Well it’s safe to say that a little rain could not keep us from making this a day that our newest recipient of a River of Hope Foundation project will not forget. Although I must admit, there was a brief discussion for a backup plan, but the rain let up just enough to allow us to continue almost as planned. Tammy’s “River of Hope” was unveiled to her with about 40 friends and family members present, and it was a very emotional and joy filled day. Of course none of this would be possible without the generous help of our partners and individual donors, and we thank you all for helping us spread our mission.
Thanks to great weather, and some real hard working people, I think it’s safe to say we are on schedule! The path is finished, and so is the majority of the patio. The pond is dug and mostly rocked, we should be filling by lunch time. This morning the focus will be on the streams, and this afternoon on planting. Looks like the weather will continue to be favorable, we have been very blessed. Thank you for checking in. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Sod removal, digging, and hauling in a lot of dirt made for a great first day of primarily prep work on site. We are currently in full attack mode for the project that was started for Tammy Doering, our newest recipient for River of Hope. We have a great week of weather ahead, and a great group of people ready to get an early start Tuesday morning. It always amazes me to see the transformation happen before our eyes, and this project will be no different. As we get ready for day 2, a day in which everything will really begin to take shape, I just wanted to take a minute to thank Rock Garden Nursery for providing us with the materials and workers to make this happen.
Since we are doing a “reveal” for Tammy on Friday the posts will be fairly vague, and I will not be posting progress pictures until after the completion. I would hate to ruin all the hard work that the James Dugan video team went through to make sure that it is a complete surprise. Brian was out on Monday covering the windows to make sure that at least if curiosity got the best of Tammy she would have to go out of her way to peak. I promise come Friday night I will begin showing some before, during, and maybe even a hint of after pictures, but those of you who are curious will have to check out the final product in May when the show is released…I know, we are so secretive! Thanks for checking in and stay tuned for more updates.
The words of Charles Caleb Colton “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” have stood true since the 1800’s. Here we are in 2010, and although now this is most prevalent in the form of “Re-Tweet (RT) is the sincerest form of flattery” the basic concept is still the same.
I certainly believe that for most of us it’s not only the fact that someone agrees with us so strongly that they would repeat what we have said, but also the thought that they took the time to read (or listen) and then the time to share it with others. This is happening more and more in today’s world of technology and although Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites make it very easy to share, what about those who actually take the time to put the information together in the first place. This ever evolving form of writing called the “Blog” has given us a wonderful platform for our stories to be told, and heard. Countless stories of human interest, inspiration, humor, and the world we live in are now placed in front of us with the click of a mouse. This is where the real flattery lies, the true measure of your story being told by you, or by someone else (in my case) to be shared and imitated around the world.
Now that we’re all caught up to speed on my perception of the evolution of imitation, here’s the reason why I’m bringing this up, and why I even had these thoughts this morning. I have just finished reading the Cinco Vidas Blog post about the River of Hope Foundation. The fact that Britta Aragon would take the time to not only learn about the foundation, but then take it a step further and ask her staff to follow up with an article has me humbled and flattered. Now it is up to me to ask you to show your sincerity by taking the time to read this amazing post. http://bit.ly/c4Gy9X It’s now up to you to continue the flattery.
No matter how you look at it, or who it comes from, a simple positive word can mean a lot to someone going through cancer treatment. Now imagine if that positive word were on a greeting card from someone you had never met; very powerful.
Overwhelmed, surprised, loved these are just a few words that may have gone through the mind of Spirit Jump Founder Meaghan Edelstein as cards came in to give that extra boost, allowing her to push on through her fight with cancer. Now, as Spirit Jump begins to change the perception that small tokens of appreciation and encouragement do not mean anything in this world of bigger is better, faster is stronger, and positive re-enforcement is typically only seen by those watching sandbags piling up to protect them from flood waters, Cards 4 Cancer Day was born.
The concept is simple, make cards, collect cards, give them to the people who have the greatest chance of finding someone in need of a cheerful card.
Spirit Jump decided that the staff at cancer centers made the most logical choice. So, simple concept, simple target, should mean simple project, right? Maybe, if you were doing this in your own backyard for your local cancer center, but what about if you’re organizing 1000’s of people delivering cards to cancer centers around the world? Well that’s exactly what Spirit Jump managed to do, and I for one was very proud to be a part of delivering our 400 cards to the Avera Cancer Institute. I know that I am not alone, the 1000’s of other people helping Meaghan accomplish this 1st Cards 4 Cancer event are as well. My hat goes of to Spirit Jump and to all who helped create a better quality of life for someone affected by cancer today. Thank You!
Frightening, scary, time consuming, I’m too old for that, are we targeting teenagers? Not long ago if you would have mentioned words like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vimeo, blogging, or any other form of “gimmick” around the River of Hope office the fore-mentioned phrases are most likely the response you would have heard. Well, we are no longer scared, if we reach a few teens that’s just a bonus, and contrary to what my kids might think I’m not all that old either. So here we are embracing the power that is at our fingertips, the power of online interaction!
The River of Hope Foundation has a new look, a new feel, and yes a new website to help us interact with you, and hopefully the other way around as well. We are now knee deep in the world of social media. I think you’ll like what you see, and whether you do or not we’d like to hear about it. I’m here to tell you about how excited I am to be a part of this new face for the foundation, but first take a couple minutes to watch what Brian Rupert; Partner at 44 Interactive, and the web designer responsible has to say.
While we love the new format, and think that watching, sharing, and giving will now be much easier, we also know that without your interaction we have just another website. So go ahead, get involved, connect on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, use our cool new donation widget from WhatGives (feel free to copy it to your blog, website, or Facebook profile), but most importantly share your stories of hope and inspiration. Tell us your thoughts and ideas. If you like a video let us know, if you’re going through a similar situation reach out, and if you’ve got a friend, we would like another one too!
Thanks to a great new partnership with the Avera Cancer Institute, our 30 minute TV show “River of Hope” will be airing weekly. Currently available for your viewing pleasure on MyUTV at 5:30PM Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:30AM on KELO “River of Hope” will share the mission of the River of Hope Foundation while giving you an in depth account of what those affected by cancer may face.
Be prepared travel on a powerful and emotional roller coaster as told by real cancer patients and their families, real doctors and staff, and the real people working to help better their quality of life.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, a survivor, a caregiver, a friend or loved one, or someone who hears so much about cancer and wants to learn more about how it affects those around you “River of Hope” will inspire you.
In the coming weeks you will see the stories of Dave, and Bill who have passed away since the filming but, their memories and their stories are still very much alive. Beginning in may we will be adding new shows and along with them, new stories of hope, strength, and inspiration. For those who are outside of the local TV viewing area, all shows will be available on our website as well.
On behalf of the River of Hope Foundation I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of those involved with supporting ROH in the Chase Giving Challenge. Although we did not make it into the top 100 in votes received there was a tremendous amount of support from both the Sioux Falls community and nation wide. Every vote was very much appreciated and had the chance of being the deciding vote.
The individuals and companies involved are too numerous to name, but a very heartfelt thank you is extended to all. I would personally like to thank James Dugan Inc, 44 Interactive, KELO, KSFY, the Argus Leader, Midcontinent Communications, The Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, 9 Clouds, Deep Bench, and Brian Allen, for their extensive coverage and assistance in this campaign. Though all of their efforts the foundation was able to gain an immense amount of exposure locally and nationally, even getting the attention of football greats Bill Romanowski, and Warren Sapp. This exposure will certainly help us as we look to further our mission, and continue to help better the quality of life for those affected by cancer through the use of healing environments and therapies. Thank you to each and every one involved!
Make sure you share it with all of your friends! We will keep you updated on all of the news worthy events that are going to be happening for the foundation.
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