March 30th We Welcome Home Our Vietnam Veterans!

On March 30, 1973, all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam.
There were no ticker-tape parades honoring the veterans, no triumphant marches or speeches as there at been at the end of each of the World Wars. America’s Vietnam veterans returned home to silence, or worse, in some cases to denigration for having served their country during a controversial war.

March 30, 2012, has been officially designated “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.”

The U.S. Senate resolution designating the day as one to provide overdue honor to the members of the armed services was introduced by Senator Richard Burr (R–North Carolina), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs. This is the second consecutive year he has introduced such a resolution.

The text of the announcement of the resolution’s passage appears below.

Washington D.C – The U.S. Senate yesterday declared March 30th as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” agreeing unanimously to a resolution introduced by Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

On March 30, 1973, all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. This March 30th, the Senate has encouraged Americans across the country to recognize Vietnam veterans for their sacrifice and demonstrate a warm welcome to these soldiers who returned from war to a politically divided country.

“I’m pleased that the Senate has agreed to set aside a day to give our Vietnam veterans a warm, long-overdue welcome home. I strongly encourage communities throughout North Carolina and across the country to observe this day with activities and events that honor these veterans for their service. It’s time they receive the recognition they have earned and deserve. This day also provides our nation with an important teaching moment. Never again should our men and women serving in the armed forces receive the same treatment as those returning from Vietnam,” said Senator Richard Burr.

Senator Burr introduced the resolution for the second consecutive year on February 16, 2011. Click here to read Senator Burr’s remarks on the introduction of the resolution.

The United States became involved in Vietnam because policy-makers believed that if South Vietnam fell to a communist government, communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia. The US Armed Forces began serving in an advisory role to the South Vietnamese in 1961, and in 1965, ground combat troops were sent into Vietnam. On March 30, 1973, after many years of combat, all US troops withdrew. More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives and more than 300,000 were wounded in Vietnam.

Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Thad Cochran (R-MS), James Inhofe (R-OK), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) co-sponsored the legislation. The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

So on March 30, make a special effort to say, “Welcome Home.”

http://the-nightcrawler.com/2011/03/21/march-30%E2%80%93welcome-home-vietnam-veterans-day/

Mattel Will Make A Bald Fashion Doll Friend Of Barbie!

Here is Mattel’s official announcement, as it was published today on their Facebook page:

“Play is vital for children, especially during difficult times. We are pleased to share with our community that next year we will be producing a fashion doll, that will be a friend of Barbie, which will include wigs, hats, scarves and other fashion accessories to provide girls with a traditional fashion play experience. For those girls who choose, the wigs and head coverings can be interchanged or ...completely removed. We will work with our longstanding partner, the Children’s Hospital Association, to donate and distribute the dolls exclusively to children’s hospitals directly reaching girls who are most affected by hair loss. A limited number of dolls and monetary donations will also be made to CureSearch for Children’s Cancer and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.

Through a thoughtful approach, we made the decision not to sell these dolls at retail stores, but rather get the dolls directly into the hands of children who can most benefit from the unique play experience, demonstrating Mattel’s ongoing commitment to encourage play as a respite for children in the hospital and to bring joy to children who need it most. We appreciate the conversation around this issue, and are interested to hear what you think! It’s been a bumpy path for Mattel navigating this issue in the social media space these last couple of months. They were slow to respond to the public’s appeal, and when they did, they found their answer harshly criticized in the media as being inadequate.

While Mattel quietly surveyed the situation and plotted their strategy, their fiercest competitor took advantage of the opportunity. In February, MGA Entertainment announced they’d debut a line of bald Moxie and bald Bratz dolls they call "True Hope" at ToysRUs in the USA and Canada by mid-June. A portion of MGA’s sales of the new dolls will be donated toCity of Hope, a research, education and treatment center for cancer and other life threatening diseases.

MGA wasn't the first to bring a bald doll to market. Cincinnati's own Kimmie Cares doll has been available online and through childrens' hospitals for a few years now. While Mattel has decided not to sell their dolls at retail stores, the organizers of the original campaign on facebook “Beautiful and Bald Barbie! Let’s see if we can get it made,” are still celebrating a victory.

Photography artist, Jane Bingham, who is one of the original organizers of the effort, posted this statement on the “Beautiful and Bald Barbie – Let’s see if we can get it made” facebook page:

“We are very happy with what Mattel is doing. Yes, we would like to see these bald fashion dolls (a friend of Barbie, name undisclosed yet) on the shelves or online available for purchase but Mattel is doing what it feels best by donating them only. They are also making a financial donation to CureSearch and NAAF. We hope this is one HUGE step in making bald fashion dolls available worldwide for everyone who wants one. If this is as far as Mattel goes, I cannot complain. They are doing this all without making any profit at all. As a mother with cancer and a young daughter, I would like these available to children whose mothers or a loved one has cancer and for any other reason...Trich, progeria, burn victims, etc... There are many causes of baldness in children and women but this is an amazing accomplishment and a wonderful thing for Mattel to do so let's celebrate! Go to Mattel's wall and let them know what a wonderful thing they are doing and encourage them in any direction you hope they continue with this.”

It’s interesting that Mattel chose to announce their decision directly on their Facebook page even before publishing a traditional press release. They chose to make the announcement in the place where they knew the conversation was most relevant – the place where the conversation began – social media.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/children-s-toys-in-cincinnati/mattel-announces-it-will-make-bald-fashion-doll-friend-of-barbie

Emma Routh Has A Wish - To Meet Justin Bieber!

Justin, Emma is fighting Fanconi Anemia. She is very sick.

Her dream is to meet you.

Little Emma was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia at the age of 3. Fanconi anemia is a rare bone marrow disease that leads to many cancers and life threatening health problems. So far Emma has stayed cancer free, but this warrior has been through so much. She has had countless rounds of chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirations, a bone marrow transplant, and very long hospital stays. Her battle is not over... please see this link to read her story:  http://www.facebook.com/prayersforemma?sk=info

I would personally like to ask that my readers please take a minute and look at the photo below. This is a screen shot of several HATE comments regarding Emma's wish to meet Justin Bieber. It is unbelievable that anyone would say such horrible things about a little girl who is fighting for her life and has one wish right now and that is to meet a celebrity. That is not unheard of, many children with terminal diseases have wishes to meet a celebrity and they come true every day. There is absolutely no reason why Emma will not get to meet Justin.

 I am sure that if we all stand together and make our voices heard we can get Justin's attention and once he is aware that this sweet little girl want's to meet him so bad, he will make it a priority. So please everyone take a minute and contact Justin Bieber via his website, Facebook Fan Page, even go to his recording company, anywhere you know of that will reach him and tell him about Emma. 

Also the comments below will only make Emma and her supporters work harder to get her to meet Justin. We will not allow anyone to put anything negative on this dream. If you know any of the people in this photo of comments please go to there Facebook pages and tell them how absolutely disrespectful and hateful the comments they made where and be sure to let them know it will not be tolerated or forgotten. They need to be exposed as the haters they are so they can not do this to anyone else. Thank you for your support and caring for Emma's wish and for helping to get her voice heard.

Prayers For Emma

Comments like these about Emma give us all the more reason to try harder to help our girl. These people made the comments in order to put us down and tell emma she will never meet justin and she is bald and ugly. Little do they know we took the comments and all it did was make us try even harder for Emma. We will not let haters change our mission. We are a determined, strong group of people....all with a common goal. To see our (our meaning all of ours, she is your's too!) girl happy. Thank you for continuing along this journey with us, and helping us see the haters make us even stronger!

I know the photo is small, please try right clicking on it and opening it in a new tab - there you should be able to see the names clearly.

You can read more about Emma at the CaringBridge.com

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/emmarouth1

Please Help Gina Buonfiglio's Cancer Fund Today!

Gina has Endometrial Carcinoma a rare Cancer with no cure.

Gina's cancer fund will aid in the medical expenses that are not covered. Please show your support and help her fight her battle!

Here are some words from Gina...

I believe: Everything happens for a reason, without clarity, but for a purpose yet unseen! 

About Me: Cancer survivior, lived many lifetimes and now settling down into the one I have been searching for! Fought for domestic violence laws to be changed as well as the spreading education on Endometriosis. At age 36 I had a hysterectomy, which changed my life forever. I have a fantastic fiance with a 8 yr old daughter whom stole my heart. I am so loved I only want for the people who love me to know just how special they are to me.

Gina's battle today: What began as Endometriosis that had been undiagnosed for so long causing it to turn into Cancer. At age 39 and single, she was given five years to live and that was nearly six years ago. Gina is struggling, she is on social security and can not work as a medical massage therapist any longer, only making $700.00 a month. 

Her medication runs over a $1,000.00 a month, insurance will not cover many of them as well as not covering her doctor's appointments, and Medicaid is not an option. She is forced to go with out food or be late on basic bills every month. Gina is always helping others yet has never asked for help herself. Her Cancer is also know as Uterine Cancer. She has never married and doesn't have children of her own. She lives in the mountains and has to depend on medical transportation and neighbors to help drive her to her appointments. The American Cancer Society volunteers can help but they are limited due to the fact that she lives in a rural area. She needs help paying for medications so she can have money to eat and pay her bills without the stress of not having anything else. There are two great doctors in NYC that she would like to see and they are highly recommended by the Foundation of American Cancer Society, and wants to raise the money to seek the care she needs to have a functional life. Gina is a proud person who will not ask for help. She spends her time trying to form a foundation to help find a cure, while managing a support group where her free time is spent helping others cope with Endometriosis and those who are caregivers. She hopes to form a non profit organization to find a cure for future girls so they will never suffer the way she does today. Her wish is to spread the word and have her voice heard to educate other on the fact that this disease can be deadly despite what doctors say. She is proof that Endometriosis can turn into Cancer, not only that but it is linked to several other Cancers as well as Lupus. She fights for her life in pain all the time and can not afford to get medications that will ease her pain and nausea which is why we are trying to raise a few thousand dollars and help relieve the stress of everyday life and be able to cope with Cancer. Gina is strong and can beat this with the help and support of others. She is in need of help with the funding of her treatments, doctor's appointments, medications and transportation. Gina has been advocating for this cause and related ones for years and has helped so many by raising awareness, please give back to her and donate toward her Cancer Fund.

For more information and ways you can donate please see Gina's fund page at: http://www.giveforward.com/ginascancerfund 

To get to know Gina and the causes as well as support groups she advocates for please visit her at:

http://www.facebook.com/gbuonfiglio/info 

http://www.facebook.com/Gina.Buonfiglio?sk=info