My favorite Valentine.

Dear Margaret Anne,

     I always write one of these posts for you on Valentine's Day, because Valentine's Day marks your half birthday. You were born four and a half years ago today, at the exact time that I schedule this to publish. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. Hearing you cry, and looking at you all over when I finally got to hold you. I couldn't believe how perfect you were, and that you were MINE.  I can't believe you have already been in my life for so long... and I also can't believe its only been that long. I can't imagine my life without you, sweet girl. You are the biggest blessing.
At four and a half, your personality and independence have really started to develop. You can be SO stubborn. Just like your mama. And your daddy, for that matter. Your pediatrician once told me that strong-willed children usually achieve their life goals. I believe you will, Margaret Anne! But even though you can be stubborn, those times are few and far between. You are the most loving little girl. You would rather snuggle up with Mommy and Daddy than do just about anything else. You love all of your family and your teachers so much, and you make sure you hug them and tell them. I love that so much about you.
These days you are still VERY into princesses and all things girly. You love your dance classes and you love playing dress-up. I have NEVER seen a child with such a good imagination. Maybe that is part of you being an "only," but you will come up with a scenario, give all of us character names, and STICK WITH IT for a whole day. It is funny and most definitely entertaining!

Recently, you went to see Dr. Powell for the first time. I have to admit, I was terrified that you would freak out. But you were so good and let them check your teeth and brush them. You left with lots of goodies and I think they liked you too!

It snowed a few weeks ago, and you were so excited. You didn't want to touch it, but once we put gloves on you, you thought throwing snowballs at Mom was FUN! You really just wanted to make footprints and catch snowflakes on your tongue. That was your favorite.

Little girl, you make us laugh so much! Just yesterday, you came downstairs before school with your Uggs on (courtesy of Uncle Bubba), and you put on your little rain coat (courtesy of your Grammy) and walked into the kitchen. You looked at me, popped up your collar, and said "Mommy, does this look stylish? Because I think these Uggs are VERY stylish." Your daddy and I looked at each other and tried not to laugh. Because you did, in fact, look very stylish. I think we laughed about that little moment all day long!

Margaret Anne, I never could have imagined that I could love another person this much. And every moment that I spend with you, I love you even more. Your Daddy and I are so grateful that the Lord chose us to be your parents, and that we get to experience your sweet spirit every day.

Love,
Mama

Day 9- Warriors!

Sorry I missed a few days, internets. This weekend was a whirlwind and things have been crazy in Latimer world. BUT here I am with pics from the weekend! My bro came to town to run in the Warrior Dash. It was cold and rainy and I brought my big daddy camera out there to take pictures of his Warrior skills.

This was before the run. They look so clean and happy. Check out the Warrior Poet in the middle. My bro is on the right. I like the warrior beards. (this one was from my phone, sorry for the lack of quality)

These are some of the costumes. Some people went ALL OUT. Can you find Waldo?

My brave bro jumping some FIRE! Look at that form.

Swimming through mud and under barbed wire. That's a warrior right there. Such INTENSITY in his face!

And here are our three warriors after. They look happy, but not so clean...

It was fun to witness all the warriors! Maybe next year I'll try to be a warrior too.

Day 5- TGIF

Can't wait for a weekend with family and hopefully cheering on my Auburn Tigers to victory over Arkansas. MA and I would like to leave y'all with a big War Eagle! I hope everyone has a fun, safe weekend!

Day 4- New York, New York

Last weekend I had the chance to visit New York City with some girlfriends. It was a spur of the moment decision to go on this trip and it required a LOT of budgeting on Hays' part. He gave me this trip for my anniversary present and I have to say that it was a pretty selfless gift. I needed this little getaway and I am so thankful that I got to spend time with these sweet friends.

We had SO much fun! Here are the pictures to prove it.They are all from my phone so please forgive the quality.

We went out dancing. We may have danced to "Gangnam Style" complete with some of the choreography. Don't be jealous.

We stopped at the Central Park Boathouse for some afternoon refreshments. From the left:

Me, Loren, Corrie, and Alison

We were going to the Met... but decided to just take a picture on the steps when we got inside and realized how incredibly crowded it was.

We had brunch at the Coffee Shop at Union Square and decided that the pay phones looked fun.

Please notice how gingerly Alison grips that handle. LOL!

We ate dinner at Beauty and Essex... complete with the Joey Box of Doughnuts that were AMAZING. Filled with Nutella and raspberry jam.

Alison and Corrie

Y'all, there is a champagne bar in the BATHROOM at Beauty and Essex. We hung out in there for awhile. Yeah, in the bathroom.

Me and Loren

We ate at Gramercy Tavern... possibly the best meal of my life. This was my drink, an Orange Blossom.

Our hotel was right by the 9/11 Memorial and the new Freedom Tower. This picture does not do it justice.

We stopped in this place with the cool name... then went dancing and ate at Katz's Deli, home of the famous scene in When Harry Met Sally. "I'll have what she's having."

We rode the subway a few times.

Strolled through Central Park to Strawberry Fields...

And we generally just had a great time spending time together and laughing!!! We also ate some of the best pizza in NYC at John's pizzeria, had cookies from LaVain's, pastries from Rocco's, and we SHOPPED AND SHOPPED.

I am so blessed with sweet friends.

Day 3- Don't Be a Bully.

Along with being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. I didn't know this until I saw a video yesterday of an incredibly brave TV anchor responding to a viewer email on air. Click HERE to watch...

Now, you may or may not think that this viewer was "bullying" this news anchor, but any way you look at it, that viewer's email was unnecessary and it most certainly wasn't uplifting.
As a high school teacher, this really hits home to me. Bullying has become a major problem in our schools. Some people say that kids need to develop a thick skin... but things are different now than they were when I was in high school. The internet and social media really are used as weapons to hurt kids who may be viewed as a little bit "different" by some. I wish I could talk to every one of those kids and tell them that their differences are what will make them stand out in life later on and that it really is SUCH a positive character trait to be able to stand out and be a little "different." But some kids have people kicking them down constantly, and all over the internet. They aren't equipped to deal with that kind of psychological abuse, and they shouldn't have to be. It scares me to think about what is in store for my own child someday.
Watching this video and listening to Jennifer Livingston's words made me really think about my own actions. Because if I stop and think about it, I'm guilty too. I know I've said mean things on Twitter about how someone looks that's on TV. And it makes me think not only about what I say in public, but what I say in my own home and especially in front of my child. I DO NOT want her to ever hear me say negative things about people based on something superficial, like appearance, and have her think it's ok to speak that way. I'm thankful to that news anchor for shedding light on an often misunderstood subject.

Day 2- Margaret Anne's 4 year check up!

Margaret Anne had her 4 year old check up today! Even though her birthday is in August, we had to schedule it for October since we were late getting it one year (not our fault, her doc had an accident and had to be out for awhile). Here are her stats:
-41 inches tall (75th percentile)
-33 lbs (10th percentile)

As soon as her doctor walked in, MA started talking to him and telling him "Guess what? When I get done here I am going to go to school!" and "Guess what?! I have a bug bite on my leg. It's from a BUG." She talked a blue streak to him! He said "Well, I guess I don't have to ask if her verbal skills are ok..."
She also had her blood pressure checked, hearing and vision screenings, and she got her flu vaccine! They had to check her bp twice, however, because the first time I think she thought they were trying to kill her and she was flipping out so it was high. When they rechecked it and she realized it wasn't scary, she was fine and it came way down. I can't believe she is such a big girl. We already had to talk about when to get her Pre-Kindergarten immunizations. YIKES! She was so sweet, after she ran up to the doc and gave him a hug before we left.  My girl is growing up so fast. I promised her some new shoes if she was a "big girl" at the doctor's office, so it looks like we are going shopping this afternoon...

31 Days of Blogging- Day 1 is for Breast Cancer awareness month and Sandi

Well, I have been way out of the blogging world and I am going to TRY to jump back in! Don't know how well I will do but it's time to shake off my year-long blogging funk. The truth is that Sandi was one of the main people that I blogged for and her absence hasn't been easy... but there are other people out there who enjoyed my blog so here I am!

Many bloggers are trying the "31 Days of Blogging" so I thought that I would too. I thought that since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month that I would start with that since that cause is close to my heart.
Most of you know that Sandi, my sister-in-law (a term she and I NEVER used since we were so close, we were like sisters) passed away from a LONG, hard battle with Stage IV breast cancer last year. All in all she fought stage IV cancer for over 4 years. But she was initially diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer at age 30, so she dealt with cancer in one way or another for over 7 years. She started a race called the Champions of Hope race in 2008 that has grown to HUGE proportions. She wanted a Susan G. Komen race in Dothan but they weren't willing to come down there and start one, and she realized that people needed more than just funds for research. Sandi, even though she had Stage IV cancer, always felt very blessed that she didn't have to work or care for children while going through treatment and she had the means to pay for things that she needed, such as someone to clean her house when she wasn't strong enoough to do so. She wanted a program in place to help those that did. She wanted to educate women on what they could expect while going through treatment and she also wanted to help those that couldn't afford mammograms get the service that they need. The Champions of Hope race has since raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the SAMC Foundation and for those purposes, along with many other services provided, and ALL of the funds stay in the Wiregrass area.

The race this year was renamed "The Sandi McCool Champions of Hope" in honor of her, since it was her vision that started it all. I have started a team for all of her friends and family to join called "Sandi's Breast Friends" and I would LOVE for any of you who want to join us on race day! The race is October 20th, 2012 and you can click HERE to register. If you can't participate in the actual race but you would like to help us honor Sandi's memory by supporting her cause, you may click HERE to donate to my team.

Unrelated, I have lots to update you on and several pictures to add. I hope that you will hear much more from me in October. 31 days of blogging, here I come...

Happy 4th Birthday, Margaret Anne!

Margaret Anne,

Four years ago today, your daddy and I welcomed you into this world. I can't express to you how much you have blessed our lives in the past 4 years. You start 4k next week, and because I started school a week before you, your Nonna is staying here to keep you while we are at work. Last night, she looked at me and said "Meredith, you just don't know how lucky you are. She is just SO sweet." Baby girl, I realize how lucky I am every day. We had your birthday party on Saturday and you were so excited and so sweet. You greeted everyone who came in the door. On your own! And you just LOVE with all your heart and you tell everyone that you love how much you love them. You have gotten so tall and it's hard to believe that this time last year you seemed like such a little baby. Now you seem like a big girl. I could never put into words how precious you are to me and how blessed I am to be your mama. Not just A mama, but YOUR mama. I wish time could stand still, and I could keep you this age forever. But I also can't wait to watch you grow day by day. Happy 4th birthday, my little angel. I can't believe how much you've changed!

To my precious little Valentine

Dear Margaret Anne,

It's been a year since I've written you one of these letters. So many things have happened in the past year. Some have been amazing and some have been life changing and heartbreaking. But you, my love, have continued to amaze me with your spirit and you have been the only thing that could make me laugh some days. We lost your aunt Lulu last year, baby girl. And through it all, you were a constant reminder of God's grace and faithfulness through the most difficult times.

In the past year, you have gone from being a toddler to a little girl. You are completely potty trained and although it wasn't without a few difficult moments along the way, you learned quickly and with ease. You are SUCH a big girl. I waited forever to get rid of the diapers left in your closet. I just couldn't believe I wouldn't need them for my baby anymore. But we are all so glad you don't need them!

You started 3K back in August, before you were even officially three yet. Your teachers tell me that you are the most improved in the class, from where you were when you started to how far you've come. And you LOVE going to school, your teachers, and your friends. You can't wait to get there every day and usually when we leave you don't want to come home. And you are so smart! I can't believe the things that you've learned! From letters, numbers, songs, words, prayers, etc., you have just put so much information into that brain of yours. And my favorite part of the afternoon is when you tell me all the things that you have learned at school that day.

You are SO creative. And you are learning to write your letters like such a big girl. And you love to draw pictures of our family. In that picture you drew Daddy, Mommy, you, and Daisy at the bottom.And you are starting to write your name! SO sweet. You also love to paint and have started painting with watercolors. You are a good little artist. I can't always understand your vision, but I like that you don't do everything the way that I would do it. I may never admit this to you until you are older, but Mommy isn't ALWAYS right ;-)

You started taking dance class this year too and you love it. You love getting dressed up for dance every Thursday and having our special treat afterwards!

You amaze us every day with the things that you say and what you remember. Every night when we say our prayers, you say a prayer for everyone who is sad because they miss Lulu. And then, before I can get sad or choked up, you say "Mommy, Lulu's not sick anymore. She lives with Jesus." And you are so right. You would not believe how your sweet, simple little words have been able to keep me going when all I really want to do is be sad. But I can't lay around and be sad, baby girl. And you keep me from wanting to.

You have such a sweet heart, Margaret Anne. The past three and a half years with you have blessed me more than I ever knew possible.

Your daddy and I love you so very much.

Love,

Mommy

Tributes to Sandi

Sandi's funeral service was sad, but beautiful. It was obvious that she touched the hearts of so many people. Her two best friends (Gigi and Kelly) and I were honored to be able to speak about her at the service. It may be the hardest thing I've ever done, but I really wanted it to be a service that honored her. I wanted to share our tributes to her with all of you, in the order that we shared in the service. We put her three favorite purses up on the podium with us... she loved those bags. And one of us was with her when she bought each one.

Gigi-

Why purses?

You carry things in a purse.

Sandi always tried to help others carry their burdens

The three of us were almost as close to Sandi as she was to

Jimmy, Gucci and Louis.

I am Gigi Schuyler and I love Sandi McCool

I was fortunate to become a friend of Sandi’s when Alan began working at Urological Associates with my husband. From the first time we met we just seemed to understand each other. She was the friend everyone hoped for. In only 6 years, it seems I’ve known her for a lifetime. I could tell you hundreds of stories about Sandi, but the one virtue I admire most would be her selfless devotion to others.

She believed that life offered her opportunities, not obstacles.
Soon after settling into her home and job in Dothan and meeting people at Debby’s Thursday Coffee Group, she began to question why there was no local event to raise breast cancer awareness. She had been a part of Race for the Cure in Indianapolis and
contacted The Susan G. Komen Foundation about bringing the event to Dothan. She was told that the event was exclusive to larger metropolitan areas and would not expand into smaller communities.
An Obstacle?? No. This was an opportunity to begin an annual breast cancer event in Dothan that would benefit those in the community. All proceeds would remain here in the Wiregrass area.

One evening in April of 2008, Sandi shared her dream over a bottle of wine on a friend’s back porch. The next day, one friend, Mary Alice Veale, contacted the Medical Center Foundation about sponsoring such an event and in October of 2008, Sandi’s dream, Champions of Hope, became a reality.

Four years and over a quarter of a million dollars later, my friend has accomplished her mission of helping others and making her mark on Dothan.

In her fight against breast cancer, Sandi never wanted to be in the spotlight. She wanted to help others whom she deemed “not as fortunate” as she was. She was so thankful that she didn’t have to return to work during her ongoing treatment or find people to take her to appointments. She worried about mothers who couldn’t afford to take time off from their jobs and had families to care and provide for. She worried about those who didn’t have access to early detection screenings. The proceeds from Champions of Hope will help the many people Sandi was concerned about. Because of Sandi, there are people who will benefit from Champions of Hope for generations to come. It is our job to make sure it continues to prosper.

Many would say that going to chemotherapy and radiation treatments were obstacles. Sandi went to each treatment looking her best (because she said she had to start somewhere) and with a positive attitude. This was the way her Mama, Joyce, raised her. She was taught to always work hard for what she wanted in life and to never give up.

Each time I accompanied her to a chemotherapy treatment, the staff at Dr. McAllister’s office was always amazed with her zest for life. During the treatments, which lasted an average of 2-3 hours, Sandi shared volumes of her life with me. We would talk and of course, laugh. Some of the other patients must have wondered if we were in the wrong place since we were obviously having a good time. We definitely weren’t in the wrong place…we were celebrating another day.

One day while waiting for a radiation treatment, a lady next to Sandi asked her what she was there for and of course Sandi shared her story.
The lady told her that she was undergoing radiation for breast cancer herself and had just completed her final chemo treatment. Sandi asked her if she had heard of Champions of Hope? She said she had and that she didn’t know what she would do if her cancer came back.
Another opportunity for teaching and encouragement…
Sandi told her “you wouldn’t do anything other than what you are doing right now…what choice do we have. There are so many treatment plans that can keep you going. You CAN live with cancer." I am pretty sure Sandi made a lasting impression on her and I hope she has become part of Sandi’s legacy.

Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 states
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It is a beautiful verse that I have heard and read many times. Many people use it for comfort and personal edification. Just by reading that ONE verse it is reasonable to see why people feel that way. However, once the preceding and proceeding verses are put together with that one verse, the take-away is MUCH different. The scripture was written by Jeremiah to the exiles from Jerusalem that were placed in Babylon. Can you imagine what exile would be like? A new place, a new culture, new languages, new foods. Sounds familiar to the place we are right now…in a world without Sandi. We are entering a new stage of our lives – one that we’ve been forced to enter and nothing that brings comfort is within reach. I believe that Jeremiah 29:11 is a promise to those people in exile. While it isn’t a promise of immediate removal from this exile, it is a promise that  God’s faithful presence is with all of us who believe in him and focus our attention on HIM…not on our loss.
In verses 12-14, the comfort in that promise is detailed. “…you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you…”

Sarah Louise McCool knew and accepted her plan from God.
Her life was a testament to the fact that we shouldn’t sit and watch our life go by, but to live each moment and take nothing for granted.

God Bless you, Sandi!
May you rest in peace!



Kelly -

I am Kelly Skinner, and I love Sandi McCool

To laugh often and love much:
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give one’s self;
To leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a
Garden patch or redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived…
This is to have succeeded. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sandi McCool succeeded in life despite her terrifying illness…
She was a beacon of hope for all of us that one day may face
similar circumstances, only aspiring to live up to the level of
dignity that she exemplified…

Even in the worst of times, and despite the fact that she never
received her only wish of one normal day, Sandi wasn’t defined
By her illness; rather she defined it on her own terms.

My friend Sandi was:

- A Grape Slushy from Sonic
- Blue Plate chicken and dumplings
- Cheetos with Mayonnaise…anything with mayonnaise
- Cherry Milkshakes
- Warm Jell-o
- Spinach from a can
- Sushi and popsicles
- Banana Pudding
- Lemon Lime Gatorade
- Crossword Puzzles and Gossip magazines
- Coffee group on Thursdays
- Aerosmith
- High Heels and Sequins
- Glittery Eye shadow and perfect fingernails
- Calla Lilies
- Ahava lotion
- Chanel perfume and Jimmy Choo purses
- Big sunglasses
- The color Pink
- A gold tag necklace

…She cherished her wedding rings, her husband Alan and her dog Chloe…not necessarily in that order…her friends, her cell phone and driving her car with the windows down and the radio loud…

She was a fashionista with a devilish grin, an infectious laugh and many charming personalities, depending on which wig she was wearing…we all remember Vegas Sandi…

She was intelligent, witty, kind and honest…she was loyal, a good listener and a great secret keeper…she was girly, she was tough…she was a force with a spirit that made her exceptional…

Many of these things may seem a little quirky, but they WERE my friend Sandi.

God Bless You Sandi; you will always be a part of me. I love and miss my friend, but I’m glad you are not hurting anymore…

Meredith -

I am Meredith Latimer, and I love Sandi McCool.

I am Alan’s younger sister. I met Sandi when I was 18, a freshman in college, and she and Alan had just begun dating. As the YOUNGER sister, I had always been used to being treated like “Alan’s little sister,” but Sandi NEVER treated me that way. From day one, she always treated me like a friend, and after she and Alan married, she never treated me like a sister-in-law, always like a sister. When I got married, she was the only person I could imagine standing next to me as my matron of honor, and when we found out that we were expecting our daughter, she was the only person that Hays and I could imagine as her godmother.

I coach a high school dance team, and Sandi loved getting to know each team and watching them dance. A few years ago when I was about 34 weeks pregnant, Sandi volunteered to help me take my team to Dance Camp at Auburn and be our Assistant Coach. She was SO excited to go. One of the traditions at camp is for all of the coaches to learn a dance and perform it for the girls, and since I wasn’t able to dance, Sandi wanted to jump right in there and do the coaches’ dance in my place. She got up there and absolutely ROCKED that dance, and as if she hadn’t already, she sealed the deal and made my dancers fall in love with her. From then on, they didn’t care if I was there, but I had to be sure to invite Sandi to everything that we did. And I can’t imagine finding a woman with better qualities to introduce those young girls to.

Since I’ve known Sandi for so long, she was there through many of my biggest life experiences. She supported me, loved me, and advised me through so many different situations, no matter how big or small. And now I am so blessed that Sandi and her personality have become a part of me. Even today, I am able to stand up here and talk to you because I can hear her telling me to “put on my big girl panties and just do it!” She’s been giving me that piece of advice for as long as I’ve known her, and I know she’s told many of you in here to put on your big girl panties, too! Sandi showed us what it means to have real strength.

I’d like to share a passage about strength.

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape…
But a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.
A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything…
But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her…

But a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future…
But a woman of strength realizes that life’s mistakes can be God’s blessing and capitalizes on them.
A strong woman walks sure footedly…
But a woman of strength knows that God will catch her when she falls.
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face…
But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey…

But a woman of strength knows that it is in the journey that she will become strong.
-Anonymous

One thing that Sandi always said when complimented on her strength was that she was only strong because we were with her all the way. So I know she would want to thank everyone for helping her to be so strong for so long.
Sandi was truly a woman of strength. If you only met her once, or you knew her very well, I know she touched your heart. And we are all blessed because of her.

I love you, Sister.

My sweet sister

My beautiful sister, Sandi, passed away yesterday at home. I have never met anyone like her... I never will again. I am honored to be able to call her my sister and my friend. While I am so glad that she is now whole and perfectly healed, the void that her earthly absence leaves will never be filled. Please keep my family, especially my brother, Alan, in your prayers.

Champions of Hope 2011

Wow. That is the only thing that I can say about Champions of Hope this year. I was so BLESSED to be there and be a part of it and be able to run the 5K. Well, I ran MOST of it, and walked a little ;-)

The vision that Sandi had has become, what I feel anyway, her ministry to those in the Wiregrass area. And what a great turnout. They raised over $100,000 to be used IN THAT AREA and the number increases every year. Now, here are some pics:

Sandi, Alan, and MA

Wesley Cook performed Friday night at the Pre-Race pasta dinner! That man is a music to my ears and my eyes :-)!

Three of my sweet sweet girls came down the night before the race and hung out with my family at Alan and Sandi's house. I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to have them there. They bless my life in SO many ways and obviously Margaret Anne loves them!

My sweet Cougarettes and me. Getting ready to run for Sandi!

CeCe, Jordan, MA, Wesley Cook, Jordan, and Olivia

Me, CeCe, Olivia. Sandi, Jordan, Jordan, and Mrs. Kathy

Me and THE Wesley Cook :-)

Sandi and her sweet Momma

Me and my sister. I love her SO MUCH! I am so blessed to have her as a Sis and best friend!

CeCe and Sandi. CeCe is another one of my sweet girls who joined us the morning of the race! I am so thankful that she and her mom were able to come down and show their support!

My Momma and Daddy. Love.

Me and my hubsy

MA and her Nonna. Nonna and Grandpa were so sweet to watch MA for us during the race and they also kept her later when Hays and I went to the AU-UF game (War Eagle!).

All of the teams that participated in the race!

Me and sweet Jordan Norris

The survivors got on stage for a little pep rally. They are so inspiring.

And last but not least, thanks to all that donated to our team, the "Cougarettes Kick Breast Cancer" team was able to raise $530.00+ dollars to present during the awards ceremony. Thank you to all of you who donated and helped! Champions of Hope would not be as great as it is without people like you!