Fundraising item - the organic skin care!

I am so excited to showcase the newest item for my fundraising raffle.  Very generously donated by Ryz Rémi, a luxury organic skin care company, I present the Ryz Rémi Organic Skin Care Gift Package, valued at $450!

The Gift Package contains Ryz Rémi's upcoming Nutrient-Rich Elixir (25 ml glass vial) and their signature Day Balm Concentrate (15 ml glass jar) that includes a unique porcelain applicator made by Vancouver artist Robert Shiozaki. Included are samples of their Honey Calming Mask and upcoming Organic Perfumes.  All wrapped up in beautiful packaging.

The Nutrient-Rich Elixir provides vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Made to protect against moisture loss and free radical damage. Softens fine lines. Leaves your skin feeling plump, dewy and radiant.

The powerful Day Balm protects your skin from daily stress and prevents the signs of aging. Made to brighten, soften and provide light coverage. Calms redness, reduces dark spots, unevenness and discolouration.

Ryz Rémi is the creation of wife and husband research team, Dr. Natasha Ryz and David Rémillard. They create fine skin care and perfume here in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. They use only the finest quality organic & sustainably wild­-harvested ingredients. Every single ingredient has benefits for your skin.

Dr. Natasha Ryz has over 15 years of experience as a health and nutrition researcher. She has a PhD in Medicine from the University of British Columbia and is a Vanier scholar. She also holds a Masters degree in Human Nutritional Sciences. Natasha personally designs, develops and produces all of their blends.

From the words of Ryz Rémi:

"What you put on your skin is just as important as what you eat. Like food, skin care products should be made using fresh, natural ingredients. Our skin needs essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to look its best. Our nutrient-­rich blends will make your skin feel healthy, beautiful, vibrant and loved."

This is organic skin care you can trust.  Quality you can believe in, and items you can feel confident using.  I have used the Day Balm, and can honestly say it is the most hydrating face cream I have ever used.  My skin feels incredibly soft, supple, and beautiful.

Every single donation to my MS Walk campaign will be entered to win this amazing gift package. To enter donate here.

Find out more about these wonderful skin care products at ryzremi.com.

Thank you so much, Natasha and David of Ryz Rémi, for this incredibly generous donation.  Your support for this cause is greatly appreciated.

Finally redefining

I've written a lot over the years about the idea of a "new normal."  Refusing to acknowledge it, negotiating with it, and finally, accepting it.

I've also written a lot about how MS has affected my kids.  More realistically, perhaps - How I worry it will affect my kids.

Moments like these sum it all up.  Perfectly.

Daily injections don't seem scary to them.  Or intrusive.  They are a regular thing that has to be done.  And yes - this is exactly how I do them.  Right at the table.  The kids can watch, they can help. They can ask questions.

It doesn't faze them in the slightest.  In fact - I think it has helped them embrace MS, and the changes it has brought, in a positive way.

Never in a million years would I have guessed that I'd be doing an injection at the dinner table while J sits right there making a comic book.

And that's exactly what it is.

Normal.


(And if you'd like to support this little helper in his own MS Walk fundraising, click here!)

Fundraising item - the photo session!

It's time to start the fundraising raffle!

Since this worked so well last year, and helped raise even more funds for the MS Society, I thought I'd try it again!

Remember - all donations, whatever the amount, get an entry into the draw.  And watch this space - more items will be added to the online raffle before the MS Walk in May.

The first item, generously donated by my talented photographer friend Penelope Slack, is a gift voucher for a maternity, newborn, or family photo session.  That's valued at $250, people!  Who wouldn't want to win this?  Check out the full Penelope Slack Photography website here.

Penelope did our family session last year - and she was amazing.  She is a gifted, thorough, and fun photographer. She was so patient with my boys, and was able to capture so many wonderful moments that show their true personalities.  (She even got them to be still!  I can't even do that!).

Thank you again, Penny, for supporting me so much over the years.  Now, who wants to win this?:

Visit my MS Walk fundraising page here to enter the raffle by making any donation!

2016 MS Walk

As usual, my fundraising starts early.  Really early!

That's because this event motivates me.

Gives me so much hope for the future.

The Vancouver walk will be held at the Plaza of Nations on Sunday, May 15, 2016.  And Team Making Lemonade will be there for our 4th year!

If anyone would like to join the team - all are welcome!  And I would love to see lots of people there!

To join the team or donate, click here.

Anything and everything is so appreciated.

And thanks to the early-bird donors - you guys are amazing!

Together, we can end MS.

Kindergarten

Today my littlest started school.

My constant companion over the past years, my buddy, my go-to coffee date.

My lovable son.

It's a very bittersweet feeling.  Sending him out into the great big world.  Letting someone else be with him all day long.  Wondering what he's up to.  Hoping he's okay.

I think those thoughts are always stronger with the baby of the family.

But - I am so excited for him.  He can grow and flourish, and begin something new.

And he gets to do what his brother has been doing for years now - and that's pretty enthralling for a 4.5 year old!

Yes, I admit - I am also excited for a little more quiet time.

(And to end my career as a short-order cook for a very demanding customer... ha!)

I'll miss you, O.  But have fun, little man - the world is ready for you!

MS-iversary

Three years go so fast.

Yet oh so slow.

There's been a lot to process, a lot to acclimatize to, a lot of deep breathing and trying not to cry.

But there's also been a lot of hope, a lot of promise, and still - a lot of support.

To everyone who helps me fundraise, gets involved, spreads the word, makes me laugh or listens to me rant - thank you.  You are part of the reason I feel accepting of my MS.

Getting diagnosed with a chronic, life-long disease is never an enjoyable experience.  Never something you revel in along the way.  But, for me, it has been the most forceful catalyst to understanding who I am.  Knowing that self right in the middle of my being.

I don't know why I mark this day.  Why I remember.

Maybe I need to let go of some loose emotion.

Maybe I need to do something special for myself.

Maybe I just need to pat myself on the back and say, You got this.

Crusin' to End MS

Each year, the MS Society of Canada partners with A&W to raise money to support people living with MS.  To provide funds to assist with research, equipment, support groups.

That list goes on.

This partnership has raised more than $6 million dollars.

Money that I have seen directly help me.  And money that has impacted anyone living with MS in Canada.  Anyone who is involved with the MS Society of Canada.

These fun, interactive events are a great way to spread awareness.  They get people talking. And the word spreads fast.

Other great examples are Dairy Queen's support of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals on Miracle Treat Day and London Drugs' sponsorship of Pink Shirt Day.

Each year I embrace this amazing sense of community.  I eat my Teen Burger with gusto.  And heck - I usually throw in another donation too.

Because this is how fundraising moves forward.

We support.  We help raise money.

On Thursday, August 27th, $1 from every Teen Burger sold at A&W will go directly to the MS Society of Canada.  But, if that's not your thing, you can still donate at any location or online.  And join the fun - many locations have classic car shows, games, raffles, and entertainment.

It's great fun and a great cause!