St. Jude

The Cause: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The Purpose: Located in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude is one of the world's premier centers for research and treatment of catastrophic diseases in children, primarily pediatric cancers. The mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention through research and treatment. St. Jude is America's second-largest health-care charity and we love that all patients accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family's ability to pay.

Be Informed: About 4,900 patients are seen at St. Jude yearly, most of whom are treated on a continuing outpatient basis as part of ongoing research programs. The hospital also maintains 60 beds for patients requiring hospitalization during treatment. St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world. Patients at St. Jude are accepted by physician referral when the children or adolescents are newly diagnosed or has a disease under research and treatment by the St. Jude staff. St. Jude is the only pediatric research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. 

Get Involved: Financial donations are always welcome as are cards and gifts for the children being treated at St. Jude. You can also support St. Jude by becoming a Partner in Hope or by shopping the Hope Catalog.

The Write Stuff For One and For All

The Cause: Paper For All

The Purpose: To provide school supplies, primarily paper, to the school children of the Ouagadougou area of Burkina Faso, Africa

Be Informed: The children of Burkina Faso love to learn, many walking hours just to go to class. Unfortunately their conditions are far from ideal due to the heat, humidity, classroom overcrowding and lack of educational resources.

Get Involved: Physical and financial donations are always welcome. $2 will buy 5 notebooks and pens making five children very grateful and you can easily donate via paypal or buy a couple extra supplies to send in when you make that inevitable trek to stock up on school supplies for your own children this year.

Project Angel Food

The Cause: Project Angel Food

The Purpose: To nourish the body and spirit of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses in the Los Angeles area. Project Angel Food's staff and volunteers cook and deliver free and nutritious meals and nutritional counseling to those in need.

Be Informed: Since its inception in 1989, the Project Angel Food Program has prepared and delivered more than 3.4 million meals. Last year, the Project Angel Food Program prepared and delivered 412,446 meals to 1,600 individuals.

Get Involved: If you're in the LA area you can always dive right in and help. Of course, financial donations are always welcome and much needed. 

First Star

The Cause: First Star - Putting Children First

The Purpose: To strengthen the rights and improve the lives of America's abused and neglected children through education, public policy, legislative reform and litigation.

Be Informed: In 2005, an estimated 6 million children were involved in child maltreatment reports across the United States. Approximately 3.6 million children were actually investigated by child protective services agencies, and of those, 899,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect. Tragically, an estimated 1,460 children died, many of whom were younger than 4 years old. The federal government has set standards to protect children and find them safe, permanent homes. Yet not one state has fully complied with these standards.

Get Involved: There are several ways you can get personally involved in the lives of these children in need and you can make a donation or purchase to benefit First Star and their amazing efforts today.

American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation

The Cause: American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation (AEOF)

The Purpose: To raise public awareness of Epilepsy through advocacy and education, as well as provide support for those living with Epilepsy and their families. AEOF will strive to eliminate the stigma and dispel the myths surrounding Epilepsy.

Be Informed: Epilepsy is more common than Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and cystic fibrosis combined. Understand proper first aid procedure and know what to do (and what not to do) if your child or someone you know has a seizure.

Get Involved: Tell your story, spread the word, & show your support today.

-Steph

Blood:Water Mission

The Cause: Blood:Water Mission

The Problem: HIV/Aids has become an epidemic in Africa. So has access to clean water. Furthermore, water when available, is often full of bacteria and parasites dangerous to the general population and potentially lethal to AIDS patients.

The Purpose: Blood:Water Mission is committed to clean blood and clean water to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic, to build clean wells in Africa, to support medical facilities caring for the sick, to make a lasting impact in the fight against poverty, injustice and oppression in Africa through the linking of needs, talents and continents, of people and resources.

Campaigns: The 1000 Wells Project is building 1000 wells and clean water projects in 1000 African communities. Businesses, churches, schools, artists and individuals are collecting funds so they can sponsor the construction of wells in Africa. In the process, they are learning about how HIV/AIDS affects African communities, and what it means to partner humbly with communities to pursue transformation. To date 340 wells have been built.

The Ride:Well Bike Tour kicks off today in Los Angeles, CA and will wrap up in Washington, DC on July 28. Over 53 days and nearly 3,300 miles; 14 riders will cross the country to raise money and awareness for Blood:Water Mission's 1000 Wells Project.

Support: $1 provides one year of clean water for an African. ONE DOLLAR, that simple. Please donate today.

TOMS Shoes

The Cause: TOMS Shoes - Shoes for tomorrow

The Purpose: TOMS is a snazzy little shoe company doing amazing things. For every pair of shoes purchased, they donate a pair to a child in need. One for one. TOMS is currently doing shoe drops in South Africa and Argentina and plans to donate 200,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world.
Support: It's as easy as buying a cool pair of shoes. With styles available for men, women and kids, we say you start with at least 3 pairs. If you're looking for even more ways to get involved you might want to consider joining Friends of TOMS on a shoe drop.

Keeping In Touch State Side

The Cause: eMail Our Military (eMOM)

The Problem: Whether or not you support war there are thousands of our men and woman deployed, far away from their friends and family, with minimal contact to life back home. Unfortunately, the Department of Defense has canceled programs that used to allow civilians to send messages to "any service member" making it even harder for people to reach out and show their support or share some love.

The Purpose: eMail Our Military allows service members and civilians to easily resister to send and receive messages. Members are then matched up and contact is between one another is established. eMOM has also put together several other campaigns that allow the public to get involved in supporting the troops.

Join: Just print, fill out the form and mail it in to get things going. eMOM is a free service, but requires an initial and one time $2 processing fee to get the ball rolling.

Bonus: eMOM has just teamed up with BabbleSoft to offer FREE Babble Soft applications subscriptions to all active duty military as well as access to a discount code for 20% purchases for non-active military and friends.

Pregnancy Awareness Month

the cause: Pregnancy Awareness Month (PAM)

the purpose: Pregnancy Awareness Month aims to provide information, "how to" ideas and inspiration to empower women to make healthy changes in their lives for themselves and their families. 

the resources: Sign up for the PAM newsletter for weekly tips and info in four key categories: education, exercise, nutrition & wellness and nurture. And there will be over $2,500 in amazing prizes awarded to moms committed to making mothering a bit more au natural.

 

EmpowHer

The Cause: EmpowHer ~ Strong Women Transforming Health

The Problem: With the lack of resources available regarding healthcare and medical information, many women are suffering in silence. The ultimate goal of Founder and Creator of EmpowHer, Michelle King Robson is to give all women around the globe a voice.

The Purpose: EmpowHer is a community created to give women the resources to become the Chief Health Officer of their families. While unwilling to accept the status quo of the healthcare industry, they provide access to health care knowledge so that women can make informed and educated decisions regarding the medical lives of themselves and those they love. You can find breaking news on healthcare and medical issues, updated information on lawsuits and criminal trials, a multimedia medical encyclopedia, and advocacy sheets written with the help of medical professionals.

Join: Join now (it's free!) to share your story or connect with other women in the EmpoHer forum's and blog's.

Austism Awareness Month

the cause:  Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Day (April 2nd)

the purpose: All month long, various autism organizations, schools and media will be sharing information, publishing articles and holding events and airing broadcasts that promote awareness of the epidemic in our country that is autism

the resources:  Visit Autism Speaks, TACA Now, DAN!, Safe Minds, NAA, and more, to see be educated, get involved and learn how you can make an impact for these kids.

the support: Go here to find your local chapter of the National Autism Association (NAA), go here to watch a video and raise money for Autism Speaks, or go to any of the links above to give your much needed support in finding support, treatment, and a cure for autism.

Attachment Parenting International

the cause: Attachment Parenting International (API)

the purpose: API’s mission is to educate and support all parents in raising secure, joyful and empathic children in order to strengthen families and create a more compassionate world.

the resources: Parent Education Program, Attachement Parenting Forum, Podcasts and Webinars. Plus a new book, coming soon!

support: API is a non-profit organization. Your purchase or donation allows them to provide their amazing network of support and resources.

Cause of the Week - ASPCA

the cause: The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals)

the problem: Hundreds of thousands of animals are abuse, neglected and abandoned on a daily basis in the United Stated of America. The ASPCA is here to make a difference in every animal’s life.  Join the ASPCA today; we are their voice.

the purpose: The ASPCA was founded in 1866 as the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. The Society was formed to alleviate the injustices animals faced then, and they continue to battle cruelty today. Whether it’s saving a pet who has been accidentally poisoned, fighting to pass humane laws, rescuing animals from abuse or sharing resources with shelters across the country, the ASPCA works toward the day in which no animal will live in pain or fear.

give/shop: You can become a member of the ASPCA with a monthly and/or yearly donation.  You can also give by shopping in the ASPCA online store.

Music in our Schools Month

the cause: Music in our Schools Month

the problem: More and more lately we are seeing programs, such as music and the arts, being cut from the educational curriculum in today’s schools.  In an effort to help save such programs, organizations are attempting to raise awareness in order to possibly save such programs from being removed from schools of all grade levels across the nation.

the purpose: The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. Music allows us to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritages, and also to explore the realms of expression, imagination, and creation resulting in new knowledge. Therefore, every individual should be guaranteed the opportunity to learn music and to share in musical experiences.

give: Your gift will help support The National Association for Music Education’s mission of encouraging the study and making of music by all.

Cause of the Week - Sponsor a Child

the cause: World Vision

the problem:  Some fast facts that drive World Vision and their work:

*Around 15 million children have lost one or both of their parents the AIDS pandemic.

* Malaria is the leading cause of death in African children under the age of five.

* A 22-year conflict in northern Uganda has turned over 250,000 children into soldiers and sex slaves.

the purpose: World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty.  They help transform the lives of the world's poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. Their non-profit work extends assistance to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background.

give / sponsor: You may give a gift to go towards water and sanitations, livestock, disaster response or other lifesaving aids that are needed or choose to sponsor a child with a donation of $35 a month.

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the cause:  Compassion International

the problem: In 1952 Reverend Everett Swanson was on a preaching tour in South Korea when he encountered the bitter poverty of Korea's unwanted children.  When he returned home he established a program that allowed caring people to provide food, shelter, education, medical care and Christian training for Korean orphans.  Today, Compassion works in more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa and Middle and South America following those specific guidelines.

the purpose: Compassion focuses on spiritual, physical, economic and social needs of children. Their Child Sponsorship Program has the following bases:

• Christ Centered. Each child has an opportunity to hear the gospel in an age-appropriate and culturally relevant way.

• Child Focused. Engaging each child as a complete person, Compassion treats children like we'd  all want our own children treated.

• Church Based. They partner with churches, parents and communities — to teach, train and mentor children.

• Committed to Integrity. They are dedicated to delivering excellent programs with complete integrity.

give/sponsor: You can send a tax deductible donation to Compassion or you can sponsor a child of your own for just about a dollar a day.

Cause of the Week - The Smile Train

the cause: The Smile Train

the problem:  Cleft lip and palate's are a major problem in developing countries. There are millions of children suffering with unrepaired clefts. Most cannot eat or speak properly and aren’t allowed to attend school or hold a job. They face very difficult lives filled with shame and isolation, pain and heartache.

the purpose: The Smile Train is focused on solving this single problem which can be fixed with a surgery costing only $250 and taking as little 45 minutes. Their mission is to provide free cleft surgery for millions of poor children in developing countries and to provide free cleft-related training for doctors and medical professionals. And since March 2000 they have provided free cleft surgery for 290,543 children in 71 of the world's poorest countries. That is surely something to smile about!

give: 100% of donations made to The Smile Train are used for programs and they have the lowest cost- per-surgery, lowest overhead, and highest productivity of any cleft charity in America, meaning your dollars make a big difference.

Cause of the Week - Goods for Girls

the cause: Goods 4 Girls 

the purpose: To help young women gain access to better menstrual products. Our goal is to help these girls live their lives and go to school without fear that what they are using during their period will fail.

We provide coordination for women who are interested in sewing or otherwise donating new, reusable menstrual pads to areas of Africa where obtaining high-quality products is difficult.

Working in concert with aid and relief organizations, we identify areas of need and have the ability to distribute the donations where they are most needed.

give: Sew your own or purchase and donate

Thanks Amy!

Cause of the Week - Autism Speaks

Time to Listen

For many things in this country, 1 in 150 are pretty good odds.  They're the kind of odds anyone hoping to win a prize or reach a goal would love to have. However, when using those odds to describe the number of children who are diagnosed with autism, the odds become dark and terrifying.  There is a new case of autism every 20 minutes, and those numbers hit close to home for me especially, since my two oldest boys have autism.  The world we live in is one of constant struggle--to connect, to bring joy, to find peace.  Families all over the country are finding themselves thrown into this epidemic, with no where to go for help.  Even thought there is no cure, getting early intervention with the right intensive therapies and biomedical treatments, these children have a good chance at leading a functioning--even normal--life.  The problem is that these treatments and therapies cost thousands upon thousands of dollars, and in most cases they are not covered by insurance.  Those states that do offer financial assistance usually put the children on waiting lists, and the families sit on the list watching that magic window of early intervention pass them by, and along with it their precious child's future.  It's a heartbreaking fact for the majority of autism families.

Autism Speaks, now the largest autism organization in the U.S., is here to help.  Their mission is to "change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders", and they further this mission by being dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. 

This mission is a daunting task, but one that is vital to this Country and it's citizens.  Looking at the autism statistics, it's simply no longer an option to pretend like this disorder will be going away any time soon.  If you have concerns about your child, you aren't alone, and you can go here (quick register/log in process) to watch Autism Speaks' video glossary comparing typical children to children on the autistic spectrum.  You can also go here for helpful FAQ's, and go here to take a quiz about the early warning signs  (for example: a child should use and understand about 50 words by age two...my son had 2 words by age 2...but don't panic, if you sit down and wrote down every word your 2 year old knows it's likely way more than you realize) .  Maybe you will see your child in there somewhere, and get some motivation to seek help and intervention.  Maybe you will see your friend's child or your neighbor's child, and be able to offer some support and understanding. It's also important to note that sometimes there are no early signs. Sometimes the child is developing normally until something triggers the autism.  As you can imagine, every little bit of awareness matters in this fight, and we need every kind of supporter.  You can also go here to donate to Autism Speaks, and further the amazing work they are doing. 

One of the big news-makers for Autism Speaks lately has been the band Five For Fighting, who've set up a website called What Kind of World Do You Want.  There they encourage people to submit home made videos for their list of charities, one being Autism Speaks, and they will donate $1 for each viewing (to a certain limit).  Go here to see one of the most poignant videos, which has over 2 million views so far. 

Like the video says, we'd like one day for our children to read about autism in history books.  Let history start now. 

-Arianne

Cause of the Week - Waterbirth International

Keep Options Above Water

Be it in the hospital or at home in a birth pool, a child birth experience is profound and life changing.  Out of my three children, two of them were water births, and I felt so incredible afterwards that I thought I just might be able to finally bend steel and run at the speed of light.  While those skills are yet to be realized, the empowering nature of the births lives on inside me still. 

Waterbirth International is an organization on a mission to make water birth an available option to all women.  Whether it's by getting birth pools into hospitals, assisting couples in getting a birth pool themselves, or other means of support, they've spent over 20 years working for this awe-inspiring goal. I've experienced first hand the incredible benefits of giving birth in water, and while "relaxed, peaceful, gentle, quick" are not words typically used to describe labor and delivery, they describe my experiences completely. Here are just some of the benefits of water birth:

•  Facilitates mobility and enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labor and birth

•  Speeds up labor

•  Reduces blood pressure

•  Gives mother more feelings of control

•  Provides significant pain relief

•  Promotes relaxation

•  Conserves her energy

•  Reduces the need for drugs and interventions

•  Gives mother a private protected space

•  Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies

•  Reduces cesarean section rates

•  Is highly rated by mothers - typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again

•  Is highly rated by experienced providers

•  Encourages an easier birth for mother and a gentler welcome for baby

Sounds tempting, no?  Who wouldn't want those great benefits?  Waterbirth International has paved the way for water birth in the US, and I am one of many that support them and hope that water birth can become the norm some day in the U.S.  However, this organization is in trouble.  They need your help to keep the doors open and the resources available.  You can read more about their mission here, and see how keeping causes like this up and running are vital to the plight of women's birthing choices everywhere.  They can use any little amount to...ahem...stay afloat, so go here if you'd like to donate.

-Arianne

Cause of the Week - National Blood Donor Month

It runs through our veins and sustains our lives but we don't think about it too much. Well, we don't think about it until we're losing it, or we need, or someone we love is in need of it. That's my experience at least.  My son was born 2 years ago, 3 months premature and while he fought and grew his little body had a hard time keeping up with him because his blood wasn't yet replenishing itself. All of the sudden words like "blood donor" and "transfusion" were swirling around us as we fought to get our boy well.

While my husband or I would have loved to donate directly to our son, there just wasn't enough time. Thankfully, we were able to to turn to banked blood for the supplement our son so desperately needed.

More than 29 million units of blood are transfused each year. Aside from preemies, accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, all utilize blood. And especially in the winter months the need for donors is great.

There are only a couple of days left in National Blood Donor Month, but we encourage you to take some time out to donate at some point this year. It doesn't take long and aside from doing something good we hear you get free juice and cookies.

Related links:
Red Cross - Give Blood|Give Life
Where to donate
Blood Donor FAQ's
Donation Process

Cause of the Week - International Ceserean Awareness Network

I Think ICAN, I Think ICAN 

If you would have told me during my pregnancy I would be having a cesarean birth, I would have thought “it doesn’t matter, as long as my baby gets out of my body and into my arms safe and sound.” Well 2 ½ years since my unplanned cesarean, I’m still grieving the birth I had always envisioned.

It’s true with the help of cesarean, my son did arrive safely, it seems my trust in my obstetrician was the only thing damaged in the process.  While necessary cesareans have saved many lives, my birth was a textbook case of a low-risk pregnancy gone wrong thanks to lack of education and a trigger happy physician.  While my physical scar has faded greatly, the emotional scarring is still fresh as the day my son was born.  And this is one reason the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) was created, to not only be an advocate for maternal-child health but to provide ongoing support for those of us who gave birth by cesarean, whether out of necessity or default.

ICAN is strictly a volunteer-run organization.  With ICAN parents can find the education and helpful links and resources they may not be told otherwise.  You can read about the latest alarming cesarean statistics and up to date information on hospitals, a must for those looking for a better birthing experience.  Most importantly you’ll find community. You can find local chapters of ICAN in your area which will provide ongoing support and a safe place to share your experience among those who can relate. 

This April which is Cesarean Awareness month, I’ll be donning my burgundy ribbon.  I’ve carried around the guilt for long enough and with the help of ICAN I’m seeing it’s time to let go of the guilt and trade it in for information and choice.  I’m not sure if there are more births in my future but one thing I am sure of, if there is a birth, there is opportunity for a VBAC.  And if there is no VBAC, it will not be out of ignorance.

- Cara

Win it!
We have a Cesarean Birth Healing Kit from Earth Mama Angel Baby for one postpartum mama. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with ICAN as your subject. Giveaway ends midnight January 21.

Cause of the Week - Women for Women International

For Women, By Women

Some of the worst victims of the various wars being waged all over the globe are often over-looked or forgotten.  Those are the women, the wives, the mothers who have to go on with life without their loved ones, their homes or even their villages.  One benefit (believe it or not!) to the conflicts we've been fighting lately, is that we now have access to the women in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.  Women are the glue that hold these communities together, much like here at home, and especially when they're going through a time of war.  So often, the needs and voices of these women are ignored, but thankfully we have organizations like Women for Women International working to change that fact.

Women for Women work to match sponsors with local women in Kosovo, the Congo, Iraq, Afghanistan and more.  Ladies, there are atrocities being committed that we usually prefer to not think about--but they're still going on against our fellow mama's across the world.  In 2005, Women for Women empowered over 30,000 women survivors of war, on the margins of hope, to move closer to economic self-sufficiency.

Imagine how many since then, and how many more tomorrow, if we all took a minute of our time, and a penny from our wallet, to help out.  Click here to find out more about what they do, and here to find out how you can help.

-Arianne

Cause of the Week - Just Give

This season is all about giving back. Some of us know just where we want our money and time to go, who we want to help and how; and some of us know that we want our money or time to go somewhere, but aren't quiet sure where that is.

JustGive.org is a wonderful website that can help you find that special cause that is perfect for you. They are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with the charities and causes they care about and to increase overall giving. The all in one, easy to navigate website features more than 1,000,000 nonprofits across the nation. With that many options, in just a couple of clicks, you're bound to find what you're looking for.

One of our favorite features is the fact that you can purchase a JustGive gift certificate. There's nothing like buying an honorary tree for the family gift exchange only to find that Uncle Joe now clears timber for a living. (Oops!) Now you can give the gift and anyone on your list can choose the cause that speaks to them.

Whether it's money, stuff or just good old fashioned time head on over and Just Give!

Cause of the Week - Project Xavier

Any parent who has had a sick, hospitalized child knows how trying it can be and any mom who has given birth to a preemie knows the roller-coaster of emotion, the progress and setbacks, the questions of if your baby will even make it home, all too well. And while all of this is more than a full plate alone it can be compounded when it's happening during the holidays.

Our editor, Ashlee, gave birth to her son Xavier in December 2005, 12 weeks too soon. Tiny and sick, struggling to survive, they celebrated their first Christmas with little celebration at all. Thankfully, little Xavier will be turning 2 soon and has grown to be the happiest, healthiest little man, but that first Christmas has made the holiday forever changed.

Needing to give back somehow, Ashlee and her family formed Project Xavier, which is dedicated to providing support and assistance to preemies and their families. While they are available year-round, their holiday initiative, Operation Christmas is their heart and soul. Operation Christmas strives to bring a little bit of normalcy to those celebrating their holiday in the NICU by providing traditional Christmas dinners and gifts for babies, families and the dedicated staff providing care for them all.

Project X is currently working with hospitals in Northwest Indiana and has begun to work with Mom's across the country to spread Operation Christmas to hospitals in their communities. You can help by making a donation or purchasing an item on their wish list. Such a little thing to bring a special something to the tiniest of lives!

Cause of the Week - Heifer International

A World Without Hunger

Here in the US we tend to be about immediate gratification. Especially this season, we will most likely each receive a mountain of gifts that will be well loved. For a minute. By next Christmas, most of this year's haul will be all but forgotten. So how about a gift that keeps on giving generation after generation? A gift that has the ability to change lives and end hunger?

Thanks to the amazing, amazing, amazing-ness that is Heifer International this is a very tangible thing. Founded in 1944, the history of this organization is simple and spectacular. Rather than provide short-term emergency relief they are committed to creating self-reliance and sustainability. The concept is this, a donor (YOU!) purchases the gift of live stock, from young heifers to honeybees, which is then gifted to a family in need in one of 50 countries. This family then has a source of food and possibly a source an income, that continues to grow and produce and reproduce.

And this is where you'll be blown away. The crux of the program is that those who receive a gift are required to then pass the gift on to someone else. By sharing their animal's offspring - along with their knowledge, skills and resources - an entire network of hope, dignity and self-reliance is created. So, essentially, after some time has passed, the gift of one animal can help sustain an entire village!

Heifer International, has me all sorts of excited, THIS is how we change the world! And so things have changed around here, along with blocks and puzzles and books, my 2 year old has honey bees and bunnies on his Christmas list this year, we might not see them ourselves, but knowing is enough for me.

Cause of the Week - (Product) RED

40 million people around the planet currently live with HIV/AIDS. Africa, which has just over 10% of the world’s population, happens to be home to 60% of those affected. (over 25 million people!) This disease is the leading cause of death in Africa, with more than 5,800 people dying every day from AIDS.  These sorts of statistics break my heart and tug at my sole, making me want to be able to do something, anything to help.

Now I (and the rest of the world) can!  (Product) Red is the brainchild of U2's Bono and Bobby Shriver (Chairman of DATA ~ Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) and is the answer to my ever longing desire to change the world. This economic initiative is aimed to deliver money to The Global Fund and has contributed over $45.5 million dollars since its birth in March 2006.

The ever burning question now is, how can I help?  (Product) Red’s current partner’s are Converse, Apple, Gap, Emporio Armani, and it’s newest addition, Hallmark. Here’s how it works:  Included in each of these companies are specific items geared toward the (Product) Red initiative.  You, the consumer, simply upgrade your choice.  You see something (Red) you like, you buy it.  And a certain percentage of the proceeds go to the Global Fund, to help those struggling in Africa as a direct result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is presently plaguing them.  Not only do you help out those individuals directly, you get to sport a cool new product, and show your support of (Product) Red. Ideally, others will inquire as to what your (Red) items mean.  You will enlighten them.  In turn, they will upgrade their choices, and the cycle will live on and on.

The latest Gap (Product) Red t-shirt spells out a gripping message, (2 WEEKS) [$28].  The design behind this latest addition is that Gap’s contribution to The Global Fund from the sale of these shirts is equal to that of the average cost of 2 weeks of anti-retroviral medicine in Africa, which enables people living with HIV to lead healthy, normal lives. The (2 WEEKS) shirt will only be available for a limited time, so don’t miss out on getting one for yourself or one for a friend.  Hey, why not buy a few!  The more you buy the more you help.  You can even check out the Impact Calculator, which calculates just how much you have contributed through the (RED) purchases you have made.

In one simple embrace (the parenthesis used in the Product (RED) logo nave been coined the “embrace”), you the consumer, are able to help women and children affected by the horrific HIV/AIDS disease in Africa.  With a simple purchase, you can be a part of an already revolution.  Now go out there and paint the town world (RED).

-Jen

Support the Season of Sweet Feet

We’ve all seen those commercials. The one’s with organizations seeking donations to aid in feeding, clothing, and educating children in underdeveloped countries. Well the Robeez Company must have seen those commercials too, and decided that they wanted to help. Not only are they helping “save the feet” of  little toes by working with organizations like The Children’s Hunger Fund and Free the Children, but they also donate to Success by 6, The Canadian Red Cross, and other well deserved charities out there by contributing shoes and booties to kiddies all over the globe.

Since the Robeez Heart and Sole Campaign began in 2003, they have donated over 135,000 pairs of shoes and booties to various charitable organizations. 36,000 pairs of those little soft-soled shoes were dispensed to the Children’s Hunger Fund during their 2006 Season of Giving campaign alone. A donation that was passed along to orphanages and schools in countries such as Nicaragua,Romania and Cambodia.

With a record like that, of course they're at it again this year! For every pair of shoes or booties you purchase through November 15 at their online store, Robeez will donate a pair to a child-in-need. You can help make 2007 a record breaking year for Season of Giving Campaign just by shopping for some shoes (yes, this means it's ok to get one in every color!) cause enough for me!

-Jen

Early Birds

Nearly two years ago I gave birth to my son. A beautiful, joyous occasion for sure, but not at all what I'd expected. Not what I'd expected because after 28 weeks of a completely normal, healthy pregnancy, I went into labor and within hours delivered our boy 12 weeks before his due date.

November has been declared National Prematurity Awareness Month by the March of Dimes and I urge you all to help bring light to this growing problem affecting the littlest of lives.

                                                       

"Today more than 1,400 babies in the U.S. will be born prematurely. Many will be too small and too sick to go home. Instead, they face weeks or even months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These babies face an increased risk of serious medical complications and death; however, most, eventually, will go home.

But what does the future hold for these babies? Many survivors grow up healthy; others aren’t so lucky. Even the best of care cannot always spare a premature baby from lasting disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation and learning problems, chronic lung disease, and vision and hearing problems. Half of all neurological disabilities in children are related to premature birth."

One in eight women will give birth prematurely adding up to over 500,000 babies being born early each year. While the cause behind approximately 50% of premature births will never be known there are things you can do to reduce the risk it will happen to you.

Starting today, please do what you can to ensure that all babies (and their mama's) get their 9 months.

Saving Ta-ta's - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

One in eight women in the US will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in her lifetime. 1 in 8. That means you, one of your friends, your sister, your mother, someone you know will be affected. For me it was my Aunt. Several years, chemo, a double mastectomy, reconstruction, another reconstruction, prayers and tears, hope and faith, and we have remission. It's gone. But there's always a chance it could come back and the only hope is a cure. Thankfully there are many great organizations out there dedicated to funding research, reaching out to women and spreading the word. Please take the time to check them out, get involved and most importantly take care of yourself with regular breast exams.

Susan G. Komen: "Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, they have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world."

Avon Breast Cancer Crusade: "The mission of the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade is to raise funds and awareness for advancing access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically under served. From its launch in 1992 through 2006, the multi-faceted initiatives of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade have raised and awarded more than $450,000,000 to the breast cancer cause worldwide. Funding is awarded to five areas: breast cancer education and awareness, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services and scientific research. Avon now supports programs for breast cancer in some 50 countries around the world."

It's very true that laughter heals. By far our favorite brand of Breast Cancer Awareness gear comes from the aptly named Ta-ta's Brand Clothing. Through their "Save the Ta-ta's" line they are helping the fight against breast cancer by spreading awareness (and smiles!). Plus, 5% of every sale is donated to cancer fighting organizations they believe in, you can't beat that.

Win it!
Ta-ta's Brand are graciously offering up a gift basket to one lucky reader. If you'd like to enter, subscribe to Save the Ta-Ta's and send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 18. 

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. One in every 733 babies born in the U.S. has Down syndrome, and with numbers like that is very likely that each of us has someone in our lives affected.  According to the National Down Syndrome Association, "the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 56 today. In that same span of time, advancements in education, research and advocacy have had a tremendous impact on the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have to live healthy and fulfilling lives." And yet so many people are still clueless.

The Buddy Walk was established by the National Down Syndrome Society with three simple goals- "to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome; to raise funds locally and nationally for education, research and advocacy programs; and to enhance the position of the Down syndrome community, enabling us to positively influence local and national policy and practice. Not surprisingly it has been a huge success for 10 years running.

The one-mile walk is held in over 250 cities so you can easily find one near you.  And whether you choose to walk yourself, volunteer, or donate - you'll know you're giving back an amazing cause.

Still looking for another reason? Here are 350,000 more...  

Cause of the Week - Children of September 11

Today marks a tragic day in our nation's history. One of the days that brings moments frozen in time. Most of us remember what we were doing the moment we found what had happened and forever will. For some of us, tragically, that moment brings more. People who saw the detestation first hand, had a loved one who did or even worse had a loved one who lost their life in the attack.

Children of September 11 has made it their mission, "To provide relevant resources, information, and advocacy for parents, caregivers, and other professionals supporting children affected by trauma". They have taken their tragedy and used it to help children nation-wide.

Children of September 11, and their parent organization, Families of September 11, rely solely on donations to succeed. Please do what you can to help and today, if only for a moment, take the time to remember, honor and hope.

Cause of the Week - Share The Power Of A Wish

The Make A Wish Foundation is truly a magical and joyful organization with its only goal to give hope, strength, and happiness to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

My family experienced first-hand the loving generosity of Make A Wish when our son Noah had a wish granted in January 2006. At the time he was battling a rare form of epilepsy, and his desire was a simple “wish to go to the zoo.” We were flown to San Diego, home of the ultimate zoo, and provided with first-class accommodations and royal treatment the entire week. 

Our visits to the zoo, Sea World, San Diego’s Wild Animal Park, and even Disneyland lasted just a day or two that week, but our memories will last a lifetime.

 There are many ways to help grant a dream come true to a deserving child at Make A Wish. Donate online or contact your local Wish chapter. Volunteer your time, talents, and even frequent flyer miles.  Shop for Make-A-Wish merchandise to not only raise awareness but also help grant wishes.

With a wish granted every 41 minutes, the Make A Wish Foundation is the nation’s largest wish granting organization. Do what you can to help today and be a part of wishes that really do come true.

-Steph

Cause of the Week - Sunshine and Skimbaco

  Skimbaco, one of our favorite online Children's boutiques, is doing their part to Spread a little Sunshine. Their newly launched Spread Sunshine Charity Program was formed to benefit Hope International, a non-profit adoption organization. Skimbaco owner (and Mama Speaks contributor!) Katja Presnal teamed up with jewelry artist, DeAnna Cochran to create a one of kind piece of art.

The Spread Sunshine Necklace [$145], can be worn by women, children and men and is the perfect opportunity to support a great cause while adding a little shine in the accessory department. "Many busy moms want to find unique items for their children and do charity, but also have busy lives”," says Katja. “"The pure silver necklace is our tribute to Moms, and it makes it easy for Moms shopping with us to do something good, while browsing our store”."

The donations to Hope International will help to improve the living conditions of children in orphanages around the world. The organization's volunteers visit orphanages bringing assistance to improve the living conditions for these special children.

Cause of the Week - World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week kicks off today with the goal of supporting and educating women worldwide on the importance of breastfeeding. This year's focus is the power of one- emphasizing the importance of nursing in a baby's first hour. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action says, "Initiation of breastfeeding  withing the first hour of birth is the first and most vital step towards reducing infant and under-five mortality, by reducing the overwhelmingly high neonatal mortality rate."

In celebration there are walks and events throughout the country and   worldwide. If you're currently a nursing mama you can take part in Synchronized Breastfeeding Worldwide (sounds like an Olympic sport doesn't it?!) Just latch on your little one on at 10:00am (your local time) on August, 8. And while we think you should always be kind to a nursing mama, this week when you see a woman struggling to push a shopping cart and balance her suckling babe, an extra smile might be in order.

Breastfeeding Mama's, we salute you.

Cause of the Week - No Coughing Matter

It may be over the counter, but cough medicine should never be over our heads as Moms. Do you know that "dex" use is on the rise? One in 10 teens today have reported abusing cough medicine with the active ingredient dextropmethorphan, and most often dangerously consume between 25 and 50 times the recommended dosage.

The five Moms here at Mama Speaks think you should know about another five concerned Moms who banded together to stop cough medicine abuse. They created Five Moms and are spreading the word about the dangers of cough medicine abuse, five Moms at a time. The Five Moms site has a short video along with helpful resources to know what to discuss with your children now, and educate yourself about the warning signs of cough medicine abuse.

Five Moms has a simple campaign that you can be a part of. Spread the word. Tell other Moms that you know online, in the neighborhood, at your next girls night out. Talk about being aware. Get the dialogue started with your teen or pre-teen. Cough medicine abuse is real. Now it's your turn to tell five Moms.

-Steph

Cause of the Week - 3 Days to Change Your World

Every year in the United States alone, breast cancer claims nearly 40,000 lives. Who has been affected in your life? A mother, father, sister, friend?

The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a chance to go the distance in fighting against the disease. The 3 Day is an incredibly special event. Thousands of women and men unite in cities across the country for three days and 60 miles of walking in a bold display of courage and commitment. It's a weekend of hope, as lives lost are honored and survivors celebrated.

Net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to fund breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs, as well as the National Philanthropic Breast Cancer Fund, to provide a permanent endowment for breast cancer initiatives.

You can click here to help support our favorite Chicago walker.

Keeping it Pre-skool

Jimi Hendrix sleepers? Instrumental toddler CD's featuring The Sex Pistols, Nirvana, 2 Pac and Johnny Cash? Nippaz With Attitude has to be London's coolest stop for baby and toddler gear. You won't find anything with velvet or lace here. Just pure coolness kiddie-style. We're partial to their handprinted tee's and limited edition prints, but every thing's worth spending your dollars on. They've also started N.W.Aid to give kids around the world a helping hand.

Mama Speaks is giving away a Nippaz "Notorious B.I.B" just email reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com with the name of the their latest tee by midnight tonight. And the fun doesn't stop here, head on over to N.W.A.'s site to play Name that Tune for a chance to win an item of your choice.

Cause of the Week - Making Birthday's Happier

One in six children across the country live in poverty. These are the children who don’t get to celebrate their birthday, who don’t realize they have a birthday because it’s never been recognized.  Cheerful Givers mission is to brighten and celebrate the lives of families in need by providing toy-filled birthday gift bags for these children in need. Since 1994 more than 193,000 children have received birthday gift bags.  Their goal this year is to reach at least 40,000 of more. To read more and find out how you can help visit CheerfulGivers.org