Helping News: Derek's Fight

Helping News: Derek's Fight

 

  Your help makes a difference...

 

In early March I received an email. An email from a friend I hadn't spoken to personally in 15 years.  She wrote to invite me to join a face book group called "Fundraising for Derek Van Wyk".  There wasn't any explanation or personal message, just a link to a page on Face Book.  I clicked, the page popped open, and I saw a beautiful family picture of Derek, Shelly, Leah, and Ryan Van Wyk. 

Faces of friends I hadn't seen in 15 years.  I went to school with Shelly. We graduated in 1992 and Derek was one year ahead of us. I was so pleased to see they married, had two children, and looked happy and healthy.  Their children seemed to be the same age as my two children.

I read a few lines of the intro and I was startled and saddened by the news.  Derek had ALS and was in the later stages.  His best chance of prolonging his life: Go to India and get the embryonic stem-cell treatment not offered here in the United States." 

I was shocked to learn of the advanced prognosis of Derek's disease, and dumb-founded that one of the richest, most resourceful counties in the world couldn't help treat Derek and others dealing with advanced ALS and Lyme Disease. 

Shelly and Derek asked family, friends, and our community to pitch together to raise money to offer them a chance to save his life.

I don't know what would be more frightening.  Dealing with a fatal disease or asking for help.  We normally don't think of it that way.  Dealing with a deadly disease is a struggle in and of itself. Exposing one's private life, the imperfection, and disease is altogether terrifying.

Derek and Shelly found the courage because of two young children.  Not only did they find strength together to battle an unforgiving disease, they found humility, courage, and moved forward.  I don't think many people can say they possess the grit, the determination, and the dedication to their children to do the same.

At once my heart went out to them, as did 400+ members of Face Book.  Unfortunately, just signing on as a fan to the site and receiving updates isn't enough to get Derek to India.

I talked to Shelly and Derek at the first fundraising event, an Easter Egg Hunt.  You couldn't meet two people who are more gracious and humbled from the experience.  They told me the response has been amazing and each week seems to be busier than the last. 

Unfortunately, the financial pot to get Derek to India isn't building like it could be. Right now the fund hasn't hit 5,000.  In less than two months, more than $45,000 is needed. 

Derek would like to travel to India in June to receive the two month treatment and be able to return home to see his daughter off to school in the fall.

We need everyone's help.  Help us raise the $45,000 by donating and participating in the Family Fun Day being held May 2 at the Dryer Road Park, the Golf Tournament at Ravenwood Golf Club on June 5, Attending the Cottage Hotel, in Mendon on June 6, and purchasing the things you need anyway; your non-perishable groceries, clothing, health and beauty products, etc. through Exceeding Expectations (all proceeds go to Derek's Fight).

Go to http://www.ExceedingYourExpectations.blogspot.com and http://www.dereksfight.com to support Derek's trip to India.

--
Jen Edwards

http://www.ExceedingYourExpectations.blogspot.com
Innovate Your Shopping

http://www.InspireAChildForLife.org
Actively Influencing Our Future

Culture, World, News

I was just sent this ... you have to watch, it is really incredible!

What a great conversation starter to help us improve our culture, community, world, education system and help us all relaize the need to focus on what matters...

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* Save Time (Our goal is to reduce the time you shop, up to 20 hrs a month)

* Save Money (Our goal is to save you 18% - 48% off of retail prices)!

* To Treat You with the Service, Respect, and Commitment you deserve!

* Give you the Best Quality and Value!

Our Business is meeting and exceeding the demands of our culture! We Are Innovating Shopping!

technotati tags

Topnews: XS has a New Flavor!

Wow, they just keep coming out with the latest and greatest news! XS just released a new flavor, Wild Berry!

I think it has become my favorite. It will be so great to mix with ice cream and fruit for an energizing smoothie.

I'll share my latest recipe mixer as soon as I get a chance.

Create your news, by creating a new recipe and sending it to me. If I like it I'll post.

* Save Time (Our goal is to reduce the time you shop, up to 20 hrs a month)

* Save Money (Our goal is to save you 18% - 48% off of retail prices)!

* To Treat You with the Service, Respect, and Commitment you deserve!

* Give you the Best Quality and Value!

Our Business is meeting and exceeding the demands of our culture! We Are Innovating Shopping!

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"Free" Time

We all know nothing in life is "FREE", even the news will tell you that. There always seems to be a pay off, of some kind. Especially what we choose to do with our time.

A friend sent me this today and I wanted to share it all with you.

I know it doesn't directly have anything to do with Exceeding Expectations.

The reason why I believe the service I offer is so awesome is because of this fact.... to shorten and minimize the time we spend in store "shopping" and enable us to spend more time with the people we love and care about.

Making money and spending money is not only a necessity, our life is run by it. How ever you are free to decide how, when, what, where, and who concerning the money in your life.

My business has helped me to do that and I want to do the same for you and others.

Please take the time to read this and take it to heart...

STONE TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT.

DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT,

BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND ,
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE ."

THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,

WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN A MIRE

AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING,

HE WROTE ON A STONE:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE".

THE FRIEND WHO SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED,

"AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND

AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'

THE FRIEND REPLIED, "'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS YOU,

WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY. BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL PERSON,
AN HOUR TO APPRECIATE THEM,
A DAY TO LOVE THEM,
BUT THEN,
AN ENTIRE LIFE TO FORGET THEM.
SEND THIS TO THE PEOPLE YOU'LL NEVER FORGET.
I JUST DID.

IF YOU DON'T SEND IT TO ANYONE, IT MEANS YOU'RE

IN A HURRY AND THAT YOU'VE FORGOTTEN YOUR FRIENDS.

TAKE THE TIME TO LIVE!

DO NOT VALUE THE THINGS YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE,

VALUE WHO YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE!

Be kinder than necessary,

for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle

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* Save Time (Our goal is to reduce the time you shop, up to 20 hrs a month)

* Save Money (Our goal is to save you 18% - 48% off of retail prices)!

* To Treat You with the Service, Respect, and Commitment you deserve!

* Give you the Best Quality and Value!

Our Business is meeting and exceeding the demands of our culture! We Are Innovating Shopping!

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Tittlating Health News!

Okay, So this isn't world news, startling business updates, or a political opinion. However, it is great health info!

This is the latest recipes for XS Power Smoothies! Can you get enough?

In a culture high on getting healthy and having more "energy"...here is your chance to have it all...Your "secret" Smoothie recipes...

So Berry Good

1 banana
1 Cup of strawberries
1/4 cup of raspberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1/2 can of Cranberry Grape Blast XS
4 oz. of water or 7UP
2 cups of ice

Yo Lemon Lover (My son's favotite)

1 banana
1/4 cup of yogert
1/2 cup of milk ( I use plain rice milk)
1 can of Lemon Blast XS
1/2 cup raspberries
1 seedless peeled orange
1/2 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup ice

Tropical Storm

1 banana
1 cup pineapple
1 can lemon Blast XS
7 oz. of water or 7UP
1 1/2 cup mango slices
1/2 cup yogert

Orange Sunrise

2 seedless peeled oranges
1 can of Lemon Blast XS
7 oz of water or 7UP
1 cup of vanilla frozen yogert

Now that is a definitely a hit for society - health news...

Check back later this month to find out about our XS Power give-a-way.

* Save Time (Our goal is to reduce the time you shop, up to 20 hrs a month)

* Save Money (Our goal is to save you 18% - 48% off of retail prices)

* To Treat You with the Service, Respect, and Commitment you deserve

* Give you the Best Quality and Value

Our Business is meeting and exceeding the demands of our culture! We Are Innovating Shopping!

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Creating Change in World News

I highly recommend everyone watch this awesome video!!

What a statement concerning culture, politics, the world, and society today !


Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo

* Save Time (Our goal is to reduce the time you shop, up to 20 hrs a month)

* Save Money (Our goal is to save you 18% - 48% off of retail prices)!

* To Treat You with the Service, Respect, and Commitment you deserve!

* Give you the Best Quality and Value!

Our Business is meeting and exceeding the demands of our culture! We Are Innovating Shopping!

Recent Comment: "Why would offer this?"

Someone recently asked me, "Why would you want to give all your profits to Derek's Fight? Isn't 10% or 25% enough?"

Well, for me the answer is simple. I know what is is like to be ill, however, I don't know what it is like to be ill and have two small children the same age as my own children.

My worst fear is to be going through an illness that may or may not be fatal, but none the less, one that is all consuming and changes everything about how you live your life and not be able to "be there" for my children.

My heart is filled with empathy and a desire to help. I know that it doesn't matter who you are, there is something you can do to help.

I believe so strongly in my business because I see the possibilities it has for so many people and what it can do to help our environment.

Everyone needs toilet paper, laundry detergent, cleaning products, etc. If you have questions, leave a comment.

I am fortunate because I have a business that can help Derek, if others are willing to work with me.

All you need to do is order your "anyway" products through me. You can save money on organic, high quality products, have them delivered right to your door, and help send Derek to India for treatment.

Please help get the word out. Feel free to email me at jjesedwards@gmail.com or leave a "comment" to receive your personal and private access password to order your "anyway" products today!

** All proceeds for the month of April go to benefit Derek Van Wyk and his fight with ALS!!
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* Save Time (Our goal is to reduce the time you shop, up to 20 hrs a month)

* Save Money (Our goal is to save you 18% - 48% off of retail prices)!

* To Treat You with the Service, Respect, and Commitment you deserve!

* Give you the Best Quality and Value!

Our Business is meeting and exceeding the demands of our culture! We Are Innovating Shopping!