We're Starting An Entertainment Drive

After sending out our flyers, and talking with so many people, I've been asked...to do a little something. For our local Cancer Community. A few of the people, that made our days easier, asked if I could help out.

You see, when you are battling cancer...you spend many hours in doctors appointments, chemo treatments, and the hospital. It's part of, what the battle with cancer, looks like. You and your family, learn this real quick.

The kind people from Presbyterian, have asked me, to do a little drive. Along with our Love For Blue Fundraiser. So we'll be collecting a few items. New or used. To be donated back, to the Presbyterian Cancer Center.

First up, they have asked for new or used books. It's pretty obvious, you will spend countless hours...waiting. Waiting for doctors. Waiting for treatments. Waiting in bed...

And as amazing as Presbyterian, and their volunteers are, they've asked for magazines. Of all kinds. New and used. You wouldn't believe how many, I read, in just a year! And how many car magazines, my Dad enjoyed looking through. So clean up your coffee tables!

One thing that you might not think of, is puzzles. But it is one of the ways, many patients and family members...pass the time. My Mom, used to LOVE the puzzles, at our doctors' appointments. Many family members, sit around a table, working on big and small puzzles. Talking. It's a bit of a stress relief.

Another one of the "not so obvious" things we've been asked for, is games. At the hospital, they have a Family Room. And from experience, I know kids have to spend much time there. Waiting. While their loved ones, are very sick. We've been asked to collect some games.

Lastly, some DVDs. Did you know, that the oncology unit, has DVD players? In all the rooms! As a family, that spent many weeks in the hospital...it was a nice distraction. But the hospital doesn't have DVDs. That was something I'd bring from home. Please donate the DVDs, you don't watch anymore.

As you can see, many of the items we are asked for, are pretty common. Things that help distract us. Or take up some time. Items, that most of us have, in our homes. Or can buy, at the Dollar Tree.

On the day of our fundraiser, we'll have a box. To collect, some of these items. Then I'll deliver them, to the Chemo Treatment Center, MD Anderson Radiation Center, and the Oncology Unit. Please be generous. Many of the people, that are seeking treatment, come from out of town. And could use our help. Happy Friday! ❤❤❤

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! ❤❤❤

Detective Jacob Grant Fundraiser

Over the last few days, it's come to light, that we have another police officer in need. Detective Jacob Grant, protected our community. And was injured. His family is now struggling. The Grant Family, could use the support of their community.

My Mom and I decided, to raise money for this family. Not just because the holidays are coming. And this family, has 2 small children. But because this officer, was injured. While on duty. And he is, part of our community. It's time, to take care, of him and his family. So they can focus on Detective Grant's recovery.

Just like we did for Officer Webster's Family, we will be fundraising for the Grant Family. I have been completely surprised, by the love our community has, for our first responders. I don't think, I've ever made so many blue beanies, in my life! If there is anything you liked from this post, let me know. And if there is anything you are looking for, let me know.

If you are local, don't forget to support this family. Buy a gift, for the young Grant kids. Go to a fundraiser. Donate a few dollars. I'm sure the family, will appreciate all the community support, love, and help! ❤❤❤

Officer Daniel Webster

Today, we are Albuquerque Strong! We lost a police officer, just days ago. He fought for his life, and ultimately, was called home. Rest in Peace, Officer Webster.

I never knew Officer Webster. But there was something about his story, that called to my Mom and I. And we decided to use, some of our scholarship money, to help his family. To show our support, for what they do for us. Officer Webster's wife, is also a Bernalillo County Deputy.

Last week, I made a bunch of these blue hearts. I attached pins to the back. And sold them for $1. At the Growers' Market. Almost immediately, we sold out. $25 made, in less than 10 minutes. Goes to show, the support our community has, for our fallen hero. I've made more. And will be adding some pictures, on here and Facebook, of other items I'm making.

All the sales, will be donated back to the Webster Family. My Mom and I, have talked about this. And decided, this is what my Dad would have done. Had he still been alive, my Dad would have already made a donation. Of a few hundred dollars. Because, that's what he did. He gave back to his community. He support them. And rallied behind them.

You see, my Dad was a little bit of a softy. When it came to local law enforcement. Actually, anyone that asked him for help. If my Dad ever got a call from the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department, or the Albuquerque Fire Department, he couldn't say no. Whether it was for active duty, or the retirees, my Dad donated.

It made me cry, just recently. I went to look at some papers, and came across a folder. Where my Dad kept all these bumper stickers, from all these agencies. They were all supporting our local first responders. Saying Thank You, for your donations. And all these letters. For years and years. It made me realize, just how much my Dad, loved his community.

When we first heard of Officer Webster's story, it touched my Mom and I. Because my Dad was so passionate, about helping out. Supporting his first responders. Because over the past few years, we've gotten to know so many of these people. Personally. Along with the ambulance drivers.

My Mom and I, have gone out to as many fundraisers, as possible. Stood in line, for hours, for a pizza. My Mom donated blood. We've tried to rally behind this family. Because Officer Webster, was a good man. Trying to make, our community, a better place.

Over the next few days, I'll be adding more items for sale. Sticking with the "Blue Theme." As our city is being painted blue, for our local Superman. And on Monday, I'll be making a donation, of all the money raised. If you would like to purchase anything, let me know. Here on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook.

 

If you are local, remember to wear blue today. Change your porch light, to a blue one. Or add a blue ribbon to your home. Today, our community says goodbye, to a good man. Thank You Officer Webster! You have done your community proud! ❤❤❤

The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Our last BIG Announcement, is the one I'm most proud of. The one, that I've worked hardest, over the last few months, to be able to offer. The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Scholarship Fund. For $500. To be awarded, to a 2015-2016 APS graduating Senior.

I've talked about it, here and here. How my Dad's passion, was with the youth of his community. How he, wanted them to succeed. In so many ways, he did his best, to see that happen. Donating buses, money, and time...to these students.

Here's a little background. My Dad, only had an eighth grade education. He left school, to help support his family. Blue was the eldest son, in his family, of thirteen kids. Later in his life, he'd regret not going further in school. But he'd never let that, hold him back.

Blue was passionate about education. I knew that first hand. As his daughter, my first and only priority growing up, was my education. All the other activities, that I was involved in, came second to my education.

My Dad told me many times, he wished he would have finished school. At least 12th grade. But his education, took him far in life. He was a successful business owner, for 45 years. What he didn't know, he'd seek out. He'd ask people. And would learn along the way. In his words, "I learned in the school of hard knocks. I don't want that for you. Or for all these other kids."

Years ago, during my freshman year in college, my Dad and I talked about his legacy. What he wanted to be remembered for. What he wanted to leave behind. 14 years ago, I promised my Dad, that I'd do this for him. I'd put together a scholarship fund, in his name. To benefit his community. And honor his lifetime of service.

Maybe that's the reason, I'm most passionate, about this scholarship. I see how far, my Dad, went in his life. On his eighth grade education. And I can only imagine, how far he could have gone, on a college education.

In my heart, I know his success, was based off of will. Pure will, to do better, in his life. But education, would have also allowed more. And he always knew that fact. It's probably the reason, he pushed me, so far in life.

During my time in school, I had many opportunities to attend private schools. And later, private colleges. But my Dad's community, was central to his life. And he believed, in public education. And I'm so glad he did. I'm a proud graduate of New Mexico schools. I'm very proud to say, that I received my first two degrees, from a New Mexico University.

 

Education is a gift. Truly, I believe this. My Dad, single handed, gave me this gift. He valued education. And taught me, how to value it as well. I'll ALWAYS be grateful, to my Dad, for this. For valuing what I learned, every single day, in school. For making books, such a beautiful gift. For realizing, education was my gateway, to a better life.

It's the one thing in life, that people can't ever take away from me. What I've learned. My academic achievements. Those experiences. I'm so grateful, and thankful, to my Dad...for the education I've received. It will ALWAYS be with me. And I'm so proud, to make my Dad's vision, come to life!

Our scholarship is open to all APS graduating seniors. With a 3.0GPA, 20 hours of community service, and who will be attending a New Mexico University in Fall 2016. I've sent applications out, to the APS High Schools. But if you are in need of one, please feel free to contact me here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Our deadline is, May 1, 2016.

I'm so honored and proud, about the Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship. And I look forward to reading all the applications. And hopefully, making a positive influence, on someone's life.

Please pass this information along. We'd LOVE to reach as many students as possible. After all, it was Blue's vision, to see all kids have the opportunity, of a college education. No matter their background, their financial situation, or the fact that they attended an APS school. He wanted all the children in Albuquerque, to have the same opportunities. ❤❤❤

The Love For Blue Community Scholarship Fund

Our second scholarship, is a community based scholarship. Like I said yesterday, my Dad was so passionate about kids. His community, meant the world to him. He wanted the people, from Albuquerque, to excel.

The Love for Blue Community Scholarship, is a $250 scholarship. This scholarship is for any person, team, or organization, in the Albuquerque area. We are looking for teams and organizations, that work with children. And for people, doing community work, in the Albuquerque area.

We have been very blessed, to have raised more money, that we first expected. And would like to continue, my Dad's work. In our community. My Dad was so very passionate, about his hometown. About being a resident of, the South Valley. And having the ability, to help others. It's where my heart also lays. In this place, reaching out, to the members of our community...that need a "hand up."

For years and years, my Dad donated money to the APD, AFD, and BCSD. Any group or organization, that needed help, knew to come ask my Dad. He would donate to schools, sports teams, individuals, symphonies, students, organizations in our community, and so many more. I truly don't think, my Dad knew how to say "No."

My Dad's passion, came from being a lifelong resident, of Albuquerque's South Valley. He wanted to see his community, become stronger. To see the children, go further in life. He wanted to make his hometown, a better place. And he would do anything, to see that happen.

My Dad, was truly a role model, for "Pay it Forward." He knew, how lucky he was. And blessed. Blue, only had an eighth grade education. But he had a work ethic, like no one I've ever met. He'd work from 3AM-10PM. Every single day!

And Blue never wanted to see kids, do without. Have to leave school. Or suffer. He wanted the kids in his community, to have the chances in life, that he hadn't had. He didn't just provide for his own family. He worked for his community. To do these things, for the people he was passionate about.

Like I said, this scholarship is open, to the greater Albuquerque area. For organizations, teams, or individuals, who work with our youth. And to groups, that do community work.

If you are interested, please e-mail me at LoveForBlue2015@aol.com, leave me a message here, or contact me on Facebook. So I can get you an application. The deadline is May 1, 2016. And the winner, will be picked by my Mom and I. And again, we only ask that the winner, make some cards...that we can deliver to the Presbyterian Cancer Center. ❤❤❤

The Love For Blue Field Trip Scholarship Fund

As many of you know, my Dad owned and operated, Sena's School Bus Company, for 45 years. It was his baby. His pride and joy. My Dad worked with Albuquerque Public Schools, for 62 years. He never retired. And dedicated his life, to Student Transportation Services.

Blue Sena, was passionate about kids. All kids! It didn't matter their background, disability, or economic standings. He thought kids, were the brightest part, of our future. My Dad gave back to his community, in so many ways. In ways, that I don't know how, to begin to tell you.

But I can tell you this, he believed all kids, should have opportunities. The opportunities, that he didn't get. He wanted every child, in Albuquerque, to have a "fighting chance at life." So he gave back. Any group, organization, or sports team that asked, got a donation. My Dad would do without, to give back, to the community he loved so much!

With pride, my Dad donated to all schools. He didn't discriminate. But he did try, to focus his efforts, on the areas of town...that needed it most. The places where families struggled. Parents worked long and hard hours. He wanted those kids, to have the same opportunities, as the kids, in the upper class neighborhoods.

Many times, in these areas, my Dad would donate buses. For fields trips and activities. Many times, donating 3 or 4 buses. Paying his drivers and the gas, out of his own pocket. If we were ever driving, and saw a group of kids walking to a field trip, my Dad would call one of his drivers. Have them pick up the kids. And get them, to where they were headed. He couldn't see kids walking in the rain...or 90 degree weather. He'd do it all, free of charge.

For all these reasons, we felt like, a scholarship was in order. We are going to offer a $250 scholarship, for the 2015-2016 school year. Open to all APS schools. But we are going to concentrate, on the schools in town, that are in struggling neighborhoods.

My Mom and I, are passionate about continuing my Dad's work. And following his lead. To give back, to our community. We are starting here. But know in our hearts, this is just the beginning. We will continue to fundraise, so that we can offer more scholarships like this, in the future. Our next goal is, to be able to offer 4 of these scholarships, every school year.

If you are a teacher, sponsor, student, coach, or administrator...and are interested, please send me an e-mail at LoveForBlue2015@aol.com. And I'll send you, an application. Other than being an APS school, we only have two requests. First that the sponsor or teacher, write a one page explanation of their field trip. Including how their school struggles financially, where they are going, and how the trip will benefit their group. We are also asking that your class, group, or team...if picked, make some cards for the cancer patients at Presbyterian Hospital. That's it.

The deadline is, May 1, 2016. The field trip, can happen, any time between now, and the end of this school year. My Mom and I, will read through the applications, and narrow down the field. If we find that it is too difficult to pick a winner, we will come back to the blog, and share some of the stories. Maybe have a vote.

We have made flyers. And have sent them out, to APS schools. But feel free, to contact me. Either here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Also, you are more than welcome, to share this. On social media, through your school, anyway you see fit. We can't wait, to start looking through the applications! ❤❤❤

6 Months

It's been six months, since we went public, with our Love for Blue Fundraiser. So much has happened in the last six months. When we began, we had hopes of giving back to the hospital, where my Dad was receiving treatment. Possibly raising money, to donate to research. Maybe helping a family or two, on this journey.

In the last six months, we've changed direction slightly. Still, our ultimate goal is to donate to the Presbyterian Cancer Center, the Cancer Services of New Mexico, and of course...for research in colon cancer. We'd like to add some items of comfort, to the hospital and cancer center. Eventually, we'd like to sponsor a family, for the biannual retreat, that the CSNM hosts. By covering 100% of the cost. And we'd like to know, that some of the money we raise, will go to finding a cure, for this horrible disease. But over the next few days, I will share with you, what my Mom and I plan.

And of course, I will need your help. In many ways. Promoting our next endeavor. Helping us to raise money. And continuing, to do the work, that my Dad was unable to complete. Stay tuned, and check back all week. We have some exciting news! ❤❤❤