The Home For Little Wanderer's "Holiday Gift Drive"

Holiday Gift Drive: Big Wishes for Little Wanderers Start thinking about the 2008 Holiday Season and Helping
Kids in Need!

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_big_wishes

Help The Home for Little Wanderers make holiday wishes come true for the thousands of children and families in our care by participating in our "Big Wishes for Little Wanderers" gift drive.

http://www.giftdrive-thehome.org/

There are several ways to give a gift to a child in need this holiday season:

Select a gift from a child's wish list using our easy and fun Wish List tool. Then go out and purchase the gift and deliver to one of our drop-off sites.

http://www.giftdrive-thehome.org/donor.php

View a list of general gift ideas that are always popular with our children and families. New, unwrapped gifts can be delivered to any of our drop-off locations.

http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_big_wishes_giftideas


Don’t have time to deliver a gift? Purchase a gift online and have it shipped directly to the Toy Room for free!

http://www.bigwishesforlittlewanderers.com/

"Our greatest need is gifts for teenagers. Please consider donating a gift for an older child. Gift cards are especially popular".

Double the value of your donation by participating in our Gift Card Challenge. Bernie & Phyl's Furniture and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares will match - dollar for dollar - donated gift cards.


http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_big_wishes_gift_card_challenge

The Home for Little Wanderers, the nation's oldest child and family service agency, needs your help in making holiday wishes come true for children and families in need. Stop by the Toy Room November 25 through December 23, 2008 to drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift card. Can't make it in person? Visit www.thehome.org/bigwishes to find out how you can have a present shipped to the Toy Room. Information on children's wish lists, how to "adopt a family" and community drop-off locations is also online. Cash donations are also welcome. Visit thehome.org for additional information about The Home for Little Wanderers.

Start Time: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 10:00am
End Time: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 12:00pm
Location: The Toy Room at The Home for Little Wanderers, Knight Children's Center
Street: 161 South Huntington Ave.
City/Town: Jamaica Plain, MA
View MapGoogleMapQuestMicrosoftYahoo
Contact Info Phone: 8884663321
Email: www.thehome.org

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=161+South+Huntington+Ave.%2C+Jamaica+Plain%2C+MA
PLEASE NOTE:

All gifts should be left unwrapped.
Please deliver gifts as early as possible, preferably during the first two weeks of December. All "wish list" gifts should be delivered by Thursday, December 18.
The Home only accepts new items during the holiday season.
Please be careful to avoid the following toys that have recently been recalled.
Donation Receipt Form:

If you wish to receive an acknowledgment for your donation please print this form and bring it to a drop-off site with your gift(s).
Donation Receipt Form

THANK YOU on behalf of the children, families and staff members at The Home for Little Wanderers, thank you to everyone who participated in the 2007 "Big Wishes for Little Wanderers" gift drive, helping to provide gifts for thousands of children and families. ...

If you have any questions or comments, please contact

Jamille Benson at jbenson@thehome.org

Heather MacFarlane at hmacfarlane@thehome.org

Annual Mammogram Pays OFF!

National Mammography Day is October 17th

“Mammography plays a critical part in diagnosing breast cancer. In the past, we'd often find that a woman had breast cancer when she came in with a lump. Today, the cancers radiologists find on mammography are usually detected early, before they can be felt by the patient, are smaller than cancers felt by patients, and have much lower levels of lymph node involvement.” Susan Greenstein Orel M.D.

I recieved my yearly mammogram in October and I filled out a little card and my health insurance provider sent me a $25.00 Gift Card to Shaws Super Market - to celebrate October 17th which is National Mammography Day!. So literally my breast exam paid off!!

But seriously Ladies please remember to make sure you get your yearly mammogram. Don't wait until it is too late - early detection can help save your life!.

See more below.
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http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/mammograms/

4 Important Things to Know About Mammograms

1. They can save your life. Finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25 - 30% or more. Women should begin having mammograms yearly at age 40, or earlier if they're at high risk.

2. Don't be afraid. It's a fast procedure (about 5 - 10 minutes), and discomfort is minimal. The procedure is safe: there's only a very tiny amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram. To relieve the anxiety of waiting for results, go to a center that will give you results before you leave.

3. Get the best quality you can. If you have dense breasts or are under age 50, try to get a digital mammogram.

o Bring your old mammogram films with you for comparison.
o Have more than one radiologist read your study.
o Ask if your center has CAD—computer aided detection—which calls the radiologist's attention to any possible areas of concern.
o Make sure the doctor who referred you for the mammogram includes an explicit note when ordering the study (providing clinical correlations—e.g. "palpable mass in the upper outer quadrant, rule out abnormality").
o Correlate your results with other tests you've had done, like ultrasound or MRI.
o Discuss your family history of breast and other cancers—from both your mother's AND father's side—with your doctor.

4. It is our most powerful breast cancer detection tool. However, mammograms can still miss 15—20% of breast cancers that are simply not visible using this technique. Other important tools—such as breast self-exam, clinical breast examination, ultrasound, and MRI—can and should be used as complementary tools, but there are no substitutes or replacements for a mammogram. —Marisa Weiss, M.D.

-----------------
When to get a mammogram

There's a lot of confusion out there about when and how often to get a mammogram. For now, the recommendation is that women get a mammogram once a year, beginning at age 40. If you're at high risk for breast cancer, with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have had radiation treatment to the chest in the past, it's recommended that you start having annual mammograms at a younger age (often beginning around age 30). This, however, is something that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.

----------
Mammography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammography

Mammography is the process of using low-dose X-rays (usually around 0.7 mSv) to examine the human breast. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses and/or microcalcifications. Mammography is believed to reduce mortality from breast cancer. No other imaging technique has been shown to reduce risk, but breast self-examination (BSE) and physician examination are considered essential parts of regular breast care.

In many countries routine mammography of older women is encouraged as a screening method to diagnose early breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening mammography, with or without clinical breast examination, every 1-2 years for women aged 40 and older.[1]

Like all x-rays, mammograms use doses of ionizing radiation to create images. Radiologists then analyze the image for any abnormal findings. It is normal to use longer wavelength X-rays (typically Mo-K) than those used for radiography of bones.
At this time, mammography along with physical breast examination is the modality of choice for screening for early breast cancer. Ultrasound, ductography, and magnetic resonance imaging are adjuncts to mammography. Ultrasound is typically used for further evaluation of masses found on mammography or palpable masses not seen on mammograms. Ductograms are still used in some institutions for evaluation of bloody nipple discharge when the mammogram is non-diagnostic. MRI can be useful for further evaluation of questionable findings as well as for screening pre-surgical evaluation in patients with known breast cancer to detect any additional lesions that might change the surgical approach, for instance from breast-conserving lumpectomy to mastectomy. New procedures, not yet approved for use in the general public, including breast tomosynthesis may offer benefits in years to come.

Mammography has a false-negative (missed cancer) rate of at least 10 percent. This is partly due to dense tissues obscuring the cancer and the fact that the appearance of cancer on mammograms has a large overlap with the appearance of normal tissues.

"This is OUR fight together"

"People who do not understand lupus do not have an idea of what I deal with each day. There are thousands of people living in pain daily". " I want to raise money, awareness, and understanding. I don’t want people to live with the shame that I did for many years wanting to hide it. My skin is not flawless, my scars are many, but my resolve is unbreakable. I want to bring hope to the lives of those that know what it is really like to have a “good” day. As the awareness grows the quality of life for many people will mean many more “good” days and better yet restful nights. In a world of limited resources we have to fight for our piece of the pie". "I lost a friend of mine who was 28 and died blind and in a wheelchair with lupus. If I can help prevent things like that through my voice, it would be a blessing and an honor". 2008 WCPS LaShunda Rundles, Living with Lupus

I just spoke with Sonja and she informed me that LaShunda is doing well and is alert - she even said "Bring me my Mail"! She is very thankful to the many well wishes around the globe!

Sonja informed me that there will be "a surgery tomorrow which will be to connect the intestine tissues and possibly two more after that - they do not want to close her up until they are sure how things are".

Sonja shared that LaShunda told her doctor "I would not be here today if it wasn;t her (Sonja) she won;t let me give up - she is my best friend". Sonya confirms this and says "This is OUR (Sonya and LaShunda)fight together" - "That;s why I am here".

-----------------------

My Webmaster Frank Storey who is also the D31 and Region Vii Webmaster frank@karenstorey.com sent me news from Past International President, Pauline Shirley, DTM

Pauline Shirley wrote:

I visited her on Wednesday. She was awake. Her doctor wants her to
build up the nutrition so they can go in and piece back together the
three pieces of remaining intestine - each 6, 8 and 12 inches long.
She will remain on a nutrition solution - TMP - the rest of her life -
and not be able to ingest anything by mouth.

Then Wednesday night they had to take her in to emergency surgery for
hemorrhaging. Evidently that went well. So back to the previous plan.

She's a fighter.

Pauline

Pauline Shirley*
LEADERS ON FIRE
www.PaulineShirley.com*
Keynotes, Leadership Training, Breakout Sessions and Coaching*
972/644-6430 Office*
214/450-6075 Cell*
ps@paulineshirley.com

------------

This is from my friend Dennis Folkas in New Jersey from District 53 - he is the Region Vii Videographer.

Hi Sherri,

Hope LaShunda is doing good,

Just a thought... we have a great organization here in NJ called

http://friendshealthconnection.com/
was started by Roxanne Black while going to Rutgers,
she had Lupus and she created a network where one can find a friend that
has the same condition and they can help each other,
Quite a story, If you have LaShundras email
I think her and Roxanne should know each other,
I am sure Roxanne would love to have her speak
at her organization if she is ever in the NYC area.
(she had some great speakers in the past!!!)

I know Roxanne for years, (her Mother was Albert Einstein nurse!!) she has done a lot of good with the Lupus organization,

BTW I did see LaShunda's speech WOW what a speech!!!!

Regards Dennis

Dennisfokas@cs.com

-------------------

FHC Founder & Executive Director
Roxanne Black-Weisheit

http://friendshealthconnection.com/aboutfhc/aboutourfounder.html

Speakers Bureau

http://www.fhcspeakers.org/


------------

Read more about 2008 WCPS LaShunda Rundles interview on the Six Minutes Publis Speaking Blog

http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/2008/09/10/lashunda-rundles-2008-world-champion-public-speaking/#more-534

contact
dlugan@gmail.com

-----------------

Lupus Foundation of America
http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html

"Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys".


===========

KEEP THE FAITH!!

2010 Palm Desert California - JW Marriott

New Toastmasters International Convention Site for 2010!
http://www.desertspringsresort.com/

Nearly two years ago, in February 2007, Toastmasters International's Board of Directors selected Sydney, Australia, as the site of the 2010 International Convention. At that time, this was the right decision for the organization. However, the recent global financial crisis and economic downturn have caused the organization to re-evaluate that decision.

After extensive financial analysis, taking into consideration the negative impact those economic influences have on the meetings, convention and travel industries, Toastmasters International has determined that conducting an International Convention in Sydney, Australia, would not be financially responsible at this time. As a result, the venue of the 2010 International Convention has been changed to the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, California - a property that has previously hosted two very successful Conventions in 1989 and 1998.

What does this mean for future Conventions held outside North America? World Headquarters staff will continue to assess that possibility and will provide the Board of Directors information allowing them to make a decision that is right for the organization and right for its members.

International President Jana Barnhill, in her Viewpoint article in this month's issue, says, "While we fully acknowledge that many of our members will be disappointed, we could not ignore our primary responsibility to be prudent with your funds." In addition she points out: "We appreciate all the efforts of Elizabeth Wilson, the Host District 70 Chair, and the work her team has already done to prepare for a Convention in Australia. I hope they, and all of our members, understand that this was not an easy decision."

"Toastmasters International's Board of Directors and World Headquarters staff care deeply about the needs of the organization's 235,000 members around the world and they take their responsibility toward them very seriously," says Toastmasters Executive Director Daniel Rex. "This was not an easy decision to make, but it is one that ultimately will benefit the interests of all members."

The Convention is an opportunity for men and women of all walks of life, career paths and educational interests to gather for an extraordinary experience. Meeting other Toastmasters from around the world, making new friends, reconnecting with existing friends and taking part in a superior educational program are hallmarks of a successful Convention.

With your understanding and support, we hope you will continue to make plans to join your fellow Toastmasters at the 79th Annual International Convention at Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, California - August 11-14, 2010.

Too read this go to this link on the Toastmasters International Website - Thursday November 13, 2008

http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/News/Announcements/NewConventionSite.aspx


Toastmaster friends I was on the 2010 Volunteer Committee for Elizabeth Wilson, DTM and this is part of the gracious note she sent to us.

"To those of you who took on the roles of Team Leaders, I appreciated your enthusiasm and dedication. It was great working with you even for a short time. Thanks you for your support".

"Naturally, like me, I am sure you will be disappointed and feel a little let-down. However, may I ask each and every one of you to channel the enthusiasm that you showed for the Convention into making your club, your District and yourself the best you possibly can".

"I am a great believer that sometimes adversity happens for the best and that as one door closes another one will open. May your Toastmasters doors open wide. Please enjoy our wonderful organisation and help it to build and grow".

Elizabeth Wilson, DTM, 2010 District 70 Host District Chairman

-----

Has this ever happened to YOU - unexpected news of a change of venue? How did you handle it? How did YOU as a leader continue to motivate YOUR teams while supporting the decisions from the top?

Bravo Elizabeth YOU are showing great sportsmanship and leadership!

I am sure Elizabeth would love to recieve an email of support from you!
2010hdc@d70toastmasters.org

Toastmasters 2010 International Convention - Change of Venue!

This just in from Toastmasters International - Executive Director, Dan Rex!!

From: DRex@toastmasters.org
Sent: 12-Nov-2008 16:08:48 PST
Subject: Toastmasters 2010 International Convention

Dear District Governors and Lt. Governors,

I write to you today to announce a change in location for the 2010 International Convention.

World Headquarters recently conducted an extensive Convention analysis, taking into account the global financial crisis and economic downturn, as well as the overall increased costs associated with holding the Convention in Sydney. This led to a realization and decision that it would not be fiscally responsible to hold the 2010 Convention in Sydney, Australia. The new site for the 2010 Convention is Palm Desert, California. We hope you will join us and many of your fellow Toastmasters there!

We realize this will be a disappointment to many of our members, especially those in Host District 70, led by Elizabeth Wilson, whom we thank for the planning and work they have already done.

Many Toastmasters saw the 2010 Convention in Sydney as a landmark in our history, a demonstration of the truly global nature of our organization. As we continue to stretch into more than 92 countries around the world, I can assure you that our global roots are deep. We will continue to evaluate sites worldwide as potential locations for a future International
Convention and look forward to holding an “international” Convention as soon as the time is right.

This was not an easy decision to make, but it is one that will ultimately benefit the interests of all members. Our primary responsibility at this time is to be prudent guardians of the organization’s funds.

We appreciate your understanding and support.

Best regards,


Dan

-------------------
Daniel Rex
Executive Director
Toastmasters International
drex@toastmasters.org / www.toastmasters.org
P: 949 858 8255 F: 949 459 2466

God Bless the USA

Click this link to see the video and hear the song God Bless the USA by Lee Green

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q65KZIqay4E

President Eisenhower signs HR7786, officially changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them". John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave". Elmer Davis

"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you". Dick Cheney

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 12, 1919. The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting the President issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday; "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

In 1953, an Emporia, Kansas, shoe store owner named Al King had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. King had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. He began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All" Veterans Day. The Emporia Chamber of Commerce took up the cause after determining that 90% of Emporia merchants as well as the Board of Education supported closing their doors on November 11, 1953, to honor veterans. With the help of then-U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, also from Emporia, a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.[3]

Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with Veterans, and it has been known as Veterans Day since.[4][5]

Thank you to those of you who have, did, or will serve!

----------

VETERAN'S DAY

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave, and if it occurs Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be so designated.[1] It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

The holiday is commonly printed as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements. While these spellings are grammatically acceptable, the United States government has declared that the attributive (no apostrophe) rather than the possessive case is the official spelling.[2]

Sonya says: "LaShunda's Gonna Make It"

"This is truly a miracle...The Power of Prayer and Love Around the World", Sonya Rundles, sister of the 2008 World Champ.

Sonya informed me this evening that "the doctors found another six inches, another nine inches and another 12 inches of intestines to work with".

This is great news and there will be another surgery either this friday or monday to see if they can connect these intestines together.

LaShunda is still on the fluids, antibiotics and protiens and having her awake is a true miracle she will be able to eat small portions of regular food - but will still need to use the TPN.

Sonya shared that LaShundra raised her arms above her head and drew a circle and said "you're my angle" to her sister.

Sonya sure IS an angel and a CHAMPION SISTER!

Keep those prayers coming!

-----------

INTESTINE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intestine

In anatomy, the intestine is the segment of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consists of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine. In humans, the small intestine is further subdivided into the duodenum, jejunum and ileum while the large intestine is subdivided into the cecum and colon.[1]