Stacey's Voice

I first met Stacey several years ago when she designed her own children's clothing line called Bloom Love.  While Stacey was styling some of the cutest kids in Hollywood, my friend and I were looking to pitch a show called "Baby Chic".  Nothing came of the show, and eventually Stacey stopped designing her clothing.  Lucky me, when my daughters were born, I got some leftover samples.  She's so talented, and I was excited to hear about her newest venture, Warm Giving.  No more feeling guilty about shopping!  Stacey's voice will inspire you.

In Memory of My Sister

By Stacey Kohl

When my brother and I were very young, ten and eleven, we lost our sister at the age of twelve to polycystic kidney disease. She was the youngest participant to have a double kidney transplant, and unfortunately, her organs just couldn't handle it.  She ultimately passed away from a heart attack. 

Growing up, I always knew that when I could, I would donate my time and money to the Kidney Foundation.  When I started my first business, Bloomlove, a children’s clothing company, I donated 10% of my proceeds to The Painted Turtle Camps. These camps are where my sister loved to go.  A place where all of the children could feel normal and equal despite their disease.

I soon became a board member of the Southern California Kidney Foundation, and that led me to become a board member of The Lopez Foundation, a wonderful foundation that supports The Painted Turtle Camp, and awareness of Kidney disease and organ donation.

Soon I realized this was not enough. I realized that there are many causes that need support. Children all over are in need, woman are in need, men are in need. It seemed to me, that I could help many different people in need.  So my brother and I came up with an idea to support a variety of charities, and Warm Giving was created.

We hope that buyers feel warm knowing they are getting a great product or service, while at the same time helping people in need.  And it seems to be working. Feel the warmth. Change the world.

Amber's Voice

You can find inspiration everywhere, even at a topless show!  I first met Amber when I went to the opening of Fantasy.  It's a topless review in Las Vegas where beautiful women get on stage and perform different fantasies, in a tasteful, sexy and fun way.  These women can dance, and they have amazing bodies so yes I'll admit it, I'm a little jealous!  I met Amber again in a television hosting class we were both taking with Marki Costello.  We were talking one day and she opened up about how she constantly felt judged for following her heart and pursuing her passion for dance.  Thanks for inspiring us Amber!

Follow Your Heart and You Can Never Go Wrong

By Amber Strauser

What frustrates me, is society encourages children to play sports or participate in the arts all the way from childhood to high school, but when senior year is over, society only supports the student to go to college so "you can get a real job."  First of all, in the dictionary job reads "a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price."  Whether it is filing in an office, searing fish at the five star restaurant or dancing in a topless show...  It's a job!  I dance in a choreographed topless show in Vegas and I love it!  Sure people judge me, but really they are judging me because they are inflicted and frustrated at themselves for suppressing their own reflection that they see in me.  I am a woman.  I am a sensual being.  And I embrace this truth, and hopefully inspire others or at the very least entertain them.  When I am performing onstage in Vegas, it's as if I am living one of the many characters within me; I really like this character.  It is tough performing the same show night after night so you have to keep it alive within yourself otherwise you will look dead even though you are marking movement.   I love the freedom of expression that dance and acting allow.  I like that I get to share my gift with the world.  I love that in my line of work, I take others out of his/her everyday lifestyle and bring them into my artistic world.  I am proud of myself for believing that I could and have made my dreams my reality! Follow your heart and you can never go wrong.  As long as you are living truthfully from within, you will be rich in happiness.  Remember, you have to do something in life, so it might as well be something you love; it is a choice!

Julie's and Kim's Voices

I volunteer for the American Heart Association 2020 Task Force which consists of a wonderful group of women on a mission to bring awareness to the disease.  So when one of the volunteers sent me Julie's email, I was expecting a heart related story.  Instead, I was immediately struck by Julie's touching words.  Her son suffers from mental illness and the diagnosis was devastating.  Her best friend, Kim Carnes, sang one of my favorite songs of the 80s, "Bette Davis Eyes".  The singer/ songwriter also wrote a song for Chris.  This story of friendship and motherhood will touch your heart.  I'm inspired by Julie and Kim.

Photo of Julie and her son Chris taken July 31, 2011

A Mother's Story of Mental Illness

By Julie Chandler

When my son, Christopher was growing up, he was the happiest, sweetest and most fun loving child I could have ever hoped for.  He was easy, funny and there was no indication of what was to happen when he turned 21.  Within a 3 month period, Chris changed from a normal, responsible person to a frightened, unhappy and different one.  He was diagnosed at UCLA as having a mental illness.  Naturally, as his Mother I was devastated.  Of all the things I worried about that could happen to a growing young man, this was absolutely the last thing I could have imagined or expected.

One of my dearest life long friends is singer- songwriter Kim Carnes.  We shared many happy times together sharing dinners, celebrations and vacations.  Kim knew Chris when he was just 3 years old and watched him grow up!  She spent endless hours listening while I expressed my fears and sadness.  I remember well, telling her that I expected to never ever smile or laugh again.  

Being the sensitive and creative person she is, she was inspired to write a song about Chris.  She even incorporated some of his poetry into the song, recorded it and put it on her album.  The song is called "Where is the Boy (Chris Song)". 

Over the years, Chris has been up and down with his illness.  I became involved with a wonderful group called NAMI (National Alliance of Mentally Ill).  I would strongly urge anyone who has a loved one suffering from a mental illness to contact them.  They saved both me and my son with their enormous support, information and guidance.  1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental illness in their lifetime.  That is quite a statistic and you never know how or when it will manifest itself.

I have often said that my son has "lost his life" and my expectations for him have been lowered to just hoping that he will stay alive and find some joy and richness in his everyday life.  I have learned I can laugh again in life and so can he.  In fact, just 2 days ago, when I played the song for him he broke into a small laugh, remembering how touched we were when Kim had us listen to it for the first time.  Click here and press play to hear "Where is the Boy (Chris Song)".

(June 16, 2010 - Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images North America) 

Inspiring "Where is the Boy"

By Kim Carnes

I first met Chris when he was three years old.  He was a beautiful, precious child.  Chris is the son of one of my closest friends, Julie, so I watched him as he was growing up turning into a smart, funny, confident young man.  One day, all that changed.  The Chris we knew disappeared.  One day, after Chris had been staying at UCLA, Julie called and described what it was like to pick up a very scared, confused boy...  That phone call is fresh in my mind today, and caused me to go to my piano, and write "Where is The Boy (Chris's Song)".  I imagined what he must have felt.  Out into the world after his stay in the hospital, and remembered some of Chris's own words, describing how he was feeling.  These writings of Chris's were discovered by his Mom during his first hospital stay.  No one ever knew what a gifted writer and artist Chris was.  He never showed his work to anyone.  Julie shared them with me, and I knew his voice had to be heard.  The song, "Where is the Boy (Chris's Song)" poured out of me in one sitting at the piano.  "He's yours he's mine, another child of the times, we've gotta help him through."  Click here and press play to hear "Where is the Boy (Chris Song)".

In Memory of Joe...

Thanks to Jodi for emailing me this photo of her and Joe!  It's exactly how I remember him senior year.

I couldn't sleep last night.  I figured after a fun dinner out with another couple, my high school newsletter would do the trick...  Instead, half way through I sat up in bed and gasped!  Every thought went through my mind.  Are you sure this is for real?  Hadn't I searched his name on Facebook when I was checking up on all those past loves (yeah I'll admit it, and I'm sure my husband will too!!)?  How could this be possible?  Joe Terrasi, my hot carpool driver that became my love interest for a brief period in high school was dead!  I spent an entire year dreaming about that guy.  While I have a feeling he was more interested in his BMW than in me, there was just something about Joe that took my breath away.  He was older, cute and he wore black gloves while driving.  All things that are very important when you're in high school!  Even though he drove like we were on a race course, I was never scared.  Joe always made me feel safe. 

Last year when eliminating clutter from my life, I came across an ethereal rectangular glass jewelry box with a painting of an angel.   Over the years, the silver butterfly broke off and there was a small chip in te glass.  I remember looking at that box and thinking of the moment Joe gave it to me, and how my heart dropped.  Last night I envisioned that box and thought about the fun and crazy memories I shared with Joe.  Then I thought about how grateful I am.  In this amazing game of life, I was given a second and third chance.  The doctors didn't know if my heart failure would improve when I was initially diagnosed.  Then I was dealt another blow after my first daughter was born.  But I survived.   Joe, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky.  He died of thymic cancer at 34 years old.

If you need a wake up call, there it is right in front of you.  You never know what life has in store for you.  So stop living just to pass time.  I challenge you to try something you always wanted.  Be adventurous and leave work on time, start writing that children's book you've been talking about for years, call up a past love and say hi.  I've always wanted to drive a race car... Without getting a speeding ticket!  It's the perfect tribute to Joe.  Anyone know of a good race track or where I can find a pair of racing gloves?  Thanks for the memories Joe!!

Meredith's Voice

Last week we got the cutest cocodot invite for a 3 year old Milk + Bookies birthday party.  What a cute name and great idea... I had to learn more!  I immediately headed to the Milk + Bookies website.  Meredith Alexander and her partners are not only inspiring parents, but they're teaching young "future philanthropists" the importance of giving. 

Read!  Give!  Grow!

By Meredith Alexander

As a new mom, I didn't want to spend EVERY weekend going to birthday parties and soccer games with my kids.  I was hungry for meaningful experiences with my small children, experiences that would reinforce the values that our family feels strongly about (like giving back and reading).

In 2004, I decided it would be fun to throw a party, which I named "Milk + Bookies", at the local children's bookstore, Storyopolis, and invite all our friends with kids.  Once there, we asked the kids to choose a book that they would want to give to a local child without any bedtime stories.  We then asked the young guests to inscribe a bookplate (most of the kids could only scribble with a crayon), stick it in the book and then drop that book into a box for a local recipient group.  

We had milk and cookies and story readings - it was fantastic!  When the check out line had a 30 minute wait to buy books, I knew I was on to something and that other families were looking for theses kinds of experiences as well.

Zoom ahead four years.  After hosting Milk + Bookies parties biannually, I knew it was time to grow.  I brought on two of my smartest friends, Laura Zimmerman and Heidi Lindelof.  Luckily for me, they had no idea what we were getting in to so they said yes to sitting on the Board of Directors.  We applied for a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt statues, built a website, created models for birthday parties, class projects and book fairs.  Then, we went national!

The Milk + Bookies mission is to recreate the experience (choosing, inscribing and giving) as much as possible so that kids get switched on the amazing power of giving and how great it makes them feel.  We hope that it will set them on a path to a life of giving/ helping/ sharing in ALL ways.  The exciting by-product of our movement is getting thousands of books into the hands of kids who really want (and need) them.  

To date, we have raised over 20,000 books and inspired over 4,000 young "future philanthropists".

Read!  Give!  Grow!

Toby's Voice

One of my best friends Gina is the sweetest woman in the world.  She connected me with her mother in law, Toby Katz, who writes a column for the Parkinson's Disease Research Society.  Toby was diagnosed with Parkinson's about four years ago.  Her voice inspires patients throughout the country!  She wants to be a sounding board for patients to share their feelings, concerns, experiences and fears.  Her voice is so strong that it relates to everyone undergoing a difficult time.  Enjoy Toby's voice!

Tell Me How You Really Feel

By Toby Katz

Hi, my name is Toby Katz and I am a Parkinson's patient...  I am very lucky.  my symptoms are very mild, just a tremor in my right arm and leg and muscle spasms in my shoulders.  On a good day you probably wouldn't know that I suffer from Parkinson's, but as Parkinson's patients, we all know that a "good day" for us is not the same as a "good day" for someone else.  

Like many of you, I do not feel ready to attend a support group, but I would like to have a positive forum for those of us who just don't want to burden our friends and families with the problems with the problems we experience daily.

As you see from above, the title of my column will be "Tell Me How You Really Feel."  I hope to become a sounding board for patients to share their feelings, concerns, experiences and fears, and to become a connection between the medical community and the patients.  I do not hold myself out as a medical professional, nor will I give out any medical advice other than to refer a patient to a specific doctor or support group.

OK, here we go!!

The acronym for my column will be the word "HOPE."

H - HONESTY

Be honest with yourself and those around you concerning the implications and manifestations of Parkinson's.  Be honest with yourself when it comes to recognizing your attributes and limitations.

O - OPTIMISTIC

Try to be positive, it can be contagious.  Focus on all of the things that you can do and not just on the skills that seem to be fading.  Pinpoint the everyday tasks that you can improve on and strengthen.

P - PREPARE

Work on maintaining and even improving your health with exercise, meditation, and spiritual regimes.  Plan your day to be able to get the most positive experience possible.  Do not give up until you can find a doctor that you can relate to and be comfortable with, someone who allows you to be a partner in your treatment and who truly listens to you.

E - EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others.  No one can understand your experience if you do not share it with them.  Research the research.  Stay abreast of all the new advances in research and medical trials.  Every patient has a different perspective based on the path of the progression of their disease.  Be empathetic.  Nothing feels better then to put yourself in someone else's shoes and to stop focusing on yourself for a while.

Finally, from my experience, one of the most positive things that has come with my diagnosis is the art of communication.  Not just talking but listening.  Taking ownership of your own behavior and the power you have to alter your life!  Making decisions based on strength instead of weakness and most importantly, putting yourself in a position to feel support, the ability to accept being educated and the gift of empathy.  Don't be afraid to take that next step, put yourself out there, and risk failing, or you will never know what it feels like to succeed!!!

Let's Get Started

tellmehowyoureallyfeel14@gmail.com

Caroline's Voice

Every year my friend hosts the most amazing "girlfriends luncheon".  It always comes at the perfect time, when I'm craving an afternoon of good food and fun conversations!  I met Caroline four years ago at the first luncheon.  She co-founded the LA Diaper Drive, and epitomizes cool charity mom!

Making a Difference

By Caroline Kunitz

A 53' semi pulls up in front of my house in Santa Monica to drop off the equivalent of 20 elephants worth of diapers.  Drivers crane their necks to watch.  People walking their dogs ask if I run a day care, which I do not.

How did we get here?  Rewind six years.  I'm in my living room watching Jessica Seinfeld on The Today Show discussing the million diaper drive her New York City charity, Baby Buggy, was hosting.  She mentioned that low-income mothers have to decided between buying diapers and buying food on a daily basis.  My heart broke.  I mentioned it to a friend, Melissa Ratcliff, who asked, "How hard is it to raise a million diapers?"  LA Diaper Drive was born.

LA Diaper Drive is a volunteer-based charity that gives diapers to low-income families in Los Angeles.  We partner with other charities and community based organizations that use the diapers as an incentive for these low-income families to attend important classes.  Some examples include LAUSD's Homeless Program, Friends of the Families' Young Moms/ Young Dads programs for parents ages 13-21, and The Children's Institute, which specializes in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect.

We discovered that it is actually very hard to raise a million diapers.  It took five years for LA Diaper Drive to reach that goal.  Then, in 20110 we gave away another million.  1.3 million to be exact.  We give away diapers donated by families or diapers purchased in bulk at an extreme discount.

The current economic times mean more families than ever are below the low-income guideline.  You can make a difference without spending money.  Donate diapers your child has outgrown to LA Diaper Drive, or host your own diaper drive.  Ask friends or colleagues to bring diapers to work or school, or ask them to bring diapers in lieu of gifts to a party.  LA Diaper Drive can help you with flyers and more.  You can also hold a garage sale and donate the money to LA Diaper Drive or another charity so we can purchase diapers at a discount.  Or donate your time.  Every charity needs warm bodies to do things like count diapers, sort or distribute items and more.

To find out more about LA Diaper Drive check out our website.

Happy Volunteering!