My Reading List

Once upon a time, LinkedIn had a really awesome "Reading List" feature where you could add book titles and notes. I used that feature to make notes of books I wanted to read, so that the next time I was at a bookstore or library, I would remember the title.

Since the feature no longer exists, I'm going to save my Book List here instead. Chances are, I won't get to many of these until I'm done with my degree, but it's a good practice to create the list now so it's ready for me when I have the time to read.

1. "The Chronicles of Doodah" as mentioned by my colleague Don Haberek.
2. "Return on Relationship" as mentioned on http://tedrubin.com/defining-social-metrics/ which was mentioned in a lecture in my MKT554 (Marketing Management) class at Walsh College. 
3. "The Power of Positive Thinking," as suggested by Ken Blanchard in this TEDxSanDiego talk, which I wathed in my IT510 (IT Strategy) class at Walsh College. A takeaway from the video: at the end of the game, it all goes back in the box.

Five Facts About Habitat for Humanity in Oakland County

The Habitat for Humanity in Oakland County is a local affiliate of an international humanitarian organization that helps to place the dream of home ownership within reach for low income households. Their goal is to end poverty housing in Oakland County.

Thank you to Dee K. for the suggested blog topic.

Here are five facts about Habitat for Humanity in Oakland County. https://www.habitatoakland.org/

1. They have helped 160 families since the organization was founded. To qualify, families must demonstrate the need, ability to pay, and the willingness to partner with this organization.
2. Volunteer opportunities include construction (general and core volunteers), but also are available in the warehouse (tools manager; cleaning and organization), office (data entry; volunteer department support, and hospitality (provide breakfast or lunch; site host; make snacks). https://www.habitatoakland.org/volunteer.html
3. They feature a "Volunteer of the Month" on their website and profile that volunteer's contribution to the organization. Read about this month's volunteer of the month, Mike Evola, here: https://www.habitatoakland.org/volunteer-of-the-month.html
4. Corporate partners for 2015 have included Faurecia, Rochester Adams High School, United Shore, Thrivent, Main Street Design Build & Brasscraft, Cars for Homes, Home Builders Association of Michigan, and more. https://www.habitatoakland.org/news-room.html
5. In addition to new home builds, this organization provides Critical Home Repair for families in financial need. Learn more at https://www.habitatoakland.org/critical-home-repair.html.

On Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/HabitatforHumanityOC?ref=ts&fref=ts
https://twitter.com/buildhabitatoc
https://www.youtube.com/user/HabitatOakland

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Five Facts About Autism Speaks

Do you know someone who has autism? Chances are, you probably do. It seems these days there are more and more diagnosis of children with the autism spectrum disorder.

This blog is dedicated to a family member who has autism. I hope that his mom and dad read this blog and know that I'm thinking of them and I love them, and that I often say prayers for their family.

Here are five facts you may not know about Autism Speaks.

1. According to their site, https://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us "Autism Speaks has grown into the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families."
2. It is recommended that all children be screened 18 and 24 months, as early detection and intervention improves chances for success with treatment.
3. One in 68 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism.
4. Autism Speaks has launched an open source, web-based portal (named MSSING, pronounced "missing) for research collaboration and genome information sharing. https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/online-portal-lets-scientists-worldwide-explore-and-share-dna-clues-autism
5. Resources are available by age: young children, transition age, school age children, and adults. For example, families may obtain a 100-day kit for the first 100 days following diagnosis of a child under four years old. https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/100-day-kit  in PDF: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/about_autism_0.pdf

On Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/autismspeaks

https://instagram.com/autismspeaks/

https://www.youtube.com/user/AutismSpeaksVids/

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Five Facts About Pancreatic Cancer Center

The University of Michigan Pancreatic Cancer Center is focused on research that helps with early detection of pancreatic cancer, and extending the quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients. Thank you to Carol Butler for this suggested blog topic.

Here are five facts about Pancreatic Cancer and the University of Michigan Pancreatic Cancer Center:

1. You can read news and information about pancreatic cancer on the UofM blog: http://uofmhealthblogs.org/?s=pancreatic+cancer. For example, there is a blog that discussed that it is expected that pancreatic cancer will be the leading cause of cancer death by the year 2030. http://uofmhealthblogs.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer-will-be-second-leading-cause-of-cancer-death-by-2030/14451/
2. Each of the three types of pancreatic cancer tumors have different treatments and prognosis. http://www.mcancer.org/pancreatic-cancer/types
3. They offer a 56-page patient handbook, downloadable in PDF at http://www.med.umich.edu/cancer/files/pancreatic-cancer-handbook.pdf
4. The most common age for pancreatic cancer is 60 to 80 years old.
5. They offer suggestions to find a doctor if you are told you have cancer. http://www.mcancer.org/living-with-cancer/practical-matters/identifying-doctor-and-facility-when-you-have-cancer

On Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/UniversityofMichiganComprehensiveCancerCenter
https://twitter.com/UMCancerCenter
https://www.pinterest.com/umhealthsystem/

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Five Facts About Caring Bridge

Caring Bridge is a non-profit organization that enables users to create websites to rally support for their love ones during a health journey. Thank you to Cindy Wyckoff for the suggestion this blog topic.

Here are five facts you may not know about Caring Bridge.

1. More than half a million Caring Bridge websites have been created since 1997. Here is an example site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisholmes
2. You can start a site by visiting https://www.caringbridge.org/createwebsite
3. If you're active on Facebook, you can support Caring Bridge by following their tips on http://www.caringbridge.org/get-involved/volunteer/opportunity/view/545a35e5f294d45d69306fcf. 
4. Updates to your webpage on Caring Bridge can be public or private. 
5. Caring Bridge websites provide a way to share health updates as well as needs (meals, help with transportation, etc.) with concerned family and friends. 

On Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/CaringBridge

https://twitter.com/caringbridge

Blog: http://blog.caringbridge.org/?_ga=1.221421784.1985574683.1441413675

https://www.pinterest.com/caringbridge/

https://www.youtube.com/user/caringbridge

https://www.linkedin.com/company/caringbridge

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Five Facts About the Pink Fund

The Pink Fund provides financial assistance to those fighting or recovering from breast cancer, both men and women. Thank you to founder and breast cancer survivor Molly MacDonald for the suggested blog topic.

Here are five facts you may not know about The Pink Fund.

1. Their slogan of "real help now" is seen in their logo. 
2. You can read "Notes of Gratitude" from fund recipients. http://thepinkfund.org/notes-gratitude/
3. Funds are provided for the short-term, up to 90 days. Read more here. http://thepinkfund.org/do-i-qualify/
4. You can support the organization by shopping The Pink Fund store at http://thepinkfund.org/shop/ One of the items is by Ruma Organics, and is natural deoderant. 
5. Upcoming events include a "Dancing with Survivors" event on October 1, 2015. http://thepinkfund.org/2014-calendar/

Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here.  

On Social Media:

https://twitter.com/ThePinkFund

https://www.facebook.com/ThePinkFund

https://www.youtube.com/user/thepinkfund

https://www.pinterest.com/ThePinkFund/

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/molly-macdonald-the-pink-fund/1/874/23b

Five Facts About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is dedicated to the fight against heart disease and strokes. Thank you to Jessica Knapik for the suggested blog topic.

Here are Five Facts you may not know about the American Heart Association. 

1. Their slogan is "Life is Why." Simple and it says it all. 
2. They offer tips on how to see the warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest here: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/911-Warnings-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp
3. Hands-only CPR can be just as effective as giving breaths. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/HandsOnlyCPR/Hands-Only-CPR_UCM_440559_SubHomePage.jsp
4. You can support the American Heart Association by purchasing wearables and other items from their store. Check out the mug with the bling. http://www.shopheart.org/complete-your-look?a=slider-1
5. You can join the pledge to reduce your sodium intake here.

On Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanHeart

https://twitter.com/american_heart

https://www.youtube.com/user/americanheartassoc

Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here.  

Five Facts About Gilda's Club

Gilda's Club of Detroit is an organization that provides free social and emotional for any man, woman, teen, or child living with cancer. Yes, it's name echos from the famous and hilarious Gilda Radner of Saturday Night Live who lost her life (but never her sense of humor) to cancer. Thank you to Jessica Knapik for the suggestion for this blog topic.

Here are five facts about Gilda's Club of Detroit.

1. This organization offers membership, with a simple 3-step process. It's free to join. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/program-membership/how-to-join/
2. New member meetings are held on Mondays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by calling 248-577-0800.
3. Their staff consists entirely of women and photography was done by my friend Dan Lippitt. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/our-organization/staff/
4. When you read the stories on their "Our Stories" page, you will feel like you know these people. They are such well written, you can picture sitting down and getting to know each person. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/our-organization/our-stories/
5. Camp Sparkle is their summer day camp for kids aged 5-12. http://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/program-membership/camp-sparkle/

On Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/GildasClubMetroDetroit

https://twitter.com/GildasClubDet

https://instagram.com/GildasClubMetroDetroit

https://www.youtube.com/user/GildasDetroit

Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here.  

Five Facts About International Asherman's Association and Asherman's Syndrome

The International Asherman's Association is an organization dedicated to bringing awareness of Asherman's Syndrome to others. Their focus is on information and support for those suffering from this condition, which is a cause for infertility that is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

As a side note, I owe this organization so much. Without the support and knowledge I gained, we may never have had a second child. She was definitely worth the wait.

Here are five facts you may now know about the International Asherman's Association and Asherman's Syndrome:

1. Asherman's Syndrome can cause infertility and miscarriages. There are symptoms and Asherman's is treatable. http://www.ashermans.org/information/symptoms-and-causes/
2. Stories of those afflicted with Asherman's Syndrome are shared in multiple languages: English, Serbian, Croatian, Farsi, Japanese, Portuguese, Romanian, Finnish, Indonesian, Arabic, Lithuanian, and Icelandic
3. The mission of the organization addresses preservation of women's fertility, prevention of interuterine adhesions, and support/education for those struggling with infertility and miscarriages.
4. They have a closed group on Facebook where women can ask each other questions, share advice, and photos of post-Asherman babies (success stories). https://www.facebook.com/groups/92888865008/
5. Women in this organization have created a list of A-list doctors across the world, one of which appears in the photograph on this page, being presented an award by a child who would not be here without his care. http://www.ashermans.org/about-us/our-work/

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Five Facts About Angels of Hope

Angels of Hope is an Michigan based organization that helps to provide financial assistance to children fighting cancer as well as families of these children. All individuals who help are volunteers. Thank you to Gary Lusk for suggestion this organization for this blog topic.

Here are five things you may not know about Angels of Hope.

1. 165, 97, and 22. These are all relevant numbers to Angels of Hope. In 2014, they helped 165 families. They delivered Christmas to 97 families. And they stood beside 22 families who lost a loved one to cancer. http://www.angelsofhope.org/2014/three-important-numbers-165-97-22/
2. You can watch videos on their website to learn more about families they help. This video really got me at the point where Ava and her sister Sophia are holding hands. http://www.angelsofhope.org/video/
3. You can help with a gift of money or time. http://www.angelsofhope.org/how-to-help/
4. One program offering is complimentary photo sessions for families. http://www.angelsofhope.org/our-programs/
5. Teachers can volunteer to help with tutoring and educational support for children undergoing treatment. http://www.angelsofhope.org/our-programs/

On Social Media:
https://twitter.com/angelsofhope_MI
https://www.facebook.com/AngelsOfHopeMI


Was this blog informative and/or helpful? Please click to share on your social networks and leave a comment. Read about other charitable organizations here.