GODSPEED AND MAY YOU ALWAYS KEEP THE WIND AT YOUR BACK!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
STILL RIDING-THE NICKLE PLATE
I've still be getting my riding in. I've been exploring local rail trails and greenways. If you like to ride and haven't tried one of these yet I strongly urge you to. Chances are that no matter where you live there is one relatively close to you. There are several good sites to go to to find these. Here is the first one that comes to mind: http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/nbrn/usbikewaysystem.cfm The one we ride most often and still have yet to ride the entire route is the Nickle Plate. It's a beautiful paved path, easy with no strenuous hills to climb and very few heavily traveled roads to cross. It's only downfall is that it does not have any restrooms along the path other than when you come into the few towns along the way. Currently the Nickle Plate runs from a trailhead in Cassville to a trailhead in Rochester with stops in other places such as Bunker HIll and Peru. In other words you don't have to ride the entire path in one day. Here are a few pictures taken along our way on the Nickle Plate so far-
Friday, June 29, 2012
You Too Mother Nature????
Well, I had just got to where I was adding distance with a full trailer and now Mother Nature decides to throw in this blasted heat and thunderstorms!!!!! Hello? I'm not ready to ride in 105 degree heat!
I am still slowly rolling along though...I WILL get back to where my bike and I can go anywhere together!...then other than crossing oceans...the world is the limit!!!!! :)
I am still slowly rolling along though...I WILL get back to where my bike and I can go anywhere together!...then other than crossing oceans...the world is the limit!!!!! :)
Monday, June 4, 2012
SETTING MY GOALS HIGH
I was thinking about my reasons for doing this Memorial Scholarship and of course there is the obvious, for Andy and to make sure that he is remembered. There's more to it than that though. Those of you who knew Andy knew he was passionate about politics but you may not have realized one of his driving reasons. I have always believed and taught my children that we all hold a personal responsibility to help each other and that only when society realizes this and stops relying on big govt to come to their rescue will we truly find peace and utopia. Perhaps it is idealistic but I believe that when people in a community have needs to be met that the community should come together to meet those needs. WE should pull together to make sure that people in our communities have food, shelter, support, companionship etc. These are things that WE are in a position to be more aware of than some politician sitting in Washington because they are our neighbors, our family and our friends. By helping one another we help enrich our own community and if each community does this then our country becomes a better place.
There is one thing that occupies my thoughts and occasionally distracts me from my emotional and physical pain and that is WHAT DO I DO NEXT? What do I do next to keep raising money? And once the scholarship is a full ride scholarship what is the next need to put money towards? There's certainly no shortage of needs. I can list a few I'd like to work on and that is regardless of the community I live in:
1) a teachers fund- so teachers can make learning more interesting and fun without having to reach into their own pockets or ask constantly from the parents because many parents just don't have the money to constantly put into project after project. Let alone the cost of field trips or things like band equipment, sports equipment and let's face it..hands on, real life learning is much more fun and interesting than just reading about it in a book.
2) Research and financial aid for struggling CFIDS patients. More people are disabled from this disease than many others. It's one of the leading disabling diseases in terms of numbers and the amount of pain and suffering it's victims undergo in the world yet in our country it is ranked toward the bottom when it comes to research funding. Also many of it's victims cannot work, cannot afford insurance thus cannot get what little treatment there is...we are invisible. I'd like to see that changed.
3) I'd love to help expand the rail trails program. Cycling is great exercise as is walking. These trails provide beautiful safe (out of road traffic) travel, not to mention for those of you who are dedicated to going green these provide a method of commuting that "leaves nothing but footprints". It would be so amazing to see these connected with bunkhouses so people could discover the wonders of nature. You definitely won't hear "I'm bored" on a cycling vacation with the kids! Direct the trails near historical landmarks and voila..income for the community, educational fun, exercise and travel all in one. Low cost infrastructure, work for people building them. ;)
4) Community resource fund- to be used as needed to fill the needs of individuals and families in the community. (Think expanded United Way)
These are just a few things. And they wouldn't take much. If each person came out to at least one of the fundraisers, had some fun and gave just a little these goals are all highly attainable. If each business (or person with "deep pockets") contributed to the fundraisers to bring the community together...they would get their company known in the community, they would unite the community building a stronger foundation where people want to stay and raise their families and keep their company a continuous patronage. It would build a stronger America and more stable economy in the long run. As it is it seems that everyone is scrambling around looking for this and it is no longer there or there are only small pockets of it here and there. We CAN get each other through these rough times and come out stronger for it if we take up our own personal responsibility and help each other.
As for future fundraisers? I think I might have some riding partners for the long distance ride ...so that MIGHT be back on. We have also been considering a retro prom/dance. There are a lot of things on this list...I just have to put my "feelers" out and see what seems to interest all of you the most. :) If you have ideas or like a particular idea I mention please comment on it! That's the only way we can know what YOU will like!
Much love,
Mom
There is one thing that occupies my thoughts and occasionally distracts me from my emotional and physical pain and that is WHAT DO I DO NEXT? What do I do next to keep raising money? And once the scholarship is a full ride scholarship what is the next need to put money towards? There's certainly no shortage of needs. I can list a few I'd like to work on and that is regardless of the community I live in:
1) a teachers fund- so teachers can make learning more interesting and fun without having to reach into their own pockets or ask constantly from the parents because many parents just don't have the money to constantly put into project after project. Let alone the cost of field trips or things like band equipment, sports equipment and let's face it..hands on, real life learning is much more fun and interesting than just reading about it in a book.
2) Research and financial aid for struggling CFIDS patients. More people are disabled from this disease than many others. It's one of the leading disabling diseases in terms of numbers and the amount of pain and suffering it's victims undergo in the world yet in our country it is ranked toward the bottom when it comes to research funding. Also many of it's victims cannot work, cannot afford insurance thus cannot get what little treatment there is...we are invisible. I'd like to see that changed.
3) I'd love to help expand the rail trails program. Cycling is great exercise as is walking. These trails provide beautiful safe (out of road traffic) travel, not to mention for those of you who are dedicated to going green these provide a method of commuting that "leaves nothing but footprints". It would be so amazing to see these connected with bunkhouses so people could discover the wonders of nature. You definitely won't hear "I'm bored" on a cycling vacation with the kids! Direct the trails near historical landmarks and voila..income for the community, educational fun, exercise and travel all in one. Low cost infrastructure, work for people building them. ;)
4) Community resource fund- to be used as needed to fill the needs of individuals and families in the community. (Think expanded United Way)
These are just a few things. And they wouldn't take much. If each person came out to at least one of the fundraisers, had some fun and gave just a little these goals are all highly attainable. If each business (or person with "deep pockets") contributed to the fundraisers to bring the community together...they would get their company known in the community, they would unite the community building a stronger foundation where people want to stay and raise their families and keep their company a continuous patronage. It would build a stronger America and more stable economy in the long run. As it is it seems that everyone is scrambling around looking for this and it is no longer there or there are only small pockets of it here and there. We CAN get each other through these rough times and come out stronger for it if we take up our own personal responsibility and help each other.
As for future fundraisers? I think I might have some riding partners for the long distance ride ...so that MIGHT be back on. We have also been considering a retro prom/dance. There are a lot of things on this list...I just have to put my "feelers" out and see what seems to interest all of you the most. :) If you have ideas or like a particular idea I mention please comment on it! That's the only way we can know what YOU will like!
Much love,
Mom
Saturday, June 2, 2012
TROJAN WALK-A-THON to benefit THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
On Saturday June 16th we are holding a walk-a-thon fundraiser at Tri Central High School track and field. Located at 2115 W 500 N SHARPSVILLE, INDIANA 46068. Included in our day of fun will be a silent auction with some great items to bid on, a bake sale with some wonderful homemade items perfect for Father's Day! (They always say a way to a man's heart is through is stomach!) There will be a concession stand, and entertainment provided including sets by our own Tri Central High School Jazz Band, Individual vocalists and our special guest MIA
If you wish to walk there is a registration donation of $5 for students and $10 for adults which can be waived for anyone with 10 pledges or more. Walkers will earn 1 ticket for the silent auction for every 4 laps the complete. Registration will begin at 9:00am and Walking at 9:30am and will last until the last walker stops or 6:00pm whichever comes first. If you would like to sponsor, donate an item for the silent auction or need a pledge sheet please email me Lori Jones with your name, mailing address, and the number of pledge sheets you will need at lojojones67@gmail.com .
We have to raise a minimum of $10,000 to make this happen. The President of the Tipton Foundation who handles our counties scholarships told me that I'll never be able to do it "By holding petty fundraisers" He said "you can only raise that kind of money if you know people with deep pockets" My words to him were "Sir I mean no disrespect but I believe you underestimate the power of a community working together..." Please help me prove him wrong! $10,000 will provide a $400 scholarship to a Tri Central graduate between the ages of 17-25 who has at least 2 years participation in Tri Central athletics and or Band, who consistently shows an honest eagerness to learn and do their personal best, and who shows a kind, compassionate, giving personality towards their fellow students and community. If living at home with parents their family income must be $60,000 or below and if independent their income must be no more than $30,000 annually. Of course the more we can exceed the $10,000 the more we can lessen the financial burden on these students!
If you would like to help us achieve our goal and help our young men and women, our future, further their education during these hard economic times please come out and join us for a day of fun or if you cannot be there you can make a donation by clicking on the button below:
Friday, June 1, 2012
Just a bump in the road
Where do I start? Well I am happy to report Zack is at home and recooperating quite well. Our prayers are with him. Turns out he was quite ill..just shows what a trooper he is...or how stubborn he is, one or the other? ;)
I've continued my riding and am coming along! I'm up to being able to ride 30 miles a day pretty easily. (Yeah me!) I'm anxious to see just how far I can go...I've not tried that yet just because I've not had anyone who would ride that far with me. But I'm thinking I may set out on my own soon and give it a try because the curiousity is killling me!
The path I've been riding is the Nickle Plate. It runs from Cassville Indiana to Rochester Indiana if you complete the entire route. It's a beautiful paved rail trail.
I've continued my riding and am coming along! I'm up to being able to ride 30 miles a day pretty easily. (Yeah me!) I'm anxious to see just how far I can go...I've not tried that yet just because I've not had anyone who would ride that far with me. But I'm thinking I may set out on my own soon and give it a try because the curiousity is killling me!
The path I've been riding is the Nickle Plate. It runs from Cassville Indiana to Rochester Indiana if you complete the entire route. It's a beautiful paved rail trail.
The thing is there are no challenging hills on this path...at least none that I have encountered thus far. So once I complete the distance my next challenge will be to find a route with challenging hills. To be honest, I'm so anxious to get out and really go some place...to actually hit the road and ride to a destination and pitch my tent or check in to a hotel and wake up the next morning and keep going...I want to go...go ...go and see just how long and how far my body will carry me. As the Nike slogan says, I may load up soon and JUST DO IT. I'm so at peace when I ride. I love the interesting people I encounter and the beauty of the road. I love the fresh air and sunshine and just being out there..just me and my thoughts. It seems to help in the healing process. Am I scared of going alone? Oh yes but really, there is just as much danger riding the roads near home as there is any other road. One must practice the same caution regardless of where you are.
We still need all the help we can get raising money for the ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND. and expenses for fundraising which have been minimal thanks to many donations of items needed. If you would like to donate you can do so by clcking on the button below:
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOU SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT!
Monday, May 14, 2012
May 14, 2012
Running into a few snags here and there. Found out that Zack's hurt his back and is undergoing tests himself now so he won't be able to make the ride. I DO have the account set up for donations but am still trying to figure out how to get it put on here. Mother's Day was a very hard Holiday for me so I got very little done this past week plus the hard emotions pushed my already flaring body into a worse flare-meaning I'm hurting much worse and just completely exhausted. Making me realize what I'm putting my own body up against.
I don't know that I've given up on the long distance ride but I do know that it's going to take much longer to get my body conditioned if it's going to be possible and I will need someone to ride with me. IN THE MEANTIME though...We have a few other ideas up our sleeves we are working on as we continue working on this. All I can say is that the ride won't be setting out on June 27th unless a miracle happens. I'm not real discouraged though! I'm excited about the new ideas. Two of the big one's will involve working closely with my husband and my daughter. I will tell you that one of them is that the ride may still take place just at a later date and with at least one of my family members. The second idea though I'm keeping a secret. ;) And we're planning on some fun events for everyone else and their families which I hope everyone will join in on and enjoy!
Now...If I can just figure out this button...............................
I don't know that I've given up on the long distance ride but I do know that it's going to take much longer to get my body conditioned if it's going to be possible and I will need someone to ride with me. IN THE MEANTIME though...We have a few other ideas up our sleeves we are working on as we continue working on this. All I can say is that the ride won't be setting out on June 27th unless a miracle happens. I'm not real discouraged though! I'm excited about the new ideas. Two of the big one's will involve working closely with my husband and my daughter. I will tell you that one of them is that the ride may still take place just at a later date and with at least one of my family members. The second idea though I'm keeping a secret. ;) And we're planning on some fun events for everyone else and their families which I hope everyone will join in on and enjoy!
Now...If I can just figure out this button...............................
Sunday, May 6, 2012
THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
I thought I would share with you what or who this scholarship will be for: Living in an area that has been particularly hard hit by the economic times, seeing kids have to change colleges due to finances or even leave due to finances this was another reason we opted for setting up THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND. This scholarship, if we can raise the money necessary, will be available to one recipient each year. A young man or woman who is either a graduating senior or has graduated from Tri Central High School, has shown an eagerness to learn. This does not necessarily mean the highest grades but rather a respect for their education and a DESIRE to work hard, always giving their best. They will show quality citizenship and leadership skills, have participated in at least 1 year of HS athletics as well. (Consideration will be given to hard working band students if their application is submitted with a letter of recommendation from Mr Huff/current band director...understanding Marching band demands a great deal physically and mentally and often conflicts with athletics) Lastly these students must either come from a family who make $65,000 or less annually or be living independently and making $30,000 or less
Former Alumni must show that following graduation they either continued their education and have been successfully doing so, or holding a job or in someway giving back to their community via volunteer work or community involvement of some type.
At the moment the application planned coincides with the Dollar's for Scholars..will have numerous questions including an essay question, which I believe will be able to be obtained online through the Tipton County Foundation. (To be honest I haven't worried too much about how or where the app will be able to be obtained yet. .First we must reach our goal to even have the scholarship available and raising the funds for this has been my top priority.)
Former Alumni must show that following graduation they either continued their education and have been successfully doing so, or holding a job or in someway giving back to their community via volunteer work or community involvement of some type.
At the moment the application planned coincides with the Dollar's for Scholars..will have numerous questions including an essay question, which I believe will be able to be obtained online through the Tipton County Foundation. (To be honest I haven't worried too much about how or where the app will be able to be obtained yet. .First we must reach our goal to even have the scholarship available and raising the funds for this has been my top priority.)
May 6th, 2012
My Dad's Birthday, may he rest in peace or have a blast with my son. :)
Yesterday rode the Nickle back, a georgous bike/hike trail. I wish we had got an earlier start but it seems I have so much on the administrative side to handle that I can't get going on these rides til late. Yesterday me got about 12 miles in, saw the bunkerhill drag strip for the first time and still ended up riding back in the dark some. Finally got the needed bike trailer and I pulled a couple small coolers full of water and one contained sandwiches and fruit for dinner. It took a couple minutes to get used to but after that it wasn't any problem at all. Well, until I got home...then I had my first flat tire. I'm tired today and my knee is bothering me, a little sore...nothing I couldn't put thru for a little ways but if we were on the road it would either be short day or one filled with frequent stops. I'm anxious to ride all the way to Rochester for the weekend then ride back.
I'm still wondering if it's all for nothing. I'm not going to pull Zack away from His Lady whom he doesn't get to see often enough as it is if we have no pledges.
Now for the GOOD news...I wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU to Bernadette Ruegg and all the support she has helped gain for our cause in Switzerland! You did so much for him when he was alive and you continue even now...that means more to me than words can say. Thank you again!
Yesterday rode the Nickle back, a georgous bike/hike trail. I wish we had got an earlier start but it seems I have so much on the administrative side to handle that I can't get going on these rides til late. Yesterday me got about 12 miles in, saw the bunkerhill drag strip for the first time and still ended up riding back in the dark some. Finally got the needed bike trailer and I pulled a couple small coolers full of water and one contained sandwiches and fruit for dinner. It took a couple minutes to get used to but after that it wasn't any problem at all. Well, until I got home...then I had my first flat tire. I'm tired today and my knee is bothering me, a little sore...nothing I couldn't put thru for a little ways but if we were on the road it would either be short day or one filled with frequent stops. I'm anxious to ride all the way to Rochester for the weekend then ride back.
I'm still wondering if it's all for nothing. I'm not going to pull Zack away from His Lady whom he doesn't get to see often enough as it is if we have no pledges.
Now for the GOOD news...I wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU to Bernadette Ruegg and all the support she has helped gain for our cause in Switzerland! You did so much for him when he was alive and you continue even now...that means more to me than words can say. Thank you again!
DISCOURAGED
I've got to admit, I'm getting discouraged. Granted we haven't kicked into full force soliciting pledges but we have reached out on facebook and spread the word and so far not one single pledge. I fear I'm causing myself a great deal of undue pain and going through a lot of planning for nothing. It feels llike he's already gone and forgotten by the rest of the world. :(
Home base
This is where our home crew will keep track of us, monitoring news and extended weather forecasts and rerouting us as necessary, making reservations and (hopefully) a few media interviews....all that fun stuff.
Friday, May 4, 2012
MAY 4TH, 2012
First I want to say thank you to my wonderful husband for sticking it out through the ups and downs of 16 years of marriage as of today...I love you!
Well, I'm seeing less soreness and more endurance on the ride but the post exertion exhaustion that comes with my MECFS is still an issue. I expect it's one I'm just going to have to push though. I might talk with my doctor to see if she has any suggestions. I'm not sure how to feel right now...on one hand I AM seeing progress, quite a bit actually. On the other hand how does one know if they are even close to ready for a ride such as this? I know I have a ways to go. I just thank God I still have well over a month left to keep training.
Still so much else to do aside from the training too...at least this keeps my mind occupied but it's not allowing me to rest much like I need to. Still need to speak to Buffalo Wild Wings, and get out and start visiting you all face to face begging for pledges! (I'm working on my puppy dog eyes) Also I can't afford to pay full price for the gear I still need so I have to go out "treasure hunting" for a bike trailer and tent especially. Also need to obtain the smaller items-small camp stove, mess kit, cycling clothing (found that those are really beneficial), sleeping bag unless I take Cat's or find Andy's, sleeping mat, medium size cooler, solar charger, extra bike tubes/repair kit, rain gear, tarp (note to self-check garage for tarp) and I would LIKE to find a small camcorder and mount for it for my bike...saw a good one at a pawn shop yesterday (no mount) but it's not a necessity so I didn't get it.
Anxious for Zack to get home from college...one more week! I'm so proud of him! And VERY THANKFUL to his girlfriend (soon to be fiance if he ever finds the "perfect" time!) for letting me have him for this ride. Danielle you are the best! I love you both!!!!!! Wow...wouldn't a Key West Beach Sunset be such a PERFECT...oh well... ;) I will mind my own business there. <grin>
Well, I'm seeing less soreness and more endurance on the ride but the post exertion exhaustion that comes with my MECFS is still an issue. I expect it's one I'm just going to have to push though. I might talk with my doctor to see if she has any suggestions. I'm not sure how to feel right now...on one hand I AM seeing progress, quite a bit actually. On the other hand how does one know if they are even close to ready for a ride such as this? I know I have a ways to go. I just thank God I still have well over a month left to keep training.
Still so much else to do aside from the training too...at least this keeps my mind occupied but it's not allowing me to rest much like I need to. Still need to speak to Buffalo Wild Wings, and get out and start visiting you all face to face begging for pledges! (I'm working on my puppy dog eyes) Also I can't afford to pay full price for the gear I still need so I have to go out "treasure hunting" for a bike trailer and tent especially. Also need to obtain the smaller items-small camp stove, mess kit, cycling clothing (found that those are really beneficial), sleeping bag unless I take Cat's or find Andy's, sleeping mat, medium size cooler, solar charger, extra bike tubes/repair kit, rain gear, tarp (note to self-check garage for tarp) and I would LIKE to find a small camcorder and mount for it for my bike...saw a good one at a pawn shop yesterday (no mount) but it's not a necessity so I didn't get it.
Anxious for Zack to get home from college...one more week! I'm so proud of him! And VERY THANKFUL to his girlfriend (soon to be fiance if he ever finds the "perfect" time!) for letting me have him for this ride. Danielle you are the best! I love you both!!!!!! Wow...wouldn't a Key West Beach Sunset be such a PERFECT...oh well... ;) I will mind my own business there. <grin>
Thursday, May 3, 2012
ANDREW (ANDY) JAMES HENSLEY
April 11,1991-January 30,2012
THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLASHIP FUND
2012 RIDE FOR THE LOVE OF ANDY
I wanted to add, if you want to go ahead and make a pledge per mile towards Zack and my ride starting June 27th in Wilmington, NC with a goal to reach Key West's southern most point. Or if you would like to help maintain us, the riders along our journey as a sponsor you can go ahead and do so by filling out your info in a comment under this blog.
ANDREW (ANDY) JAMES HENSLEY
APRIL 11, 1991-JANUARY 30, 2012
THE ANDREW HENSLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARISHP FUND
Just a thought, if anyone is intersted in going ahead and making a pledge or becoming a sponsor you can do so now by writing our fund email at for.the.love.of.andy@gmail.com
Be sure to include your intentions, your full name, mailing address, phone number with best time to contact you and pledge or sponosor info-
A Pledge: A pledge is a monetary amount of your choosing you agree to pay for each mile Zack and I accomplish riding on this tour/journey. It can be small or large. For example you could write and say that you want to commit to a pledge of .05 per mile we ride which means if we ride 80 miles and can't make it any further then you would be contacted and your amount you would pay to the fund would be $4 on the other hand let's say we make it 1500 miles then your amount would be $75. Or if you wish to go bigger and pledge $1 per mile then under the same scenario it would be $80 and $1500.00 (and yes if we surprise you, if you go big you can break down the amount you owe into payments...we are EXTREMELY GRATFUL and will work with you however we need to!)
Sponsors: Sponsons are something different. A sponsor in this event is a person or business who agrees to help take care of us, the riders to help ensure we are most likely to be successful in reaching out goal of Key West. A sponsor can also be big or small. It can be someone who wants to give a monetary amount to help cover expenses on the road, or agrees to purchase/provide equipment still needed or a really big sponsor might agree to cover any and all bike repairs we might encounter along the way no matter how big the price, or cover all of our lodging expenses. If you write volunteering to be a sponsor please remember to include a phone number where we can contact you at so we can iron out the details.
One of the stronger ideals Andy was taught and grew up with was people should help people, not everyone for themselves and let those who are alone or unable rely on the government. PLEASE HELP THIS ONE DREAM COME TRUE? TO SEE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER TO PROVIDE A COLLEGE EDUCATION FOR AT LEAST ONE YOUNG MAN OR WOMAN EVERY YEAR? IF WE WORK TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS!
I just finished corresponding with the president of the Titpon County Foundation. Ugh...I left him with this quote: "According to the laws of aerodynamics, the bumblebee can’t fly either, but the bumblebee doesn’t know anything about the laws of aerodynamics, so it goes ahead and flies anyway."
This man seems to think that that the only way we are going to raise this kind of money is by having donors who are wealthy and donate large amounts. To me anyway, he seemed to put little faith in hard work and the generosity of all of you people out there. I quickly corrected him. I told him that he was wrong, there are two ways of obtaining this amount. Yes I could seek out a few wealthy people a solicit large donations from them or there is also something to be said for a lot of people donating smaller amounts. Two people donating $5000 each or finding 1000 people who donate $10 ea both reach $10,000. Further he initially told us that the foundation would match every $2000 (I don't know if that is just once a year or not...I forgot to ask about that) but still we are at just over $500 in there now, if we reach over $2000 then right there we are at almost half our goal of $10,000!
I have all the faith in the world we can do this. Not only that I believe we can go well beyond the $10,000 goal. TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS! WE JUST NEED YOUR HELP!
I WILL have that donations button up and working by the end of the weekend. Please, no donation is too small. Help me show him how wrong he is! Thank you!
This man seems to think that that the only way we are going to raise this kind of money is by having donors who are wealthy and donate large amounts. To me anyway, he seemed to put little faith in hard work and the generosity of all of you people out there. I quickly corrected him. I told him that he was wrong, there are two ways of obtaining this amount. Yes I could seek out a few wealthy people a solicit large donations from them or there is also something to be said for a lot of people donating smaller amounts. Two people donating $5000 each or finding 1000 people who donate $10 ea both reach $10,000. Further he initially told us that the foundation would match every $2000 (I don't know if that is just once a year or not...I forgot to ask about that) but still we are at just over $500 in there now, if we reach over $2000 then right there we are at almost half our goal of $10,000!
I have all the faith in the world we can do this. Not only that I believe we can go well beyond the $10,000 goal. TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS! WE JUST NEED YOUR HELP!
I WILL have that donations button up and working by the end of the weekend. Please, no donation is too small. Help me show him how wrong he is! Thank you!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
REAL INTRO May 2, 2012
January 30th 2012 , I lost my first born and only son, Andrew (Andy) Hensley to an Accidental Fentanyl overdose. That day began the worst nightmare ever which I fear I will never wake up from, as being a wife and mother are THE most important things in my life.
I have been married to a wonderful man, Derek Jones for 16 years and have a 15 year old beautiful daughter Caitlyn (Cat) Jones as well as many kids my heart has “adopted”. I suffer from severe ME/CFS and FMS as well as Hashimotos (neuro-muscular/auto immune diseases) which have caused me to have to battle a myriad of symptoms including severe pain and extreme exhaustion for 30 plus years with the last 5 being the worst. I will turn 45 on the 26th of June this year and to honor my son and help see some of his dreams come true and in a sense part of him live on AND to help encourage others like him who have a love for learning to continue their education, we will be taking pledges, donations and always looking for sponsors for a fundraising bike tour from Wilmington NC to the southern most point in the United States in Key West Florida (Yes pedaling our bikes with only what we can carry with us) His life long friend//brother Zack Massey and myself will begin on June 27th.
We will keep you updated on our journey writing, vlogging and with pictures here on this blog, as well as any future ventures, progress with the fund and recipients and their progress. I ask of you to look into your hearts and pocketbooks and make a pledge per mile we ride or even a simple straight donation. (Donations can also be made through the Tipton County Foundation)
I have been married to a wonderful man, Derek Jones for 16 years and have a 15 year old beautiful daughter Caitlyn (Cat) Jones as well as many kids my heart has “adopted”. I suffer from severe ME/CFS and FMS as well as Hashimotos (neuro-muscular/auto immune diseases) which have caused me to have to battle a myriad of symptoms including severe pain and extreme exhaustion for 30 plus years with the last 5 being the worst. I will turn 45 on the 26th of June this year and to honor my son and help see some of his dreams come true and in a sense part of him live on AND to help encourage others like him who have a love for learning to continue their education, we will be taking pledges, donations and always looking for sponsors for a fundraising bike tour from Wilmington NC to the southern most point in the United States in Key West Florida (Yes pedaling our bikes with only what we can carry with us) His life long friend//brother Zack Massey and myself will begin on June 27th.
We will keep you updated on our journey writing, vlogging and with pictures here on this blog, as well as any future ventures, progress with the fund and recipients and their progress. I ask of you to look into your hearts and pocketbooks and make a pledge per mile we ride or even a simple straight donation. (Donations can also be made through the Tipton County Foundation)
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