ConnectMed, CCA Team Up For Camp Cosmos Weekend Dec. 11 & 12th, Movies and More

 

Manage Stress with Mindfulness This Holiday Season

The holiday season is full of family, friends, and frenzy. Moments of silence, meditation, and yoga can be helpful to quell the craziness of the season. Leo Babauta of Zen Habits suggests these mindfulness techniques that can be done anywhere at any time. Many people around you will not even notice you doing these breathing and mindfulness exercises. I know they will help in the moment. Then, take it to the next level and set aside time each morning or night to practice them for creating long-term calm. 

Take them for a spin and report back in the comments. Happy Holidays!

“Smile, breathe and go slowly.”

― Thich Nhat Hanh

BY LEO BABAUTA

The holidays are some of the busiest and most stressful times of the year for many people.

In this chaotic time of travel, family gatherings, holiday parties, gift shopping and wrapping, and more … I’d like to offer a simple practice.

This is a mindfulness practice to bring presence and relieve stress, and allow you to be with your loved ones (and yourself) in a more loving way.

Here’s the practice:

1. Let go of everything you need to worry about, and just drop into the present moment. Notice what your body feels like, notice your surroundings, notice what it feels like to be alive in this moment.
2. See if you can be kind to yourself for a moment. Turn inward and give yourself some kindness. Relax your feeling toward yourself and allow it to have a friendly quality.
3. Bring gentleness and relaxation into this moment. Relax your body, relax your face, and have a relaxed, gentle attitude toward your experience.

That’s it. Drop into the present moment, be kind to yourself, and bring gentleness and relaxation into the moment.

Two additional practices, if you feel like it:

1. See if you can love this moment just as it is. Without needing it to change. Without needing others to change. Just as it is. Love it completely.
2. Do nothing but whatever you’re doing. Just one thing. If you’re washing a dish, let that be your whole world. If you’re talking to someone, let that be the only thing in the universe. If you’re reading, doing a task, replying to an email, let that be all that you are doing. Everything else can drop away.

As you move through the busyness of these holidays, think of this as a wonderful opportunity to practice and open your heart.

#ThankfulThursday: North Park Gingertown Benefits CCA!

We are so thankful for Gingertown Dallas. Now in its eighth year, this display of gingerbread houses and other creations made of confections has helped Children's Craniofacial Association. Last year $20,000 was raised in Dallas through this incredible event.  

Gingertown, started in 2006, by David M. Schwarz Architects "is a unique holiday initiative which brings together talent from local design, urban planning, engineering, and construction firms for a live build competition to help spread joy and hope during the holidays." We are thrilled that all these firms come together to help raise awareness about CCA Kids at a place where so many people come together to purchase presents for their friends and family. 

There are Gingertown's across the United States in Washington, D.C., Nashville, TN, Dallas, TX, and Atlanta, GA. The one located in Dallas benefits CCA, while those in other cities benefits hospitals, nonprofits, and other organizations. If you wish to become a sponsor for Gingertown 2018 in one of these cities, please contact Schwarz Architects at http://www.gingertown.org. 

Thank you all for your hard work in raising funds and awareness for craniofacial conditions through your building talents. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day from CCA!

Did you forget a gift? You can still make a donation in honor of your Mom and the love and kindness she has given throughout the years.

CCA Adult, Meg, is Grateful for Her Doctors' Research

Today's blog post comes from another of our CCA Adults. Meg Storie, one of our committee members, submitted this news article for the CCA blog about a study showing improved health when doctors delay clamping the umbilical cords of premature babies. The lead researcher is Dr. Carl Backes. Meg was one of Dr. Backes Sr.'s patients and we're excited to share this research his son, Dr. Backes, is studying. Meg shares memories of the two doctors and reflects on her gratitude that they were there to help her early on.

***

Dr. Carl Backes met me when I was only days old. He was my pediatrician until I was a preteen.  He knew he wanted to be a Neonatologist, caring for preemies, shortly after his assigned rotation where he helped save his first premature baby. As for me, he was a wonderful doctor. I was born with a heart murmur, but luckily it went away. When I saw this article, I showed it to my mom and we reminisced about my early days. She remembers that Dr. Backes used to talk about his son, who is now carrying on his father's legacy, but at that time was mainly concerned with loving graham crackers. Young Dr. Backes Jr. also used to help around the office -- he answered the phone all by himself! And Dr. Backes Sr. was a very kind and accommodating doctor... I remember once I had my friends Emily and Sam accompany me to get a shot!

Dr. Backes worked from 1981 to 2013, helping countless babies and children along the way. His son followed suit and also became a physician, specializing in cardiology and neonatology. Hopefully, he'll be able to help more babies, including babies with craniofacial conditions who also have heart conditions by something as simple as delaying clamping the umbilical cord. I found this article to be particularly interesting for CCA parents.

I tease my friends that I should go back into my incubator. But truthfully, I’m really fortunate to be looking out my backyard viewing the beautiful sunflowers I planted. Thank you, Dr. Backes!

***
#ThankfulThursday
Happy New Year, friends.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Mother's Day

Today we have a couple of stories from our bloggers... enjoy your day, and whatever this day means for you, we wish you all love, peace, and comfort.

Shierry and Her Grandmas
by Rachel Lance

For mother's day this year, I would like to focus on the two women who love my daughter, Shierry, so fiercely that I pity anyone and anything who ever dares harm or even annoyance to Shierry in any way: my mom and my husband's mom. They are convinced and publicly proclaim on the regular that Shierry is the most genius, uproariously hilarious, and beautiful person ever. If Shierry believes in herself even one-tenth as much as her grandmothers believe in her, she will be unstoppable. They will read books or play outside way beyond the point at which I am capable of doing so. They always, always show up. Every difficult moment, birthday, and semi-annual pre-surgery pizza party. When you see Shierry with one of her grandmothers, you can't help but think that she is the luckiest girl in the world. We definitely would not be able to raise this crazy kid without them. Thank you and we love you!

Take Time to Smell the Tulips
by Meg Storie

My favorite Mother's Day was last year when I took a long weekend off. I picked up my mom and we drove to Michigan - over four hours away - to visit my aunt (my mom's sister). I drove the whole time. My mom dislikes driving, and I do too, but I would do anything for my mother ... especially on Mother's Day! We also celebrate my Aunt Connie on Mother's Day since there isn't a Aunt's Day. She was a foundational influence on me and in my life. So, my ladies and I went to the small town of Holland for a event called "Tulip Time." We got to see a sprawling acre of beautiful rainbow tulips and we didn't have to go a different country for it. We wrapped up a wonderful celebration by visiting Saugatuck to see Lake Michigan, the beach, and a having a very delicious dinner.

Happy CAM & Labor Day!

We hope you have a great Labor Day today. It's also the official start of Craniofacial Acceptance Month!

Don't forget to download avatars from the CCAKids site for Facebook and Twitter and change your profile pictures to the CCA logo and poster! 

Share with us in the comments how you're celebrating this month.

Happy Easter!

Dating Advice: Stephen

An often requested topic for the blog is "Dating." In honor of Valentine's Day, this week we'll feature three posts about dating, relationships, and loving ourselves. 

source

Widen the Net
I recently asked a close friend of mine’s new wife what the secret was for him finding her after so many months of searching.  She said “Everything changed for him when he widened the net!”  Look at the big picture and broaden your horizons.   I have personally known people who found their Valentine 6000 miles away.  Now that is a wide Net!

What is Love?
The definition of Love that I aspire to is a quote from M. Scott Peck : “Love is any act that encourages the spiritual growth of another person.”  Before saying or doing something,  we can ask that question to determine if what do will make the other person better off than when we found them.

--Stephen

Media Monday: Pinterest Valentine's Ideas

It's Valentine's week! And if you're scrambling to come up with ideas for your kiddos' Valentine's-themed parties, I've included some of my favorites curated from Pinterest. So get out your Elmer's and spend some time with the ones you love most making these fun no-candy goodies!

BE KIND

BONUS POINTS: It's also Random Acts of Kindness week, so even if you're older and out of school, these little love notes could be used to brighten anyone's day, from your favorite barista to your grumpy receptionist!

I don't have a source for this one, but it's genius!

MommyGAGA crafted up this cute & super-fun glow stick card.

Easy, cheap, and hilarious! Another great no-candy idea from Little Lovables.

This bracelet idea is a bit time-intensive, but I could spend hours making these! Thanks, Dandee & Abby.

Get crafty,

Erica

A Letter from Casey

Today's post comes from Casey Deakins, who happens to have a BIRTHDAY today. Happy Birthday, Casey, and thank you for your encouraging words. 

Dear Parents just starting on this crazy journey in the Cranio world,

My name is Casey, I am 27 years old with Apert Syndrome, and at the age of 13 I was also diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder. I’m writing you this letter in the hopes that it can bring you comfort and advice for the following years of your journey. To start, it does get better. While it may seem like the bumps are never-ending, it does get easier. But if I could offer a crucial piece of advice, it would be to never let your child give up. The “I can’t” and “I will never” can be turned into “I can do this!!!” It may take a little more elbow grease but it CAN be done, dreams CAN be reached. I am 15 months or so away from graduating with my Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, and while due to unforeseen circumstances, the journey has taken 10 years to complete, I kept pursuing my dream. I will admit that I still have days where I start breaking down and feeling like I can’t accomplish what I've set out to do, but then my awesome family are there to go “Casey…..what are you doing??? You can so do this!!!!!”

As Nelson Mandela spoke so eloquently, “I learned that Courage was not the absence of fear but rather the strength to overcome it. The brave man is he who does not feel afraid, but he who overcomes it.” And as an old college professor once told me “Anything you have to work hard for, is worth it in the end.” Coming from someone who has had many doors slammed in my face for one reason or another in the past 27 years of my life…the rewards are made that much sweeter with each door that closes.

 

Happy Holidays,

Casey

Grateful Sunday: iGive Shoppers

Just in time for CyberMonday, we want to remind you about iGive.com - an awesome way to share a percentage of your purchase with CCA when you shop online. We're so grateful for everyone who shops with iGive.com and selects CCA as their designated charity, because every donation adds up! In 2013, I've earned $18.73 for CCA ... and I know you guys shop, too!


It's easy to sign up and start contributing to CCA. This year, our Gift Guides will feature items with a great donation rate to CCA and some other cool goodies. Learn more about iGive.com here and happy shopping! --Erica

1. WANT: I love this office-friendly print! Hang it over his desk as a reminder to each other and visitors that kind words are spoken here.
2. NEED: Kiehl's products are perfect for him. This no-fuss moisturizer with SPF should be a staple in his medicine cabinet. [3.2% donation rate at iGive.com]
3. WEAR: Lentil-gear helps support Lentil's Ambassadog awareness activities and is lots of fun. Hook him up with this classic tee with a cute twist! 
4. READ: Tom Rath is a NYT Bestselling author with a rare genetic condition that makes his health uncertain at best. His books on leadership and well-being are critically acclaimed. In his latest book, Eat Move Sleep, he reports on his research of the importance and interconnectedness of eating, moving, and sleeping. [2% donation rate via iGive.com]

Grateful Sunday: Nathaniel’s Father’s Day Gift

Happy Father's Day!

Today we have a guest post from Russel, a CCA Dad from Matthews, NC. Russel has two sons,  Nathaniel, who has TCS, and his brother Jacob, who is an amazing supporter! His lovely wife Magda is the rock of the family.

I guess Nathaniel, like any kid, is starting to wonder each Father’s Day, “What do I get dad?” 

At least I hope he wonders that!? Treacher-Collins Syndrome or not, shouldn’t every 9-year-old boy be of the age that he wants to please his dad? So what he’s had more than 30 surgeries in 9 years? I know, I know, kids aren’t always nice to him because he looks different. In fact, they are often downright mean. So what! Isn’t today my day? I know Nathaniel; the road ahead is still tough. Your mother, Brother Jacob and I still worry each and every day about the future that lies ahead for you. We know it won’t always be smooth. Sorry little guy, today that doesn’t matter. Because you see… TODAY IS MY DAY! Father’s Day!!

Nathaniel, I have news for you; I’m just kidding. You see since you’ve been born, every day has been a gift for me and you mother. No tie could ever teach me to be as brave as you! No golf club, shirt, picture or other trinket could ever replace what you give me with every breath you take.

This all requires greater explanation.

Before you were born I had hopes and dreams for our relationship. Teaching you how to play lacrosse was going to be awesome. Swimming in the ocean together was going to bring back memories of my own childhood with my dad. I would marvel at the number of girls you would date! We would wrestle, play tackle football generally do all the things that fathers and sons do. Boy, was I mistaken.

When you were born with Treacher-Collins syndrome, quite honestly, I panicked. I remember the moment you came from your mother into this world. I crumbled. Literally and figuratively, I crumbled to the ground. Were all my dreams of fatherhood shattered? Would you live? How would I raise a boy like you? What had I done wrong? Where would I turn for answers?

Then something strange and beautiful happened. Late that night, as your mother and I sat in a hospital room in total shock, tears streaming down our faces, something so wonderful happened. I know this might not make sense to you now, but when you’re a dad it will. It was late and Mommy and I were staring blankly at the television. It was some music show. And then, there she was, Christina Aguilera singing on stage all by herself. The song was called "Beautiful." Its chorus: "YOU ARE YOU BEAUTIFUL, NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY!" Something in those words sent a chill down my spine. Mommy’s too. I got up and came to the side of your bed and stared at you for hours. You didn’t say a word. You didn’t have to. But you spoke to me. And I knew in that instant you were the greatest gift.

Since that moment you have taught me so many things and given me so many Father’s Day gifts. Other children with craniofacial differences do the same for their Moms and Dads, I'm sure. Here is just a short list of the gifts you have given me:

• Toughness: I thought I was tough. I was wrong. Kids like you define toughness. And through you I have learned the true meaning of the word.
• Laughter: In spite of all you have been handed, more often than not you laugh! You laugh with such passion that the world smiles with you.
• Perspective: Because of you I have completely changed my view of what life is or should be. Because of you I know to roll with the punches, take everything in stride and appreciate the life we have been given.
• Bravery: You walk into a room with reckless abandon and a smile on your face. Kids like you walk into rooms knowing there will be stares, glares and unkind words. Yet, you walk in. You never turn away. That is bravery and that is a gift.
• And most importantly LOVE… Nathaniel you don’t do love a little bit. You give 100% of your heart and soul to the people in your life. Whether it is your friends, your brother, your extended family or me and Mommy, you have shown total and complete love. This my son is the greatest gift you could ever give me!

So, each Father’s Day from today forward I want to make you a promise: Don’t worry about the gift you will give me, because I promise you that each and every day I am blessed to have you as my son. It's is a gift I could never repay.

To the other special Dads out there: HOW LUCKY ARE WE? What we thought was a challenge has revealed itself to be a gift. So to all of you, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Cherish the gift we have been given.

And Nathaniel… love you duder tooter pumpkin rooter!