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ABC-TV "Good Morning America"

From: anissa
Description:
Screenshot from GMA appearance July 31, 2008.
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Time Magazine June 17, 1991

From: anissa
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Cover Story
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ABOUT Marissa-Eve Ayala Resear

From: anissa
Description:

Join us to find a cure for blood cancers and to honor my sister through the Marissa-Eve Ayala Research Grant Fund.
At age 16, I was diagnosed with leukemia and a bone marrow transplant was given as her only option for survival. Since no bone marrow donor match was available, my parents, then in their 40s, chose to conceive a child in hopes that he or she would be a matching donor.
You may remember this Time Magazine cover story from June 17, 1991 (left). Born in 1991, my baby sister Marissa-Eve was indeed a match. At 14 months old, Marissa-Eve provided me with a life-saving bone marrow donation.
I have been cancer-free since that life-changing bone-marrow transplant 17 years ago. Marissa-Eve was unharmed by the procedure and is today a healthy 18-year-old; she and I are the best of friends.

Today, I work as the Business Development Director for the Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, having dedicated my career to fighting blood cancers and helping those in similar situations to hers.

Once again Marissa-Eve is by my side, this time as a young adult who can use her voice and her story to help those in need.

ABC-TV "Good Morning America" ON-AIR ANNOUNCEMENT
WATCH THE VIDEO on the ABC-TV "Good Morning America" website from the appearance of Anissa and Marissa-Eve in announcing this new funding initiative.
Having One Child to Save Another
Marissa Ayala Knows Better Than Most About Having a Purpose in Life
By CHRIS CUOMO and LEE FERRAN
July 31, 2008
"What is the purpose of life?" It is perhaps the grandest question ever pondered by man and the possible answers have divided the world for thousands of years.
Marissa Ayala is pretty certain of the answer, however, at least in her case.
She was born to save her older sister Anissa who, after being diagnosed with leukemia at age 16, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant.
After a year of unsuccessful cancer treatment and similarly disappointing public pleas to find a bone marrow match for Anissa, her parents made an unusual, controversial decision to have another child in hopes that that baby could provide the life-saving marrow.
Nearly two decades later, Anissa, 36, is perfectly healthy and owes her life directly to her 18-year-old sister, Marissa.

"It was really difficult for my parents at the time," Anissa said in an interview with "Good Morning America." "I think that having another child was something that I was really, really excited about. It gave me something to live for -- to be a big sister."
After the decision was made, her father, Abe Ayala, had a 14-year-old vasectomy reversed, and her mother, Mary Ayala, conceived Marissa. But they did not find out whether the child's marrow would match until Mary was six months pregnant.

"It was like Christmas," Mary Ayala said when she learned the bone marrow was compatible. "It was a wonderful, wonderful feeling. I couldn't believe that she matched perfectly."
While the Marissa's birth brought tears of joy to her family, it also brought sharp criticism from some who questioned the ethics of having one child to save another.
"When you have a little child who's going to be a donor of an organ like bone marrow, you have a sense that the child is being created for that purpose and really doesn't participate in that choice," Alexander Capron, professor of law and medicine at the University of Southern California. Marissa, who is only two years older than her sister was when she found out she had cancer, is still working to define herself beyond the moniker of her sister's savior.
"I'm pretty much immune to everything, like the whole story -- my friends knowing, my classmates knowing, everyone knowing ... But I don't really like talking about it," she told "Good Morning America." "I want to be me. That's not my whole life and it's a part of me but I want to be defined as myself."

"Even though, yes, I gave her a second chance at life, we're just normal sisters. I never think about it at all," she added.
Anissa does think about it, though, and has taken steps to make sure the priceless gift of life is not easily forgotten.
On "Good Morning America" today she announced that she is founding a research grant called the "Marissa Eve Ayala Research Grant" with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Anissa is making the first donation, $10,000, towards a goal of $100,000.
"It's going to be in honor of [Marissa]," she said.
"It's really just brought so much joy to our lives. She's such a beautiful girl and she's such a beautiful person."
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anissa

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ABOUT Chase's Gym

From: ChasesGym
Description:

Chase Donnell
Vision:  Walter Hill Elementary School Gym Renovation / Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Vision Fund:  Special Bank Account setup at Walter Hill Elementary School
Website/Daily News Journal: http://www.dnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081002/NEWS01/81002029/1002/rss
Background:
Murfreesboro’s 10-year-old Chase Donnell was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma in August, 2007. Following his diagnosis, he spent very little time out of the hospital. During his illness, he inspired numerous individuals and organizations with his courage and strength.
In November, 2007 Chase learned he could have a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.  He said ‘I can pretty much get anything I want, so maybe I should do something for somebody else.” Chase especially loved his gym class at Walter Hill Elementary School, so he decided on this wish: To renovate his school gym for his classmates.His wish was granted within a week of his request. Sadly, Chase passed away before seeing the renovated gym – but his inspiring legacy will live on to make many more children’s wishes come true.
On Sunday, October 5th, viewers across America will see this compelling story of the impact of one 10-year-old’s extraordinary sense of sharing. Chase’s story so inspired the Baker-Curb Racing team, that they have produced a 30-minute documentary “The Unselfish Wish” on their new RFD-TV television series Music and Motors.
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ABOUT RadRadio

From: carl
Description:

The biggest challenge of my life has been overcoming tongue cancer.
I'm a professional Writer-Producer with a background in journalism and have written for major studios and national Christian organizations.
I've continued to write and develop Rad Radio, in which I actively participate,delivering the five-minute talks at the end of each episode. Hopefully, it will inspire others to overcome and know that nothing is impossible with God!
It's a new day… and a brand-new radio sitcom called Rad Radio. Set in the Mayberry-like town of Foothill Heights, the show revolves around a widowed man who inherits a rundown radio station and its quirky staff. Each episode is 20 minutes long, followed by a five-minute faith-based message.
Although the aim of "Rad Radio" is to entertain, the focus will always be spiritual. In the creative process, the 5-minute talk comes to mind first and then the episode is built around it. The passion and desire comes from having something urgent to say in a culture that is wildly distracted. May Rad be a seed that plants in you the love of the Lord, the high hope of Christ, and the joy of the Spirit -- today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen!
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1 year ago
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ABOUT Joe's Children & AIDS

From: JoeCristinaCAAF
Description:

Joe Cristina

Vision: Children Affected by AIDS Foundation / USA – Latin America - Caribbean

Vision Fund: CAAF Main Bank Account

Website/CAAF: http://www.caaf4kids.org

Background:
In 1985, Mattel, Inc. executive Joe Cristina contracted the then untreatable and ultimately terminal HIV virus and hid the secret until 1993, when he disclosed his HIV status to his then boss and Mattel, Inc. President, Jill Barad. "I just wanted to leave Mattel and go out quietly with disability,"says Joe.  But Jill insisted that he continue in his passion for his work.  Finally disclosing his secret to his co-workers, Joe was infused with energy and support from everyone and wanted to mobilize to affect something positive in the face of his personal struggle.

As the AIDS epidemic was spreading increasingly to women and newborn babies, Joe became determined to respond to the need for a loud voice and advocate to help organizations take care of HIV-infected and affected children.  And so began The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF).

Since 1993, more than $30 million has been raised and distributed touching thousands of lives in the US, Latin America and the Caribbean in ways as simple as attending summer camp, or as involved as helping children learn to comply with difficult medication regimes.

"The same drug therapies that are keeping me healthy are also working miracles in children. We have seen a sharp decrease in the number of AIDS -- so instead of paying for funerals, CAAF is paying for things like counseling -- teaching kids how to live with and become young adults with a chronic illness -- an illness that still today has a great deal of stigma attached to it."

In 2007, Joe's health again began to falter due to the long term effects of the HIV virus coupled with medication side effects, and it became necessary for him to go on an extended medical leave from Mattel.  Joe now focuses all of his time and energy on taking care of his health and continuing to help children affected by HIV/AIDS.  Mattel, Inc. continues to provide major funding and support to the Foundation.  Joe sums-up his experience saying "What grew out of my decision to come forward and share the truth about my own HIV-positive status has resulted in comfort and support not only for myself, but for the thousands of children affected by AIDS throughout the nation.”
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1 year ago
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ABOUT St. Luke's Room

From: GarrettsRoom
Description:

Garrett Schram passed away on October 1, 2008.
Garrett Schram
Vision: St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital Garrett’s Room / Boise, Idaho
Vision Fund:  Special Bank Account setup at St. Luke’s Hospital
Website/Idaho Statesman Newspaper:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/235/story/521150.html
CBS-TV News VIDEO:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/18/earlyshow/main4457049.shtml?source=RSSattr=Health_4457049
In Boise, Idaho, 13-year old Garrett Schram, who battled Ewing's Sarcoma, a cancer which affects young people and occurs primarily in bone or soft tissue, drew attention to the St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital’s hospital-based school when he asked that his family's Boise State-Oregon football game tickets be auctioned off on local radio station Mix106 to benefit the school.
Garrett's dream was to have a teen room created at the school - a place where teens could hang out together, play video games and watch TV or movies.
Boise area residents wanted to help him achieve that dream. About $8,000 has been donated to the St. Luke's Health Foundation through radio auctions and direct donations.
Garrett, who played football before he was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago, always told his dad that he was a Bronco fan "before being a Bronco fan was cool."  Boise State Football Coach Chris Petersen and quarterback Kellen Moore visited and gave him one of the Boise State-Oregongame balls.
St. Luke's is working on a development plan for Garrett's dream. "We want to honor his wish," said Ken Dey, a spokesman for St. Luke's.  "We're working hard toward that. Everyone is on board to do that."
Garrett, who lived in Boise, Idaho, couldn't go to school after developing the disease ub August 2007. That's because the high bursts of radiation and 14 rounds of heavy-dose chemotherapy he received suppressed his immune system. Even the weakest germs could have killed him.  So school came to Garrett. Not only is there a classroom and a full-time teacher at St. Luke's Children's Hospital, there's a unique learning tool. It allowed Garrett to learn right along with his classmates at Sawtooth Middle School, miles away.

A device with tiny cameras pointed in every direction is what made this possible. It's called a Microsoft RoundTable, and it was initially developed for business video conferences.

The technology provided a real-time video-audio connection between the hospital and Garrett's school. Garrett was the first student in the country to have used it. “Not only did it mean keeping up with lessons and getting good grades … "It made me feel more normal at times," Garrett said.

"It's very exciting and stuff because it's very new technology and it allows Garrett and other kids in hospitals to interact with kids their age," said Garrett's friend Dalton Compton.

But the real value of the technology may be what Garrett's teacher considers its healing power.  "It's keeping him connected to his community, to his peers, and to his teachers has made all the difference in the world," said Garrett's teacher Hayley Welch recently.

In speaking with a CBS-TV news reporter recently, Garrett's dad, called his son his champion. The best part of the technology for him? "Watching him achieve under negative circumstances," Joe Schram said. "Watching him excel because it's changed him dramatically."

And Garrett helped change long-term hospital stays for children across the country.  "You're going to bring it to the future, huh? For other kids?" the TV reporter asked Garrett.  "Yeah, that's my goal," Garrett said. "So I hope every kid that is going through this gets to use one."

A dozen more hospitals are ordering RoundTables. And thanks to Garrett's success using the RoundTable, Microsoft says it will donate thirty of the devices to hospitals this year.
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1 year ago
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ChasesGym

Views: 101
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ABOUT Joe Cristina

From: JoeCristinaCAAF
Description:

Joe Cristina
Vision: Children Affected by AIDS Foundation / USA – Latin America - Caribbean
Vision Fund: CAAF Main Bank Account
Website/CAAF: http://www.caaf4kids.org
Background:
In 1985, Mattel, Inc. executive Joe Cristina contracted the then untreatable and ultimately terminal HIV virus and hid the secret until 1993, when he disclosed his HIV status to his then boss and Mattel, Inc. President, Jill Barad. "I just wanted to leave Mattel and go out quietly with disability,"says Joe.  But Jill insisted that he continue in his passion for his work.  Finally disclosing his secret to his co-workers, Joe was infused with energy and support from everyone and wanted to mobilize to affect something positive in the face of his personal struggle.
As the AIDS epidemic was spreading increasingly to women and newborn babies, Joe became determined to respond to the need for a loud voice and advocate to help organizations take care of HIV-infected and affected children.  And so began The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF).
Since 1993, more than $30 million has been raised and distributed touching thousands of lives in the US, Latin America and the Caribbean in ways as simple as attending summer camp, or as involved as helping children learn to comply with difficult medication regimes.
"The same drug therapies that are keeping me healthy are also working miracles in children. We have seen a sharp decrease in the number of AIDS -- so instead of paying for funerals, CAAF is paying for things like counseling -- teaching kids how to live with and become young adults with a chronic illness -- an illness that still today has a great deal of stigma attached to it."
In 2007, Joe's health again began to falter due to the long term effects of the HIV virus coupled with medication side effects, and it became necessary for him to go on an extended medical leave from Mattel.  Joe now focuses all of his time and energy on taking care of his health and continuing to help children affected by HIV/AIDS.  Mattel, Inc. continues to provide major funding and support to the Foundation.  Joe sums-up his experience saying "What grew out of my decision to come forward and share the truth about my own HIV-positive status has resulted in comfort and support not only for myself, but for the thousands of children affected by AIDS throughout the nation.”
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1 year ago
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JoeCristinaCAAF

Views: 100
Since: 1 year ago

carl

Views: 113
Since: 1 year ago

Welcome to JohnBozLIFE.com

From: johnboz
Description:
This is the JohnBozLIFE.com welcome video. I hope you'll visit the site for lots more fun stuff!
1 year ago
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