NEWS + UPDATES
Operation Fierce Kindness: Our 2021 projects (regularly updated)
What follows is our evolving project list for calendar year 2021, otherwise known as Operation Fierce Kindness. These projects are centered around our four foundational pillars: literacy, dementia/Alzheimer’s, animal rescue, and crisis relief, as well as our #ChicagoStrong program (of which several of these projects will overlap). This post will update as projects are added,…
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Journaling/Morning Pages: Notes + observations
This year, I’ve started my morning journaling practice, or what some folks call doing their “morning pages.” I’ve read for years about the benefits of this practice, and as an (amateur) historian, I have observed countless subjects of history that kept a journal or diary, which was ultimately the basis for their own history/biography. (Maybe…
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Power Of Music / Project Notes + Updates
Aren’t many things better than the power of music…especially when music is used to inspire change and build community. And when that happens, it’s magical. Artistic literacy is something we strongly believe in. There are many variants of literacy, but when people are artistically literate, the world is a better place. Painting, poetry, the written…
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Union League Boys & Girls Clubs: Project notes + updates
We’re thrilled to support the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, enabling all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The ULBGC is committed to developing and inspiring the next generation of American leaders, with programming falling into these core program areas: academic success,…
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Social media free…free to focus on my work
I’ve long wanted to be social media free…less reliant and less connected to technology, wanting to spend less time staring at screens. And I’ve finally done it! I quit Twitter back in 2019. I’ve quit LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram in 2021 (although Stephanie still maintains the foundation’s Facebook page). I recently deleted my business mailing…
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Lincoln Park Zoo: Project notes + updates
As part of our #AnimalRescue and #ChicagoStrong programming, we are joyfully supporting Lincoln Park Zoo! The zoo is a wonderful place, filled with memories from childhood and the early days from our current time in Chicago. It’s simply a thrill to support this place. But then, when you learn about the amazing work that goes…
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Global Health in the Age of COVID-19
Global health….why does it matter? Well, since March, 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began to dominate world affairs, we learned the answer. Our distinguished panel discusses what’s working, what isn’t, and more importantly, what lessons have been learned to building out global health systems to be more prepared for the next pandemic. And, how have…
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Scholarships / Internships
Exciting news to share! The Todd & Stephanie Schnick Foundation are in the early developmental stages of creating our own scholarships and internships! We’re excited at the chance to offer more opportunities for disadvantaged youth to pursue and fulfill their dreams and aspirations! CLICK HERE to contribute to our scholarship fund! Foundation To Be Named…
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Shedd Aquarium: Project notes + updates
We are thrilled to partner with, and support, Shedd Aquarium! Go here to learn more about this amazing place! Like you, I use to think a place like this was about dolphin shows and a bunch of really cool-looking fish in large tanks. But as I’ve truly gotten to know this place and its people,…
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We’re co-sponsoring Brain It On 2021!
We’re excited to announce that we are a co-sponsor of Brain It On 2021, an online summit from the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement and HFC (co-founded by Seth and Lauren Miller Rogen!) They are joining forces to bring together brain health experts, celebrity advocates, and more to equip you with ways to live a brain healthy…
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Emily Allen and the AARP Foundation: Tackling senior poverty and empowering vulnerable older adults
Emily Allen, Senior Vice President of Programs for the AARP Foundation, joins the show. She talks about tackling senior poverty by sparking bold, innovative solutions that help vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. Show notes + discussion guide: Emily’s story and background Mission and purpose of AARP Foundation: tackling senior poverty by…
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“Act without expectations.”
Act without expectations. Lao Tzu I wrote the following in my journal just yesterday. I had seen this Lao Tzu quote on Instagram (shown above), and a realization about my mindset smacked me upside the head: “”Act without expectations.” From Lao Tzu. I think I’ve spent my entire life expecting a return from doing things…
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Jenny Eaton Dyer: Renewed hope for ending hunger and feeding the world!
Jenny Eaton Dyer, a leader and advocate battling the global hunger crisis, joins the podcast. Jenny is the founder of The 2030 Collaborative, and the co-editor of The End of Hunger: Renewed Hope for Feeding the World. She’s worked with Bono, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and many political leaders. Notes + Discussion Guide: State of the World…
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Allyce Najimy, Foundation To Be Named Later
Allyce Najimy, CEO of The Foundation To Be Named Later, co-founded by Theo and Paul Epstein, joins the show. They raise funds and awareness for nonprofit agencies serving urban youth and families! Mission + purpose of The Foundation To Be Named Later… Inspiration behind the foundation, and the story behind the name… What do you…
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Stunting: The First One Thousand Days
After donating roughly $14,000 towards hunger relief efforts in 2020, I realized I didn’t know enough about this issue, understood the real scope of the problem, or grasped the true roadblocks that make solving food insecurity difficult. My goal this year is to dive into learning and understanding more about the issue. As to our…
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Art delaCruz: Crossing the Team Rubicon of Service to Mankind
Art delaCruz, president and chief operating officer of Team Rubicon, talks mission, service, and espirit de corps of the more than 137,000 volunteers who have bravely gone into countless disaster areas and helped their fellow mankind prepare, recover, and rebuild. Notes + Discussion Guide: – Art’s background – History of Team Rubicon (and name origin)…
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One thing you should do in crazy times
As of this writing, we are living in crazy, crazy times: Economic distress, a raging and never-ending pandemic, venomous political polarization, and rampant out-of-control media fanning the flames. It is enough to drive pure desperation, hopelessness, and anger. You are left feeling like there is no viable path forward to a normal, happy life. But…
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Is 2020 the best year of my life?
I’m tiring of the endless chatter about how awful the year 2020 is. To the latest negative news that’s reported, someone inevitably responds with “Cuz 2020.” The amount of online dialog about how lousy this year has been is staggering. With every passing day, there seems to be some new low that only reconfirms how…
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Kevin Kelly: The Foundation Podcast Interview
As per usual, Kevin Kelly blows my mind, and makes me completely rethink things. Tim Ferriss once called him the true “world’s most interesting man.” He is not wrong. Learn more about Kevin Kelly here. Notes, Discussion Guide, Highlights: – Packager of ideas vs. being a futurist – “You must predict the present…” – “Look…
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Dr. Anne Basting: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care
Dr. Anne Basting, an author, scholar, and artist, teaches us about a revolutionary approach to Dementia caregiving; about how to infuse the arts into our caregiving, improving communication, and building a sense of community for our patients. Click here to learn more about Dr. Basting! Notes + Discussion Guide: – What inspired Anne to do…
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PLAY ON: The power of music to end hunger and transform social justice!
We’re proud to announce that we’re officially partnering with Kevin Bacon’s SixDegrees.Org Foundation to help support PLAY ON: Celebrating the power of music to make change! PLAY ON unites today’s great artists to nourish our souls and nurture our communities. With music as the soundtrack of social change, this star-studded event will raise money to end…
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Join us for the WAM Summit | Fall 2020!
The Todd & Stephanie Schnick Foundation is a proud sponsor of the WAM Summit; a live, one-hour digital experience that informs the mind about the latest in Alzheimer’s news and research, and touches the heart with stories from those impacted by the disease. The Summit is the anchor of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement’s education program…
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Peter Bregman: The Foundation Podcast Interview
Peter Bregman joins the show to share one simple strategy that will radically improve your productivity and focus, once and for all. Peter is an executive coach, best-selling author, and founder + CEO of Bregman Partners. Notes + Discussion Guide: – One morning, I stumbled upon a Peter Bregman article in the Harvard Business Review…
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A Pack of Volunteers Keep Canine Pet Rescue Running Smoothly / by Carol Morgan
Gone to the dogs, German Shepherd dogs to be exact. Canine Pet Rescue (CPR) is a 501c3 non-profit animal rescue focused on saving German Shepherds from high kill shelters in the South. This 100 percent volunteer organization saves more than 125 dogs each year by finding them a perfect fur-ever home. It takes a pack…
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#ChicagoStrong: Our campaign for Chicago’s future!
This campaign has its roots in several places, but if I’m being honest, it comes from a deep frustration with how our fine city is portrayed in the national news. There’s no sugarcoating that Chicago has challenges: crime, budgetary issues from generations of political financial mismanagement, and severe economic distress from the COVID-19 pandemic and…
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Kristi Yamaguchi: The Foundation Podcast Interview
You know about Kristi Yamaguchi’s Olympic gold medal. You know about her winning Dancing With The Stars. But you’ll soon know all about her Always Dream Foundation too! You’ll also learn some of her gold medal winning strategies for thriving in today’s challenging times! Enjoy! Notes + Discussion Guide: – Kristi Yamaguchi’s background and story:…
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You can now create a fundraiser for The Todd & Stephanie Schnick Foundation!
The Todd & Stephanie Schnick Foundation can now be found in Facebook’s portfolio of non-profit organizations, which means that anyone can create a fundraiser. Facebook does not charge a fee for this service, so 100% of donations collected go straight to the foundation. And, because The Todd & Stephanie Schnick Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization,…
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Alexandra DeSorbo-Quinn: Helping develop a healthy relationship with food!
Alexandra DeSorbo-Quinn of Pilot Light talks about helping kids make healthier choices by connecting the lessons they learn in their classrooms to the foods they eat on their lunch trays, at home, and in their communities. Notes + Discussion Guide: – Mission + purpose of Pilot Light – How does the program work (including an…
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Teach You What I Didn’t Know: 5 Tips to Get You Writing / by Meg Nocero
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Lao Tzu In the Beginning As a child, I always wanted to be a writer. I suppose in reality I was as I would spend hours each week creating stories. To bolster this creative path, my family loved to go to the movies, attend the…
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Stacy Huston and SixDegrees.Org: Amplifying the charitable work of others!
Actor Kevin Bacon was inspired to name his foundation after the game about connection..just one of the many inspiring stories shared by Stacy Huston of SixDegrees.Org, which is using everyday activities to connect people and causes. Notes + Discussion Guide: – Overview of the mission and purpose of Six Degrees.Org – Founded by actor and…
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Erin Mulcahy Stein and the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement!
When Maria Shriver founded the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, she wanted to understand why two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients were female. Erin Mulcahy Stein joins us to talk about the research, educational, and advocacy work done by WAM! Notes + Discussion Guide: – Mission and purpose of the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement – You focus on understanding ALZ…
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Tom Peters: The Foundation Podcast Interview
When Tom Peters talks, you know you’re going to hear about excellence, being kind, the importance of the “soft stuff.” But today, as only Tom can, he’ll help set us up to survive and thrive in these challenging times. Tom Peters is a best-selling author, speaker, and management thinker. Notes + Discussion Guide: Putting people…
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Living in the present / by Todd Schnick
You often hear people ask us to “be present,” or “be in the now.” But what does this actually mean? Different things to different people. This is my personal list of how I practice living in the present, and like everything else, it does get easier with practice. I thought I’d share with you. This…
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Peter Shankman: The Foundation Podcast Interview
Peter Shankman isn’t afraid to tell you what he thinks, which is to keep going, listen to the wind, and to create your own future. Pete is another fellow I can always count on to join the show and give us some fearless thoughts, counsel, and motivation to help get us through these very challenging…
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One-hour virtual summit: The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement with Founder Maria Shriver
The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM) will host a one-hour virtual summit tomorrow, June 25, 2020, at 6:00 pm Eastern/5:00 pm Central/3:00 pm Pacific time, featuring discussions on Alzheimer’s, brain health and caregiving. If you and/or your friends and family are interested, please register for this free event here. Additional information in the invitation below. We hope…
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Join us in supporting the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement!
Alzheimer’s disease impacts women disproportionately; two-thirds of currently diagnosed individuals and 60% of Alzheimer’s disease caregivers are women. My paternal grandmother, Georgia Lloyd, died from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 90, and Todd’s mother, Patricia Schnick, was diagnosed in 2014 at the age of 72. Pat resides in a memory care community near us…
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What is Philanthropic Planning? Why Do I Need a Lawyer? / by Tony Madonia
Individuals who have vast wealth often want to do something for their communities, which is usually best accomplished through philanthropic giving to specific charities by way of establishing either a trust fund or a foundation. However, trust funds can be complicated financial instruments with significant legalities associated with the use of assets. Trusts and foundations…
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Guy Kawasaki: The Foundation Podcast Interview
Guy teaches us his “Therefore, What?” strategy for how to think about and make impactful change. Guy is a good friend, whom I can always count on, and on this episode, we talk about George Floyd, how to get through this struggling economy, and how to rethink our career and life coming out of the…
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Keys to daily survival / by Todd Schnick
I recently jotted down this list one morning, as I was thinking ahead towards my day. This is a simple checklist how I get through the day in a way that leaves me content and ready to rest. If I achieve these things, I’m positioned to have a pretty fine and successful day: 1. Empathy…
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Amy Goyer: Family Caregivers + COVID-19 | The Foundation Podcast
Family caregiving is always difficult, and especially so during the COVID-19 crisis. Amy Goyer joins us to share some critical strategies to care for your loved one(s) – and yourself – during this difficult time. Episode Discussion Guide: How can families be prepared for the possibility that their loved one(s) may wind up in the…
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Our Experience Corps project: Changing the lives of 40 students!
CLICK HERE to support this campaign! COVID-19 UPDATE: As of now, the Experience Corps program has been suspended for the balance of the 2019-2020 school year. This had to happen: The schools are closed, for obvious reasons, and we have to protect the senior citizens, who are at high risk with the virus. That’s the…
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Benefits of Donating Stock to a Private Foundation / by Anthony Madonia
Donating cash to a private foundation is a great way to provide funds to various causes supported by the foundation. As a donor you receive an income tax deduction for the amount contributed up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. However, giving cash is not the only way to contribute to a private foundation.…
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The Obligation to Live Your Life / by Bill Wooditch
Sequestered in an upstairs parlor at 7th and Market Street in Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson put quill to parchment and began to draft the Declaration of Independence. The week had been steamy hot, and as the humidity increased, its suffocating tentacles surrounded one of the Founding Fathers – the gentleman from Virginia. Jefferson embodied brilliance. He…
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Join us in supporting local businesses + frontline workers across the US! #GivingTuesdayNow #IFeedTheFront
UPDATE: Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to feed THREE large ER/ICU departments! Many thanks to all of you for your contributions and ongoing support! #GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving + unity in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity…
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Detox and Awaken to Creativity / by Meg Nocero
You and I are currently experiencing the “dog days” of quarantine. Did you know that the word “Quarantine” is a term derived from the Italian word quaranta? Originally, it meant 40 days of isolation to control an outbreak of a contagious disease. Today, the word is still used to describe this COVID-19 pandemic where communities are asked…
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Joshua Becker, The Foundation Podcast Interview
Joshua Becker will tell you to seek significance, not just happiness, and that simplifying your life enables you to be free to do good works. He is a writer, author, and philanthropist. He has written several best-selling books, publishes Becoming Minimalist, and founded The Hope Effect. A thrill to have my friend on the podcast.…
Read MorePUPDATE: Bheem the Puppy has been adopted!
Our goal was to raise $5,600 to cover Bheem’s surgeries. This covered the costs of both of surgeries, and we did it! Many thanks to all who donated and helped Bheem move forward with his much deserved, happy and healthy life! And now, for even more great news…Bheem has found his furever home! Bheem has…
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Charitable Spotlight: Sock Problems, by Ryan Berman
#GetYourSockOn It was a little over five years ago when I had this idea to use my “super powers” of creativity to try and make a difference. Today, I’m thrilled to be doing my part to make a dent in some of the world’s largest problems with my altruistic sock company Sock Problems. The goal is…
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One year anniversary observation: Foundationing is HARD.
We knew it would be HARD, but not this HARD. But let me tell you: foundationing is WICKED HARD. Today marks the one year anniversary of achieving 501(c)(3) probationary status from the IRS. We thought it would be all downhill from there. Oh my, were we off a bit. And I am not even talking…
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We did it! Supporting our first responders!
We worked in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation to support their Emergency COVID-19 Combat Service campaign! We raised $1,130 by our goal date of April 12, 2020 — and the Schnick Family Foundation matched your donations up to $1,000. Thank you for helping support our heroes! Of course, everyone knows Lt. Dan Taylor, the…
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Experience Corps’ Gregary Brown on the Foundation Podcast
Very pleased to welcome Mr. Gregary Brown to the podcast. Greg is the Executive Director of the AARP Foundation’s Experience Corps Chicago office. I’ve had the pleasure to meet with Greg a few times now, including touring a local elementary school involved in his program. You are going to enjoy spending a little time with…
Read MoreThank you for supporting our Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund matching challenge!
Thanks to our generous supporters and donors we raised $1,127.50 for Feeding America‘s COVID-19 Response Fund in just four days! The Schnick Family Foundation has matched this with a $1,000 grant, for a total of $2,127.50 going to Feeding America. This money will provide much-needed food and necessities such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, and…
Read MoreThank you for helping Bheem the Puppy walk again!
Our goal was to raise $5,600 to cover Bheem’s surgeries. This covered the costs of both of surgeries, and we did it! Many thanks to all who donated and helped Bheem move forward with his much deserved, happy and healthy life! BHEEM’S STORY In Hindi, Bheem means “mighty,” and that he is! Bheem has had a…
Read MoreSupporting Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund
So many Americans have had employment hours cut, are currently furloughed, or have lost their jobs/sources of income entirely and are gravely in need of assistance with even the most basic human necessities such as food, cleaning supplies, diapers, and personal care products. We want to help, and we know that many of our friends,…
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Feel the burn: Working to build a movement!
As of this writing, I am inspired by Bernie Sanders’s fundraising prowess. Sanders has refused to take large political donations, PAC money, Wall Street money, etc, and is instead relying on small donations from everyday people like you and me. And he’s outraised, by far, all the other Democrat candidates for president, and has more…
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Help us help Bheem the Puppy walk again!
In Hindi, Bheem means “mighty,” and that he is! Bheem has had a heartbreaking, gut wrenching beginning. He lost both of his front paws after being run over by a train at the tender age of just eight weeks while living on the streets in India. When Bheem was eight months old, Animal House Shelter (“AHS”) located in Huntley, IL, coordinated…
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Help Bheem the Puppy Walk Again!
We are proud to announce our fundraising campaign to provide medical care for Bheem the Puppy! In Hindi, Bheem means “mighty,” and that he is! Bheem has had a heartbreaking, gut wrenching beginning. He lost both of his front paws after being run over by a train at the tender age of just eight weeks while living on the streets…
Read MoreTeepa Snow Discusses the Ten Early Signs of Dementia
Dementia Care and Training Specialist Teepa Snow joins Senior Helpers to help you recognize and understand the ten early signs of dementia. Click here to watch.
Read More5 Ways to Regulate Sleep in Severe Dementia
People with severe dementia sometimes begin to sleep more by day, only to awaken at night. The day-night mix-ups can disrupt an entire household. Some tactics to cope: 1. Always mention changing sleep habits to the doctor. You want to rule out causes other than the progression of dementia (such an infection or depression), since…
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Do the good right in front of you
I’m exhausted…for I’ve spent days trying to comprehend what’s happening globally, let alone what’s happening nationally. I can’t keep up with the latest news…elections here, wars there, protests “against” here, rallies “in support” there, economic miracles here, genocidal disasters there. It’s all too much. And it never ends. Oh, my news apps and all the…
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How you can volunteer and help support our foundation!
We are often asked “How can I help?” Or, “What can I do to support the foundation?” and, “I want to volunteer. What can I do?” Well, here are the answers! Donate. Provide names of others (individuals and companies) that can also donate. Email names here! Join the mailing list to stay informed! Invite others…
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Why we are supporting dementia caregivers
Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2014. I remember how angry I was when Dad initially delivered the news. Why her? Why us? We all knew it…we just didn’t want to admit it. But now, it was real, and we had to accept it. Life for our family would never be the same. It…
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The heart of our family foundation
In 2017 and 2018 we had significant family responsibilities thrown at us that we never saw coming. After the extended illness and then passing of Todd’s father, we became fully responsible for the life and care of his mother, who is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In an instant, our lives were forever…
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