-a-thon, A Beard for A Baby.    [Read more…]

This is The Barnes Family and they are on a very important mission to STRIKEoutDiabetes!  Chris and Lynda Barnes are championship professional bowlers and parents of twin boys Ryan and Troy.  In 2008, Troy was suddenly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas (warning signs of T1D).  When the beta cells are destroyed, no insulin can be produced, and the glucose stays in the blood, where it can cause serious damage to all the organ systems of the body.  There is no cure for T1D.   [Read more…]