Category Archives: Safety

January 9, 2011 · 12:17 pm

Sunday Spotlight- Tucson Shooting

In light of yesterday’s tragic shooting I felt it appropriate to dedicate this Sunday Spotlight to those that lost their lives and those still recovering. A total of 18 people were shot and 6 people lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of:

  • U.S. District Judge John Roll, 63
  • Gabe Zimmerman, 30, Giffords’ director of community outreach
  • Dorwin Stoddard, 76, a pastor at Mountain Ave. Church of Christ
  • Christina Greene, 9, a student at Mesa Verde Elementary
  • Dorthy Murray, 76
  • Phyllis Scheck, 79

Since Sunday Spotlight is a day where I feature a charity, I searched for any accounts that may have been set up by the family member’s of the victims but I as unable to find anything. I assume it is too early for that sort of information. If you feel inclined to give in honor of those that lost their lives, consider these options:

  • The Red Cross in Tucson is in need of blood donations specifically O positive and O negative. Even if you do not live in Tucson, consider giving blood at one of your local donation centers. A small sacrifice on your part may save someone’s life.
  • NARSAD: This organization funds research for mental health disorders. Far too little attention is given to mental health disorders in this country. A person that reaches the point of gunning down several people due to differing beliefs is clearly suffering. As a country it is our responsibility to insure that people with severe mental health disorders have proper access to the help they need to prevent tragedies like this from occurring.

Above all else the best way to honor the victims is to come together and not further polarize this situation with political agendas.

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January 2, 2011 · 3:34 pm

Sunday Spotlight- Verde Valley Sanctuary

When I first started this blog I regularly did Charity Spotlights where I would select a charity and write up a post about what they were all about. In the midst of wedding planning madness that fell to the wayside a bit. Now that the wedding is said and done I thought it would be a good time to get back to posting Charity Spotlights. This blog was founded on the premise of charity and I want to be sure it continues to be represented. I decided to start a new Sunday series especially dedicated to charity.

The Verde Valley Sanctuary offers domestic abuse services for women and their children in the Verde Valley. Programs include a shelter, transitional housing, youth outreach, legal advocacy and a 24 hour hot line to name a few. The shelter is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to insure the residents stay safe and protected. The goal of course is that women stay safe and receive the support they need to get themselves and their children out of dangerous situations. The organization is supported by their two thrift stores, private donations, and grants. Due to hefty budget cuts State wide they are in need of assistance to insure they can continue to offer the array of services to the community.

They are currently holding a raffle to raise money for the shelter. At just $10 a ticket, it seems feasible for anyone to help out. In addition a raffle means prizes are involved and there are some awesome prizes! The raffle is called 365 Days of Hope because they are selling tickets for one full year and prizes are continually being added. Some of the prizes include:

  • Poreia bronze sculpture by John Soderberg
  • Two nights, spa treatment for two and dinner for two at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa
  • Three-course dinner for six catered in your home by Perfection Catering and Tri Rentals
  • There are MUCH more- Check the website for all the details!

As if by fate, upon browsing the site today, I realized they are having a Wedding Giveaway as part of the raffle. The details of the prize includes:

For just $10 you could help protect women in need and you may just win the wedding of your dreams!

Go HERE to get your tickets!

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November 24, 2010 · 10:04 am

Something That Needs to Be Said.

This is not wedding related, at all. But I like to think it is Thanksgiving related and thus appropriate. Regardless though, I think it needs to be said. Every time I have turned on the news in the past few days the biggest topic of conversation is the new security procedures at the airport. People are infuriated that they are being patted down, searched, and seemingly humiliated. What I am wondering is, if these people that are so upset knew someone that was killed on 9/11 or for that matter if they even remember that it happened? It doesn’t seem that way so although it wasn’t that long ago, I’ll provide a little reminder.

The total number of people killed in the attacks was 2,819. That number includes 343 Firefighters and Paramedics & 23 NYPD Officers who showed up to help. The estimated number of children who lost a parent is 3,051. 289 bodies were found intact and 1,717 families were left with no remains at all. While you look at the numbers remember that these are in fact people, lives, parents, children, husbands and wives. These numbers don’t reflect the countless troops that have been killed due to the wars precipitated by this attack. 2,819 people won’t spend Thanksgiving with their families this year all because a few people made it through airport security.

Beverly Eckert lost her husband Sean Rooney on 9/11.

On our recent trip back to the States, I was randomly selected to go through an additional security check at the gate just before boarding the plane. I was pat down and my purse was searched again. Several others were searched and you would have thought they were being asked to take off their clothes and board the plane naked. One woman actually said, “Thanks a lot 9/11.” What does the even mean? I think an extra purse check is a small price to pay compared to the sacrifice others made.

This man was killed on 9/11 and left behind this beautiful family. His daughter sits in her room and talks to him.

I can guarantee you that these families wish that security measures were tighter on that day. On the news this morning a woman said, “I don’t think they should be searching blond haired, blue eyed people.” Yes, she actually said that. Is this Nazi Germany? Are people really so naive to think that there aren’t just as many pissed off crazy Americans that wouldn’t think twice about causing havoc on a plane? Remember we are the country where children shoot each other in schools. I was upset about being selected for an additional security check because several others got to just walk onto the plane. No it wasn’t the inconvenience or the fact that I had been picked, it was the fact that that person that walked past me, could have been carrying something they weren’t supposed to. Everyone should be checked and everyone should be grateful for additional measures. If in a search, they found something dangerous on someone that could have been on your plane, would it be worth it for you to endure the same search? Yes, I think it would.I can guarantee you that every time one of the victim’s family members goes to the airport, they think of their loved one. Their loved one that died because security measures weren’t sufficient. Every time they get on a plane, they think what their loved one went through, what they were thinking. We should all be thinking that to.

When you are at the airport, instead of complaining about the delay, about taking off your shoes, about an uncomfortable pat down, think of those 2,819 people. Instead of complaining be grateful that you have the ability to travel to be with your family for Thanksgiving, that you live in a country where the biggest thing to complain about is long lines in the airport. Think of the men and women still fighting for your freedom. They would give anything to spend an hour in line at the airport if it meant they could be with their families tomorrow. Think of 9/11 and be grateful that you are alive.

If getting naked at the airport and dancing around will mean that something like 9/11 will never happen again, that no one will ever die on a plane because of another person, I’ll do it. I welcome increased measures of security, I am grateful for it. It means my loved ones are traveling safely.

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June 21, 2010 · 10:50 am

Water for Everyone, Friends for Life.

I never joined a sorority in college and it was likely because my idea of a sorority girl was based largely on a stereotype. As we all know stereotypes are often inaccurate and the vision of girls partying and drinking couldn’t be further from the truth. Sororities center around academics, leadership, philanthropy and maybe most impressive, they create life long bonds among women. Let’s take a trip back in time to the 50’s when it was not common for women to attend college. My Grandmother was pledging the Chi Omega sorority at Arizona State University. Now let’s fast forward 50+ years to the present, her sorority sisters are just a memory, right? Not exactly. In fact the ladies of the ASU Chi Omega sorority still meet monthly for lunch. They call it the Lunch Bunch and it is composed of 37 Chi Omega’s from varying pledge classes. The ladies have been around for each others marriages, the birth of children, and even the death of spouses as that is what happens when you have a friend that long. So when my Grandma found out about our wedding she did what every grandma does, she started telling her friends about it. One lady, Juanita, started reading the blog and her philanthropic spirit came out.  Upon reading about Charity:Water she sprung into action and called each of the ladies with the help of another sister, Dot, and asked them to donate $20 towards the cause. You see these sorority sisters do like to drink, water that is, and they felt like other people should have the same opportunity. Last Wednesday they presented my Grandma with twenty-six $20 checks, three $25 checks, one $40 check and one $20 bill, for a grand total of $655.

I am beyond humbled and extremely grateful for their amazing contribution to the cause. Last night I wrote out 31 Thank You notes to each lady, telling them each a brief fact about how they changed and saved lives through their donation. Some of the stats included:

  • 42,000 people die each week due to water-related illness and lack of sanitation.
  • 90% of the victims are children under the age of 5.
  • Women and children in Africa alone spend 40 billion, yes billion, hours walking for water each year.
  • Once full the water jug, they carry for miles, weighs 40 lbs.
  • The time spent walking for water not only prevents children from attending school but it also puts both women and children at greater risk of violence and sexual assault.
  • Charity:Water spends extensive time teaching the people where wells are built about proper sanitation. Proper hand washing alone can prevent 45% of deaths caused by water-related illness and lack of sanitation.
  • A Water Committee is formed of elected members of the community where water projects are built so that they can help organize and maintain their water project. The elected positions are often women which brings a new sense of respect and integrity to communities where women are not treated as equals.
  • Each community that receives a well from Charity:Water must petition for one and contribute to the project. This instills a sense of ownership and pride.
  • A water source not only provides clean water for drinking and clean water for sanitation but it also provides a way to irrigate small gardens. This not only provides food for families but it also provides an income source as they can sell their produce at open markets.
  • Just $20 provides water for one person for 20 years.

Before their donation our campaign had raised $145 toward the $1000 goal. They pushed us up to $800 and their contribution alone will serve 33 people. We have 55 days left to raise the remaining $200. If we meet our goal before June 30th we can send our money out into the field for projects that are about to begin. With just a few phone calls a group of sorority sisters came together to produce amazing results. The ladies are friends for life and they’ve carried the values they learned in their sorority days with them throughout their life. Thank you ladies, your generosity is inspiring.

What could you do with a little effort? Would you be willing to change a life for $20?

Go here to read our first post on Charity:Water.

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April 13, 2010 · 10:17 pm

Cause Spotlight- Domestic Violence & Suicide

I attended a funeral today of a good friend of my sister’s. I never met the man and went purely as moral support for my sister who had no one to go with. The man was a father of five, a husband, and friend to many. He was an agent with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. From what I heard the man was a responsible member of society, a civil servant, a dedicated father, and a joke-ster. He was mellow and kind. Which makes his death all the more difficult for his family and friends to understand. On Sunday night he shot his wife twice and then himself. There was no history of violence or any reason to think that something like this could happen. Unfortunately situations like this one are all too common and leave more questions than answers. According to the Flagstaff newspaper domestic violence is on the rise. They attribute it to several factors with one being extra stress caused by the slumped economy. I think its important to talk about domestic violence and bring more awareness to the issue.

The Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides many resources for individuals facing dangerous situations at home. An estimated 4.5 million women are involved in physical assaults committed by an intimate partner each year. Each day 3 women are killed in this country as a result of domestic violence. 85% of domestic abuse is done to women. However men can be victims and assault can take place between other family relationships besides couples. Domestic violence includes:

  • Physical Abuse
  • Economic Abuse
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Verbal Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Isolation
  • Control

Many victims are too scared to leave their situations or in denial as to the severity of the situation which is why it is crucial to make sure everyone has access to resources designed to help them get out safely and without anyone knowing. If you fear a family member or friend is being abused in anyway, it is important to talk to them and decide an action plan based on their requests. Be sure they have access to phone numbers or agencies that can help them. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.

In the case of my sister’s friends no one observed or suspected any domestic violence within the relationship. Although no one will ever know what drove him to do what he did, it is possible he was battling some form of depression. There is no excuse for what he did but its possible that bringing awareness to this situation could save future lives. Much like domestic violence, it is often difficult to observe signs and symptoms of depression as many people are good at hiding what is going on in their private lives. While its important for others to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts, it is imperative that individuals know how to access information and the support they need if they are having suicidal thoughts. The Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition is a great resource for individuals or concerned family members about what to do if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts. If you need immediate help you can call 1-866-205-5229 to talk with someone who will not judge you and is trained to help. As an individual you should be aware of your feelings and seek help immediately. Suicide is permanent and not the answer regardless of any difficult situation you are facing. Five children are now left without a father and three of them also are left without a mother. There are resources available in every state and can be found through a simple internet search. We can all do our parts by talking openly about suicide and knowing the resources available to people who may need it. Suicide is a pretty taboo topic which makes many people afraid or embarrassed to speak up if they are feeling like it is an option. Talking about it more freely may save a life.

Rest in Peace Jessie and Dan. Our thoughts and prayers are with your children and families.

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February 22, 2010 · 5:50 pm

Buckle Up

Our goal throughout this wedding planning process is to bring awareness to various charities and causes in an effort to change and even save lives. I came across an incredibly powerful video today on You Tube that I think is worth sharing. It was produced by Sussex Safer Roads Partnership in the UK. The organization strives to make their roads safer for the residents of their community. Their emotionally gripping video has reached far more than just their community with over 1 million views in less than a month. Hopefully it will encourage members of communities around the world to drive safely and buckle up! It’s simple, quick and can save your life. Check out the video and share it with others:

Embrace Life

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February 16, 2010 · 4:16 pm

Carbon Monoxide Follow Up

Leah just shared with me that after her parent’s death her sister worked with a reporter to get the word out about the dangers of and the seriousness of carbon monoxide leaks. The reporter lived in an apartment and upon hearing about their parent’s, he found that the detectors in the complex were faulty. He paid for new detectors to be installed in all the apartments. A friend of theirs also decided to have her heater checked and it was determined that she had near dangerous levels of carbon monoxide coming out of the heater. Through the death of their parents, they were able to possibly save many more lives.

Some sources of carbon monoxide include clothes dryers, heaters, bbq grills, cars, ranges, ovens, water heaters and fireplaces. Furnace filters should be cleaned regularly and someone should inspect your chimney atleast once a year according to the Tucson Fire Department. And of course without question you should check your carbon monoxide detectors or install a new one. Headaches, nausea, irritability, confusion and fatigue are all signs of possible poisoning. If several members of your family are feeling these symptoms get out of your home and call 911. This type of death is very easy to prevent and no one should have to go through what Leah and her sister have.

Community service doesn’t have to take a lot of time or resources. Simply tell your loved ones about this story and encourage them to check their detectors. You could save a life. Leah’s parents died on the same day that we will be celebrating our wedding. We would love to honor their memory by helping to save others from this unnecessary tradgedy. Detectors are available at local hardware stores for as little as $20.

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· 9:46 am

Leah’s Story

I asked some friends and family if they would be interested in writing a guest post about a cause or charity that was important to them. My goal was to bring awareness to different causes and show people how easy it can be to get involved. My friend Leah contacted me about the wedding and expressed her support for the idea. I thought she would be a perfect fit for the kind of causes I was looking to bring awareness to and I am grateful that she agreed to share her story. The following was written by her:

When Alicia asked me to be a guest blogger on their Charity Wedding blog, I was incredibly touched and honored. It is a beautiful concept and I wish her and Kyle all the success with it.  We’ve known each other since freshman year at the University of Arizona but had sadly lost touch, but thanks to Facebook and her blog, we are back in touch.

This is not easy to write about but I hope in doing so, I will help save a life.

My parents died on October 15th, 2007. There, now that I’ve said that, I can get through the rest of this. I got the call around 1 a.m.  They were found in their bedroom in their house in Tunis, Tunisia. After a couple of days of thorough investigation in and around their home, the cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning. It was the water heater. I cannot begin to describe what it was like coming face-to-face with this device. I wanted to tear it from the wall and smash it to tiny pieces. But I didn’t.

They were 61 and 58…too young to die. My parents lived overseas and dedicated their lives to working at American International schools around the globe for 28 years. At the time, my father was the principal of kindergarten through 12th grade and my mother was a third grade teacher at the school.

For those of you who don’t know, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and is the second leading cause of poisoning deaths in the country. Carbon monoxide poisoning claims nearly 500 lives and another 15,000 require emergency room treatment per year.  It can kill you before you know it because you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. After they died, I sent emails out to everyone I knew encouraging them to check the detectors in their homes and their families’ homes. I quickly learned that Home Depot was doing a special on carbon monoxide detectors that month so I told people about it. I know that many went out immediately and purchased them for themselves and loved ones.  Now, I continue to talk openly about this in hopes of encouraging others to install carbon monoxide detectors.

I learned so much from my parents.  Mostly, I learned how to give selflessly.  They were always giving; their time, love, attention, support and also money.  Now I feel like it’s my duty to continue their legacy.  About a year after they died, my sister and I got involved with the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk (www.the3day.org).  It’s a 60-mile walk over three days and you must fundraise to be a part of it. Breast Cancer does not run in my family but I know that it is a deadly disease that needs more people helping to fight it. I will be walking this year in San Francisco.

I have also decided to give blood every other month no matter where I am. It’s such an easy and fast thing to do that I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t do it. I think it’s important to always be on the lookout for new and innovative ways to help others and save lives.  Even the littlest things can make all the difference. I know that my parents would be proud of the things I am doing.

It’s hard to be the one left behind to pick up the pieces, ask the unanswerable questions. It’s stupid to walk around angry at an inanimate object. Most of the time I just feel robbed. My parents were anything but done with this life. One week to the day before their lifeless bodies were found, they had decided to retire and return to the United States. They were anxious to see me start my new life after college and begin building my career. They looked forward to my sister and I having grandchildren (they would have been amazing grandparents) and had a long list of things they wanted to do to their Arizona home and trips they were excited to take. It’s unfair that they were taken from me too soon. I miss them every single day and ache to hear their voices again.

Feel free to follow me on my own blog, http://leahadamsinla.blogspot.com/.

“When you find yourself overpowered by melancholy, the best way is to go out and do something kind to somebody.” -John Keble

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