Boxes of Cheer Update

34 Comments

1. You are such a blessing.

2. Hi, I have Multiple Sclerosis, diagnosed in 1998 and did fairly well for years but a few years ago I had to leave my career and go on disability. I am blessed with a wonderful husband and am still able to make cards for very short periods of time. This spring and summer have been very difficult because on top of my MS I had to have nose surgery and am recovering from that. My MS is secondary progressive so it just keeps getting worse with time. I am extremely grateful not to be lying in a nursing home. Thanks for doing this, it is so kind of you!

3. First, thank you for thinking of others! My younger sister had a pace maker put in when she was only 32. We almost lost her. She is a wonderful, giving person. She collects items for Shoeboxes all year long so she can help others less fortunate. She also helps with the Backpack program every week at her church. I could go on and on. She has also been an inspiration to me when I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.

4. I would love to nominate my mom. She is one of those people who spends her days doing and giving to others and while I try to do as much for her as I can, being a stay-at-home mom means I can’t do as much as I’d like. She is such an amazing person. She struggles with health issues, but doesn’t stop until they finally get the best of her and she is forced to stop and spend time in bed recovering. She visits and quilts with an elderly neighbor, spends lots of time getting my dad the health care he needs, cleans her elderly aunt’s home and takes her shopping, and still finds time to make cute dresses for my daughter. She just never ever stops and it’s never about her. She truly lives her faith and I wish I could give her the world.

5. I could write a book about my issues! Over the last 2 years I have had open heart surgery, lost the use of my thumb, pointer and middle fingers on my dominant hand due to an injury that I had to have 3 surgeries for. Had surgery to replace my neurostimulator system twice.
   I keep battling an infection in my face and neck that causes my face to swell so badly that I can’t open my eye(s). Every time we think that it is gone it comes back even worse than the last time. We have done biopsies and I have been on IV medication along with pill antibiotics and we just can’t seem ot get it under control!
   During this time our medical insurance plan was changed “for the better” according to hubby’s employer. Premiums went up $3000 per year, went from a $1000 prescription deductible to a $10,000 prescription deductible, doctor visits cost $60 each time I walk into the office and our medical deductible went up to $15,000 per person.
   Needless to say, my $1000+ worth of monthly prescriptions and numerous doctor appointments have really left our budget in a bad way!! By the time we meet the prescription deductible it is almost time to start all over again!
   My crafting budget has been shut down and locked up tight just so we can buy prescriptions. We are trying to feed a family of 5 on less than $30 a week and it just doesn’t work!
   Would love to receive a box of crafty goodies to brighten my world but totally understand that my troubles are minor compared to many others! Thanks for all you do for us!!! LOVE your products and have a LONG wish list of items I NEED! LOL
   Have a great day and I hope you continue to regain your strength and feel better ASAP!

6. What a blessing you are! I think you need a box of cheer. Although I do not know exactly what you are battling, you seem to have a good attitude and that is a lot of the battle. I am writing on behalf of myself. Here of late I too have been battling health issues. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2006 and have had numerous treatments since then. All seem to help a little, but none are the answer. Then I was diagnosed with hemochromatosis which is a disease of iron in the blood. Then back issues which ended in surgery. Just six months ago I started having seizures for which the doctors have no answer. And then back on May 20 I started having a rapid heartbeat which was 160. I immediately went to the ER and they discovered my hemoglobin was only 3.8, the lowest they had ever seen. I immediately received 4 units of blood and was sent home. Three weeks later I again started with rapid heartbeat so I called the doctor and once again the hemoglobin was low and I received 2 more units of blood. As I write this, I will be going to the hospital shortly for more blood. The doctors have no clue as to why I am losing blood. I have had many tests but each one has not given the answer. My oncologist wants to do surgery for new tumors yet because we have no health insurance we are told we must wait. In fact, the bills have gotten so high that the hospital denied me to do the one test that was scheduled last week. They cannot deny me getting the blood so that is a good thing. Through all of this, I have tried to maintain a good spirit and faith in the Lord. Sometimes it is much harder than others and I fail miserably. Thank you for listening to my story. I will pray for you.

7. Hi Paulina. I am so sorry to hear of your health issues but I am happy to know that you are improving!
   I didn’t see this post before but this is a very kind and thoughtful thing for you to do. I would like to nominate one of my card making friends for this. Her name is Nancy Given Lockhart. She loves to craft and has lost her home in a fire last spring. Needless to say she was unable to save her crafting supplies and has lost it all. I would so like to help her get started back into it as I feel it would give her a “lift”. I don’t have her personal email addy but if she were to be chosen I would be more than happy to get it and forward it to you. Thank you for this opportunity. You are so generous to do this!
   Blessings to you!

8. This is truly amazing that you are doing this!! I have a nomination if possible. It is for my daughter. But this story starts truly with my mother. 24 years ago my mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer and required surgery to remove pretty much everything from her belly button down on the inside, she had to have a urostomy placed and required a year of chemo and radiation. During her chemo/radiation I became pregnant (Surprise!! not something we were expecting at all!) I could not go with my mom to the radiation treatments but was given the o.k. to go to the chemo treatments. As soon as I found out the gender of our baby (A GIRL) this seemed to give my mom a whole new reason for fighting. Our daughter entered this world on February 5th 1993 we named her Stephanie Nichole. My mom’s birthday is also in February and of our whole family (aunts, cousins, grandmothers and beyond) there has only been one other female born in February and she is long gone to heaven. My mom has always said Stephanie aka Stevie was her lil angel sent from heaven to give her hope to stay in the fight. They have always shared a super strong bond, even closer than most realize. If Stevie is having a bad day my mom just seems to know this and will call her, and vice a versa. They have celebrated each birthday together as one heart. My mother has always had frail lung health, diagnosed many years ago with COPD and Emphysema, she was placed on 24/7 oxygen 3 years ago. This terrified Stevie so much she had a bit of a mental break saying to her grandmother please do not leave me, it is not time yet. My mother assured her she would not be leaving her and the oxygen was to help her breath nothing more nothing less. Stevie made my mom promise to stay alive long enough to see her walk down the aisle on her wedding day. This is especially important to note because ever since Stevie was little her dream wedding has always been something my mom and she would sit and daydream about. 3 months ago we were given the very bad news that my mom was dying, that her chances of seeing another year were so very slim. We were told to help my mom get her affairs in order. My dad is there for every need my mom has and they have started the process of getting their affairs in order. Stevie is a whole other story, she is very shaken by this news. She has always been very sensitive, caring, compassionate to everyone. She once beat up a classmate in preschool because they were stomping on crickets, and this crushed her that another person would willingly chose to kill another living creature. Like my mom and myself Stevie is very creative, she loves to draw, color, paint, journal, glitter and glue run through her veins. One Christmas she had me purchase a huge roll of craft paper so she could hand stamp with Christmas stamps her own wrapping paper! She even entered a painting into our state’s Governor’s Art competition, amongst the hundreds of entries she was given an Honorable mention along with a lovely letter. She loves photography and being outdoors. She is a licensed Cosmetologist which obviously is a good fit because you can be creative with cut and color. Somehow I feel I was meant to see your blog today. Today Stevie and I are going to my parents so that my mom and Stevie can have some time together while my dad and I go to the Attorney’s office to sign some papers relating to their estate. Last week my mom relayed to me that she would be giving Stevie all of her jewelry today, specifically the jewelry she had always wanted Stevie to wear on her wedding day. This will be a very emotional day for all of us. So while yes I would love for a “Boxes of Cheer” Package to be sent to my daughter, I really think that just by writing all of this has been very cathartic. I thank you for giving me an outlet to express the pain my daughter, mother and I are going through. Sincerely, MaryAnn

9. What a great idea you are doing, as of now I, family and friends are doing good. Wish I had some one to nominate I am sure they would be thrilled to receive a box of cheer. Good luck on finding the right people for you gift.

10. What a lovely thing to do. I hope you are feeling better. I think I left a comment last time about my friend, Lora. I met Lora at a Stamp show shortly after I moved to AZ and she has been a dear friend ever since. She is one of the most loving and uplifting people I’ve ever met. Lora and her husband are both veterans. Her story is long and I won’t go into all of it here. Lora has been battling breast cancer on and off for several years. She continued to work her job despite her chemo and radiation treatments, meanwhile planning her company Christmas party and making scrapbooks for retiring employees. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society as well. Chemo has taken it’s toll and she is no longer able to work. She expects to have chemo the remainder of her life. She tells her doctors she doesn’t want them to tell her how long she has, she only wants to know if she’ll have time enough to play with her newest stamping toys. She even takes her stamping supplies with her to chemo to make cards for others while she’s there. Lora doesn’t hesitate to tell everyone how much she loves and appreciates them from her family to her friends to her doctors. She is amazing!

11. You are SO sweet Paulina!! Bless your kind heart :D

12. This is such an awesome idea. This type of gesture has a huge impact for the recipient. I have a friend (age 59ish) who is battling pancreatic cancer. She recently quit her chemotherapy after a year as it is no longer effective. She is now part of a clinical trial with high hopes. We have a team of ladies that play soccer once a week and bless her heart, she comes out and plays when she can, giving it her all every time!! She is definitely a role model and inspiration to me.

13. What a sweetheart you are for doing this! I have been battling Eplepsy for the past 4 years. I had to quit a full time job I had been at for 20 years. My husband & I are struggling financially & are barely making it. I ended up having to take on a part time job. Between the job & the stress of finances my Epilepsy has really been giving me problems. We are trusting God to help us get through this tough time.

14. Paulina, you are SUCH a marvelous human being and sweetheart! This is a super thoughtful project. I have been really struggling with making cards lately. I have been dealing with Multiple Sclerosis for 24 years now. I am in a wheelchair now, and have a caregiver everyday, while hubby is gone to work. The caregivers help me get whatever supplies I need for stamping projects. Sadly, the fatigue that comes with the MS has been really interfering with my card making. :( I would love to be considered for one of your Boxes of Cheer! I sure hope your current health problem goes away very soon, so you can get back to being the colossal ray of sunshine that you are!

15. What a kind and thoughtful gesture. You are definitely a blessing to those around you. I am glad you are doing better and I send a prayer for you. Thanks for your generosity to those who need some cheering up.

16. You are so sweet for doing this to cheer someone up. I just ordered your sequins and I love them and I also loved the little sticker on my package that says happy mail. Thank you! I hope you feel better real soon. Have a good and healthy day :)

17. When I first read your story it made me think about my Daughter. She is 25 and just marked one year battling Ulcerative Colitisa! Like any auto-immune disease, this is a devasting condition. There are many side-effects not the least of which is the fatigue. She has managed to continue to work as a project manager for a communications firm whose clients do good works. But that is all she has the energy to do. No dinners with friends, no social life. That makes me so sad. A Box of Cheer is just what she needs! I am glad that you are feeling better? Getting out of bed is so wonderful! Keep up the fabulous attitude!

18. You just could not be sweeter Paulina. Despite your own health challenges, you are still reaching out to encourage and lift up others. I just know you will be blessed and hope your own health gets better and stronger ♥

19. What a lovely project. I’ve gone through a bad time, but I’m coming through it now. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney cancer which had already gone into his lungs and brain last July. It was a tremendous blow to our family. My husband had always been very healthy and took care of himself. Physicals every year, things like that. He played sports, and even played a double header softball game with his church league just two days prior to his collapse and diagnosis. Well, he wasn’t given long to live and he pushed to remain with us until our grandson was born in December, and then our granddaughter had her 4th birthday in January, and then our 42nd anniversary in February. Sadly he passed just a few days after that. It’s been a real struggle for me, both physically as I have many health concerns,, but also spiritually as I deal with this loss. I daily am still angry with God for this happening, but I’m going to get through it. I know this. In fact, I have a new granddaughter just born 2 days ago to help me get through this My husband knew she was coming and that was another blessing. He wasn’t in a lot of pain and I am so appreciative of that. But I still feel so cheated. I know others deal with a loss like this all the time. Many deal with much worse tragedies. But I’m still grappling with this loss. I never imagined a day without my husband. When I married him, I signed on for life. Never imagining it would only last 42 years.
    Sorry I have kind of dragged this on. I do want you to know your idea is such an uplifting one and I think it’s fantastic of you. God bless you.

20. I think this is such a wonderful thing you are doing! I have many health issues as well, too many to list, and some I was diagnosed with as early as age 12 (I’m 40 now) so a care package is the just the sweetest thing to do for someone who is going through a tough time and not feeling well. I fortunately have been so very blessed to have won some crafty contests which have been a huge blessing to me since money does get tight with medical bills and being on disability but not everyone wins contests, so in a way this is like winning a contest for them ;) It is very kind of you to pay it forward to others even when you are not feeling well yourself and that is what makes you even more of an awesome person! Anyway just wanted to say I think your amazing and have such a gracious heart!

21. I would like to nominate my husband, and here’s why. We’ve been married more than 30 years. He would love desperately to retire. He can’t, I need health insurance through his company. He has medicare but since I’m 5 years younger, it will be quite a while before I also can get medicare. Since I have a pre-existing condition (I had advanced cervical cancer, had chemo and radiation) my health insurance rates would be prohibitive. I feel awful that he must continue working way longer than he should, because of me. I not only had cancer, but have had several other major health issues, including chronic head pain for more than 20 years. My husband commutes more than 50 miles each way to work, making him want even more to retire. Some days that commute is only an hour, other days it is more than two. I would love to be able to give him a “box of cheer”.

22. I want to wish you much joy and many blessings, Paulina. What a thoughtful, kind, and generous thing you are doing. I also wish for you a return to good health.

23. You are so kind, and your gifts bring such happiness to folks who are suffering. thank you! I would love to Nominate Rhonda Miller, mpoohbear75@gmail.com.

    I am heartbroken and prayers to her and her family. Her newborn son was just diagnosed with cancer of the eye area. She has four other children, and I have no clue how she will master chemo 5x every other month, caring for a sick newborn and her other children. God will provide. She is an avid cardmaker, I’m sure that crafting will help her thru this difficut time. Thank you

24. You.are.amazing!!! HUGS!!!!

25. Paulina, I am a fan and follower! Still miss your time challenge for cards! So fun to have pretty AND quick.

    I want to tell you about a dear friend and her family. They each have their own chronic health problems. J’s oldest (now 17), is a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with a form of leukaemia at age 3. She has been in remission for a number of years, but suffers from chronic pain . J’s youngest is 15 and has Crohns. She has suffered from it since the age of 9, but it took a couple of years to diagnose. In trying to manage her pain and flare ups, she has had her large intestine removed; had a stem cell transplant with hopes her body would “reset” itself. It did not. None of the “traditional” Meds have worked for relief and she is on a new “untried” med hoping to manage the pain she chronically feels.
    We live in a small rural community and the nearest Children’ s Hospital is 9 hours away. It is a second home to them, having been there for as long as 6 months a stretch.
    Needless to say, this courage young girl has been home bound, often not having the energy to visit with friends.
    j is a local middle school teacher and divorced mom who has taken on summer jobs in order to pay for Meds. She is a generous and gifted teacher who can reach the difficult students.

    strangely, the last post on my blog is from last year, having made a card for young R on her birthday.

    Thank you for your listening ear.

26. I am so sorry to hear of your health issues but I am happy to know that you are improving!
    I have a friend that has been told that she has an immune deficiency and all they can do for her now is regular blood transfusions to bring her blood cell counts up. Last one she reacted to and with each one it get riskier for her. She worries about her 3 dogs and I have agreed for to take 2 cocker spandrels when she can not care for them but the Boston terrier does not get along with my dog. I do everything I can to help. Thanks for sharing.

27. I must have missed your first posts about this wonderful idea – I was dealing with my own health issues for a couple of months. But I am inspired by your generosity and kindness to try to bring cheer in my own small way. I will be praying for those in need and making & mailing cards to some folks who can use some smiles and prayers. Thank you for this spiritual kick in my mental butt. You have my admiration.

28. Even with your own health issues, you are reaching out to others. You are an inspiration, Paulina! There are so many people in need of a box of cheer.
    I would like to mention my daughter, Emily. She is turning 16 on Tuesday and suffers from epilepsy. Long story short, she began showing signs of something in November 2013 and she suffered her first “big” seizure in January 2014. She is currently on 3 different medications that she takes twice a day. We live with the uncertainty of never knowing when or where she may have a seizure and it is very scary – both for her, and for us as a family. This disease is also starting to affect her memory and cognitive thinking. With college only 2 years away, we’re not sure what will happen. So far the doctors are unable to explain why this is happening. She doesn’t fit into any one category and it’s very frustrating. She is especially sad about the fact that she can’t learn to drive. At 16, the rest of her friends are taking driver’s ed and earning this new level of freedom and she cannot. She knows that things could be worse and she tries to keep her head up and look at the bright side. But sometimes, it’s difficult.
    That’s it in a nutshell! Thank you so much for thinking of others this way and helping to spread some happy around. Of course we wish you good health and happiness too!

29. HOW AMAZING are you!! Sending HUGS and PRAYERS for you and your Health and the AWESOME Box of Cheer Boxes!! I would LOVE to have a BOX sent to my Mother!! =) It’s been a CRAZY Couple of Years within our Family!! We are a Family of Seven and my Parents have been Farmer/Ranchers LL their Lives and then my Mother went back to school in the Early Nineties with 5 of us Kiddos in toe to get her RN Nursing Degree!! She Worked Nights and then came home slept a few Hours worked on the Farm and took care of all of us and went back to work at nights and has done that ALL of her Life!! Now we’re ALL married and all of us but my Youngest sister have kiddos!! My Mother (Parents) are AMAZING!! They HELP with SO MUCH and we are LUCKY enough to all live within 45 minutes of each other!! The last two Years have brought a LOT of Issues that have been ALOT for a Mother to deal with, yet here she is STILL being AMAZING and Handling it ALL in STRIDE!! =) My Dad suffered a Heart Attach and had to have a Quadruple Bypass, she had to manage EVERYTHING and still worked her Job on top of taking care of my Dad as he was recovering!! Then my Mother-In-Law passed away from Breast Cancer and they were REALLY Close Friends on top of her being my MIL!! Then I fell 18 Feet Face First from a Ladder and required SEVERAL Trips and a Few Surgeries which we had to Travel 6 hours round trip for all of them along with having my Little’s along for the Trip!! My 6 yr. old Niece was Diagnosed with Diabetes and Then my Sister (her Mother) was Diagnosed with MS and has been going through ALOT of changes too!! My other sister had her 3rd baby in Jan. and has been struggling with health issues as of late and is under going tests to try and figure out what is going on!! My POOR Mother as had a STRESSFUL Couple of Years although she NEVER WAIVERS and IS THE MOST AMAZING ROCK and WOMAN I HAVE and probably WILL EVER KNOW!! =) She is and has ALWAYS BEEN there through THICK and THIN and I WOULD LOVE LOVE LOVE to be ABLE to have her get a BOX of CHEER just as a SMALL Pick ME UP and REMINDER that LIFE is FULL of AMAZING PEOPLE just like her and SHE DESERVES MORE than I can EVER GIVE!! THANKS for ALL you DO and GIVE and Have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!! =)

30. I love the idea of the cheer boxes…so many people need cheering up.

    I would like to nominate my daughter Sally, she is 22 and has M.E. She became ill 5 years ago and her illness is degenerative to the extent she has gone from getting an offer to study at Oxford to being mostly bedbound and unable to cope with reading at all.

    She deals with her illness with unbelievable amounts of grace and style and keeps herself as active as possible, she has a blog, wheelingalong24, she took up knitting (she has had to stop as it became too painful) and has started card making.

    I am a foster carer and she has a foster brother who is, shall we say challenging and however ill my is she and however much pain she is in she still works to support me caring for him and is lovely to him…not always easy with his behaviour.

    This doesn’t begin to say how awesome my daughter is….its nice to get a chance to say in public just how proud I am of how she copes with all that life has thrown at her.

31. i would like you to consider my dear friend Amber. In this last year she has had to move to a new state, has had her child graduate high school and just recently lost her mother to Cancer at only age 66. She is an amazing lady who has four wonderful kids and manages her own business. Her mothers funeral is this week and I’m not able to be there to support her as I had to move as well and my heart is aching because of that. I would love to have you bring my friend who never thinks of herself to send her some much need cheer and love.

32. Paulina, so sorry your health issues have been acute of late; wishing you improved strength and health!
    So very kind of you to think of others when you yourself are struggling!

33. You deserve goodies yourself, Paulina ♥ All of us are broken in one or more ways. I used to be a nurse, fell ill, and been making cards in bed for 8 yrs now, it nearly kills me to get up. But I would like to nominate a friend, Tammie, who also lives in Washington state, but south of you. She has suffered recent deaths of loved ones, has various health challenges, and is very, very poor financially. If anyone needs a boost in life, it’s Tammie. Big hugs to you Paulina ♥ I know you are pushing thru your own health issues to run your business and makes others’ lives full of joy.. You are not alone sweet lady!!! We are all connected thru love.

34. Wow- I have just stumbled upon your site and I just wanted to say I just love people like yourself – I have been living with Primary Progressive MS for 8 years – now -wheelchair bound and have faced many challenges during that time – I nursed my darling husband for ten years with his own health issues – sadly he passed away four years ago …. 18 months ago I met my new partner who is awesome this year has tested our new relationship as we both lost our fathers within a week of each other! Then his mother 80 yrs old just couldn’t cope with the grief and became very ill so we moved her near to us- which has put an immense strain on us financially but worth every penny as she is slowly picking up 😊 now the point of this message is simply to say life is wonderful, no matter what life throws at you -it is very much worth living !! since my diagnosis I have published a book to help others with MS ALL proceeds go to my local hospital ( as a thanks for the help and support they gave me ) to support more medical staff and equipment , I have met some amazing inspirational people and recently discovered card making- Yay !!- although I have lost the site in one eye due to my illnesses I can still see and feel enough to make cards which I am loving ! I have learnt Braille Incase my other eye goes and if it does I will still be able to feel textures -and make cards- I guess I would like to say to every person who endures an illness or disability Please don’t give in – you are not alone or useless we are just changing – embrace your differences and challenges and like me search for the sunshine – it’s always there somewhere – life is a gift and I simply love mine !!
    Good luck to yourself and your readers and supporters and bless you all -Much love -Chrissie xxx

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