This week we hear from Jasmin Jean with Snugglebuds. As a childhood cancer survivor she has some chronic illness from her chemo back in the 1980’s. Cancer research has come so far now, last Christmas when she was again in the hospital, she decided she was going to make dolls for kids going through cancer treatments. These dolls called “buds” have IV’s ports, and are bald, they have lab coats and Dr. Name tags with their names on them. These buds are making a significant difference for kids with cancer, not only does it empower them, but helps educate them and make them part of the process.

This week we hear from Tammie Enders, a teacher at Stevens Creek Elementary school and Mirza Avdic with The Hungry Hearts Foundation. When Tammie discovered one of her own students would be without adequate food over winter break, she decided something had to be done. She contacted Anita Caffee, and together they vowed that no child would go hungry at their school. For more than 5 years the foundation has been sending back packs with food home with children in the free and reduced lunch program on weekends and during the summer. https://www.hungryheartsfoundation.com/

This week we hear Dr. Marianne Teitelbaum, author of the groundbreaking new book Healing The Thyroid With Ayurveda: Natural Treatments for Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism, and Hyperthyroidism:
Dr. Teitelbaum, who has treated thousands of thyroid patients, argues that every month should be Thyroid Awareness Month given the epidemic levels of the disease and the lack of effective treatment. Approximately 20 million Americans have a thyroid condition — and up to 60% of them don’t even know it. http://drmteitelbaum.com/

This week we hear from Robert Smiley with “The Hand Up Project.” Robert reveals his “why” about helping addicts and the reason he looks at them and treats them as human beings. Robert and his team of volunteers, many are recovering addicts. Robert’s team goes into homeless camps and cleans up the area. They invite addicts to get into detox and rehab. He realizes the drug takes them over and the way they behave is not who they are but he knows they can beat it with the help of support and community.
http://thehandupproject.org/

This week we hear from Kinder Smoots who is the Executive Director of Eagle Wings DisAbility Ministries. Kinder was called to serve those with disAbilities one month after the passing of her daughter Kayla. Being the parent of a child with special needs taught advocacy, training, understanding and passion for those who are marginalized in our community.

This week we hear from Judy Hoff, Founder and CEO of The Hoff Foundation located in Everett WA. The Hoff Foundation includes Esther’s Place, Queen it’s a New Day, New and Creation Housing for women coming out of sex trafficking, drugs/alcohol addiction, and homelessness.
As we head into the cold weather there are things we can do to help them as they reach out to the homeless and opioid community in hopes of rehabilitation. Gloves are a big need and hand warmers. Also with Christmas approaching simple useful gifts for the women helps bring them joy through the holidays. You can send money or gifts to the Hoff Foundation at 2639 Rockefeller Ave Everett WA 98201. Or you can go to their webpage https://www.hofffoundation.org/ to volunteer at the day center, Esther’s Place, desperate for volunteers or for the Christmas Party.

This week we hear from Christy Tennant Krispin with “A Fostered Life” Podcast. Christy started with a youtube channel to encourage other foster parents. Since then it has involved into a weekly podcast, she interviews experts, former foster children and seasoned foster parents. Her mantra is “No foster parent should ever feel alone.”
It is important for foster parents to feel supported so they will continue. The goal is to train and keep as many foster parents as possible as the need is so great. Some of the things they go through is truly tragic and having support through those tough times will help them bounce back and try again. Fostering isn’t for everyone but if it is on your heart she want you to be informed as to what you are walking into. You can find out more at https://afosteredlife.com/ . Christy also hosts a weekly support call for foster parents.