Everytime I hear those words "I'm back", somewhere in the back of my brain I remember hearing those words...ominously. LOL,
Well I have had a real roller coaster of a ride since I last posted (way back in March) I have held several fundraisers and they were quite good but not good enough. I am $2169.00 short of my 75% goal of $6000.00. To continue my journey of raising dollars for the Arthritis Society I am having to personally pay the shortfall. My goal is $8000.00 so I still have an additional $2000.00 to raise to reach my ultimate goal. I will continue to work diligently toward raising the funds and hopefully it won't be necessary for me to pay the additional $2000.00
I don't put much stock in rumours but individuals in my community have been talking, and wondering about the money I raise. Some have come right out and asked me if the money I raise is going into my pocket. (I thank those individuals for being honest and truthful about their questions) My response is this: I am raising funds for the Arthritis Society, I am a registered participant with the Joints In Motion Ontario Division, just like individuals who get sponsors for skate a thons, walk a thons or bike a thons, I am fundraising and accepting sponsorships but instead of doing a 20km walk or a 30km bike ride I am trekking for 6 days for a total of approximately 120kms. Every cent I have raised goes to the Arthritis Society and if you wish to see what I have raised you can visit my fundraising page at http://arthritis.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=2152&mid=9&pid=762930
Another question I am asked is why would I want to raise funds for the Arthritis Society, is it all about the "Free Trip"? I guess people don't understand the enormous amount of time and personal contributions I have dedicated to my "cause" I chose to raise funds for the arthritis society because it is a non profit group that works to find the cure for arthritis, offers programs to control arthritis and supports people who suffer from it.
The TREK to ICELAND is not a free trip, not only am I dedicating all my time and energy to it but I am also training for it. Training is not easy when I am in a flare up. If you've read my earlier blogs you will know I live with pain on a daily basis the only thing that changes about the pain is the degree to which it appears. My last appointment with the specialist showed 11/18 joints were active meaning I am in a flare up. Training with swollen joints that aren't flexible is difficult add the pain and even I question why I have chosen to do this.
I chose to do this, to prove to myself that having arthritis does not mean the end, that I can still my life to the fullest, that some way, somehow maybe the funds I raise will be the dollars that find the cure to ensure me and millions like me will wake up each morning for the rest of our lives pain free with no symptoms, that we'll be able to sleep through the night and never have to worry about a sleepless night due to arthrits again.
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
I'm back!
So much has happened since my last post. I guess having a blog means making time to blog! There's a joke in my family about Art, mom, dad or I will greet each other and ask how Art is doing or if he has been around lately. If you haven't guessed who Art is.....its Arthritis. Both my parents suffer from one form or another and lately I've come to see some signs in my 17 year old daughter. I hope I am wrong.
February and March passed with varying levels of pain, trying different methods of pain control without the use of medications. On my reserve Arthritis suffers have been targets in the past for break and enters. Young people looking for a quick high think Arthritis suffers will have narcotics or medications that will give them that feeling they are seeking. There is also an Island wide medical professional agreement to limit the amount of narcotics prescribed to the individuals, unfortunately this has made it difficult for chronic pain suffers to find quick relief from pain. I don't condone the use of narcotics but at the same time I know how great the need is to be pain free especially when it hurts to wear clothing or having anything touch your joints.
Training for my trip to Iceland begin March Break approximatley 7 weeks ago below is my training schedule for the entire 16 weeks.
wave if you see me!
February and March passed with varying levels of pain, trying different methods of pain control without the use of medications. On my reserve Arthritis suffers have been targets in the past for break and enters. Young people looking for a quick high think Arthritis suffers will have narcotics or medications that will give them that feeling they are seeking. There is also an Island wide medical professional agreement to limit the amount of narcotics prescribed to the individuals, unfortunately this has made it difficult for chronic pain suffers to find quick relief from pain. I don't condone the use of narcotics but at the same time I know how great the need is to be pain free especially when it hurts to wear clothing or having anything touch your joints.
Training for my trip to Iceland begin March Break approximatley 7 weeks ago below is my training schedule for the entire 16 weeks.
Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Thursday Saturday
1 4 km walk 4 flights 4 km walk 5 km walk 6 flights
2 6 km walk 5 flights 4 km walk 5 km walk 7 flights
3 8 km walk 6 flights 5 km walk 5 km walk 8 flights
4 3km walk extra day off 3 km walk 3 km walk 3 flights
5 9 km walk 7 flights 4 km walk 4 km walk 10 flights
6 10 km walk 8 flights 5 km walk 5 km walk 12 flights
7 11 km walk 9 flights 6 km walk 6 km walk 14 flights
8 4 km walk extra day off 3 km walk 3 km walk 6 flights
9 12 km walk 10 flights 5 km walk 5 km walk 17 flights
10 13 km walk 11 flights 6 km walk 6 km walk 20 flights
11 14 km walk 12 flights 7 km walk 7 km walk 24 flights
12 5 km walk extra day off 4 km walk 4 km walk 10 flights
13 15 km walk 13 flights 12 km walk 6 km walk 27 flights
14 16 km walk 15 flights 13 km walk 7 km walk 30 flights
15 18 km walk 17 flights 14 km walk 8 km walk 33 flights
16 20 km walk extra day off 5 km walk Travel Day Icelandwave if you see me!
Beginner Schedule
Sunday, February 26, 2012
I have moved!
The other night after the wonderful story in the Manitoulin Expositor, my daughter Kat took a look at my blog and said "Mom, you gotta move to tumbr. You'll get a lot more hits there." So here is the address. Thank you to Kat for setting it up for me and making it look so beautiful!
http://adventurousorange.tumblr.com/
See you on tumblr!
http://adventurousorange.tumblr.com/
See you on tumblr!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Claras Joints In Motion Auction Page
Well the FB auction page is up and I have a few pictures posted. I continue to seek donations from various businesses and individuals in and around the community. Please visit my page and share it with all your friends.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Claras-Joints-In-Motion-Auction-Page/372759099419475
I've got one wonderful lady who has offered to help me with my fundraising and has given me some fantastic suggestions. I look forward to implementing them in the future and meeting my goal.
I have purchased my envelopes and 100 stamps. I've made 100 copies of my donation request form and my letter. Its amazing, when I sat down and really had time to think I I realized I do know 100 people who I can ask. I will be stuffing the envelopes tomorrow and hand deliver as I see the people. So far this fundraiser has cost me nearly 100 dollars, for printing, envelopes and stamps. I hope it works.
Please share this blog with your friends, the more people who know about my fundraising efforts the better. Please help me help the the Arthritis Society assist the millions of people who suffer from this disease.
My own RA has been moderate, the flare up stopped after 9 days and I am back to my usual routine. I'm able to walk and even wore high heeled boots for a day. :)
Clara
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Claras-Joints-In-Motion-Auction-Page/372759099419475
I've got one wonderful lady who has offered to help me with my fundraising and has given me some fantastic suggestions. I look forward to implementing them in the future and meeting my goal.
I have purchased my envelopes and 100 stamps. I've made 100 copies of my donation request form and my letter. Its amazing, when I sat down and really had time to think I I realized I do know 100 people who I can ask. I will be stuffing the envelopes tomorrow and hand deliver as I see the people. So far this fundraiser has cost me nearly 100 dollars, for printing, envelopes and stamps. I hope it works.
Please share this blog with your friends, the more people who know about my fundraising efforts the better. Please help me help the the Arthritis Society assist the millions of people who suffer from this disease.
My own RA has been moderate, the flare up stopped after 9 days and I am back to my usual routine. I'm able to walk and even wore high heeled boots for a day. :)
Clara
Friday, February 17, 2012
JIM Fundraising.....the PLAN!
Hi All!
I feel a bit abash at the fact I have not posted in a while. Life as it does sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans. I am thankful for Sarah from JIM Ontario for giving me the nudge by inviting me to the fundraising conference call. I met others who are currently fundraising for their individual events. They shared what they have done to raise their funds and offered some excellent suggestions as well.
Being in a relatively remote location compared to those who live in the larger cities such as Toronto, Markham or Pembroke; Manitoulin offers it own different challenges. Number 1 I don't have a large number of "people" who I ask for $100 donations. Number 2 My "company" or workplace does not offer a fundraising matching policy.
One great suggestion was to have a Facebook Auction. I am working out the details but to put it simply I would have an array of items. I would create a FB page and load images. I would post the rules of the auction and set a date for the auction to be held. I am thinking about March 31. I will open bidding at 6 am and close bidding at 12 midnight. The successful bidder will be that last one at midnight on the 31st. I will then contact the winner and we will work out the details for payment and delivery. I've already got some pretty good prizes and am continuing to make requests for donations. I will have the pictures loaded for viewing two weeks prior to the auction. I've just decided the 31st will be the date. Keep an eye out and once the page is up please share with your friends. The more I have bidding the better this fundraiser will go.
I am having another pie sale this coming Thursday February 23th. I will have available 10 apple pies, 11 Lemon Meringue, 10 Banana Cream, 10 Coconut Cream, 3 Raisin, 3 Cherry, 3 Mixed Berry $10 each. Pick up between 3 and 6pm. Pre-Orders accepted.
I am continuing to work on my fundraising page. All the funds I have raised thus far do not show up yet but they will. If you wish to make an online donation please go to my web page at http://arthritis.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=2152&mid=9&pid=762930 You will receive a charitable donation receipt for anything over $15.00.
With your help and the help of others I will be able to meet my fundraising goal!!
Miigwetch.
I feel a bit abash at the fact I have not posted in a while. Life as it does sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans. I am thankful for Sarah from JIM Ontario for giving me the nudge by inviting me to the fundraising conference call. I met others who are currently fundraising for their individual events. They shared what they have done to raise their funds and offered some excellent suggestions as well.
Being in a relatively remote location compared to those who live in the larger cities such as Toronto, Markham or Pembroke; Manitoulin offers it own different challenges. Number 1 I don't have a large number of "people" who I ask for $100 donations. Number 2 My "company" or workplace does not offer a fundraising matching policy.
One great suggestion was to have a Facebook Auction. I am working out the details but to put it simply I would have an array of items. I would create a FB page and load images. I would post the rules of the auction and set a date for the auction to be held. I am thinking about March 31. I will open bidding at 6 am and close bidding at 12 midnight. The successful bidder will be that last one at midnight on the 31st. I will then contact the winner and we will work out the details for payment and delivery. I've already got some pretty good prizes and am continuing to make requests for donations. I will have the pictures loaded for viewing two weeks prior to the auction. I've just decided the 31st will be the date. Keep an eye out and once the page is up please share with your friends. The more I have bidding the better this fundraiser will go.
I am having another pie sale this coming Thursday February 23th. I will have available 10 apple pies, 11 Lemon Meringue, 10 Banana Cream, 10 Coconut Cream, 3 Raisin, 3 Cherry, 3 Mixed Berry $10 each. Pick up between 3 and 6pm. Pre-Orders accepted.
I am continuing to work on my fundraising page. All the funds I have raised thus far do not show up yet but they will. If you wish to make an online donation please go to my web page at http://arthritis.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=2152&mid=9&pid=762930 You will receive a charitable donation receipt for anything over $15.00.
With your help and the help of others I will be able to meet my fundraising goal!!
Miigwetch.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Coin Boxes and Pies
I am afraid the coin boxes are a bust, I dropped by Richie's Supply today to fuel up and the box was there right where the public could see it but without someone pushing it I think the coin boxes are a bust. I have to rethink my strategy.
On another note my son and I were discussing the pie sales, it got to the point were we figured out how many pies it would take for me to reach the $8000.00 dollar mark. I think I previously stated I have $510.00 raised thus far, if I were to bake and sell 749 pies then I will have reached my goal....can I do that ? Can I really bake 749 pies and sell them by the deadline?
It takes me nearly 1/2 a day to bake 30 pies but I am never sure I will sell them all. Perhaps I will make 50 pies every two weeks that would be 100 pies a month. Is that even doable? Help me out here folks, give me some ideas on how I can fund raise to reach my goal.
Its late and my brain is burnt from trying to figure this one out. :)
You all have a great night!
On another note my son and I were discussing the pie sales, it got to the point were we figured out how many pies it would take for me to reach the $8000.00 dollar mark. I think I previously stated I have $510.00 raised thus far, if I were to bake and sell 749 pies then I will have reached my goal....can I do that ? Can I really bake 749 pies and sell them by the deadline?
It takes me nearly 1/2 a day to bake 30 pies but I am never sure I will sell them all. Perhaps I will make 50 pies every two weeks that would be 100 pies a month. Is that even doable? Help me out here folks, give me some ideas on how I can fund raise to reach my goal.
Its late and my brain is burnt from trying to figure this one out. :)
You all have a great night!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Fundraising Updates
So I delivered the coin boxes last Wednesday. I am not sure what my expectation was but seriously I was not expecting the surprise I got today. I had to deposit some cheques and saw the coin boxes by the tellers wickets. The coin boxes sat there EMPTY!! Not even a penny! I was shocked to say the least, the bank manager said they usually make at least $600.00 a month for other organizations. This was just one bank so I am hoping there will at least be something in the coin boxes in Gore Bay or Ritchie's Supply.
The newspaper article is not going to well, an appointment was made to meet with the reporter but due to unforeseen circumstances we never met. I emailed her today to give her some information along with some photo's. I am hoping she will be able to develop a story out of that.
The donation letters have gone out, it won't be long before I hit up my doctor for a donation. After all he is the one who is always harping about me getting more active!
On another note, my son has started a raffle for a painting by Stan Panamick. See picture above. He is selling tickets $2 each or 3 for $5.00. The draw will be March 12th. If you are interested in purchasing tickets you can contact him at jtcb09261988@gmail.com and he will get back to you.
On a positive note, I added another $50.00 to the pie sale total which brings that total to $360.00. Making my fundraising total $510.00. $7490.00 more to go!
Catch ya'll later!
The newspaper article is not going to well, an appointment was made to meet with the reporter but due to unforeseen circumstances we never met. I emailed her today to give her some information along with some photo's. I am hoping she will be able to develop a story out of that.
The donation letters have gone out, it won't be long before I hit up my doctor for a donation. After all he is the one who is always harping about me getting more active!
On a positive note, I added another $50.00 to the pie sale total which brings that total to $360.00. Making my fundraising total $510.00. $7490.00 more to go!
Catch ya'll later!
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