New Year, New Initiatives

Each year at this time we all reflect.  We don't just reflect on the last year but often times on our entire lives.  So should nonprofit organizations.  We should carefully reflect upon what our supporters truly need and want and focus our missions and programs on those needs and wants. 

Breath of Hope has been evaluating itself as a nonprofit charity and we do so with much more criticism within than anyone could do from outside.  Often we hear from families and other nonprofits how the larger nonprofits are not personable, they have lost their sense of mission and do not focus on the ever changing needs of their supporters.  We are taking that to heart and will be unveiling a new program to focus on families regionally or within areas to give more local support.  This will not negate our national programs but hopefully strengthen local support initiatives and fundraising  which would keep funding close to home and truly benefit those within the community affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia. 

We hope each and every one of you remembers the blessings of 2013 and has hope for 2014.

Try A Little Kindness...

Holidays are wonderful.  Holidays can be stressful.  Holidays can be overwhelming.  Holidays can be depressing.  Holidays are a hodgepodge of emotions and feelings.  Many of us are out shopping and trying to get so much done on top of our never ending list of things "to do".

Black Friday brings out the worst in many and we see news stories which make us all shake our heads in disbelief.  Out on the road ways there are folks rushing to their child's daycare or play or perhaps just shopping or going to work or the hospital to visit a sick relative or friend.  People can be so rude.  Sometimes we all have moments.

Hold the door open for someone behind you.  Let that one driver out into the traffic lane who has been waiting for so long.  Don't try to beat someone to a parking place and remember, it all will work out in the end.  Try a little kindness.  If we all stopped and tried to be a bit kinder, smile at a stranger or helped another just a little, the world would be a better place.  (It will also bring your blood pressure and stress levels down.)

Check on friends who have loved ones in the hospital or are facing their first or second holiday without their precious child, grandparent or parent.  Just let them know you care.  Remember your neighbors and bake a batch of cookies or even buy that dreaded Fruit Cake to give them - it is the thought that counts.   (Just don't be surprised if you receive it as a gift next year from the same neighbor!  Again, it is the thought!)

Remember this time of year is about giving and goodness.  This is the time of year about kindness and faith.  Enjoy or find peace, you will never have this holiday in 2014 again.  Make it memorable. 

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. ― Dalai Lama XIV

2014 Faces of CDH Calendar Now Available!

The 2014 Faces of CDH Calendar is now available on Cafepress.  Regular size is $15.99 and Oversized calendar is $19.99 at the Breath of Hope Cafepress site, just click on the words and you will open a new window to the shop.  You can also go out to the Cafepress site and they always have coupon codes you can use to reduce the price, which may be less than what is on our site - or may not.  We encourage you to compare the pricing! 

Each year we do this calendar to show the faces of CDH, angels, survivors, adults, teens and babes.  It is astounding how many have grown up over the years.

Thank you for all who sent in your child's photos and thank you for purchasing a calendar as a gift for yourself, friends, family or that special nurse or doctor!