Beautiful Strength: The Podcast

This week’s episode comes from Anaheim, CA. We are sitting down with Erwin Rocha. In December of last year, Annette met Erwin’s mom, Nelly, in Homestead, FL. Annette kept her word that when she made it to the west coast, she would connect with Nelly’s son. Two months and 2800 miles later, it happened!

“Erwin Rocha, husband, father, police officer, Mentor, music producer, and follower of Christ. I'm just an ordinary guy trying to make the world a better place by serving the community. As a seventeen-year veteran police officer, I have been inspired to mentor at-risk youth and their families. I've been blessed with the opportunity to create music camps, hiking clubs, and leadership curriculums. My Parent Formula class has been extremely helpful for parents seeking emotional and inspirational support. Music is the universal language that breaks all barriers and unites us all. As proud owners of Harmony Studios, My wife Aubrey and I, find great joy in sharing our love of music with the world. (bio provided by https://www.erwinrocha.com/about)

Lita Edwards Benduhn, owner of Metamorphosis Ink in Dunedin FL motto is  “Transforming scars, transforming lives, one drop of ink at a time.”  Lita is using her amazing skills as a  tattoo artist to help others through the healing of tattooing. Lita has worked with cancer patients creating masterpiece mastectomy tattoos, cutting and scar coverups, burn victims, and a variety of skin scarring that most tattoo artists shy away from. Lita provides a safe space for her clients to share their stories and works with them to transform their scars into beautiful works of art.

In this episode we also hear from Chris. Lita and Chris are currently beautifying Chris’s arms covering up childhood scars from cutting. Her tattoos are giving her confidence to show her arms, confidence in her workplace, and have created a lifelong friendship.

For more information about how to book Lita or another talented artists at Metamorphosis Ink head on over to https://www.metamorphosis-ink.com

In this episode we're sitting down with Ramiro Ramires. Ramiro came to the US in his early 20s and worked hard in the tomato fields as well as numerous other jobs. He later became a member of the maintenance team at the Everglades Alligator Park. Hard work, determination, and a mind set on succeeding, Ramiro saved until he was able to open his own business. Years later, Ramiro has created a world where his success is not only in the 2 restaurants that he owns as well as the multiple properties, but in the success and opportunities he is opening up for others. Ramiro is respected and loved by his employees as well as by the city of Florida City and Homestead.

If you're ever in the Florida City area, stop by Taqueria Morelia at 961 W Palm Dr, Florida City, FL 33034

This week's episode comes from Katy, TX. (Maria) Paula Gonzalez was born in Bogota Colombia and moved to the USA in 2001 when she was just 10 years old. Paula has always been a very positive person; very athletic and outgoing. Maria is also a boat propeller survivor due to an accident that occurred on July 28-2018 in lake Charles Louisiana. The boat propeller cut her leg into pieces. She was airlifted from Lake Charles to Shreveport, LA where she flatlined two times. Maria spent three long months in the hospital. She endured 23 surgeries, skin grafting, blood transfusions, dialysis, as well as renal failure and necrotizing fasciitis that attacked her body. To this day, Paula Gonzalez is a strong-minded woman that still has a life ahead of her. " It’s never too late to keep going. And remember. It only takes one leg to kick ass!"

Today’s episode comes to you from Hampton Iowa. We’re sitting down with Vincen Liddle. Liddle, 36, is a disability advocate and inclusion speaker. He is a paraplegic and an adaptive sports athlete. Vincen is no stranger to the world of disabilities and inclusion. He was born with Microtia, a condition where the external ear is small and not formed properly resulting in deafness as well as childhood taunting. Vincen didn’t consider himself disabled until a snowboarding accident in 2007 left him paralyzed. It was then that his eyes were opened to the disabled community as a whole. After suicidal thoughts and a few attempts, Vincen found adaptive sports, which ultimately changed his mental health and reformed his positive outlook on life. He has competed in wheelchair basketball, downhill mountain biking, and his newest endeavour, sit skiing, of which he is attempting to set a world record in October. Follow his journey on Instagram @OGwheels30 and if you would like to support his record attempt, donation can be made via Venmo @abilitywheels

In this episode Annette is in White Bear Lake, MN with Kris Erickson. Kris is a mom of three, a wife, and a nurse. She talks about raising her youngest child with medical complexities and disabilities in a world without a handbook. Kris has a strong faith and an unapologetic foul mouth. Cursing is like adding purple to a sentence, it’s just prettier. This life is hard and hard is hard. There’s no numerical value for hard. We talk about some of the hard topics of this life. Kris spends her life advocating like a mother for her kids and those living with disabilities and will do so until she draws her last breath

Today’s episode comes from San Antonio, TX. Annette sat down with Desmond and Mary. Desmond’s late wife and Mary’s sister Debra,  founded Faith Bound Street Ministry in 2015. Their Mission Statement starts with a quote from the Bible. It states in Deuteronomy 15:11 "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you shall open wide your hands to your brother, to the needy, and to the poor."

Faith Bound Street Ministry is committed to extending their hand and opening their hearts to every individual they serve. Their mission is to help restore the lives of individuals living in homelessness with the faith, hope, and love given to them by their savior, Jesus Christ.

Today's episode is Vincent Robinson, in San Antonio Texas. Vincent was born in San Antonio Texas. He came from a broken home that dealt with a lot of mental health issues along with alcoholism in his family. At the age of 14 he joined a local gang and began to go down a troubled path. In 1991 Vincent was shot in the lower back (spinal cord) and it caused neuropathy in his lower body. As a result he couldn’t walk for almost a year. After recovering from the gunshot wound he continued down a spiraling path that led to him to seven years of his life incarcerated. Ten years ago he gave his life to Christ and wanted to see a change in the environment he grew up knowing so well. Vincent wanted to serve the community with humility and support; offering different types of services available to the community. The Harper's Chapel Baptist Church, which Vincent is now the Pastor of, resides in the most impoverished-stricken zip code in San Antonio. The vision he had is to offer necessities and assets needed to get this community back to stability. There is a mobile shower that comes to the church every Wednesday, along with Texas Workforce Commission, San Antonio Police Department, and several universities that come out and offer different resources for the residential and homeless community. Robinson's goal is to continue to be a community church for the community. (https://harperscbc.com)

We sit down in Titusville, FL with Susan Naylor who is the Associate Director at SPCA Brevard. SPCA’s mission is to protect and provide a voice for homeless animals. They believe “You won’t change the world by saving an animal, but you will change that animal’s world.”

2021 Life-Saving Statistics

2,067 Animals Cared for

300 Active Volunteers

Over 100 Active Foster Parents

1,778 animals found forever homes

In this episode we are in Sheridan, WY with the Executive Director, Kristin Marcus, of CHAPS. CHAPS: Children, Horses, Adults in PartnerShip (CHAPS) Equine Assisted Therapy. Kristin talks about the benefits of human-horse interactions and how Equine Assisted Services can be highly rewarding and work on several different levels. CHAPS has several different programs which can be physically rewarding, but also mentally and emotionally as well. To learn more, donate, or volunteer please visit the CHAPS website at www.chapswyo.org

This week’s interview is with 39 year old Antoinette Mell. Mell is a resident of Vancouver, WA and a labor and delivery nurse. What started out as a conversation about Covid and the various different challenges she faced as an essential employee in the medical field on the front line, turned into a rather entertaining and funny podcast of two new friends getting to know each other. Mell is a wife (to a former high school alum same as Annette), and a mom of two young children as well as a teenage son, a self proclaimed stand up comedian (even if her audience is just her reflection in the mirror) and a woman who finds life requires a lot of laughter. This podcast is a fun one. We hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Annette sits down with Nelly Martinez. Annette met Nelly at Robert is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead, FL. After a few minutes of fruit education and a killer milkshake recommendation (Mango, Pineapple, and Passion Fruit) Annette invited Nelly to see the bus and participate in the Beautiful Strength project. This simple meeting ignited a 2 hour conversation and the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Nelly is a spitfire of a woman. She packs a lot of personality into her 5’ 2” stature that could easily compete with giants. Cuban born, Nelly’s chances to come to the United States were very slim, but miracles happen and the universe brought her to the states at 17. Nelly hustled and never took no for an answer. She landed her first job in the US because she spoke from her heart and rightfully won over the owner. She proved she was worthy, smart, and dedicated. Nelly married the love of her life and enjoyed 42 years of marriage. She is extremely proud of her 2 sons and is known as “Mamma Nellie” to everyone at the fruit stand. Here is Nelly’s story… of which we were only able to scratch the surface.

This episode comes to you from the skate ramp at Yousta Storytellers Club headquarters in Hayden Lake, ID. If you ever wanted an insight to the skateboard world and how entertaining and devoted to this sport these men and women are, this is a great episode to listen to. Christian, Jay, and Katy talk about how skateboarding is a lifestyle and more than the stigma of punk rebellious kids skipping school and smoking weed. It’s a hell of a workout. It requires bravery and skill and a ballsy positive mental attitude needed to drop in, fall, get up and drop in again. Skills take months if not years to perfect so there is a high level of dedication and commitment. To some, skateboarding is also their therapy and where they go to escape life for a while and just ride. Most importantly, skateboarding is a community.

In this episode we sit down (ok technically Annette is getting a tattoo at the same time!) with Heather Belle, a tattoo artist from Columbia, SC. Belle has always been into art since she was a kid, but tattooing wasn’t legal in South Carolina when she was younger so she had no career path planned out. She was the outcast, artsy kid that everyone thought was weird. After a while she started to embrace that aspect of herself and love the artist and the person she had become and was becoming. Tattooing fell into place at the perfect timing when she needed it the most and she loves what she does more than anything in the world. Belle loves being able to make people happy with her art and give them a gift they get to keep forever. Heather tattoos people’s lives, things they love, people they love, memories, hobbies, etc. She gets to be part of their journey of life for a few hours and connect with them. Belle has the honor of being part of their story. She makes people smile everyday and that is what makes her the happiest of all. According to Belle, “Life is an amazing journey if you can trust the process and look for art and beauty in all things and NEVER stop following your dreams.”

This week’s podcast out of Billings, MT may be the most thrilling and wild podcast yet. A father who was a former member of the most notorious motorcycle club in history turned informant. A confession to an unsolved murder. A life filled with complications and challenges acquired from the shortcomings of the witness protection program. A double murder suicide. And one badass woman who survived it all. To say Jackee Taylor could make a movie out of her life would be an understatement. This episode is a summary and extension of Taylor’s life story podcast called “Relative Unknown.” A 10 part series that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the start. Available on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Also follow “Relative Unknown” on Instagram @relativeunknownpod

This week we have a special episode of the Beautiful Strength podcast. Annette sits down with Saul Martinez. Saul has an incredible story, he is a former Army Infantryman and Purple Heart Recipient, originally from Southern California, Saul made Bozeman home for his wife and two kids almost 10 years ago shortly after participating in a WQW Fishing Experience. Saul enjoys any time he spends with his family and friends. He is currently a brand ambassador for the Parsons Extreme Golf (PXG) brand, an avid fly-fisherman, amateur calligrapher, and a so-so ukulele player.

This podcast is dedicated in the honor of Sergeant Blake Stephens and Specialist Kyle Little.

his kids. John wants to help those he can on their road to happiness while also honoring your journey. John wanted to include his beautiful wife Angie into the podcast as well to gain her perspective on his amputation and how her strength and determination held their family together through one of the toughest times of their marriage. We talk about love, loss, fighting internal demons, and coming out the other side stronger than ever. John is a true leader and motivator and a positive force in this world.

Today we sit down with Chelsea Gibson. Chelsea is polite, beautiful, and has a smile that lights up a room (or better yet, an entire Vanfest!). From the moment I met her I knew I wanted us to be friends. The more she talked and the more I listened, I realized she’s even more badass than I thought! Wife, mom, Veteran, and technology professional, she’s a female who has worked her ass off in traditionally male-dominated roles and rose to the top of her field. She’s overcome many obstacles in her life, and has used them to catapult herself into the life she is living today. We discuss drug use, life decisions, family life, being a mom to two young boys, military service, marriage, being a woman, and sexual assault. Chelsea has used her pain and life situations and found a voice of empowerment for other women. She tells her story because she knows someone else out there has gone through a similar situation and by telling her story she hopes it comforts and empowers others to heal from their own story.

This week's podcast features the non profit Only 7 Seconds and its Founder Kristin Wall.

As Annette was walking the downtown of Chelan, WA she noticed signs that said “Because You Matter.” The QR code linked to www.only7seconds.com

A WORLD WITHOUT LONELINESS. INSPIRING INTENTIONAL CONNECTIONS BY EMPOWERING PEOPLE AND EQUIPPING PARTNERS THROUGH OUR ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Only7Seconds is doing great work and believes that connection is the solution to loneliness. We sit down this week to see what inspired Kristin to start this non profit and learn more about how Only7Seconds is showing up, being kind, and loving well.

In this episode we sit down with Marines Adam Gibson and Jessica Rambo. Both Skoolie dwellers and veteran badasses who share the same love of Siemper Fi and a Once a Marine Always a Marine mentality who continue to find family on the road. Adam and Jessica talk about enlisting, undeniable comradery, difficulties of being a marine, the honor they had in serving, life after discharge, and what they are doing in their own circles to make impacts on the lives of other Veterans.

Super special episode of the Beautiful Strength Podcast. This week I sit down with Chapel Hart! If you aren't already familiar Chapel Hart is an American country music vocal group from Poplarville, Mississippi. The group's members are sisters Danica Hart and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle  These three ladies are making major waves in the country music scene and have a really amazing story! You don't want to miss this one! Be sure to follow them @chapehart on all socials!

After a random meeting in Franklin, TN I ended up recording a podcast with CeCe and her mom in New Orleans. Crazy right?! It felt like I had known these two ladies for years and we had a really amazing conversation. The two hilarious Cajun women talk about the love of their city, their strong family ties, being a badass artist and business owners with a kickass idea to help make Mardi Gras more environmentally friendly! Check out the full episode now!

Gloria is a 73-year-old and lives in New Orleans. She doesn't take any medicine, grows all her own food, and is passionate about creating/teaching sustainable life practices to the NOLA youth. Her motto is "if you can't touch it with love, don't touch it at all". Throughout her life, she has worked with several nonprofits that serve children, the homeless, and the elderly population. She founded the Miss Gloria's Garden that serves the homeless Youth Population on a monthly basis! She is an incredible lady!

Katherine Klimitas is an author, artist, speaker, author, and graphic designer. She has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, better known as Brittle Bones Disease. By the age of 10, Catherine had broken over 500 bones. Her story is one of determination and resiliency. Katherine has an incredible outlook on life and does not let her situation dictate her happiness. She founded her company KAK Art and Design in 2011 and has focused her efforts on bringing joy to everyone who comes in contact with her and her amazing story. Katherine is really an amazing example of what Beautiful Strength is all about! Be sure to follow her on all her social media assets!

This episode of the Beautiful Strength Podcast is with Ben Huntzinger. Ben has a really amazing story. He was in an accident when he was younger and tragically became paralyzed from the chest down. His passion is being outdoors and he had quite the journey finding a wheelchair that was outdoor capable. This is what led him to become the founder of Spartan Wheel Chariots and passionate about the offroad wheelchair world. He has a really amazing story and is definitely living his purpose. Be sure to follow Ben and Spartan Wheel Chariots.

https://www.spartanwheelchariots.com/

My name is Lorrin Worner and I am a Wife, Bonus Mom and assistant children’s pastor. I am on the path of being comfortable with allowing my story, challenges and good times, to help others.

Described as one of Music City's most powerful vocal forces by the Nashville Scene, Stephen Salyers has proven to be a pyrotechnic entertainer & creative artist, armored with dynamic vocal ability and showman skills, enduring audiences from all over the world.  Since moving to the live music capitol of the world - Salyers has been a featured performer for Nashville's Musicians Corner Summer Concert Series, Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and performed for distinguished guests from The Obama White House, the United Nations, as well as the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.  The pop singer-songwriter has also collaborated with artists like: Nine Days, Dustin Lynch, Florida-Georgia Line and members of the Grammy Award winning band, TRAIN and has sync placements in HBO's upcoming new release season!

As a pioneering philanthropic performer - Salyers has helped raise close to a million dollars for neglected children, families in need, and championing the awareness and the monetary needs of many under supported non profit organizations throughout Middle Tennessee, as well as many local non-profit organizations here in the Tri-State area.  

He has made multiple television and movie appearances over the last decade that include: "Country Strong" (Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw,) "Hannah Montana," (The Movie,) CMA Awards, ABC Network's "NASHVILLE;" as well as serving in the role of Producer for music videos for Grammy nominated acts like Vince Gill & The Time Jumpers.

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Arbour Season travels full time in a converted school bus playing colleges, house shows, theme parks and other venues across North America. Alongside the duo is the cutest 2 and a half year old in the world with a baby on the way. Arbour Season in an indie/folk duo who’s sole passion is to bring hope and positivity wherever they go.

"Today I am a single mother of an 8 year old young man lol. I will be the first to admit with being a single mother comes challenges. I, Chawnika Sanders, am the sole provider for my son. His reality right now is he is being raised in a single parent household. Some days I want to take a break and just stop the routine that has become apart of our everyday lives. Not to do anything but lounge around and throw up a middle finger to the constant fast forward of our on the go everyday living. Because mama has to work. Of course I don't because I have to save time for those days when, out of no where, our world is interrupted by the things that are out of our control."

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Baby Mamas we got this. When our world is interrupted take a moment to yourself. You deserve that much. Let your child know when you are overwhelmed. They will appreciate it and understand. Kids don't come with instructions. You won't get everything right. Today, with you I stand in the chaos that has become our lives!!"

-  Chawnika Sanders: Strong as a Mother

Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, Ed.D., CFRE, CNP, SHRM-CP:

Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has over ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has raised approximately $3.3 million collectively for over 50 organizations. She currently runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting. A Nashville native, she has watched Nashville’s transition from a quaint city with a small-town vibe to the “it” city. She has been at the forefront of issues such as the affordable housing crisis, transit referendum, and the city’s urban planning and infrastructure design through the creation of Nashville’s first art park, William Edmondson Park. A sought-after DEI practitioner, she is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. 

Elisabeth Donaldson is an Actress, Filmmaker and Multidisciplinary artist living in Nashville TN. After moving to Nashville from Los Angeles in 2009 to work non profit- Elisabeth found her way back into the film world as a music video wardrobe stylist- styling projects for bands such as The Black Keys and Brad Paisley. She also began stepping into the world of photography- “it started out as just taking advanced selfies so I could have photos for a thrift blog I was doing at the time- and then turned into so much more.”

From there she started Directing music videos all while carving out a strong place for herself as a go to comedy actress in Nashville. “I just started really leaning into comedy and using all the behind the camera and social media skills I had developed- and things really started taking shape. The longer time goes on- the more I realize just how much I LOVE to make people laugh. In a world that can feel so insane- it’s so important to me to bring others joy and encouragement.”

My journey began in 1970 at age 5. That's when I first felt the same as my mother or grandmother. I was sent to psychiatrist in 1975 for two years. He would spend the next two years teaching me that being a girl, wanting to be a girl, liking girl things was Bad! When you are that age you believe a Doctor 100%. So for a very long time felt I was broken and had a secret that I could never tell anyone. It wasn't until I turned 50 that I was able to obtain the courage to start coming out. I didn't start Estrogen injections until April 12th 2018. I openly transitioned to my entire Department at Vanderbilt University. I have tried so hard to be open in my transition to everyone in hopes that people may learn more about Transgender people and be more accepting to others. Its the hardest most gratifying thing I have ever accomplished.

In this episode, Jonathan Pillot, the founder of We Are All 18, speaks about the company's intergenerational approach to encourage young people to share their stories and use their voices and show up to Vote. He is a human who believes in the power of young people and wants them to know they are seen and we, as adults, have their back. We Are All 18 is a movement that entertains and also elevates young people and wants them to know that their voice matters. In a time where polarization and lack of civil discourse are becoming the norm, Jonathan and We Are All 18 believe in democracy, authenticity, and most of all humanity. #wereall18 #vote

In this episode we sit down with two fun, energetic, and driven ladies from Nurture the Next.  Their mission is to create a future for children and families filled with promise and prosperity. Their vision is to see all children in Tennessee thriving in safe, stable and nurturing families and communities. For over 35 years, the organization's mission has been to support parents and the communities where they live in creating loving homes that make children feel nurtured. In 2008, they committed to using evidence-based program models in our daily work. Nurture the Next's programs are rooted in research and proven to positively impact the lives of both the children and the adults in the home. In 2010, they expanded their direct services to families from three counties to 20 counties in Tennessee. Today, they provide in-home parenting support in 30 counties in Tennessee and offer several statewide programs. Previously known as Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, they recently took on a new name to put greater emphasis on what they do, rather than what they prevent.

In this episode we sit down with Chris & Ashley Vicari.  Two of the nicest people you will ever meet, who will make the best parents ever. In 2018, Ashley was diagnosed with “POI,” Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, or pre-menopause.  Ashley and Chris share their IVF story and the emotional rollercoaster this process can be.  From the diagnosis, to grieving, leaning on one another and strengthening their marriage, looking at various options and choosing IVF and then last but not least, tackling the cost of such an expensive process. The Vicari's are at the beginning/middle of this journey and we want to help share their story any way we can. Infertility can be a difficult subject for people to talk about openly and we are grateful for Ashley & Chris for sharing their story.

"For us, we believe our next step is IVF. In full transparency, our IVF process will consist of purchasing eggs, transporting them to Nashville, fertilizing them, then transplanting them. In addition to doctor fees - most of which is not covered by either of our insurance, this process costs around $30,000."

Donations can be made to the Vicari's GoFund me or via Venmo @Ashley-Fussell

https://www.gofundme.com/f/ashley-and-chris-ivf-journey

UPDATE!!!

Back in February, Sarah Craighead, Brian's wife contacted us to ask if we would photograph her husband who was looking for a kidney. Brian posed for his photo and then told his story on Beautiful Strength: The Podcast. Within a mere 24 hours, Jacie confirmed that she was destined to be Brian's donor. Months later, in May, Brian and Jacie would finally have the ability to meet and confirm through Vanderbilt that Jacie was a match. Fast forward to August 11th, 2020 a successful transplant was conducted in Nashville, TN. 7 weeks after "Phoenix" found it's new home in Brian, we gathered back together via a zoom podcast to reunite and celebrate such a monumental moment.

In this episode we sit down with 18 year old cancer survivor and amputee Tyler Jones and his mom April. If you weren't inspired to live life to the fullest before this episode, you will be when it's over. Tyler is an energetic and polite young man enjoying the college life and making plans for the future. He's bright, encouraging, and his smile lights up the room. Tyler is an athlete, a devout Christian, and a survivor of cancer that took his foot, but it didn't even come close to taking his spirit. 

Shortly after BrandiLee and her family moved from Syracuse NY to Nashville TN in the summer of 2016, her son Finn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma after doctors found a large tumor inside his bladder.  After 2.5 years of aggressive treatment which included 9 different chemotherapies, 7 cumulative weeks of radiation, 4 major abdominal surgeries, and 3 relapse, Finn was out of options and out of time.  He passed away in early December 2018.

Despite the immeasurable loss of Finn, BrandiLee joined the SHEPHERD Foundation on the undying mission to save the lives of rare cancer patients.

What are you Living For? We all have different responses and our why to this question. Our answer is deep and personal and the reason why this nonprofit exists. At the age of 2, our daughter Arlie was diagnosed with cancer, Leukemia. We started the hard uphill battle to getting her healed. She made it 1 1/2 years into treatment and unfortunately the cancer came back. The only option for relapse was a Bone Marrow Transplant. It is an understatement to say it was hard, it was hell. But we did everything we could to get her into remission and recovered from such an aggressive thing. During the long 6 month hospital stay, we had too much time to think of all things we were going to do after we got out of that place! How we were going to make a difference and not take life for granted. Live our life to the fullest and help those going through what we did. That’s when Living For Everything started. In the hospitals walls of room 6309. I ordered our 1st batch of shirts with some of our Gofundme funds, handed them out to people and families on our floor and started listening. For those key words that would help guide us to what we were supposed to be doing. And the word that kept coming to mind was comfort. We need a little bit of that during hard times. We didn’t know what we were doing, but you don’t have to have all the answers to take action! Just show up. That’s what we try and do for our community and families of pediatric cancer patients. We make comfort kits for pediatric cancer patients, focusing on the caregivers, showing up where we are needed.

It's that time again, a Sunday Snack episode. Basically just two friends recapping the week and discussing a few hot topics, the Non Profit organization Beautiful Strength, and shouting out Kudos to people we see doing great things!

If you've been following Beautiful Strength for the past few months, you have seen and heard us talk about Brian Craighead and his search for a kidney donor. Jacie heard the calling for help and knew it was her! Jacie Fouts gave her kidney to save Brian's life.

In this episode we sit down with Jacie and learn her story. 

In this episode Isaac and Annette chat about what's going on with the non profit Beautiful Strength. From bus builds, to registering with Amazon Smile, current collabs and future plans. They then roll into discussing handling social media negativity, recognizing powerful movements and not using them against each other, and then dive into the importance of voting.  This week's Kudos shout outs   Annette: Jacie Fouts for being a life savor...literally! She gave up one of her kidneys to save Brian Craighead's life!  Isaac: Sidney Keys III. is a St. Louis, MO, 14 year-old native and rising entrepreneur, who decided to take his love for reading to the next level and create Books n Bros at the young age of 10! Having multiple meet ups with different boys, ages 7-13 years old, as a way to advocate for African American literacy, he is paving the way for change. (www.booksnbros.com)

Hello!  My name is Molly Oldham and I am a 19 year old brain cancer survivor from Akron, Ohio. In August of 2019, I was diagnosed with a tennis ball sized tumor which was later found to be Anaplastic Ependymoma, a rare form of stage III brain cancer found in 300 people a year.  I was diagnosed on the day I was to be moving into college.  I had 33 rounds of Proton Radiation and several months of daily intensive PT/PT/Speech Therapy.

Music has been instrumental to my recovery. I came out of surgery singing, and five months to the day of surgery, I moved eight hours away from home to start college. I am proudly a part of a six person Musical Theater cohort at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the School of Theater.

While I was recovering, I had the opportunity to raise awareness of the shortfalls of funding in Pediatric Cancer by singing at events such as the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets (Hockey Fights Cancer Night), Project Outrun (which funds personalized Nike Shoes for Cancer Warriors), Angel Works (pays for Pediatric Cancer Funerals and more), Thriving on Single Ray of Sunshine (funds grants for cancer patients), Hayes Tough, (pediatric cancer advocates) and many others.  I also learned more about Stewart’s Caring Place, Collin Cares, NEGU, The Kimberly Walton Foundation, Michael Matters, and the Nikolas Ritschel Foundation among other organizations that support cancer patients and their families.

On June 1st 2020, I had my first set of clear scans.  I pledge to dedicate my life to helping those who have been touched by cancer and I hope to help them find their voice.

Now, I am so incredibly humbled to be part of Beautiful Strength_org.  By telling my story and taking incredibly empowering photos with Annette, I can forget about the “what IFs” and focus on the “what IS”.   Thank you for being part of my story!

In this episode Amy Saffell, a 38 year old badass woman born with spina bifida talks about adventure and living life to the fullest. Wheelchair or not, this woman is gung-ho on experiencing it all!

In this episode Annette & Isaac discuss what's going on this week. From what we are grateful for to kudos shoutouts, bus builds, finding joy and not allowing burnout.