The Joy of Fundraising

 

  

Five years ago this month, I sat with Ruth Anne as she talked with Erin Foley, Occupational Therapist in the outpatient therapy center gym at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA. Erin went through activities of daily living and independent activities of living to see where Ruth Anne's strengths were and what she needed help with. Ruth Anne had several years of untreated infections that led to severe neuropsychiatric issues and impairment in executive functioning. With care and compassion, Ruth Anne set forth treatment goals with Erin so she could find her strength and get back to her life. One of those goals was to run the Boston Marathon as part of the Race for Rehab team. There was a lot of work to be done to lay the foundation for Ruth Anne to achieve that goal. 

Ruth Anne went to work to achieve the goals of getting her driver's license back, managing finances and medications, using her computer and phone independently, experience the joy of cooking, getting back to school for a Master's Degree and volunteering to be of service to the community with the ultimate goal of getting back to work. One of the most touching moments in her work with Erin was when Erin bought smoothie ingredients from Trader Joe's with her own money to take her to the OT kitchen to make a smoothie from Shalane Flanagan's Run Fast Eat Slow cookbook. 

Over the course of several years, Ruth Anne reached her goals one by one under Erin's support and guidance.

On June 30th, Ruth Anne had an onset of terrifying and debilitating neurological symptoms that lasted for a month. We were so very fortunate to have a correct diagnosis made of Functional Neurological Disorder with referrals to Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. We were in uncharted territory with the FND diagnosis but the team at Spaulding had extensive knowledge of the diagnosis. They provided patient education and evidence-based treatment protocols. Four months of intensive outpatient therapy appointments with ongoing home exercise programs, led to a full recovery and a remission of symptoms! It was now time for Ruth Anne to get ready to check off that goal from 2019; to run the Boston Marathon as part of the Race for Rehab team.

Even before she was accepted to the Team, Ruth Anne starting putting out feelers to get gifts for a thank you gift giveaway and priming the pump with potential donors. It was pure joy to see Ruth Anne in action to achieve her dream.

She was accepted to the team! Her outpatient providers were ecstatic and said that if she needs any extra sessions on her road to Boston (and as she finishes her Masters Certificate at Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College) to reach out to them.

 

While the fundraising goal of $7500 and training for the Boston Marathon through the winter months  can be rather daunting, there is so much joy, passion and purpose in this journey.

It's a joy to reconnect with people who I haven't connected with in awhile to share Ruth Anne's journey. Even if they don't donate, it's wonderful to reflect on our friendship and how much their friendship has meant to us. The joy is intensified when they respond to my emails or social media messages "Oh my goodness. I had no idea. Of course we'll donate," and other similar words of support, love and encouragement.

 

It's a joy to see the tote board rise and to put donors' names on the Wheel of Names for the Thank You Gift Giveaway for Ruth Anne's Race for Rehab. Every time Ruth Anne yells out, "New donation" and I ask "Who is it from?" we feel ripples of joy reverberate throughout our home. Often times she'll say, "Oh my God. I'm so grateful." Today we had a 'chance' encounter at the Deli Market at Star Market. We started up a conversation about running and power walking. Ruth Anne was inspired to let her know about her Race for Rehab run. She asked if Ruth Anne worked at Spaulding. "No I'm a patient there." This woman went on to say what an incredible place they are and have taken such good care of family members. She asked if she went to Charlestown and Ruth Anne said "yes." She gave her business card with the QR Code to her fundraising page. As we parted ways I said, "You'll be amazed by her incredible story."

A few hours later Ruth Anne checked her fundraising page and saw a $25 donation from Kate at the Star Market Deli Counter. "What an incredible story. Thank you for sharing with me at the deli counter." 

There is so much joy for giver and receiver in this fundraising journey!

I am so impressed with the incredible gift giveaway Ruth Anne conceptualized and put together. Feelings of joy bubbled up within me every time an author or business said yes to a donation!

Here is what is in store for the gift giveaways:

   
12/5 $15 gift card to Eight Cousins Bookstore and a copy of Elf Twisty by Jo Twist

$15 gift card to Eight Cousins Books and a Trilogy of Children's books by Dave McGillivray

12/12 Jacqueline Hansen's book, "A Long Time Coming" and $50 gift card to Marathon Sports
12/19 Johanna Garton's book "All in Stride" and Patrick Leber's book "Why Run When You Can Drive and Smoke at the Same Time"
12/26 *** Special Holiday Gift Giveaway *** A pair of Red Sox tickets to the 5/7 game against the Rangers behind home plate valued at $500 and a Trader Joe's gift basket
1/2 Bernie Siegel's Book "365 Prescriptions for the Soul" and a gift certificate to Party Favors
1/10 Special Edition at 5pm A $50 gift card to Marathon Sports 

1/16 Dave McGillivray's book "The Last Pick"

1/23 A signature Black Dog coffee mug and coffee
1/30 A $50 gift card to Legal Seafoods   
2/6  Luxury Hair Products from HC Studio valued at $45
2/13 Just in time for Valentine's Day, a $25 gift card to Ghelfi's Ice Cream and Candies of Cape Cod
2/20 A $50 gift card to Livite Brookline
2/27 A $50 gift card to Livite  Brookline
3/6 A pair of tickets to see "The Shark is Broken" in April at the North Shore Music Theater
3/13 A pair of tickets to see "The Shark is Broken" in April at the North Shore Music Theater
3/20 Hilary Topper's Book, "From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete" and a $50 gift card to Marathon Sports
3/27 Matt Landry's book "Keep Moving Forward" and a $25 gift card to Heartbreak Hill
4/3 Patrick Leber's book "Why Drive When You Can Drive at the Same Time and a $50 Heartbreak Hill gift card
4/10 A $50 gift card to Tresca's North End Restaurant   
4/17 An autographed copy of Bill Rodgers "Marathon Man" and a $20 gift card to Newtonville Books

Today Ruth Anne hit the halfway point of her initial fundraising goal of $7500. Her ultimate goal is $10,000 to give back to the Hospital and network of rehabilitation facilities that helped her find her strength and get her life back. To feel the joy of giver and receiver, visit Ruth Anne's fundraising page and make a donation of any amount! Next Tuesday is #givingtuesday when we get to practice radical generosity as a global community. It's a perfect time to donate!

 

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.