Giving Back!

I know most of us have the best intentions to donate our time or to give back, but sometimes we get so caught up in our daily mom lives we forget or just run out of energy and it gets pushed to the bottom of our "to do" list.

But now it's time to take action. What do you believe in? How can you make a difference?

This week I asked myself that question. I have been meaning to donate to a charity, not just going to some fundraiser, but actually finding out about the organization, its mission and then help.

I decided to dedicate my energy to Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. An organization that provides free reconstructive and plastic surgery to children and young adults in San Diego. Giving them a Fresh Start.

My son was born with a cleft lip.  He had surgery at 3 months. 

He is now a healthy, happy, active 2 year old and I am grateful for that.  It was hard in the beginning, first discovering he had a cleft when I was in my third trimester, then going through the surgery and the healing process. But imagine looking at your child and not being able to give them what they need. We had insurance and were able to give him the surgery, but many kids don't have that chance.  Everytime I go to Rady Children's Hospital  I get emotional.  I see children and their families, each one has their own story.  I hope each one will get their own happy ending.

All the money donated to Fresh Start goes towards helping kids during surgery weekends, which happens about 7 times a year. The next one is in a few weeks and will give more than 80 kids what my son got, a fresh start, a chance to be himself, not affected by what he looks like.

So that is why I chose this organization.  But there are hundreds of organizations that need your help.  Take a little time today and give back.