Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

The Dogist

Peter Bond

Amy Jandrisevits

Ask Uncle Jack

That Good News Girl

Tess Bohne

FowlMouthFarmer

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

Flavor Flav

John Wolfe

Khloe

<div><br />
</div>
<div>****UPDATE****
</div>
<div>Dan got his first infusion<span> out of 5 today, and everything is good to go!!!  A HUGE THANK YOU to each and every person that contributed, and sent good thoughts and prayers!!!  The “Big Guy” is on the mend and hopes to be back better than ever very soon! </span>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Hello Chive family, one of our own, Dan "PAPA Chive" Brinkman has recently had some unforeseen medical issues that caused him to lose a large amount of blood. He is on the mend and will make a full recovery, but he is currently in need of an Iron Transfusion. This is a GFM to help him cover his extensive non-covered out-of-pocket expenses related to this event. Everyone who knows "PAPA" knows that he has a heart of gold and is always the first to help and is one of the most genuine souls you will ever meet. You also know that he will be the last to ever ask for help, so I am hoping this might be our chance to Pay it Forward to this OG Legend!  KCCO

</div>

Dan "PAPA Chive" Brinkman

<div><strong>Note from Chive Charities:<br /></strong>If you’ve found your way to this fundraiser, you’ve probably already fallen in love with Simon, an effervescent 5-year-old with big dreams and aspirations, who also happens to have a rare condition called Sanfilippo Syndrome. As the most devastating disease you’ve never heard of, Sanfilippo is a rapidly degenerative and fatal disease in children. There is currently no cure or treatment. Because of the dementia it causes, it is often likened to Alzheimers’ but in children. The first $15,000 of this fundraiser will go directly to Simon’s family to fund critical items and therapy that give Simon the best shot at a higher quality of life while extending his mobility for as long as possible. Anything beyond $15,000 will go to supporting promising research that could save Simon’s life and other kids with Sanfilippo Syndrome through the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong>Simon’s birth, diagnosis, and prognosis:</strong>
</div>

<div>After a healthy pregnancy, Simon was born in May of 2016! Parents, Alina and Jeremy, were elated and in love with their one and only miracle child. He was beautiful!
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650665043572397_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650665043572397_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Simon was a happy baby with big smiles and great eye contact, but he had significant difficulty breastfeeding, wasn’t responding to his name or hitting his developmental milestones, and had developed repetitive play (i.e. spinning toys.) At first, his parents suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder, so they approached Simon’s pediatrician at 13 months of age.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650895291541543_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650895291541543_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>This led to consulting with a pediatric neurologist who ordered a medley of tests. The results of all were thankfully normal, but left Alina and Jeremy without answers. In order to help Simon with his challenges, he began receiving physical, occupational, and speech therapies at 15 months of age. Alina also ramped up teaching Simon how to use sign language since he was nonverbal at this point.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650664899117798_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650664899117798_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>After six months of intensive therapies, his pediatric developmental specialist assessed Simon as having only developed three months of skill. He had the skill level of a baby half of his age. This news destroyed his parents. They and the therapists had been working continuously to close Simon’s gaps in development. It's almost as if he was unable to progress any faster, but no healthcare professional, at that point, could provide a reason why.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650664943608716_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650664943608716_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Despite Simon’s delays and Alina and Jeremy’s feelings that something wasn’t quite right, they continued to focus on the positives: He was slowly making progress and achieving goals; Simon slept and ate well; and he affectionately connected with them through hugs, smiles, and laughter.
</div>

<div><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650664991535728_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650664991535728_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>As Simon’s medical therapies continued, Alina and Jeremy pursued additional help for Simon. At 21 months of age, he began seeing a movement therapist to help him with his gross motor skills, craniosacral therapist to help him with his ability to speak, and chiropractor to adjust a newly-discovered head and neck bone jam. Simon began to move in ways that he wasn’t able to in infancy! It was beautiful to watch. His parents thought that they might have discovered the cause of his problems. But, they continued to pursue other possibilities as well.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650665077492729_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650665077492729_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>At the recommendation of Simon’s pediatric developmental specialist, he underwent an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test at 25 months of age. This revealed that Simon had mild-moderate hearing loss. Alina and Jeremy were shocked and confused because he had passed his newborn hearing screen, and had gross and fine motor delays - not simply speech problems. Simon began to wear hearing aids, and his receptive and expressive language skills had begun to blossom at that point. His parents thought that they might have discovered a secondary cause of his problems. But, they had one last possibility to investigate.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_165089553654475_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_165089553654475_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>At 28 months, Alina and Jeremy consulted with a pediatric geneticist (after sitting on the appointment calendar for six months). She predicted that Simon had a metabolic storage disorder, and ordered a full body x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and urine test. After two long weeks of waiting for the results, they were crushed by the news of Simon’s Sanfilippo Syndrome diagnosis at nearly 2.5 years of age. The urine test revealed the presence of elevated concentrations of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which meant that Simon could not break down this natural cellular waste. It had been accumulating in his body tissue since birth, and he had been abnormally excreting them in his urine. These accumulated molecules have been causing Simon’s cellular machinery to work improperly. Once enough of the toxic GAGs build up, his brain cells die and vital brain tissue is lost leaving him with permanent brain damage. Sanfilippo Syndrome is a rapidly degenerative and fatal disease in children, currently with no cure or treatment options. Because of the dementia that sets in, it is often likened to being like ‘late-stage Alzheimers’, just in little children.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650895646690682_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650895646690682_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong>Simon’s current enthusiasms and likes:</strong>
</div>

<div>Simon has largely plateaued in his development. Despite his struggles, he is sweet, and most often, happy. Simon brings joy to those in his presence. He’s warm and loving.
</div>

<div>Simon appreciates flags (such as the U.S. flag) and stop signs. He enjoys shooting hoops, running, playing catch, building with blocks, learning American Sign Language, playing on playground equipment, listening to storybooks, singing songs, hugging his stuffed animals, blowing bubbles, building jumbo floor puzzles, counting, saying the letters of the alphabet with the sounds that they make and words that begin with them, and spelling. His parents and therapists are working to maintain his skills for as long as possible, so that the quality of his life may remain for as long as possible.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650896244925985_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650896244925985_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong>The first $15,000 of this GFM will fund the following items for Simon and family:</strong>
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong><em>Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device</em></strong>
</div>

<div>The family is waiting for an evaluation from a therapist to determine which device will be the best fit for Simon, but here is an example of a device:
</div>

<div>A portable symbol communicator, which can store up to 36 messages, has a total of six removable tactile symbols that allow the user to push a button to relay a message. As a tactile symbol communicator, it is perfect for users who are blind or visually impaired. We like this device because it offers six levels of communication, with six messages per level. When setting up this device, it provides up to six seconds of record time per message.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong><em>Weekly dinners at Casa De Luz</em></strong>
</div>

<div>Simon’s favorite restaurant offers highly nutritious meals, a calm environment and happiness, contributing to a higher quality of life.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong><em>Spalding NBA Slam Jam Over-The-Door Team Edition Basketball Hoop</em></strong>
</div>

<div>So Simon can keep playing basketball.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong><em>Adaptive Star Axiom Improv 2 Special Needs Stroller</em></strong>
</div>

<div>While Simon can still thankfully walk and run, he fatigues easily and needs to rest and recover while sitting in a stroller before beginning to walk or run again. He’s outgrown his current stroller by exceeding weight and height maximums because typical strollers aren’t made for five-year-olds. The Adaptive Star Axiom Stroller will allow the family to continue to take Simon outdoors. It easily glides over grass, gravel, curbs, and sand.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong><em>Home Care Assistant</em></strong>
</div>

<div>Simon requires near-constant engagement. His ability to play independently is extremely limited and, for safety reasons, needs supervision at all times. A mom's helper allows mom to complete household chores, errands, and self-care activities.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong><em>Rock Climbing at Crux Climbing Center</em></strong>
</div>

<div>Simon has been learning to rock climb in physical therapy for one year now. He gets a full-body workout as well as improved flexibility, endurance, stamina, balance, and cardio fitness. It also focuses the mind, encourages body awareness, relieves stress, promotes ambition and personal challenge, fosters problem-solving, and builds confidence.
</div>

<div>Kids Club at Crux Climbing Center is a great way to introduce kids to rock climbing in a fun and supervised environment. Their coaches teach kids about the fundamentals of rock climbing, including climbing techniques and general climbing safety. Simon will climb, play and make new friends!
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650665581638882_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650665581638882_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong>Beyond $15,000, the GFM will support promising research that could save Simon’s life and other kids with Sanfilippo Syndrome:<br /><br /></strong>The above items will all help with Simon’s immediate needs and quality of life today, and his parents are so thankful. Alina and Jeremy’s greatest hope is that Simon can live a long and fruitful life, and this is where their next need comes in. Beyond the immediate therapeutic needs, their biggest need is funding for promising research that could save Simon’s life.
</div>

<div><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650665654682953_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650665654682953_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>What Simon needs most is a cure. While the therapies will help him hold on to abilities longer and live more comfortably, Sanfilippo Syndrome is impacting him every second. Without some type of intervention, Simon will lose his ability to shoot baskets as well as the ability to talk, walk, and eat. He will suffer extreme dementia, become wheelchair dependent, and likely have seizures. This will all happen in the coming years, worsening each year, before he likely passes away in his teens. Simon’s parents will do anything to stop this from happening.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Finding effective treatments to hopefully stop the disease is the goal. This happens when promising research that can lead to clinical trials for Simon and children like him is funded.
</div>

<div><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650665744636286_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650665744636286_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Simon’s an underdog. He shoots baskets like a superstar, but will he ever be able to be on a team? Kids with Sanfilippo Syndrome are underdogs fighting against a system that isn’t set up for rare diseases like this. Most large pharmaceutical companies aren’t interested in diseases like Sanfilippo due to the lack of profit opportunities. It’s left up to parents and parent-led advocacy groups like Cure Sanfilippo Foundation to drive and fund the research and even help get clinical trials started.
</div>

<div><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650665788723943_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650665788723943_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Cure Sanfilippo Foundation has already helped three clinical trials get underway in less than eight years. And there is hope that new promising research for Sanfilippo Type B (Simon’s type) can proceed to a clinical trial for him and other kids… if there is enough funding.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>This isn’t funding for research in some distant day. There is research right now that could help Simon, and it needs funding.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650897107902268_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650897107902268_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Cure Sanfilippo Foundation has identified two new research pathways that could benefit Simon and other children with Sanfilippo. The first is a new therapeutic approach using CLR01 "molecular tweezers" that has shown promise in pre-clinical results in both Alzheimer's disease and Sanfilippo Syndrome. This therapy could reduce neuroinflammation and actually improve cognitive function for children with Sanfilippo. The second is a new stem-cell therapy project that has the potential to replace the missing enzyme for Sanfilippo Syndrome and could result in halting disease progression and bring neurorestorative benefits.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>It’s a RACE to save these children’s abilities … and their lives. Nothing is more urgent than this. The more that can be raised here, the better the chances things can get going in a time window for Simon before his abilities diminish.
</div>

<div><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64851431_1650897128902366_r.jpeg" alt="64851431_1650897128902366_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Simon’s parents talk a lot about hope. It is a good thing, and hope is really just love …. on a mission.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>Thank you to the Chive community for being part of this life-saving effort for Simon and other children with Sanfilippo Syndrome. Please help support these efforts in funding this research led by the 501(c)3 nonprofit Cure Sanfilippo Foundation, and please share with everyone you can.
</div>

Simon Says "KCCO!"

<div>JD Walker is one of us, a Chiver. This page is here to help his family he left behind WAY too soon.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>He suffered some severe health issues that put him in a situation where he was in need of a new heart and a new kidney. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it to see that day.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>JD was aware that the Chive community was on their way to help. And boy did we help! His family received a donation of $2400 on 11/11/2021 from our AFTER PARTY during the 8th Annual Green Gala weekend. We are happy to know JD knew we were on our way to help his loved ones.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>His wife and children are left behind, without their husband and father. His medical bills grew well beyond what you can even imagine. On Saturday, Nov. 13th, there will be a Celebration of Life for JD Walker. This fundraiser will be set to close December 15th. We hope we can help make the holidays less stressful for JD’s family.  
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>-Lone Star Chive
</div>

<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/61182611_1636676881854869_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/61182611_1636676899198610_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/61182611_1636676925106074_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/61182611_1636676940626202_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/61182611_1636676960986752_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>

LSC Fundraiser for JD Walker (continued)

<p>It's that time again when Chivers from around the world come together to make the world 10% happier. The Florida chapters have banded together to help spotlight Paisley-Rey, and help her family out!
</p>

<p> 
</p>

<p>Crystal, Paisley-Rae's mother, summed it up best and introduced her to our little community by saying:
</p>

<p>"Paisley-Rae is our special child. She is four years old of sass and eye rolls. But also, laughter and smiles. We work very hard to make her life happy and the best it can be since we have no idea how long we have. With no prognosis, being she is one of 3000 worldwide, we roll one day at a time and choose to enjoy every moment. We choose quality of life over the quantity of years. She loves Disney, THE ROCK, Moana, Frozen, her siblings and pretty much anything a typical four year old does. She loves snuggling and does fairly well for herself despite being non-verbal and non-mobile. She is as disabled as they come for the most part but we enjoy her for her and have accepted our lives are just different and better for it."
</p>

<p> 
</p>

<p>What we are looking to fund is the purchase and installation of a wheelchair lift on the family van to help Paisley-Rae get around and experience everything the world has to offer. Starting on Friday July 30th we will have a Silent auction that will run until August 6th on Facebook, <a href="https://fb.me/e/10KG9E3mo," target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://fb.me/e/10KG9E3mo," target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://fb.me/e/10KG9E3mo,</a></a> so take a second to look at all of the cool stuff that the Florida Chapters have put together!
</p>

Wheelchair Lift for Paisley-Rae

<p><br />
</p><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/58594371_1626795477315261_r." width="100%" />
<p><br />
</p>
<p>Meet Danika. She is 17 years old, and lives in Monument, Colorado.
</p>
<p>In 2018 she was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and just this March, she was additionally diagnosed with PTSD, three types of anxiety, major depressive disorder, and dysthymia. As she deals with physical and mental struggles on a daily basis, her doctors have determined that she will benefit from and thrive with a service dog to assist her.
</p>
<p><br />
</p>
<p>This service dog will be trained in medical alerts/ response, psychiatric alerts/ response, and mobility assistance. The very special dog that Danika will be adopting will be medically trained to respond to every emergency, and revive her if needed.
</p>
<p><br />
</p>
<p>Great news, Chive Charities has been working with Danika and her family, and will be providing costs to cover the adoption, as well as the training. Words cannot begin to describe the feelings that Danika and her family have from the news of being able to adopt a service dog. In Danika's mothers words, "What Chive is giving to Danika is so much more than a dog; you are giving her the means and the opportunity to live her life and chase her dreams. She is such an amazing young woman with so much to odder the world, but struggles to navigate her way through the world without assistance. Having a service dog will give her the medical support that she needs, as well as the necessary confidence, to go out and help others, which is what she wants to do with her life."
</p>
<p><br />
</p>
<p>We are here to take this a step farther. While Chive Charities is covering the adoption and training, we are raising additional funds to help Danika's family prepare and take care of this superhero of a pup. All donations to this cause will be used for the following; Dog supplies (food, toys, crate, treats, leashes, harnesses, vests, bed), Vet office Visits, Altering Surgeries, Possible Medications, Grooming, Potential minor home modifications (handles, switches, etc. for dog to use), Basic Pet Expenses.
</p>
<p><br />
</p>
<p>Let's make this happen for Danika, and get them in the best position possible to bring home their new family member. Time to RAK a Pup!
</p>

RAK a Pup, for Danika

<p>You may know Monica from around Chive Nation, with her giving spirit, and her love of pickles! Another thing that is certain, is her unconditional love for her son, Colten. In her own words, “He’s the greatest kid to ever live.” 
</p>
<p>Monica &amp; Colten need our help.
</p>
<p>Colten has sensorineural hearing loss. He had hearing aids from ages 9 months old to 2 years old and was released from care by an audiologist saying he was passing all his hearing tests and didn’t need hearing aids anymore. 
</p>
<p>Fast forward seven years, he got his tonsils out in March and then his surgeon ordered a hearing test because Colten’s Dad had a concern about noticeable regression. In June, Colten failed his hearing test, and the family was then referred to a pediatric ENT for more testing, which he also failed. On June 30 it was explained that Colton in fact does need hearing aids, has needed them his whole life, and will need them for the rest of his life.
</p>
<p>The past months have been a whirlwind of doctor’s visits, testing, and waiting. 
</p>
<p>Colten has brought up his own concerns, he is worried that the kids will make fun of him because he is going into 4th grade with a visible difference than he had before. The goal is to get him the hearing aids as quickly as possible, so that he is able to get used to them before walking through the doors on the first day of school.
</p>
<p>We are sending up the Chive beacon of help, as these procedures and hearing aids are not covered by medical insurance. When Colten was a baby, he was covered under a state program, which unfortunately he is not eligible for at this time due to his age. Monica has exhausted every option for assistance, without any luck.
</p>
<p>I reached out to Monica to let her know a little of what we wanted to do, and she expressed her gratitude and emotional relief that came from our willingness to help. She then sent a message to show Colten was already writing thank you notes to those that are helping him to hear. Talk about having a Chiver’s heart!
</p>
<p>This is where you come in. Any donation to this extremely worthy cause is appreciated, and gets Colten one step closer to his hearing aids. 
</p>
<p>Anything over initial monetary needs will go towards a back up set of hearing aids, and future medical needs. 
</p>
<p>Should you not be able to donate, but still want to do something, Colten LOVES handwritten notes &amp; cards. Let’s fill their hearts and mailbox! 
</p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing:0.0085px;">All Cards &amp; mail can be sent to:</span><br />
</p>
<p>Colten Sox
</p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing:0.0085px;">608 Garden Arbor Lane</span>
</p>
<p>Lexington, SC, 29072
</p>
<p><br />
</p>

Colten Hears: A New Hope

<p>Anastasia has Potocki Lupski Syndrome (PTLS), characterized by low muscle tone, delayed motor skill and verbal development, and autism spectrum disorders; also having a compromised immune system.  Annie was a <a href="https://chivecharities.org/story/anastasia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chive Charities</a> recipient in June 2017, her family was able to get her a service dog to help with the seizures when she's alone.  Annie could use our help again, she currently needs a palate extender because her mouth is too small.  The doctor recommends getting it ASAP, but Medicaid won't cover it until she's 12, and she needs it way before then.  It'll cost $3,000 out of pocket for the palate extender.
</p>

Great Chiverhood Nerf Wars: Annie's Avengers

It’s been a pretty lonely year here at theCHIVE HQ.<br /><br />I still play a lot of beer pong.<br />The slide’s still fun I guess.<br />But recently, even the things that bring me the most joy, like locking Bob out of theCHIVE, just aren’t doing it for me anymore.<br /><br />I miss the good old days when Chivers flooded into the HQ to party with a purpose. In case you didn’t know if you’re a veteran, active duty, first responder, you can pass freely in and out of theCHIVE HQ as you wish. A Chivette will be there to serve you a cold beer or three.<br /><br />theCHIVE HQ Happy Hours are the closest thing to magic I have ever been a part of.<br /><br />The doors to theCHIVE HQ must re-open. And they will do just that on <strong>Friday, June 18th.</strong> You can bet your sweet ass there will be a lot of good bourbon flowing.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56208496_1619033628615265_r.jpeg" alt="56208496_1619033628615265_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Everybody knows our drinking organization has a charity problem. There is one other group out there like us that I’ve been wanting to join forces with for years, the Dallas Bourbon Club. This organization loves bourbon so much they made… an organization about it. Ya’ know?<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/56208496_1619028955435847_r.jpeg" alt="56208496_1619028955435847_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />This is Sam Ferguson, a 21 year old Chiver with Friedreich’s Ataxia. Sam insisted on writing to the Chivers personally. These are his words:<br /><br /><em>Chivers,</em><br /><br /><em>Right now my wife is typing this for me because I have limited use of my hands and can no longer write or type. I was diagnosed with FA when I was only 3 years old. Basically, I fell down a lot early on in life. By the time I was in 5th grade my symptoms really started to escalate. Things got so bad that I had to receive a complete spinal fusion. After surgery I started using a wheelchair the majority of the time because the loss of coordination and the surgery were too much for my body to handle.</em><br /><br /><em>Shortly after, I was also diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial tachycardia secondary to Friedreich’s Ataxia. By the time I made high school issues all caused by FA including optic nerve damage, nystagmus, myopia in both eyes and bilateral hearing loss.</em><br /><br /><em>But during high school I also started dating the love of life, my now wife, Katlyn. You have no idea how much I love and appreciate this woman. I’m in need of assistance with writing, typing, going to the bathroom, feeding myself, preparing food, getting dressed and many other activities of daily living. Katlyn for the last 3 years has been my primary and only caretaker. We always talk of the underrepresentation of disabled people, the lack of funding and most importantly the lack of knowledge surrounding disability. Chive Charities is legendary for finding and championing the underdog. We’re so grateful for your help.</em><br /><br />We’re holding a raffle today to raise $10,000 for and ADA accessible van for Sam to reclaim his freedom. Sam is a new member of the Lone Star Chiver family in Texas and, pending his health, we hope he can make it to the opening of the HQ so you can all meet him personally.<br /><br /><strong>How it works.</strong><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Every $25 donation = 1 entry to win the Grand Prize.<br /></span><em>*100% of all donations are going to Sam’s new van!</em><br /><br /><strong>The Grand Prize Winner receives:</strong><br />* Airfare for you and a friend to stay in ATX at The Line Hotel next to theCHIVE HQ.<br />* 2 Tickets to theCHIVE’s grand reopening of the Copper Bar.<br />* A bottle of EH Taylor Single Barrel signed by John Resig - drank with John Resig  [MUST BE 21+ to win]<br />* 2 Exclusive Chive Charities Bourbon glasses that we more or less just let you steal from the bar<br /><br /><strong>You can donate in $25 increments right here, the more you donate the higher your chances to win.</strong><br /><br />For all you Texas-based veterans and first-responders, you are always free to come in and out (unlike Bob). However, we’re expecting around 2,000 Chivers on that opening Friday in June and capacity is 350. We will be giving priority entrance to everybody who donated $25 to help Sam.<br /><br />This is where we shine.<br /><br />KCCO and see you soon.

Cheers to the Underdogs: Copper Bar Golden Ticket

Mr. Rogers famously said,<br /><br /><em>“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”</em><br /><br />That gave me an idea. I took Mr. Rogers advice and started looking. I had Jen Holub email dozens of Chive Chapters to find that one helper who has selflessly spent their 2020 giving back. We added one wrinkle – that person would be the one we helped. <em>We are going to help the helpers.</em> Kinda’ cool, eh?<br /><br />In an overwhelming instance of Chivers helping Chivers, nominations poured in from around the country. One name quickly rose to the top, <strong>Josh Arney</strong>.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50000948_1608753863564268_r.jpeg" alt="50000948_1608753863564268_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />When I went to check out Josh’s Facebook page he and his wife, Rachel, were organizing a food drive for the local homeless population. Josh’s passion for cooking motivated him to create his own spice line called Joe Bob’s Seasoning. Rather than trying to sell it to Chivers, he RAK’d it to them across the country.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50000948_1608753929368449_r.jpeg" alt="50000948_1608753929368449_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Josh Co-owns Legacy physical therapy in Harvest, AL. So many locals have lost their jobs and therefore their insurance coverage that Josh has been eating costs to continue their treatments so they don’t suffer further – this kindness has taken him further into financial struggles but he continues to help others. He has always refused to charge veterans for any services rendered.<br /><br />The man is a human highlight reel of generosity.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50000948_1608753982604927_r.jpeg" alt="50000948_1608753982604927_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Josh’s wife, Rachel, is an admin for ChivEducation. A horrible car accident in the early 2000’s left her with lingering thyroid problems. In 2013, Rachel was diagnosed with Crohn’s and colitis. The family is unable to afford the medicine she needs. Josh’s Daughter, Fiona, was diagnosed with ADHD last year.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50000948_160875403377237_r.jpeg" alt="50000948_160875403377237_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />This is the immediate need. The Arney family home has a window problem. The old single pane windows are not insulated or sealable. These windows do not hold any heat in the winter and also mold easily with condensation. This causes mold inside the home and makes the home impossible to heat. The windows exacerbate all of Rachel’s existing health conditions.<br /><br />Right now Josh and his family have their backs against the wall. They’ve done so much to help others in theCHIVE community maybe it’s time we step up on their behalf and give them a last minute miracle on Chive Drive?<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/50000948_1608754082100814_r.jpeg" alt="50000948_1608754082100814_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />We’ve set up this GoFundMe on the Arney’s behalf. <strong>The goal is $10,000</strong> to get the Arneys brand new windows for their home as soon as possible. Anything above the goal will go towards Rachel’s mounting medical bills.<br /><br />If you are a member of theCHIVE community, you know how much Josh has done to make the world 10% Happier. <br /><br />Josh and Rachel, for once just sit back and let us help. You’ve done more than enough for now.<br /><br />Donate right here!<br /><br /><strong>KCCO and Happiest of Holidays.</strong>

A Miracle On Chive Drive

Hello!<br /><br />My name is Julie and I am a 32-year-old woman who is happily married and a mother of two beautiful children, a 6-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy. <br /><br />I think one of my greatest characteristics is living life with joy and passion! Unfortunately two months ago everything changed in my life when I was abruptly reminded that I was living with a silent illness and this time it had returned very aggressively embarking me in a very challenging battle against it. This disease is called Systemic Sclerosis, more commonly known as Scleroderma, as well as Raynaud Syndrome and I was diagnosed with them when I was 17. I have lived half my life with a very rare disease! Why rare? Because the cause is unknown and the cure is also unknown.<br /><br />This disease causes my immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy the healthy tissue of my body and it also produces painful sores on my hands. All these years it had stayed in my hands but about two months ago the disease began to spread into my arms and currently limits me in my day-to-day life as it does not allow me to fully stretch my arms and I have lost part mobility in them. Additionally I am losing strength in my right hand. If not treated in time it can be life threatening as it can affect the blood vessels, the heart, the kidneys and the lungs.  <br /><br />Fifteen years ago the doctors predicted that if I reached my 30s I would be very lucky, but that my quality of life would not be the best. Today, I am 32 and I know I cannot forsake my life and future to this disease. My greatest wish at this time is to be able to undergo a stem cell treatment which promises to repair the deteriorated cells in my body and I am more than sure that it will improve my quality of life and give me the opportunity to see the future in a more optimistic and promising way. This treatment is not provided by AHS and it has to be paid out of pocket. I am reaching out to my community for help as more than ever I want to LIVE. I want to fight and be victorious in this battle. As a mother I want to fight to the end because I want to see my children grow up. I want to be in their lives for many more years and for the love I have for my children I will do whatever it takes!<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br /><strong>Spanish Version:</strong><br /><br />Mi nombre es Julie, tengo 32 años de edad, soy felizmente casada y tengo dos hermosos hijos, una niña de 6 años y un niño de 9 años. <br /><br />Creo que una de mis mayores características es vivir la vida con alegría y pasión, desafortunadamente hace dos meses atrás todo cambio cuando la vida me recordó de manera drástica que convivía con una enfermedad silenciosa y esta vez había regresado de manera abrupta y agresiva para empezar una nueva batalla, esta enfermedad se llama esclerosis sistémica o esclerodermia. Si, lo se! He vivido la mitad de mi vida con una enfermedad denominada rara! porque rara? Porque se desconoce la causa y no se conoce la cura. Déjenme regresar a 16 años atrás....<br /><br />Cuando tenia 16 años fui diagnosticada con EL SÍNDROME DE RAYNAUD una enfermedad que pone mis manos blancas y azules cada vez que siento frío o estrés. Esto pasa porque la sangre no puede llegar a mis extremidades ( mis manos y mis pies) y sin un debido cuidado puede terminar en amputacion de los dedos.<br /><br />Después de un año, al evidenciar nuevos cambios en mi cuerpo y tras múltiples análisis de laboratorio el doctor me dice que tengo Esclerodermia, que significa piel dura. Esta es una enfermedad que hace que mi sistema inmunológico ataque por error y destruya el tejido saludable de mi cuerpo, también produce llagas dolorosas en mis manos y me ha limitado en mi día a día al no poder estirar mis brazos por completo, pues no puedo alcanzar cosas que solía alcanzar, sumado a eso estoy perdiendo fuerza en mi mano derecha. Incluso afecta los vasos sanguíneos, el corazón, el riñón y los pulmones, problemas que si no se tratan a tiempo pueden poner en peligro mi vida. <br /><br />Hace 15 años los doctores me dijeron que si llegaba a mis 30 años sería muy afortunada, pero que mi calidad de vida no sería la mejor. Hoy tengo 32 y siento que no estoy lista para entregarle mi vida a esta enfermedad, hoy más que nunca quiero vivir, quiero luchar y ganar esta batalla, quiero pelear hasta el final porque quiero ver a mis hijos crecer, quiero estar en sus vidas por muchos años más y por ellos haré lo que sea necesario. <br /><br />Mi mayor deseo en este momento es poder realizarme un tratamiento con células madre, las cuales entrarían a reparar las células deterioradas en mi cuerpo y estoy más que segura mejorarán mi calidad de vida y me darán la oportunidad de ver el futuro de una manera más optimista y prometedora. <br /><br /><br />Julie Rincón<br /><br />**for more info about treatment check the following website and check comments** <br /><br /><a href="https://www.bioxcellerator.com/all-about-treatment-with-stem-cells-and-regenerative-medicine-in-medell%C3%ADn" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.bioxcellerator.com/all-about-treatment-with-stem-cells-and-regenerative-medicine-in-medell%C3%ADn</a>

Julie's battle against Scleroderma