The Avanti Woman Christmas Kindness Project 2018

Dear Woman,

I am reaching out to a group of my strong female friends to ask for your collaboration in raising $3,300 to fulfill The Avanti Woman's 2018 Christmas Kindness project.

"The Avanti Woman" is a new organization that provides a platform to help connect, empower and build women to achieve their goals within the areas of healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.  The Avanti Woman is a strong, forward moving woman with fire in her belly and kindness in her heart.  Her mission is to excel in every area of her life.  As she moves forward climbing the latter of success, she never fails to lend her helping hand to pull and elevate those in need of her support, guidance and encouragement.

As I was searching for a true "Need" for this project, I received a serendipitous email which momentarily touched my heart and I knew without a single seed of doubt that I had found the woman who truly deserved a Christmas miracle.   That woman is Susan Shear.  Please read her letter in bold which beautifully highlights her need and her quest for a miracle.

Hello Nairy,

Your response to my "letter" was overwhelming and a lovely surprise.

Here is my story.
At six years old I was walking home from Elementary School and was struck by a car. As a result of this, I was in a coma for about three weeks, had my spleen removed, suffered two broken legs, and the left side of my brain had trauma. This caused a lifetime of severe weakness on the right side of my body. After the accident I was also diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. From this point I felt different. I walked with a noticeable limp, my father carried me up and down stairs. I had to deal with mean children on a daily basis that made me their habit to make fun of by calling me names. Throughout the years I have had many surgeries to help correct the many issues with my legs, and hips. In 2002 I had a stroke. This affected the right (normal functioning) side of my brain, which caused weakness to the left side of my body. I could no longer stand  with strength and confidence, as falling became routine. Since 2002 I have relied on a walker, and I now totally depend on the use of a power chair.

 I have not let these medical issues and disabilities prevent me from living my life. I take classes such as Spanish, art, Zumba, and writing. No one drives me to class as I use public transportation, and my reliable power chair. My husband and I receive an SSDI check which barely pays the bills . It leaves us with very little money at the end of the month to purchase the little extras that makes life fun, or more importantly to purchase those necessities to improve one’s life. Because of my medical issues, and the  deterioration of my strength, I can no longer independently get in or out of bed. I must awake my wonderful husband several times a night to assist me to the bathroom. There were many nights that I would sleep on the recliner in my small living room, but that broke a couple of months ago. I now sleep most every night in my power chair.

I am kindly asking for assistance because I do not have the funds to purchase an adjustable Queen sized bed that can be raised and lowered by remote control, and a recliner that can be lowered and raised by remote control as well. I am looking forward to the day where I don’t have to wake my husband and say “sweetheart can you please help me”, and of course how I would adore a good night’s sleep.

Nairy, will you be my Guardian Angel?

Much love,

Susan Shear


With the help and collaboration of Robert Zazula (Program Development Coordinator) at The Adult Skills Center who has been providing ongoing assessment and support for Susan Shear over the past several years in the areas of medication management, hygiene, fall prevention and psychological support, we were able to identify and find the exact equipment needed.   With your support, we will be purchasing Susan a Queen sized adjustable remote controlled bed from "Mattress World" in the amount of $2,300 which includes tax and delivery.   We will also purchase a recliner/lift chair in the amount of $1,000.

Upon raising the $3,300 needed,  the first 12  donors will receive a T-Shirt of "The Avanti woman-  Christmas Kindness Project 2018" and the opportunity to join us in presenting her gift and taking a group photo with Susan.   The Adult Skills Center will share Susan's story in an article  to help spread the good news to our communities showing how love and kindness helped restore this beautiful woman's dignity & quality of life by fulfilling her quest for a miracle.  

I believe with this project we can prove how even a tiny/small group of strong compassionate women can impact lives, touch hearts and influence change in our communities and ultimately, our world.  

As the great adage says:  Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Thank you for your support and sisterhood!  Together, let's get this mission accomplished by year end!

I will start this campaign by donating $250.  Will you join me?

With Love & Gratitude,
Nairy

(PS.  Please feel free to share with a few strong women in your circle)