How You Can Make a Difference and Benefit Too

It's situations like this that make me count my blessings no matter how high my challenges pile up. Sandy Lemons is one of those people who is a gift to the rest of the world.

A few months ago the worsening pain in her neck and was diagnosed as arthritis. When the pain increased, and after multiple foot dragging by doctors, a neurologist diagnosed a staph infection in her spine 

By the time they finally got around to discovering this, the infection had settled in the C1 and C2 vertebrae which had weakened to the point of collapse,

Sandy was suddenly paralyzed.

Although very aware of all that is going on around her, because her breathing has been compromised she is on a ventilator so is unable to communicate vocally. Although she can mouth words, it is difficult to make herself understood. And since she has lost use of her hands she is unable to communicate by writing.

Tragically, Sandy's husband Don is not able to be her strong support when she needs him the most. In May, on his way home from visiting Sandy in the hospital, he was hit by an uninsured driver and died a few days later.

Meanwhile, Sandy's insurance is refusing to pay for intensive rehabilitation she needs. Instead they want her moved to a long term care facility. After the move her insurance will no longer cover her and Medicare will take over but will only pay for rehabilitation one day a week

With Powdered Pearls, her small business (see these amazing products here ), suddenly unable to operate, her only other source of income is a reduced portion of her husband's retirement pay. The online arts community has stepped in to put together a fund-raiser to benefit Sandy.

Links to participate are below, but I want to sweeten the pot to encourage you to donate or participate in the raffle.

Send me your receipt for a ticket purchase or direct donation of $50 or more and a snail mail address. I'll send you a small reproduction of one of my art pieces by snail mail as a thank you.

If your donation level is $150 or over I'll send you an hand signed, limited edition piece of the mixed media art print Caring Hands, pictured above, printed on 8.5 x 11 inch archival paper and ready to frame

Make a donation of $250 or over I'll create a "Flat Stanley" of You or someone you know. This Flat Ephemerian version of you will be a hand signed, limited edition piece of slightly three dimensional mixed media art ready to frame.

See Somerset Studio Magazine December 2004 Edition where seven of my flat people were featured, including three on the cover of Melange. or for more variations to give you ideas see Mail Nurse - the Flattie 'Get Well' Cards

Fund Raising Details:

• Cheryl McVeigh of Onyxxpressions,com has donated a website where so far 240 prizes are listed and other Raffle Information can be found.
• Jamie Dinnsen is serving as raffle Organizer and coordinator.
• Proceeds will be entrusted to Sandy's only child, daughter Raina Lekie knowing that she will use them for what her mother needs most at the time

If you'd like to take part in the raffle or make a donation without the purchase of raffle tickets, this info is for you:

To make a donation without raffle tickets, please send your donation via paypal to RubberRemedy@comcast.net and note in the "Payment for" line that you are sending a  "Donation Only."

See Illustration.

To donate by check or money order please make payable to Raina Lekie and mail to Raffle Organizer:

Jamie Dinnsen

17 Pemigewasset Circle

Derry, NH 03038-4633

If you would like to encourage Sandy with a card the address, the address is:

Sandy Lemons

c/o Janna Baber

510 Foster Place

Midwest City, OK 73110-2712

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Note: To bring more attention to this topic this post links to the open Trackback posts at: Conservative Cat  Pursuing Holiness Adam's Blog the Uncooperative Blogger and The Right Nation