RAISE AWARENESS WEDNESDAYS!

Click these links to see the list of causes, or just scroll down...

HUMAN CAUSES
ANIMAL CAUSES
RESCUES
PERSONAL CAUSES
CAUSES I'M A SPOKESDOG/AMBASSADOR FOR

As most of you know, my inspirational video "From Service Dog to SURFice Dog", went viral on YouTube. With more than 3.2 million views, and it continues to be watched/shared.  Due to this exposure, an incredible amount of positive energy was realized.  It wasn't expected, but I look at it as a gift, and an opportunity to use my new-found prominence to raise awareness for human/animal causes.  There are several causes I'm a spokesdog for, amabassador for, or work closely with already, which can be found on my Causes I support page.  But, once I reached 20,000 fans on Facebook, I wanted to celebrate by helping even more causes.  So, I came up with the idea... Raise Awareness Wednesdays. 

Raise Awareness Wednesdays is for non profit organizations that need more awareness raised for their cause.  Each Wednesday, I post a link to my Raise Awareness Wednesday website page (this page) on my Facebook page, so all my 20,000+ fans can see the causes, and re-post the link on their Facebook pages, asking their FURiends to re-post too.  Through the power of social media, this effort should ultimately raise much more awareness of the different causes.  It'll also be posted to my Twitter page, and can be re-tweeted, gaining even more exposure for the causes.  As long as my SURFice dog video continues to get views, and people "like" me on Facebook, my numbers will continue to grow, thus creating an even larger platform to raise awareness.  If you haven't joined my Facebook page yet, please do!  http://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet

If you are a shelter or animal rescue, I have another page set up exclusively for this purpose. Please visit my website page Raise Awareness 4 rescues, to add your info.  I also have a Facebook page dedicated to rescues, so please feel free to post about your animals on that page, which is called Ricochet's Animal Rescue & Resource Page.  Be sure to join that one too, so we can help save animal lives.

If you are a non profit, and would like to be included in my Raise Awareness Wednesday initiative, please send me an email with the following info...

Organization name:
Website URL:
Facebook URL:
Twitter URL: if applicable
YouTube URL: if applicable
Breed: if applicable
About/Mission: What your organization does, or it's mission.

Each cause will be listed below, and folks who visit this page will be encouraged to click on the links to learn more, to join their Facebook pages, and help raise more awareness.

Of course, people will have access to this web page on other days of the week too BOL!  And this page will be available to anyone who visits my website from the SURFice dog video, media outlets, etc. So, it will be an ongoing effort to raise awareness.  But, on Wednesdays, I will post this link to Facebook & Twitter so all the non profit causes get a shout out on a weekly basis!  

Thank you for your support in my Raise Awareness Wednesday initiative!

Please click the links of the causes below to learn more about them, see their calendar of events, visit their websites, and join their Facebook pages.  Please share this webpage link via email, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc so together, we can all raise even more awareness of these pawmazing causes! Thank you!

CAUSES
The following causes are broken down into animal causes, human causes, and causes I'm a spokesdog/ambassador for. Just click the links, or scroll down to learn more about them!
 

Together, we can all raise more awareness!

HUMAN CAUSES
ANIMAL CAUSES
CAUSES I'M A SPOKESDOG/AMBASSADOR FOR

HUMAN CAUSES

ALTERNATING HEMIPLEGIA OF CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION
Website: www.ahckids.org
Twitter: @AHCKIDS
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AHCPresident?feature=mhee
About/Mission: Our mission is to find the cause(s) of AHC, develop effective treatments and ultimately find a cure, while providing support to the families and children with AHC by funding research to accomplish these goals. Secondarily, we strive to promote proper diagnosis, educate health care professionals, the public and related organizations, encourage the worldwide exchange of information and advance the development of an international database of all AHC patients.

Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC):
AHC is a rare neurological disorder in which repeated, transient attacks of hemiplegia (paralysis of a portion of the body, including the face) occur, usually affecting one side of the body or the other, or both sides of the body at once. It ranges from simple numbness in an extremity to full loss of feeling and movement. The attacks may last for minutes, hours or even days and are normally relieved by sleep. The attacks of hemiplegia typically alternate from one side of the body to another, but it is not uncommon for one side to be more frequently affected, or for episodes to begin on one side, and then switch to the other. AHC episodes are often associated with triggers that precede or induce the attack. Triggers for AHC episodes may include--but are not limited to--environmental conditions (such as temperature extremes or odors), water exposure, physical activities (exercise, swinging), lights (sunlight, fluorescent bulbs), foods (chocolate, food dye), emotional response (anxiety, stress, fright), odors (foods, fragrances) and medications.  

Although the disorder is named of “childhood” those affected by AHC do not grow out of the disorder. The AHC episodes may change and sometimes even decrease in frequency as a child gets older. Every child with AHC is unique, and children can be severely or mildly affected. However, as children get older, developmental problems between episodes became more apparent. These developmental problems may include difficulties in fine and gross motor function, cognitive function, speech and language and even social interactions. There is developing evidence that AHC may cause ongoing mental and neurological deficits with a progressive course. Early intervention for such children is extremely important to help maximize their developmental achievements.

ANGEL IDs
Website: www.angel-ids.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hom.php#/pages/Angel-IDs/126788887365960
About/Mission: Angel IDs wants to raise awareness of the importance for Diabetic children and teens to wear Medical emergency IDs.  These IDs are a potentially life saving tool in the life of a Diabetic, removing the guess work out diagnoses for medical personnel.  If you know someone with a Diabetic child that can't afford an ID, please contact us at info@angel-ids.com. Angel IDs is working to help Diabetic Children with Free Medical Alert Idenification around the country, on Facebook also with the following organizations: Children's Hospital Orange County, CA, CHOC-Mission Viejo clinic, CA, Children's Hospital Newport Beach, CA, Children's Hospital Seattle, WA.  Our mission is to give Medic Alert bracelets to newly diagnosed and financially challenged Diabetic children. Please help by referring our site to friends and/or making a donation.

BREAST IMPRESSIONS FOUNDATION
Website: http://www.BreastImpressions.com
About/Mission: Breast Impressions, Inc. mission is to increase breast cancer awareness and fundraising to support breast cancer education, prevention and treatment.  Breast Impressions, Inc also donates breast casting kits to women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and would like to make a casting of their own prior to surgery.  Breast Impressions is a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Organization.
Other: Tulsa Cares Enough to Wear Pink http://www.turntulsapink.com.  Raising Awareness and Honoring Women who have experienced Cancer of ANY type!

DOGGIE DONATION CORPS
Website: www.fitasfido.com www.jenniferinspiringpeople.com www.caninesupportteams.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Doggie-Donation-Corps/126456357429466
Twitter: http://twitter.com/doggiedonation
About/Mission: The Doggie Donation Corp's mission is to raise money and awareness of the "Pawz for Wounded Veterans" program through Canine Support teams. This program provides service dogs free of charge to the veterans of any war.

SAN DIEGO ADAPTIVE SPORTS FOUNDATION
Website: www.sdasf.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sdasf
About/Mission: Improving the quality of life for children and adults with physical disabilities through sports and recreation
Current fundraiser: Stroll & Roll Wheelchair Sports http://conta.cc/fEN7wn

SOLDIER'S BEST FRIEND
Website: http://soldiersbestfriend.org
Facebook: facebook.com/soldiersbestfriend 
About/Mission: To place and train shelter or rescued dogs as service dogs with U.S. military veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Disorder and or Traumatic Brain Injury. Our goal is to assist the veteran in recovering from their symptoms while giving a homeless dog an honorable home.

STAND UP FOR KIDS
Website:  www.standupforkids.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/StandUp4KidsNational
A short video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Colidbw9Ffc
About/Mission:  Ending the cycle of youth homelessness
 

STEP IT UP RECOVERY CENTER, INC. (Sanford, FL)
Website: www.stepituprecovery.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Step-It-Up-Recovery-Center/149694521731682 or just search Step It Up Recovery Center
About/Mission: Our mission is to provide those living with a spinal cord injury the opportunity to achieve their greatest recovery potential and an overall increased quality of life. We achieve this with an innovative, specialized exercise-based recovery program, dedicated staff, in an environment filled with support, hope and motivation.

SUPPORT 4 RECOVERY
Website: www.support4recovery.org
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-4-Recovery-Inc/115670178509995?ref=ts
About/Mission: Our mission is to assess the needs of the recovery community, develop action plans to support, educate and empower the community and thus, promote successful long-term recovery. The organization's focus is on celebrating recovery and breaking down stigma and discrimination by creating a unified voice for positive change. 
 

TEDDY BEAR PROJECT
Website URL:  http://teddybearprojectm.blogspot.com/
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacey-Mae/173420656012654
About/Mission:  The Teddy Bear Project started in December of 2010. Stacey Mae a 4 year old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog started collecting Teddy bears for her local nursing homes and hospitals. In December she collected 88 Teddy bears and distributed them. Now Teddy Bear Project 2011 is coming up and fast! June of 2011 Stacey Mae is going to be collecting Teddy Bears and passing them out to local nursing homes and hospitals once again. 

TERRIERS SUPPORTING PAWZ FOR WOUNDED VETERANS
Website: www.FitAsFido.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/FitAsFido
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/FitAsFido
About/Mission: My terriers and their corps of canine recruits are collecting donations to help raise enough money to fund the costs for one service dog for a wounded Veterans through Canine Support Teams' Pawz For Wounded Veterans program.

UNITED MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE FOUNDATION (UMDF)
Website: www.umdf.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=2922196143
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UMDF
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/UMDF1
About/Mission: The mission of the UMDF is to promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected individuals and families. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells in the body. They are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy your body needs to sustain life. Mitochondrial Diseases result from failures of the mitochondria of a certain organ/tissue or multiple organs/tissues.  One of the frustrating things about Mito is that it has the ability to disguise itself as so many other diseases. The other frustrating thing is that no two people with the disease have the same symptoms; the reason for this is, because the mitochondria perform so many different functions in different tissues, there are literally hundreds of different mitochondrial diseases.  Because of this, there is very little foundation for research for a cure by the FDA. There is no cure for Mito..YET.
 

WALKS FOR LOVE
Website: http://walksforlove.org/wp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001098443153
About/Mission: Walks for Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides essential pet care services to people who are unable to care for their pets due to illness, disability or other circumstances. We believe no dog should be denied the love, care and respect they deserve.

 

ANIMAL CAUSES
 

BONE CANCER DOGS, INC
Website: www.bonecancerdogs.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/BoneCancerDogs-Inc/183564542602?ref=ts
About/Mission:  To educate and raise awareness on canine bone cancers, the treatment options available, preventative measures, and of course personal support.  It is also in our mission statement that 75-80% of all donations go toward directly funding clinical trials and studies in the area of canine bone cancers and osteosarcoma.  We are an all volunteer organization with everyone, unfortunately, have the experience of living with a dog (or dogs) who had bone cancer.

DELTA SOCIETY
Website: www.deltasociety.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/deltasociety
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/deltasociety
About/Mission:  Since 1977, international not-for-profit Delta Society has led the world in advancing human health and well-being through positive interactions with animals.  The organization’s 11,000 volunteer Pet Partners teams visit more than 1 milliion people each year, bringing comfort and healing to people in hospitals, senior care facilities, hospices, residential centers, schools, libraries and other health and community settings.  Delta Society also provides information and resources on service animals, educates health and human service providers on the incorporation of animals into clinical practices, and promotes research on the human-animal bond.

DOGS FOR THE PAWS - The National Pet/Art Awareness Project
Website: http://www.dogsforthepaws.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dogsforthepaws
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dogsforthepaws
About/Mission: I began Dogs for the PAWS hoping to challenge myself to get back to painting pet portraits.  Since I am very involved with rescue and rescues across the country, offering discounted artwork, I thought it might be a unique way to feature some great dogs who came from shelters or rescues. Since October and November are National  shelter and adoption months, I thought these were good reasons to start the project then.  When I sent out the press release back in September of 2009 I had 37 dogs submitted in the first week. As the weeks went on I continued to receive submissions and these stories of courageous, aged, some abused, dogs that survived such terrible events at the hands of humans or sad circumstances...but ended up being adopted and loving members of families. As I painted, people were sharing the link with others, and so on...This sort of "network"  has evolved with all these people and their love of their dogs. I paint the dogs' portraits then share the stories, which are written by the families, on Facebook, Twitter, and of course the blog, www.dogsforthepaws.com... I never knew when the project started, that it would reach out to others and get them to share these inspiring stories.  Some of these dogs are "celebrities" in their areas of the country, while others are just much loved by their families who go out and help spread the word about their rescues and shelters. People have used the paintings and blog to showcase how wonderful adopted pets are. Some rescues and shelters have even printed out the portraits and stories of the different dogs to inspire potential adopters at different rescue/adoption events. The original PAWS PACK 80 dogs' portraits are finished but due to the overwhelming response to DFTP, we are continuing to build our group into a network of awareness and inspiration to help pets in need. Our motto is "United in the PAW".

EMMA ZEN AND TEAM 02 (Pet Oxygen Mask Fundraisers)
Website: www.emmazen.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emmazen 
About/Mission:  Emma Zen is a survivor of the Santiago Canyon Fires of 2007 now raising public awareness of animals and their safety with her efforts to raise funds for Pet Oxygen Masks. Pet Oxygen Masks are oxygen masks that are specifically designed coned shaped to fit muzzles and snouts of canines, felines and other household pets. Far too many pets die each year from smoke inhalation and other breathing difficulties. By getting the right equipment into the right hands we are hoping to increase the numbers of survivors.  Our goal is to equip fire departments, EMS, USDA Forestry and Search and Rescue with this equipment, providing an extra safety net for our pets and other animals.  Emma Zen is the Canine Ambassador for Biker Dogs too!!! ®  Donate online at: www.emmazen.com
 

FIX YOUR IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY
Website: http://www.fixyourimages.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fixyourimages
About/Mission:  Nationally published Kansas City pet photographer Jennifer Hague is dedicated to photographing adoptable dogs on a regular basis at KC PAWS, The Animal Rescue Alliance and The Pet Connection, in addition to photographing various pet friendly events to benefit local rescues and shelters. KC PAWS (www.kcpaws.org) is the primary rescue where she volunteers.  They specialize in working with animals who are the victims of abuse. KC PAWS works in connection with local City and State agency's to help investigate and report cases of cruelty and neglect as well as providing education and resources to the community on how to properly care for their animals.

K9 C.A.R.E.S. VICTIM SUPPORT ~ Enhancing the lives of people by promotion of the human-animal bond through canine-assisted advocacy!
Website: www.k9cares.org
Facebook: K9 C.A.R.E.S. Victim Support
About/Mission: The mission of K9 C.A.R.E.S. is to help people reduce their stress and start healing through the comfort and motivation of a specially trained dog and their trained Victim Advocate handler.
 

LOST AND FOUND PETS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lost-and-Found-Dogs/173171409391954
YouTube:  coming soon
About/Mission: Lost and Found Dogs aims to reunite owners with their pets and keep the public informed. We have resources on our page under notes on how to not lose your dog, where to check, and some general dog care. We will soon be doing a video of lost and found dogs across the US to share on FB and raise awareness. 

NOWZAD DOGS
Website: www.nowzad.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/nowzad/110252975672446
Twitter: @nowzad
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/nowzaddogs
Breed: All breeds of cat and dog
About/Mission: Nowzad Dogs is a UK based Charity formed by a former Royal Marine to assist soldiers in sending home the cats and dogs they adopt whilst serving in Afghanistan.  Currently we have more than 60 rescues at various stages and in January 2011 we opened the very first official Animal shelter in Afghanistan.  To date we have reunited more than 200 animals with their soldiers.  We rely entirely on public donations to continue to work we do on behalf of the soldiers and are completely non profit.  We have one full time expat staff member based in Afghanistan and 3 local Afghan staff who help to care for the rescues at the shelter.  We have recently been given the go ahead to implement a human trap neuter release program in Afghanistan and are working on setting up a donkey/horse co-operative to teach local Afghans how to care for their working animals.

The life of Afghan animals is not one of comfort at the best of times; most of the day is spent hunting for scraps of food or hiding from the hot desert sun during the summer or the freezing cold of a desert winter night. There is definitely no pampered pet status in Afghanistan.

The Nowzad Dogs charity has been formed to do something positive for the cats, dogs and other animals of Afghanistan that have no hope and nobody to care for them. We realise we cannot transport all of the stray dogs of Afghanistan and Iraq to loving homes, but we will do our best to promote animal welfare and to assist in vital animal aid work that is so desperately needed in Afghanistan.

All money donated goes directly to helping the animals of Afghanistan.

PUPPY PRODIGIES NEO-NATAL & EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM (my alma mater)
Website: www.PuppyProdigies.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet
About/Mission: The mission of Puppy Prodigies is to build the foundation for future teamwork by providing puppies with early interventional learning opportunities and environmental influences at critical stages of development in an effort to positively affect behavioral tendencies which will ultimately enhance their life, as well as their human counterpart’s. 

PUPPY RESCUE MISSION, INC
Website: www.thepuppyrescuemission.org
Facebook: "Puppy Rescue Mission"
About/Mission: We help soldiers bring home their Battle Buddies, the stray dogs (and a few kitties) of war they have bonded to in Afghanistan. "Soldiers saving puppies; puppies saving Soldiers",

RANCHO COASTAL HUMANE SOCIETY
Website: www.rchumanesociety.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rchumane
About/Mission: Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) was formed in 1960 by a group of hardworking volunteers, led by animal lover Maria K. Lloyd. The goal was and continues to be to care for the homeless animal population of San Diego County and to educate the public about pet over-population and responsible companion animal care.

TARGET'S BUNKER
Website: http://www.targetsbunker.org/
About/Mission: Target's Bunker is being formed in hope of keeping another tragedy like Target's from happening.  In the wake of Target's passing, she leaves a legacy of honor and devotion that was unmatched.  This NO KILL shelter will use every means available to save as many animals as possible. 

Target is now the star shining light on a very large problem in animal shelters.  Everyday animals are accidentally or erroneously put to death and Target's Bunker will fight to end this.  In her life, Target helped save the lives of many soldiers in Afghanistan, in her death, she will continue to be the hero everyone remembers by saving the lifes of many animals.  Target's love and companionship will be forever ingrained in every aspect of the Bunker.  

Target's Bunker provides a safe haven for animals of all kinds, focusing on rescuing dogs and cats from kill shelters while operating with the upmost level of integrity and loving care.

TN SAFETY SPOTTERS
Website: http://tnsafetyspotters.org
Breed: Dalmatians (Deaf)
About/Mission: TN Safety Spotters educates children about Fire Safety and Dog Bite Prevention using deaf registered therapy dogs.  Not only do we help save children’s lives, we raise awareness about what wonderful companion animals deaf Dalmatians are. (30% are born deaf in one or both ears).  This increases their adoptions and decreases the number euthanized.  These dogs also do animal assisted therapy for abused children, hospice children, special needs children, Veterans and are also Reading Education Assistance Dogs.

PERSONAL CAUSES

CONNERY BEAGLE
Website: http://doranna.net/dogplay/a.antho.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConneryBeagle
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/connerybeagle
About/Mission: Connery's story is an ongoing one; all his life, he's overcome physical odds--both for his autoimmune issues and the way they make him (due to scent?) the repeated target of ambush attacks by large dogs.  The expenses have been significant and ongoing, and due to my own disabilities and the floundering industry in which I find self-employment, I've hit a patch of being unable to meet his needs at the same time he's hit extreme need.  He needs a CT scan and probable endoscopic procedure; the meds he's on right now are not ones he can endure long-term, and they're not doing the trick.  I don't publicly talk much about my own disabilities in my hunt to help him.  It's too hard for people to understand what I go through in order to be active with my animals, or the support structure that it takes, when my issues are nebulous and rare neurological/muscular that can't be treated, only managed.  I've had them for more years than I haven't, and always use my animals to cope and do PT.  I'm not shy about my situation, either--I just didn't want to dilute my message for Connery.  Or maybe I'm just too proud, who knows. 
Connery has ongoing expenses of about $1,000 a year, which I can't cover any longer without a turn-around in my income.  He also needs to fund the treatment for the specific issue he now faces.  The book/donations have funded some initial treatment; I've targeted 1,000 copies sold to meet that new goal, and--aside from a few donations--am only selling a handful of copies a week; the book simply isn't visible enough despite my efforts.  There's a barrier one has to break in order to reach those outside immediate social networking, and we haven't done that yet.  If there's any overage, I've already targeted Second Chance shelter in Flagstaff, AZ, and should the anthology continue to sell, I'd really like to make the proceeds available to others in my position--those with active performance partners whose emergency needs they're unable to meet due to a change in their own circumstances or health.
There are two web pages with details of the fundraising effort--the one listed first (above), which focuses on the anthology, and the one listed second with his history/story/medical details on it, and which starts:
=============
Connery is the quintessential Beagle, a clown who is also possessed by moments of astonishing singlemindedness. He has a FaceBook Page where he chronicles his puzzlements about the human world.

During 2007, Connery ranked in the top ten Beagles nationally in obedience, rally, and agility.

But when push comes to shove, he's my best friend, and I don't want to let my best friend down. I desperately need to know if what's happening now is a result of--or if the treatment will conflict with--the life-threatening immune issues he's had all of his life.

These past five months, he's faced idiopathic erosive sinus inflammation which--when he tracks, or plays, or bikes, or runs agility--leaves him wheezing, choking, and stuck in spasmatic "snorking." Without a constant stream of painkillers, he has terrible headaches and spends his time in a miserable little Beagle ball.

So I need to do something for my dog kid. And this story collection will, I hope, help me come through for him.

FINDING FOREVER - A Book for a cause
Website: www.findingforever.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Finding-Forever-A-Book-For-a-Cause/184919434879193
Twitter: @DobieHouson
Breed: German Shepherds current, all future
About/Mission: Finding Forever was founded by Dobie Houson to raise money for animal rescues and animal charities. An estimated 4 to 5 million dogs and cats are abandoned each year, dropped off at animal shelters or simply left to fend for themselves on the streets. Of those who make it to animal shelters, half are euthanized. Through her book, Finding Forever, Houson hopes to educate others about the plight of homeless animals and to raise awareness regarding the many rescue groups, including Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, that fight for animal rights and safety. Eventually she hopes to create an online network to help people locate and support local rescue efforts that are near and dear to their hearts.  A portion of all sales from her book, Finding Forever: The dogs of Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, will be donated to Coastal German Shepherd Rescue.

HELP SAVE ZEN / FRIENDS OF ZEN AND FREYA
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helpmyhuskies, http://www.facebook.com/friendsofzenandfreya
Twitter URL: Luvmysibes
About/Mission:  Here, at Help save Zen we can all work together to make a difference helping other families just like my own that struggle financially  to medically care for our beloved pets.
I  host regular raffles with  %100 of the proceeds going to directly to the veterinarian of the featured pet in need. Focusing especially on families trying to cover crucial vet bills for necessary or life saving treatments.
I also make and sell handmade bracelets through facebook and my blog. An animal cause charity is selected every month, with $2 from every bracelet sold going to their cause for the entire month.
I am not a registered charity, or organization. And I  provide all raffle items (unless donated by someone else)  and use portions of the sales from my bracelets to cover paypal fees from donations and shipping costs for prizes.  I am a "furmom"  with  two of my own, and both of them battling cancer I understand, and I want to help.

 

Hi, my name is Paxton Moynihan. I'm 25 years old and an art student at Central Connecticut State University. I'm a huge hockey fan and I play sled hockey for the Western MA Knights. I take shaolin kempo karate in my home town. I'm currently a yellow belt. I love photography, drawing, horror movies, and I play bass guitar. I also am a writer and reporter for my school's magazine. 

I have a spinal cord disorder called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type 3, an autoimmune disease called Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease, that does not effect my mobility, but has an effect on my health, Aspergers Syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum. I also have a relatively common spinal cord issue known as Spina Bifida Occulta (different from the more severe types of Spina Bifida). 

The HSP is similar to a type of Cerebral Palsy called Spastic Diplegia and has caused me to have trouble walking and develop a scissor-gait (a type of limp) and hip problems, a hearing impairment, muscle spasms in my legs, seizures, and poor balance. The type of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome I have causes me to have joints that hyper-extend and become dislocated more easily than the average person. I use forearm crutches or a manual wheelchair at school. A service dog would help me retrieve things i've dropped and carry small things in his or her backpack to help free up my hands, as well as provide a constant companion for times when I'm sick and unable to go to school or in the hospital. In addition, having a dog next to me when I'm walking with my crutches would help me to balance better and give me a better sense of my surroundings. 

Please consider donating to help me get my service dog so that I can be more independent and confident at school, and in life in general =] 

 

PETALTHEDOG FOUNDATION - "PETAL'S FUND
Website: www.petalthedog.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Petalhuwaldt
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Petalthedog
About/Mission: My name is "Petal" because I am not big enough to be a whole flower. I am 4yrs old but mentally I am a much older soul. I was living in S. Central Los Angeles, CA; knocked up and in desperate need of medical attention. Lucky for me I was brought to the right place at the right time and I received the help I needed.  Now my talent has been discovered and I have set training and skills.  With the money I earn acting, the donations I receive, and funds from the Pet CPR classes that are taught, I am able to pay the medical expenses of pets in need so they can feel as fortunate I am. I hope to have my own foundation soon.

PREST-WALK GIRL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrestWalkGirl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/PrestWalkGirl
About/Mission: I am an animal lover and pet-sitter, but my main goal is to end animal cruelty! Feel free to share your animals in need on my FB page and Twitter account! Join the fight to stop the madness sooner than later! 

CAUSES I'M A SPOKESDOG/AMBASSADOR FOR

ACCESS SURF
Website: http://www.accessurf.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AccesSurf/56091984104
About/Mission: AccesSurf empowers people with disabilities by providing adaptive surfing instruction and therapeutic educational programs on water recreation and enriches lives by assisting families to access the beach and ocean in a barrier free environment.
 

AMPSURF - ASSOCIATION OF AMPUTEE SURFERS
Website: http://ampsurf.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ampsurf.org
About/Mission: We are a Non-Profit Organization made up of amputees, veterans and friends &
family of the disabled, . We want to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate people with disabilities,
especially our veteran heroes through adaptive surfing & fun safe outdoor activities all can participate in.

BEST DAY FOUNDATION
Website: http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-Day-Foundation/38896386741
About/Mission: Best Day helps children with special needs build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure activities like surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snow sports, and more. Please join us in creating special days for special children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, Cancer, Spinal Cord Injuries, and other physical & developmental challenges!

CHASE AWAY K9 CANCER
Website: http://www.chaseawayk9cancer.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chase-Away-K9-Cancer/137708077432?ref=ts
About/Mission: The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation’s Chase Away K9 Cancer Website is a portal of hope, healing, action, and promise! The mission of the ACVIM Foundation is to eliminate animal and human disease through discovery, education, and partnerships throughout the global community of medicine.

FREE KIBBLE
Website: http://www.freekibble.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Freekibble
About/Mission: Freekibble.com's primary mission is to provide healthy, nutritious food to the dogs and cats at shelters who are working so hard to see that none of their animals go hungry - they need our help. Now, in addition to providing free kibble to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, Mimi and Freekibble are feeding many 1,000's of dogs and cats in shelters, rescues and through food-banks across the country... EVERYDAY!

HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER
Website: http://www.animalcenter.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/helenwoodwardanimalcenter
About/Mission: Helen Woodward Animal Center is a unique, private, non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of animals and enriching the lives of people. For more than 30 years, our no-kill Center has provided humane care and adoption for orphaned animals, as well as animal-centered educational and therapeutic programs for people. The Center is a dynamic, evolving institution that is an agent of change for the animal welfare world. Not only are we operating innovative and beneficial programs for animals and people, but we are teaching others around the world how to successfully market and promote their programs and stop the senseless death of thousands of animals.

HELP PATRICK WALK
Website: www.helppatrickwalk.org
About/Mission: 16 year old Patrick Ivison was hit by a car as a toddler resulting in a spinal cord injury. Since his injury Patrick has always fought for recovery and independence. In 2005 Patrick started an intensive exercise based spinal cord injury recovery program called Project Walk. This program was not covered by insurance so Patrick and his family and friends founded "Help Patrick Walk"  to help Patrick realize his dream of independence. Patrick's other passion is adaptive surfing.

IAN WILL SURF AGAIN
Website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ianmcfarland1
About/Mission: On July 3, 2008, Tod and Stephanie (nee Coleman) McFarland and their three children, Ian, Lauren, and Luke, headed out from Carlsbad on a road trip. They were going to attend the wedding of Stephanie’s cousin in Boulder, CO, but they never made it to Boulder. A horrible car accident claimed the lives of Tod and Stephanie and left all three of their beautiful children injured to varying degrees. Ian sustained severe head trauma. Ian has been labeled as having a “diffuse axonal brain injury with an unknown outcome.” He is responding well to therapy and seems to be improving little by little. He follows conversations but still has trouble contributing. He still loves sports and hopes to one day be back at surfing and skateboarding. But it will be a long road.


LIFE ROLLS ON
Website: www.liferollson.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LifeRollsOnFoundation
About/Mission: Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury and utilizes action sports as a platform to inspire infinite possibilities despite paralysis.

LIVING THE DREAM FOUNDATION
Website: http://www.livingthedreamfoundation.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/livingthedreamfoundation
About/Mission: We make dreams come true for children with life-threatening afflictions while enriching their lives with the positive message of Living The Dream."
We Are Family! We Are One! We Are LIVING THE DREAM!!!


MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION CANINE CANCER CAMPAIGN
Website: http://www.curecaninecancer.org/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/morrisanimal
About/Mission: The Canine Cancer Campaign is a Morris Animal Foundation initiative. Morris Animal Foundation helps animals enjoy longer, healthier lives. We advance health and welfare research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife worldwide. Our vision is a healthier tomorrow for animals.

OCEAN HEALING GROUP
Website: http://oceanhealinggroup.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OceanHealing
About/Mission: The Ocean Healing Group is a non-profit 501c3 foundation, dedicated to providing once in a lifetime, adaptive sports adventure to wheelchair bound youngsters and their parents. It's our collective mission to expose kids to a wide variety of sports and activities, things they would never have the opportunity to experience otherwise... including but not limited to surfing, snorkeling, zip-line tours, fishing, quid riding, nature tours, and horseback riding.


PAY IT FORWARD DAY
Website: http://payitforwardday.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6332203049
About/Mission: There is tremendous power and positive energy in giving – it is a shame that not enough people have experienced it to the fullest. Pay It Forward Day is about all people, from all walks of life giving to someone else and making a positive difference. At last count there were more than 28 countries around the world participating in the day.

PETS FOR PATRIOTS
Website: http://www.petsforpatriots.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/petsforpatriots
About/Mission: Our mission at Pets for Patriots involves education and outreach about the benefits of adopting adult and other at-risk pets. Overlooked in favor of puppies and kittens, these more mature animals make wonderful pets and deserve a second chance at life.

PETS FOR VETS
Website: http://www.pets-for-vets.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PetsforVetsInc?ref=ts
About/Mission: The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from having a companion animal.

PIPELINE TO A CURE
Website: www.pipelinetoacure.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PipelineToACure?ref=ts
About/Mission: To surfers around the world, surfing brings peace of mind, a connection to the ocean, a oneness with nature. To legendary watermen Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama, surfing recently has brought a new meaning to their lives. When the duo learned that surfing led to a treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF), they joined and soon became leaders within the surfing community to help raise funds for the disease that robs children and young adults of their youth, their health and eventually their lives before most of them reach their late 30s.  In 2008, Laird and Dave enthusiastically became honorary chairmen of a very special fundraiser - "Pipeline to a Cure."

SO CAL H2O RESCUE TEAM
Website: http://www.socalh2orescueteam.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SoCal-H2O-Rescue-Team/142656132416711?v=info&ref=ts
About/Mission: Niki Burgan, an American Red Cross certified Lifeguard, saw that state and local budget cuts were directly compromising public safety on the beaches and in the water. So, she started a volunteer outreach program that highlights aquatic safety. No longer affiliated with California State Parks Lifeguard service, SoCal H20 Rescue Team is comprised of 4 certified lifeguards from various local agencies, and 4 dogs that are able to assist in water rescues, vessel assists, and bluff-collapse searches. The team also educates the public through school programs, beach demonstrations and public appearances. Now aided with 2 vessels for ocean search & rescue, the team works cooperatively with local agencies to keep our public safe in and around the water!

SURFERS FOR AUTISM
Website: http://surfersforautism.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/surfersforautism
About/Mission: We are a 501 (c) (3) not for profit dedicated to the introduction of the sport of surfing to children with special needs.

At a Surfers For Autism event, our surfers are provided a safe environment where two to four highly skilled and trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. Our surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, fire engine tours and much more. A catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost.
 

SURFERS HEALING
Website: http://surfershealing.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Surfers-Healing/163567001547
About/Mission: Surfers Healing was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz.Their son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three. Like many autistic children, he often suffered from sensory overload-- simple sensations could overwhelm him. The ocean was the one place where he seemed to find respite.

A former competitive surfer, Israel hit upon an idea--with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and Izzy steering from the back, the two spent the day surfing together. Surfing had a profound impact on Isaiah. Israel and Danielle decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children. They began to host day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing.


WHEELS 2 WATER
Website: www.wheels2water.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wheels-2-water/156106944342
About/Mission: Wheels 2 Water has partnered with Project Walk by making it their mission to raise funds to provide scholarships for people who suffer from spinal cord injuries to attend the Project Walk program.  Wheels 2 Water is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that exists to share the Ocean Experience through Adaptive Surfing and Scuba Diving for everyone with a Spinal Cord Injury or wheelchair bound.

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