Future of Love for Blue

I get a ton of questions, concerning our foundation. And our upcoming fundraiser. So I thought, today would be a good day, to address them.

Where do I see our foundation going? I see it growing. Slowly, but surely. Like a little bird. My Dad always enforced that. "Things take time. And nurturing. And loving." That's how I see this foundation. It's not a job for me. It's something I work on, because I'm passionate about it. I see my Dad's vision. What he wanted. And what he believed in. We talked a lot about it, before his death. And I know exactly, how he wanted his foundation to look.

Short term goals, are simple. Keep moving forward. This year's fundraiser, I'm hoping is more successful than last year's. I don't know how it will go. I just have hopes. I hope there are a few more faces there. I hope we raise a bit more money. And I hope, it continues to grow. Slowly, I think word of mouth will spread. I've contacted news and radio stations. Put up flyers. Advertised on social media. And I hope each year, gets a little bit bigger.

But no one can be certain. Heck, I just talked to some friends of my Dad. They had no clue, that he had past away. And honestly, it happens more than you'd think. So many people, 13 months later, still don't know. So as far as the growth of our fundraiser, I think it will be a slow process.

Another short term goal would be, to reopen our Etsy shop in May. I've put it on "vacation," while we prepare for our fundraiser. But I do hope, to get it back up. And make it a success. It's a ton of work! And mostly, I have items on there, for local people to look at. Then I hand deliver our items. It helps with the bottom line.

I want to grow our Fun Mail and Caring for the Caregiver projects. Both take money, time, and donations. I would like to be able to send more mail, to patients. And to be able to send some sort of package, to a caregiver...every week. Instead of once a month. I have a stack, of people who have been nominated for both.

The Grower's Market is another goal of mine. I'm anxious, to get that going again. We did really well, last season. It's a ton of work. Lots of commitment. And means I'm busy selling, twice a week. Spending the rest of the week, creating items to sell. And for this year, we have more items. Stocked up. I'm also having T-shirts, tote bags, and caps made. Anything to sell. And help us grow our foundation.

As far as long term goals, it's mostly to grow what we've started. Hopefully, getting more sponsors. Either for materials, fees for permits, items like our T-shirts...things like that. I've already been talking to people about next year's fundraiser. Local businesses and such. And surprisingly enough, I've got more donations lined up for next year, than I do for this year. :)

Another long term goal, would be to grow our scholarship fund. There is such a NEED for it! And we hope, to grow our Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship, to $1000. For the 2016-2017 school year. I'm also hopeful, that we can raise enough money, to grow our Field Trip Scholarship. To $1000 a semester. So many of the schools we serviced, still call me....

I'd also like to add, some online sales. I've talked with a few companies. And hope to start successful partnerships soon. A little hint...there will be jewelry, bags, and some makeup. But that's the only hint you get. Until I can solidify some more details.

Eventually, we'd like to completely pay, for a family to attend the Cancer Services of New Mexico retreat. Twice a year. We were given the chance to go...although my Dad was hospitalized. And we ended up, not attending. It's such a GREAT event! And this is a goal, that I'm working towards. I'd also like, to be able to make some substantial donations, towards colon cancer research. I'm so passionate about that!

Overall, we're a "grassroots" type of group. It's all about pounding the pavement, doing the hard work, and slowly growing our foundation. There are lots of big goals, that I have. But it's the little steps, that will get us there. Lots of hard work, sweat, and love...is poured into Love for Blue! ❤❤❤

Food And Drink Donations

We are getting close, to our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue Fundraiser. And we are trying to get, as many donations, as possible. That way, most of the money we raise, goes directly to supporting the Presbyterian Cancer Center, Cancer Services of New Mexico, the American Cancer Association, the Love for Blue Scholarship Fund, and our Caring for the Caregivers Boxes.

I think it's important, to also reach out to our community. And I want to make a list, of the items we are hoping to get. The items, that we are going to be selling, at our fundraiser.

1. Hamburger Patties
2. Hamburger Buns
3. Sliced Cheese
4. Hotdogs
5. Hotdog Buns
6. Nacho Cheese
7. Chips
8. Bottled Water
9. Sodas
10. Coffee
11. Baked Goods
12. Donuts
13. Items to make cookies
14. Items to make cupcakes
15. Ketchup
16. Mustard
17. Relish
18. Lettuce
19. Tomatoes
20. Onions
21. Green Chili
22. Fresh Fruit
23. Tortillas
24. Items to make breakfast burritos
25. Items to make Frito pie
26. Ice
27. Snack foods
28. Kid drinks
29. Candy
30. Gum

If there is anything you'd like to donate, please get in touch with me. All donations, no matter how large or small, are greatly appreciated! Remember, we're doing this for our community. To give back to those, who are currently struggling. Whether they are going through cancer, are taking care of someone with cancer, or are benefitting from our scholarship fund.

You can leave me a message here, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or you can reach me on Facebook. I'm able to pick-up any donated items. Also, if you would like to prepare something, for our sale, let me know. We need all the help, we can get! Thanks again! ❤❤❤

Caring For The Caregivers

I know. It's the toughest job, you'll ever have. But it's also the most rewarding one, you'll ever have! And honestly, as tough as it can be at times, it's not a "job." The days are long. Sleep, is not easy. Rarely, do you have alone time. Your own needs, they come last. But you wouldn't have it any other way.

At least, that's the way I felt. I put myself, last. Every single day. Because there were more important things, that needed to be done. I've learned, most caregivers are the same way. They always put themselves last. ALWAYS!

That is why I started the Caregiver Boxes. And trying to reach out to caregivers. Because it's a tough job. One that doesn't get much, if any, glory. People aren't paying you. They're not thanking you. Most of the time, you're overlooked. And I wanted the caregivers out there, to know, they matter too!

This project, is one of my favorites. Out of everything we do. To acknowledge the caregivers. To send them a little something, that hopefully makes them smile. Brightens their day. And lets them know, they are not alone. There are other people, just like them, traveling a tough journey.

I never realized, the cost, of these boxes. I mean, I use the USPS frequently. As most of my friends, live out of town. But the cost, has added up quickly. And I now realize, I need a little help. So on this Wishful Wednesday, I'm asking for some help. For the caregivers.

My plan is, to sell some items, targeted at raising funds for our Caregiver Boxes. The "color" for caregivers is purple. So that's our next color, I'll be tackling. I want to be able, to set up a "purple area," at our sales. And I'm hoping to have everything put together, before our big Love for Blue Fundraiser, in April.

I do need some help though. I have already begun, making purple items. And I look forward, to seeing what I can create. But I'd like to be able, to sell a few of the following items...

These purple awareness bracelets, are $28 for 50. And I know, from experience, that I can sell them for $1 a piece.

These angel pins, well to me, they scream caregiver. The silent angel, that is taking care, of their loved one. They are $45 for 18. I'm sure, we can get $5-10 a piece, for these sweet pins.

These keychains, would also be a nice item, to sell. I'm sure, we could get $1-2 a piece. And the cost is, $12 for 25 keychains.

If you would like to help out our cause, you can directly purchase the items. Which would be a HUGE help! You can also choose any of the items, from this section of the website. I'll be collecting, purple items. Of any kind. Or you could make a monetary donation.

As always, we welcome any assistance, in the form of postage, gift cards, items, cards, and money. You can always contact me here at the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Thank You, for taking the time to read this. This cause, has such a soft place, in my heart. Happy Wednesday! ❤❤❤

Caregiver Boxes

On this Wishful Wednesday, I want to talk a little bit about caregivers. It's a tough job. A selfless job. And usually a job, that goes without payment. Most caregivers are family members. And they take care of their loved one, simply because they love them.

It is also a lonely place to be. I know this. First hand. You might see other people, during your day. But you feel very alone. Isolated. And it can wear on a person. Without you realizing it.

I used to see countless people, in any given day. Nurses, doctors, therapists, employees of my Dad's, occasionally family, neighbors, and even my Mom. But it didn't matter. Very few of them, really cared. Really wanted to know, how I was doing. Wanted to know, what was really behind my, "I'm OK."

And more times than not, it was the professionals. It was our HomeCare nurse. It was a therapist. It was a staff member, at some appointment, that we were at. Many times, as my Dad received radiation, I got a little "counseling," from a nurse. A shoulder to cry one. Someone to finally listen.

I know, this must sound crazy! Especially, not being able to talk to my Mom. But it was the truth. My Dad bore his soul to me. He told me his secrets. He didn't want other people to know. And it didn't matter, that the three of us lived together. He was trying to protect her.

So I carried all of this. I was worn down. Tired. Exhausted, actually. I drove my Dad to appointments, made sure none of our appointments overlapped, I stayed with him at chemo and radiation. I was the person that ran all over town, looking for medications, supplements, supplies, groceries, and equipment. I talked to the nurses. Gave my Dad his medications. Willed him to eat, when he refused. Cleaned him up, when his ostomy bag, would come apart. I stood up with him at night, when he couldn't sleep. And all he wanted to do was talk.

It was me. And it was tough. He was not always willing, to go to appointments. Or would get mad, when his ostomy bag, would make a mess. He HATED not being able to drive. I listened to complaints. I dealt with the bad appointments. I held him when he cried. And we talked about so much.

And maybe that's why my passion is here. In this foundation. Trying to reach out. Because it was a struggle. One that would leave me crying, uncontrollably, on the floor of the shower. My only 5 minutes of the day, to really let it all out. And I don't want others to feel this way. I want them to know, there are people out there, that are grateful. They appreciate every single thing, you are doing. They are standing behind you. I know I am!

The idea of "Caregiver Boxes," came to me in the Fall. I had a friend, who walked a very similar journey. And she also lost her dad, to cancer. I wanted to do something for her. Send her a "Hug in a Box." A little bit of sunshine.

 

I came across this picture. I don't remember if I did a search on Google, or Pinterest. But I thought, this looks like a nice idea. With $20 in my pocket, I headed to the Dollar Tree. I ultimately send a package, that my friend and her son, could share. There was candy, a few toys, silly string, nail polish, socks, stickers, and some snacks. Just some stuff, that would make their day, a little brighter.

 

It really sparked my interest. And I was able to send 4 boxes, last year. I would like to continue this. A way to reach, the caregivers out there. And it doesn't always have to be a box of stuff. I sent a $20 movie gift card, to a lady in Texas. Who was really struggling.

 

After the holidays, I got a note in the mail. Telling me, "Thank You. I really needed a little time out on my own. It was nice to go out, and have a good laugh. For just a second, I forgot about all my responsibilities. When I got back home, I realized, doing something for me...made me a better caregiver. Thank You!"

 

That really touched my heart. In ways I could never have imagined. And I realized, I needed to do this more. I wanted to do this more. I understood what she had said. And being on this side of things now, I wish someone had reached out to me. Given me, a chance to get out. And do something, to take my mind off of, all the heavy stuff I was going through.

 



 I have found other ideas since. I try and send out Fun Mail as much as possible. But I want to start a "Caregiver of the Month," box. And that's where I need your help. A little gift card...$10-20 to a movie, dinner, or something like that. Maybe some small objects, that I can send in the mail. Or even a little financial help, to pay for postage. Because, we all know how expensive that is!

I found this graphic, and it made me smile. I'd really like to send a caring person, a little bit of sunshine. Like I said, I want to try and make this a monthly thing. But I do need help in two ways. One, I need to know about the caregivers out there. Please send me a message or e-mail (loveforblue2015@aol.com) telling me about your caregiver.

And obviously, I need some help financially, or through gift cards, to make this happen. If I can remember correctly, my other boxes I've sent...cost around $35. I spent $20, plus tax buying items. And around $13 to send them, through USPS. My goal, is to try and raise $50 a month. The gift card option, is much cheaper. In I think I spent $20 on a gift card. And under a dollar for a card, and stamp.

I hope that if you are reading this, you see how a little something, can make a HUGE difference! Not just for the caregiver receiving the package. But for the person they are caring for. In terms, that their caregiver has now been refreshed. And probably feels like, they can take on more, without feeling so stressed. ❤❤❤