Category Archives: Good Cause

It Takes a Village…

Posted on by Posted in Good Cause, Out and about..., Thoughts.., We're Having a Party .

GABI’S GOLD FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES

“NO MO CHEMO PARTY DONATED BY ROCKLAND COUNTY’S ART ADVENTURE STUDIO”

Partners with Rocklandnymom.com to give 3 year old cancer patient Gabi Olivo the party of a lifetime

Gabi suitcase

ORGANGEBURG, NEW YORK – Gabi’s Gold Foundation today announced their partnership with Art Adventure Studio in Orangeburg, NY as well as Rocklandnymom.com BLOG to give 3 year old cancer patient Gabrielle Olivo a birthday party experience to celebrate the end of her very intense chemotherapy treatments given to fight Neuroblastoma. The nonprofit organization has graciously accepted Art Adventure’s party donation and has proven that smiles happen when a community pulls together!

A pre-school scholarship awarded to Gabi from Busy Bee Play School director Ric Rabinowitz started the ball rolling. “Gabi was immediately welcomed into the class by the other children and it was the one place she could go where no one noticed cancer,” says the foundation’s Chief Financial Officer, Jamie Flesher. “Gabi loved being with the other children, and parents were thrilled to welcome the Olivo Family into the Busy Bee family.” Gabi is only permitted to attend school when her immune system is not being knocked down by her treatments. With her most difficult treatments having just been completed (a stem-cell transplant) and her immune system rebooting, it was clear that she deserved a party with her Busy Bee friends.

Alysson Burgos, co-owner of Art Adventure in Orangeburg quickly came to the table to offer to throw Gabi a NO MO CHEMO party in her studio, a donation, at no cost to the family or the foundation. “Of course when Jamie approached me my answer was yes.” said Alysson,“We are honored that Art Adventure was their venue of choice and cannot wait to see the look on Gabi’s face when we give her the most fantastic party we can.” According to Jamie Flesher, the recently opened Art Adventure was her unequivocal first choice for the party stating, “The staff is amazing. The studio is amazing. Gabi loves art. This is the place for her celebration, no question about it.” With the venue set, all that was left to do was organize the smaller details, Jamie went home that night and immediately emailed Rocklandnymom.com blogger, Megan Johnston. Jamie says of Megan “She knows the Rockland community better than anyone. I just wanted to know what she thought of the idea and if she had any suggestions.” Touched by Gabi’s story and having recently lost her own father to cancer, Megan offered free advertising on Rocklandnymom.com’s site for any contributors to Gabi’s NO MO CHEMO party. She also quickly began to reach out to local cake bakers, banner creators, and crafters to see who would be interested in participating. “The offers were flying in and still are!” says Megan. “I am so proud to be a member of such a compassionate and giving community. I knew they would step up to the plate.”

Donors so far include:

  • Art Adventure
  • Create By Carrie
  • Creations by Dawne
  • Jolirose Cake Shop
  • Treasures by TheresaAnn
  • A photographer

Gabi’s NO MO CHEMO party (affectionately being re-named a Yay Gabi party since she is too young to understand chemotherapy) will take place this June when her immune system is strong enough to allow her to be around her friends. Her entire Busy Bee class will be invited thanks to Art Adventure’s generous donation.

ABOUT GABI’S GOLD FOUNDATION/NEUROBLASTOMA

Gabrielle Paige Olivo was a typical sweet and adventurous two year old who loved all things princess, Dora, and her ballet class until August 2013. Two and a half weeks before her third birthday, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a particularly rare and aggressive form of nerve cancer that affects only children.Since diagnosis Gabi has undergone 2 life threatening surgeries, 6 rounds of chemotherapy, a stem-cell transplant, and radiation. Over the next 6 months, she will receive 5 rounds of immunotherapy and 6 months of oral chemotherapy. Her foundation seeks to raise funds for Gabi’s treatment and research as well as raise awareness about this rare disease. At this time, there is no known cure for Neuroblastoma.

Read Gabi’s story at www.facebook.com/GabiNationTotallyRocks

Donate to Gabi’s treatments and research http://www.gofundme.com/4nmdlg

ABOUT ART ADVENTURE

Art Adventure offers art instruction to children and young adults. We strive to offer exciting and enticing courses that will appeal to our students while providing intensive educational instruction. Using various mediums and fun themes, students are introduced to the world of art by artist Eric Stormes, a teacher who is certified in both New York and New Jersey, and who has extensive experience art education.

Art Adventure can also host your child’s unique birthday party,private events and offer after school programs for grades K through 12 at our studio.​

For more information on Art Adventure and their programs visit: www.artadventureny.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artadventureny1.

ABOUT ROCKLANDNYMOM.COM

RocklandNYMom.com is a reference for Rockland County Parents. Megan Johnston, a Rockland native, mother of two, teacher, and coach, as well as the CEO and Editor of the site. RocklandNYMom.com has a calendar of events as well as directories for children’s classes, birthday party information, photographers, specialty items, crafts, camps, childcare and other services. Johnston offers insights as to many items that may be useful to parents at any age. On the BLOG portion of the site Megan gives you a sneak peek of the services provided by many of the directories listed as well as crafts you can do with your children, birthday party advice, and so much more!

Check it out at www.rocklandnymom.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rocknyom .

ABOUT BUSY BEE PLAYSCHOOL

Busy Bee is a family owned and operated preschool that has been keeping children of Rockland as busy as bees since opening its door in 1983.

Busy Bee is a play oriented multi-age developmental preschool dedicated to providing students and families with a memorable early childhood education and experience. With our “hands-on-minds-on” approach our dedicated staff has created a program that fosters children’s growth socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically.

The goal of our program is to create a fun environment that encourages the individual growth of each child through play and hands on exploration and experimentation. It all works together to develop the foundation which prepares each child for a lifelong love of learning.

For more information on Busy Bee Playschool visit: http://busybeeplayschool.com/

Despite it all, Gabi is always smiling, always happy.  A truly inspiring angel.

Gabji Hospital

If you are interested in helping out or donating to Gabi’s cause please contact: Jamie Flesher JFlesher@gmail.com or Megan Johnston RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com

 

Important Insurance Information for Breastfeeding Moms… (ACA related)

Posted on by Posted in Good Cause, Uncategorized .
Disclaimer:  I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed here are my own…
I received this information from Medela regarding the Affordable Care Act and Breastfeeding/Breast Pump coverage.  Very important, so I had to pass it on!
Medela surveyed major insurance companies and gained insights into rules regarding breastpump and lactation support coverage, and have created resources for moms and dads to refer to when speaking to their insurance providers.
Below are a few links to resources that may be helpful:
  • Find an Insurance-Covered Pump:  Moms simply enter their insurance carrier and state to find a list of suppliers and their contact information. The search results will also indicate which suppliers have lactation services. Medela’s supplier lookup will continue to expand as more information is provided to them by suppliers.
  • Insurance Coverage Research – What It Means to You: Highlights findings and insights from Medela’s research on how moms can obtain the breastpump they need for their babies.  Example tip:
    • You don’t have to go it alone. Breastfeeding moms, rejoice! Nearly all plans cover lactation counseling without a co-pay. Pump coverage + lactation support = successful breastfeeding.
    • Visual tips: This infographic offers a visual display of findings!
  • Coverage Questions You Should Ask Your Insurance Company: Scenarios moms may find themselves in and the questions they should ask their insurance providers. Sample scenario:
    • Congratulations! You’re pregnant, and you want to breastfeed.
      • What type of pump can I get? What if I want a different pump from what’s covered?
      • Can I get the pump before my baby is born or do I have to wait until delivery?
  • Understanding health care reform: Need help understanding more about health care marketplaces which will open Oct. 1? This healthcare.gov site provides an overview and answers to frequently asked questions.

I’d also like to share some additional resources:

  • Breastfeeding University: Breastfeeding University is an online education program that walks moms through what to expect during pregnancy as their bodies change and develop, at the hospital, how to transition to home, and how to advocate for herself and her baby.
  • Understanding health care reform: Need help understanding more about health care marketplaces? This healthcare.gov site provides an overview and answers to frequently asked questions on health care reform.
  • iBreastfeed: The iBreastfeed iPhone and iPad app supports provides helpful information and practical advice. It can help manage baby’s daily activities and features a locator to find breastfeeding friendly places. iBreastfeed is free and can be downloaded on iTunes.
  • Video Library: Visit the online video library where moms can learn everything from how to easily put together a pump to how to enjoy the breastfeeding bond longer.
  • Ask the LC: Have a question about breastfeeding? Moms can consult one-on-one via email with a board-certified lactation consultant (LC) who will assist with breastfeeding questions.

Gabi Rocks Neuroblastoma Family Fund Raising Event

Posted on by Posted in Good Cause, Out and about... .

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post

This story was shared with me by a classmate of (A)’s…

Gabrielle Paige Olivo was a typical sweet and adventurous two year old who loved all things princess, Dora the Explorer and her ballet classes when, just this past August, two and a half weeks before she turned three, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer that affects only children.  Gabi’s diagnosis came just 2 days after her new baby brother, Alex, came home.

Upon learning that the tumor was malignant, Gabi’s father John immediately rushed her to Long Island Winthrop hospital where it took 3 surgeons to partially resect the tumor that was in her stomach.  It had grown to be the size of a grapefruit.  Furthermore, the cancer was found to have spread to her legs, shoulder, ribs, and lymph nodes.  Gabi never showed a single symptom. The family never even got a chance to be a foursome before they were split apart with one parent living in the hospital with Gabi and one taking care of brand new baby Alex at home.  Since then Gabi has had 3 rounds of intense chemo therapy as well as a stem cell harvest to prepare for the marrow destroying consolidation treatment. She has a very long road ahead.

While her family was quickly thrust into an edition of “extreme parenting,” fun loving Gabi has kept up her smile and dance moves the whole time.  Whether she’s decorating her OWN crown, singing her theme song “I Totally Rock”, or making sure her baby dolls are properly swaddled, this little girl is proving that she’s not only a beautiful little ballerina but also a strong fighter and her family is tackling this difficult situation head on.  As such, it seemed only fitting with a rocker like Gabi to have a benefit concert in her honor.

Gabi Rocks Flyer

October-Fire Prevention Events!

Posted on by Posted in Good Cause, Out and about... .

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post

October is Fire Prevention Month and many of the local firehouses are doing great things to reach out to the community!  I have contacted them to see what they may be up to, i will continue to update as i hear back. Check out below to see if yours is participating!

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Nanuet Firehouse Open House 10/13/2013 12-3pm

Congers Firehouse Pancake Breakfast and Open House  10/13/2013 8-12pm

Nyack Fire Chiefs Parade- 10/5/2013- Will feature at least 60 fire apparatus!