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Contributions For Karen George: Response To What You Can Do To Help

8/23/2008:  NOTE:  This post is over year old - please visit Karen's blog for an update from her husband Michael.  Thanks - Calie

During the next few months, our Karen needs to be focusing all of her attention and energies towards healing. She has been fighting this battle for a while and needs to know that we all stand behind her; We are here to pray with her, cry with her and most importantly help her through.

Sarah Eubanks came up with this wonderfully giving idea to help our Karen.  In response to the overwhelming requests to help and with Karen's permission, we are asking the A/R community to help ease the burden of the every-day responsibilities. 

Since we are spread all over, instead of sending dinner via Fed Ex, we would like to ask you to send a gift card.

Some ideas include:

  • Merry Maids
  • Restaurants
  • Local Stores (Target, Fry's)

(Previously provided address is no longer available)                                                              

So, today while you're eating lunch or at Starbucks for an afternoon break, I want  you to think about this:

"Every 2 minutes, there is a new breast cancer diagnosis. Every 14 minutes, a life is lost to the disease. Over 40,000 people will die this year; about 400 of them will be men." (www.breastcancerawareness.com)

                                         fighting breast cancer

                        

Attn Group Moderators:  Please, please feature this blog so we can make a difference in Karen's life. 

Attn A/R Bloggers:  If you would like to write your own so it can be in 5 more A/R groups, please do so.  Please leave the link in the comments of this blog, so we can all be linked together. The more attention that we can raise, the better.  Email me if you have any questions. 

Thank you.

67 commentsCalie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes • August 08 2007 12:21PM

Comments

Count me in.  I'll be happy to help Karen in whatever small way I can.  She took a few moments to help me back in January when I was a "newbie".
Posted by Chris Lengquist, RIPS (Keller Williams Realty) over 2 years ago

Calie,

I'm posted this in other groups as well. See here.

Thanks,
Shailesh

Posted by Phoenix Home Loan Expert (www.aimeeloans.com) over 2 years ago
Calie, What a fantastic way for the community to come together to help one of our own. Thank you so much for working with Sarah to be the funnel through which these gifts will flow. We continue to lift Karen, her family and their needs to Father. And, we just added a thank you for you, Sarah and the members of AR.
Posted by Yvonne Root Northern Arizona Home Stager (rooms b.y. root) over 2 years ago

What an awesome thing you've done here Calie.  You are welcome to post these in the groups personally sponsored:

Property Management

South Illi/Indi Realtors

Active Couples


Posted by Diane Rice, Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL over 2 years ago
Calie: Great idea. Tomorrow I will be mailing out a $50 Target gift card. I am also featuring this post in the Blogging and SEO group to encourage others to also take action!
Posted by Brad Carroll - Real Estate Web Designer (Dakno Marketing) over 2 years ago

I'd like to support her in any way possible.   Thank you, Callie for posting this.

Kathy

Posted by Kathy Nielsen Atlanta Georgia Home Stager (Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC) over 2 years ago

Thank you, Yvonne, Diane & Kathy.  It's the small things that make the big differences.

Diane - Unfortunately, blogs can only be posted to 5 groups at a time. However, you can copy/paste my blog (plus add your own comments) into your own blog and then post it to 5 more groups.  This will definitely help us to spread the word to more of A/R

Thank you, Brad for featuring our blog in your Blogging & SEO group - I truly appreciate your help in spreading the word.  I know all of us have learned so much from Karen's SEO advice.

 

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Karen has been on my mind all day today, so I was very happy to see this post.  I'll have something on the way tomorrow.  God bless you for putting this together.  I just to do *something* to help.
Posted by Susan Haughton Alexandria, VA REALTOR® www.susanmovesyou.com (Long & Foster REALTORS® Old Town Alexandria) over 2 years ago
Thanks, Susan.  Like you, we were looking for something to do for her.  I know, for me personally, I feel so inadequate to help someone of Karen's strength and courage. And quite honestly, when I first read Karen's blog, I didn't know the words to say.  I know what I felt in my heart, but my words seemed so pale in comparison to everything she is feeling - and when I wrote them - they just didn't seem to convey to Karen what I wanted them to. I could say "I'm sorry" that you're going through this (again); I wanted to say "You're not alone", but is that said too often? So today, I asked the A/R community to stand and support her ... with me.  Together - we will find the words.
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago

Calie,

I am so glad that something of this caliber was able to happen!  And, this is one of the few instances I am thankkful to be "used".  Because I know that we are all just vessels of God, I am so totally okay.  Please keep us updated on how donations are comingin.  I feel as though giving only encourages others with generosity!  Thanks again, and continued prayers and blessings to our Miss Karen...

:-)  Sarah Eubanks

Posted by Sarah Eubanks ~ Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant & Notary Public (Hill Valley Financial Services) over 2 years ago

 Hi Calie and thanks for the note. I just read your message, it's very much appreciated and I'll be adding your post to the marketing group tomorrow. Right now I have to get some sleep.

 It's great how so many people who've never met have shown such amazing support. Stay strong Karen!

Posted by marti garaughty (The Art Of Marketing YOU) over 2 years ago

Sarah - All of the thanks goes to you for having such an awesome idea! You must be an amazing woman, as well.  Thank you just doesn't seem enough.

Marti - (Good Morning!) Thank you, Thank you for allowing this post in "The Art of Marketing You" group here on A/R.  Our community has so many *awesome* folks here - the outpouring of love and thoughts to help Karen through her battle with the big"C" has been mind-blowing.  Thanks, Marti!

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Calie, Thank you!  I am truly humbled.  The fact of the matter is that since losing my Dad to cancer, I hate it with a passion.  I am so very tired of it trying to ruin the lives of people.  I have enjoyed Miss Karen from every blog I have ever seen of hers.  It makes me righteously indignant that cancer tries to steal the best of the best away from us.  Both my Dad and Karen are great examples of that, and all too unfortunately, I know of many more.  It is time that everyone stands for the people and the causes that we believe in.  Prayers are awesome and can move mountains, but in the eyes of us just being human, putting words into action does so much too!!!  Let's blow Miss Karen's socks off with an outpouring of mercy, compassion, and generosity.  Let's be the arms of God but in human form.  Sorry, off of my soapbox now!  :-)
Posted by Sarah Eubanks ~ Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant & Notary Public (Hill Valley Financial Services) over 2 years ago
Oh, and one other thing...I am running Portland's Race for the Cure.  If anyone would like to make a donation to my team on behalf of Karen or anyone/everyone else, please contact me for more information on where to go and how to do that!  Thanks, Sarah
Posted by Sarah Eubanks ~ Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant & Notary Public (Hill Valley Financial Services) over 2 years ago
Sarah - How about blogging about Portland's Race for the Cure (don't forget to add it to localism)? After you blog about it, come back here and add a link.   Also - do you have a place where people can make an on-line donation?   Thank you again for being our beacon!
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago

A Visa gift card (can be spent just like cash) is on its way today. 

Gosh, do you realize if every member of AR put just one dollar in an envelope and mailed it to Karen, we could raise over $40,000?!!  As self-employed individuals, we are probably a little more sensitive than others as to how tough it can be to see our earning power reduced at times like these.  The last thing Karen and her family need to worry about now is finances. 

This community has the power to lift Karen up financially, emotionally and in prayer.  Let's do it!

 

 

Posted by Susan Haughton Alexandria, VA REALTOR® www.susanmovesyou.com (Long & Foster REALTORS® Old Town Alexandria) over 2 years ago
WOW - Susan, what a thought! One dollar sure doesn't sound like much, but when you multiply it by 40,000 A/R subscribers - what an incredible act of love that would be!  Can you even imagine how that would impact Karen and her family to not have to worry about paying (some of) the medical expenses?  Can you blog that comments for everyone to read?!  It's definitely worth shouting from the roof tops!
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago

Well, I'd love to, BUT I am new here and have not ventured into blogging YET.  The most I have been able to do is just respond and keep the posts going to the top. 

I will go to the other posts and respond, though, if that will help. 

Posted by Susan Haughton Alexandria, VA REALTOR® www.susanmovesyou.com (Long & Foster REALTORS® Old Town Alexandria) over 2 years ago

 Hi again Calie, your post has been added to the marketing group here... the compassion of Active Rain

 Thanks again for everything you've done.

Posted by marti garaughty (The Art Of Marketing YOU) over 2 years ago

Oh my dear, Susan -Why are you not blogging?!  It's only hard if you haven't tried it.  Don't let fear of the unknown stop you - you've got such a beautiful "voice" - why not let it be heard?  Perhaps, today is the day to venture.   

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Thanks, Marti.  It is I who should be thanking you - you've got an amazing "presence" here on the Rain.
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago

Thanks for the encouragement.  For now, I'm just enjoying "getting to know" the different personalities here and getting the lay of the land.  I'm not by nature an impulsive person, but don't worry, once I sink my teeth into something, I do not let go! I just want to be sure I have something of value to say and the time to make it a priority.

And, Calie, THANKS to you for doing this for Karen.  I truly believe if there is just one person who can beat this thing, it is her.  *Someone* is always that "one in a million" statistic and my money is on her. ;-)

Posted by Susan Haughton Alexandria, VA REALTOR® www.susanmovesyou.com (Long & Foster REALTORS® Old Town Alexandria) over 2 years ago
Calie, I've posted this to 5 groups.  Of the 5, the 3 i sponsor will feature it.  Be encouraged.  I thank GOD for your caring spirit. 
Posted by Diane Rice, Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL over 2 years ago
Thank you, Diane for helping spread the word!  I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around Karen (and her family)  and continue to provide them strength.  I look forward to seeing the miracles that God will be able to do - because of the openness of others!
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Calie ~  I will try to transfer my blog on "Get Over It" to this site, with a link to the original.  I just need to figure it out first!  If you know how to tell me in layman terms, please try.  In the meantime, I will try to figure it out, too!  :-)
Posted by Sarah Eubanks ~ Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant & Notary Public (Hill Valley Financial Services) over 2 years ago

Calie what a wonderful and generous thought here.  You can count me in.  I didn't know of this until this moment, I was tracking a blog I wrote about Karen trying to enlist help of the AR family in different way.  I think helping Karen and her family out in this way is wonderful and I will do something, you have my commitment.

I would also like to have all those who know and have been touched by Karen to visit my post and join me in trying to help in a different way.  It cost nothing but about three or four minutes of time but the benefit could produce amazing results.  I would also be pleased to have feed back on it.

Please visit:  http://activerain.com/blogsview/168545/Fire-in-The-Rain

Thank you to all of you who are comming together for the soul purpose of doing good for one of us.

Posted by Darrel Quebedeaux (Evergreen Realty & Associates Inc.) over 2 years ago
Calie, I'd like to post this in some of our local Texas groups. You can get the the group names from me or I can cut and paste it into my own blog and forward it that way.
Posted by Karen Otto, Home Stager, Plano, TX 469)964-0516 www.homestarstaging.com (Home Star Staging) over 2 years ago

Thanks, Karen. Feel free to copy/paste and then add your ideas/thoughts, as well.  I sincerely appreciate everyone's help in "sharing this forward".  You're the best!

P.S.  Don't forget to come back and share the link with us.

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Calie-You are an amazing person to get this all going and Sarah has such a big heart as well.  The compassion of others will overflow to Karen and give her that extra strength.  This is such a wonderful idea.  Count me in.  Nothing feels better than to give. 
Posted by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City) over 2 years ago

Ok- I will get busy on the gift cards.

What are the local grocery stores in the area? Are there Super Targets, Super Walmarts?

Posted by Rebecca Savitski NC Real Estate Listings (NC List for Less Realty Incorporated) over 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this......
Posted by British Homes Group over 2 years ago
Thank you for doing this for Karen.  She's a special lady who has helped many of us while blogging.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
Posted by Yolanda Hoversten - O'Fallon IL Real Estate & Relocation (Prudential One Realty Centre) over 2 years ago

Calie, perhaps you should discourage copying this blog, as i received an email from Caleb Mardini about the duplication of this post.  Of course, i did not do it for the points... which were deducted... all should maybe link your post to their own written blog rather than copy.  Be encouraged Calie!

 

Posted by Diane Rice, Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL over 2 years ago

Thanks for your encouragement  Darrel, Julie, Rebecca, Yolanda.

Rebecca -  Yes, we have both Super WalMart & Target Greatland.

Diane - Thanks for letting me know. I had no idea - I am so sorry to you and everyone else who so graciously have helped spread the word.

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Calie here is the link to the blog I posted in the Texas groups.  I added a paragraph on top of what you wrote as explantion and linked Karen's original blog and then your profile page to  it as well. 
Posted by Karen Otto, Home Stager, Plano, TX 469)964-0516 www.homestarstaging.com (Home Star Staging) over 2 years ago
Thank you, Karen.  The words that you added are beautiful (and appreciated!)
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Calie, a card is in the mail tomorrow - please open and forward the note on to Karen for me - you're an angel on earth...
Posted by Karen Otto, Home Stager, Plano, TX 469)964-0516 www.homestarstaging.com (Home Star Staging) over 2 years ago
Calie, it is very kind of you to coordinate this for Karen. 
Posted by Bonny Puckett ~ REALTOR ~ Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, AZ (Call Realty) over 2 years ago
Calie - thanks for caring!   I'll be dropping something in the mail on Monday - Karen's obviously surrounded by a lot of caring people and we wish her well!
Posted by Jennifer Klaussen - GRI, Realtor, Arlington Virginia Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) over 2 years ago

Calie,

I am walking 60 miles in 3 days for the Breast Cancer 3day walk in November in Arizona. I will add Karen's name to the list of people that I am walking for.  Also, I am holding a silent auction to benefit the cause next weekend, if you know of any local companies, golf courses, restaurants, etc. that would like to donate some items or gift cards, please  send them my way!!!  Thanks!!

Posted by Karen Radzinski over 2 years ago

Thank you, Bonnie & Jennifer. It's the small things that make the big differences - together we are making a world of difference.

Thank you, Karen for letting us know.  You may want to consider blogging about your silent auction.  Wishing you all the best!

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
I will help spread the word.  I just blogged it here
Posted by Ann Guy (NA) over 2 years ago
Thank you, Ann.  Spreading the word is so important - thank you just doesn't seem enough.
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago

Calie - As per your request, I am posting the blog that I just put up asking for support from the Active Rain Community to help Karen George.  We have strength in numbers and the power to do great things.  We should not let this opportunity pass us by.  This is a community built on helping others, and Karen needs this help from the community.  For those that don't know Karen, read her posts and read what other people have to say about her.  I have never had any contact whatsoever, but I was moved to act based on the good word of others. 

Here is the link to my post: 

We Have The Power To Raise Over $400K For Karen George

Posted by Adam Waldman - Long Island REALTOR® (Westcott Group Real Estate Company) over 2 years ago
Thank you, Adam.  I, too, have never met Karen in person - but I have read of the impact that she has made in the lives of so many here on A/R.  I feel like we need to do as much as we can.  Thanks for helping to spread the word.
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
My envelope is in the mail.
Posted by Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL) over 2 years ago
Thank you just doesn't seem like enough - but know that we mean it - THANK YOU, Chris Elizabeth. 
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago

Calie,

I want to apologize...you wrote a comment on this on my blog, but then said you weren't putting a link (sure wish you had).  Anyway, there were a few others who have sent links, so I updated the post with Karen's name, and links....at the bottom of the original post........the "crying" one.....

Now, has anyone done the Post on $1 a member...if not I would love to write one........

Posted by Kathy McGraw, Riverside County CA Real Estate (CELLing Realty) over 2 years ago

Dear Calie,

Thank you for sharing Karen's story with us. I read her entire blog and can't get her out of my mind.  She is an inspiration to all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

I put an envelope in the mail today. Thank you Calie for everything you've done.

 

Posted by Christine Trebendis ~ Rooms Revealed (Rooms Revealed) over 2 years ago

People can also donate cash through here paypal link.. I think it was in her last blog.

Posted by Spokane Mortgage over 2 years ago

Kathy - Sorry about the link - for some reason, I thought we weren't suppose to be links in the comments of others' blogs.  I'll try and do better :)

Christine - Karen's story is one of courage, strength and inspiration for sure.  When your card arrives, I will email you and let you know.  Thanks again.

Scott - Thank you for mentioning the paypal link.  It, too, is a good way to support Karen.

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Thank you, Corina. Your sentiments of prayer and encouragement are the most important things - the card is a beautiful reminder to Karen that she is loved and supported during this challenging time. 
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago

Calie,

You are a good friend.  I have not been in the rain as much and I just found this post today and I am actually happy to be able to help.  I read Karen's post the first day it was posted and I have not been able to stop thinking about it since then, now I can do something, thanks.

Posted by Carmen Rivero Celebration & Kissimmee Real Estate (Casa Latino La Rosa Realty, LLC) over 2 years ago

This is AMAZING! It's a beautiful thing that we come together like so.

Cheers,

Cindy 

Posted by Cindy Lin // Staged4more & EcoJoe (Staged4more Home Staging & Redesigns) over 2 years ago
Calie, like Carmen I just found the post and will be sending a gift card soon.  Thank you for being such a good, kind Active Rain friend to someone you have never met.  What a wonderful community this is.  Betty
Posted by Betty Haney (Haney Consulting) over 2 years ago

Isn't it amazing that this seems to have taken on lives of their own?  It speaks volumes to me about the heart and soul of my fellow Active Rainers. 

Thank you to everyone who has sent a card to Karen.  If you included your name on the return address, I sent you an email when the card arrived.  If you didn't include your name, then my apologies - there's no way for me to know who you are.  If you want to email me to make sure it arrived safely, I'll be glad to check.  Thank you! - Calie

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
Great idea. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes) over 2 years ago
Hello Everyone - Here's an updated post Karen wrote a couple of days ago.  Be sure to take a minute or two to read.  - Calie
Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) over 2 years ago
I just found this (a link from Adam's post) and can't believe the ActiveRain gods didn't feature it as you requested.  Hopefully they've featured another on this topic - I dont always followi the featured posts myself because I keep pretty busy reading posts of folks who comment on mine. Anyway, thanks for the address.  I read Karen's story and forwarded it to all the young women in my family.  My thoughts and prayers are with her.
Posted by Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate (Long and Foster, Crofton Real Estate) over 2 years ago
Calie, thanks for sharing and helping Karen. I know we all will do our part.
Posted by Frank Rubi Kenner/Metairie LA Real Estate (Frank Rubi Real Estate Licensed in Louisiana) over 2 years ago

I'm just finding this blog right now.  Will definetly help.  Is there any update by chance?

Thanks so much. All the best,

Beth

Posted by Minnesota Home Staging Firm, Minnesota (Minnesota Home Staging Network~ MN's Top Home Staging Firm) over 2 years ago

I heard from a close source the battle is coming to an end. It's very sad and I have a beloved family member going through the same.  Keep the family  in your thoughts and prayers .

Posted by Tracy Santrock-Cary NC Real Estate Realtor (Fonville Morisey/Santrock Realty Group, Inc. ) about 1 year ago

This family is in my prayers and thoughts for peace and grace.  God Bless you Tracy for bringing this to our attention.   

Posted by Cathy Lee ASP, Danville, San Ramon CA (CL Design Services Home Staging) about 1 year ago

Karen is in my thoughts and prayers tonight and will remain. Thank you for sharing.

Posted by Karen Otto, Home Stager, Plano, TX 469)964-0516 www.homestarstaging.com (Home Star Staging) about 1 year ago

Tracy, thank you for the update. I'm so sorry to hear this latest news and will keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Minnesota Home Staging Firm, Minnesota (Minnesota Home Staging Network~ MN's Top Home Staging Firm) about 1 year ago

This is very sad news indeed.  Karen's family will remain in our hearts and in our prayers.  May they feel the outreach of love and concern from this community.

Posted by Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Room Solutions Staging (Staging that Sells Portland Homes) about 1 year ago

8/23/2008: NOTE: This post is over year old - please visit Karen's blog for an update from her husband Michael. Thanks - Calie

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes (Thompsons Realty) about 1 year ago

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