#BEKINDLOVEHARD

A NOTE FROM SOPHIA

United Help Ukraine

United Help Ukraine is a charitable organization dedicated to helping the Ukrainian people affected by Russia’s invasion. They are a grassroots, entirely volunteer-based organization that provides aid to wounded Ukrainian warriors, assistance to their families, and support to internally displaced people.

KAring for KiRSTEN

A Go Fund Me where the money goes directly to the family of a friend I met in college.

“In August of 2017, our daughter discovered she had an aggressive form of Brain Cancer, specifically, a Germinoma. She underwent a craniotomy soon after. She spent 2 weeks in the ICU, and 3 weeks of inpatient rehab. As a result of the procedure, she lost the use of her pituitary and adrenal gland which caused Addison’s disease to occur, as well as diabetes insipidus. She spent 6 months  working with occupational/ physical rehab therapists, and couldn’t drive.

Sadly, at her most recent MRI scan, it was discovered that her tumor had returned, and had doubled within the last 4 months. Following meeting with her team, Surgery is necessary, with another ICU stay, and extensive recovery at home, followed by 6.5 weeks of Chemo/Radiation to hopefully rid her body of this for good.

We are doing our best to be positive for Kirsten, Patrick and the children. We want to raise money for the family to assist in their daily lives. Since Kirsten cannot drive, (the tumor has affected her eyesight and there is risk of seizure) we want to be able to provide her the assistance to obtain transportation (especially to Therapy and Dr. appointments for approx. 6 months), obtain child care for Logan after school until dad gets home as Radiation can be very debilitating. We want to also assist in the mounting medical bills as catastrophic illness can bankrupt the best of families. The Walls have gone from a two person income to a one person as Kirsten was also forced to sell her successful business. It takes a village, and we want to help her, her husband, and Braden and Logan as we begin a new school year and a chance for a possible cure and successful recovery. Thank you, and please share with anyone you think may not see this and would want to help in some way.”

The St. John Providence Hospital Open Arms program

I know how difficult it is to be a grieving child. I have a spot in my heart for the people who dedicate their careers to helping grieving kids. The St. John Providence Hospital Open Arms program, based in Detroit, Michigan, is “a support program that helps children ages three to seventeen years, and their family members, find healthy ways to cope with their feelings of sadness, anger or frustration, and be able to return to their day-to-day activities.”

RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

EARTHWORKS URBAN FARM

The Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Earthworks Urban Farm is a 1.5-acre certified organic farm located on the east side of Detroit. We seek to build a just, beautiful food system through education, inspiration, and community development. As a working study in both social justice and in knowing the origins of the food we eat, Earthworks strives to restore our connection to the environment and community.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

TESTICULAR CANCER AWARENESS FOUNDATION

Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation is compassionately dedicated to raise awareness and educate others about the most common form of cancer in men ages 15-44 and provide lifesaving valuable support for patients, survivors and caregivers

Awareness. . Support. . Survivorship 

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

At Planned Parenthood our mission is to ensure all people have access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures. Founded in 1916, Planned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, educator, and passionate advocate here in the U.S. as well as a strong partner to health and rights organizations around the world. Each year, Planned Parenthood delivers vital sexual and reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people.