Hi everyone! I'm excited to announce that I'm joining the most exciting 24 hr philanthropic event in South Florida, also known as "Give Miami Day"! On Thursday Nov. 16, 2017 at the stroke of midnight, the frenzy to support local Miami nonprofits begins by creating a 24 hour surge of goodwill across the entire magic city.
Something you may not know about me is that from the time I was in my teens until I reached my mid twenties I was battling major depression. I had no dreams, no hopes, no job, no skills and struggled with low self-esteem. One day, my mother-in-law gave me the book "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen...this book changed my life. Around that time, my husband's aunt Martha was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer - about the same time my mother-in-law Rosa was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Rosa, my husband's mother survived, but unfortunately his aunt Martha did not. Martha lit up the room, she had an infectious laughter and radiated good vibes. But Martha didn't have to die, she experienced symptoms and visited her gynecologist frequently to address them. What killed her was inadequate testing. Misdiagnosis is a common issue because at this time there is still NO test available for ovarian cancer. Martha was misdiagnosed with a Urinary Tract Infection whilst her cancer spread from the ovaries out into the rest of her body until it reached the fatal stage. But Martha was not the type to go out without a fight and was inspired to start a non-profit now called DOC IT (Detect Ovarian Cancer In Time) Foundation, with her sister Susie Casado who now runs the foundation in Martha's memory.
That book got me through that season of loss and uncertainty, I absorbed that book as I began my spiritual journey and soon after I got a life changing phone call from Susie. She said she needed help making inventory for donations and if I would be willing to learn how to make jewelry she would teach me. I jumped at the opportunity. At the first charity event I attended for DOC IT we gave away the jewelry I helped make as raffle prizes and the winners loved them immediately putting them on. That was the first time in a long time I felt proud of myself. After that I was inspired to create my own jewelry line and my career and businesses have sprouted, each one inspiring a new idea, a new chapter and tons of new adventures in self discovery. I found my way out of the darkness that is major depression and all it took was shifting my focus - from the bleak view I had of life - to one of limitless possibilities. There are a few moments in life that sort of imprint on you, this was that moment for me. Since then I have grown into a woman I don't even recognize with experiences ranging from pampering ladies battling cancer during chemo treatments to hosting fashion shows and yoga + brunch fundraisers and Ova Chats (Ovarian Cancer Chat) fulfilling Martha's dream - to warn women of all ages about this silent killer.
Yoga + Ova Chat + Brunch Fundraiser for DOC IT Foundation
May 2017 // FUTURAMA 1637 Galleries, Calle Ocho // Azure Designs // Om Beats Yoga Studio
To support DOC IT Foundation on the Give Miami Day website click HERE. Also check out all the other amazing local nonprofits that need our help and support - you can browse through the list and make your donation directly on the Give Miami day website as well by visiting www.givemiamiday.org
Check out what the Miami Foundation has to say about Give Miami Day and their mission - quoted below.
"What is Give Miami Day?Give Miami Day is one of the biggest annual giving events in the United States. This year, we will ignite Greater Miami for 24 hours on November 16th. We made history on Give Miami Day 2016, raising $9.1 million for 660+ local nonprofits from more than 19,000 donors spanning the city, nation and globe.
On Give Miami Day, anyone can make a philanthropic impact by collectively supporting our area nonprofit organizations. The 24-hour giving event begins at 12:00 a.m. on November 16th and ends at 12:00 a.m. on November 17, 2017.
Throughout the day, individuals may view online profiles of hundreds of nonprofit organizations serving Miami-Dade County and make a charitable gift directly on givemiamiday.org. The Miami Foundation and our partners will maximize the community's generosity by making a bonus gift for every donation between $25 and $10,000 received on November 16th through givemiamiday.org.
The Miami Foundation hosts Give Miami Day as part of our mission to promote philanthropy throughout Miami-Dade. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Foundation uses civic leadership, community investment and philanthropy to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Greater Miami home. To learn more about the various ways we can help you champion the causes you care about, visit miamifoundation.org."
Stay Connected! Follow DOC IT on Social Media
Facebook: facebook.com/ovariancancerdocit/
Twitter: twitter.com/docitfoundation/
Instagram: instagram.com/docitfoundation_
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