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"You must be the change you want to see in the world"
Mahatma Ghandi
Welcome to the Blue Marigold BLOG; Awareness, Action, Interaction and the first of many posts you’ll find here. Your visit here tells me that you, in some way, have a connection to one of the many charities we work with. The purpose of having a blog is to share information, create a space where people can voice opinions, learn new things and offer their own wisdom. I don’t for even a minute profess to be a specialist in any way. I’m really a concerned individual who has seen so many people live with adversity and in some way, I’m hopeful that you will keep coming back to either learn something new, find people who share community with you or just get information about events, research or however the path of this journal goes.
My interest in working with charities was born of my own life circumstance. Let me share some of how I got here.
In June, 2001 my life changed forever. That was when I was diagnosed with kidney failure. At the time I didn’t appreciate just how dramatic that change would be or the many roads I would have to take to understand and cope with what was about to happen to my body, my spirit, and my way of life.
My first thought upon hearing the doctor tell me that I had kidney failure was simply, “okay, so how do we fix this?” And seconds later – as I tried to absorb the reality of my diagnosis – thoughts of disbelief. My whole world was turned upside down.
In the months that followed I thought about the many things in my life I had taken for granted; the strength each day to do the things that I loved, the luxury of an open schedule, and the belief that time was on my side to ponder and plan the many options that lay ahead.
After a long struggle, I found my strength, as well as my inner resourcefulness. I also realized that my diagnosis wasn’t a deterrent – it allowed me the opportunity to try and make a difference in the lives of thousands by supporting the needs of a charity near and dear to me – The Kidney Foundation. The unique way in which I reach out is by creating awareness jewellery while donating back 50% of the profits to the charity.
As time progressed, people who were near to me shared some of their stories with me; their stories of disease and personal struggle. Some have conquered their illness, others have succumbed. Over time, I’ve added many of these charities to the Blue Marigold “family” of charities. Helping to create awareness and in my way, making donations to these charities makes me believe that we can all do something…however large or small it is … we CAN make a difference.
I had very good fortune – in January 2007 I was the recipient of a donor kidney that gave me a second chance at life. Not everyone is so fortunate.
This blog will be a work in progress and I encourage readers to participate. Future blog posts will continue to demonstrate ways in which you can get involved.
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