American Foundation for AIDS Research

As we are all aware, HIV/AIDS affects our community in great numbers. This Charity Drive, for the American Foundation for AIDS Research, is our first bi-monthly charity, as we are hoping to maximize as much participation as possible. Not for the sake of exceeding any previous dollar amounts, but to increase awareness and educate one another through the likes of philanthropy, selfless support, and humanity involvement.

The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) identifies critical gaps in our knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and supports promising early-stage studies that often lack the preliminary data required by more traditional funders. Through its Research program, amfAR is advancing efforts to prevent HIV infection in those who are vulnerable and to improve treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the virus.  Through its Public Information program, amfAR generates awareness of the need for better treatment and prevention methods, and publishes educational materials on important AIDS-related research, treatment, prevention, and policy issues. As a respected voice on HIV/AIDS, amfAR frequently provides media commentary on research developments and other aspects of the epidemic.

Medications such as Truvada, Atripla, Ziagen, Racivir, Retrovir, Epivir, and Viread to name a FEW were all developed through heavy research in pharmaceutical laboratories. It’s through funding and support our medical experts are able to work closer towards fighting, abating, and eventually curing the disease. Funding also helps provide medical support for impoverished Americans and people all over the world.

To contribute, visit http://secopsangels.chipin.com/american-foundation-for-aids-research:

(1) Click on the orange ChipIn button on the right hand side (under the contribution stats)
(2) On the item price under "Your Order Summary" in the left column, please enter your desired contribution ($5 is the asking donation, feel free to donate more if you wish).
(3) Click "Update"
(4) Sign in to your PayPal account and confirm payment options/billing info.

-Visit: http://www.amfar.org/ to learn more about amfAR.

God Bless

Child Abuse Prevention

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month!!! The Child Welfare Information Gateway promotes the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, youth, and families by connecting child welfare, adoption, and related professionals as well as the general public to information, resources, and tools covering topics on child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, adoption, and more. A service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we provide access to print and electronic publications, websites, databases, and online learning tools for improving child welfare practice, including resources that can be shared with families.

Child Welfare Information Gateway consolidates and builds upon the services formerly provided by the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (NCCANCH) and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (NAIC)

Here are a few unfortunate statistics regarding child abuse and its horrific effects:

·      2.34 children out of 100,000 die from injuries relating to their abuse, with 80.8% of deaths occurring in children under four years old.

·      For every incident of child abuse or neglect that gets reported, it’s estimated that two others go unreported.

·      Physical abuse accounts for 17.8% of documented child abuse cases each year.

·      Abused children are more likely to abuse alcohol and become addicted to drugs, and one third will later abuse their own children.

·      Of all prison inmates, 84% were abused as children.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human services  

To find out more on child abuse and how YOU can help save lives and do your part in prevention, visit:

http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/

God Bless, and remember, the children are our future!!!! <3

Team Roberta

Support Bryant's Cause to Cure Leukemia:

For those who do not know.. My mom was diagnosed with Leukemia (2) years ago and it has been a tough battle. I am asking all those who call me FRIEND to make a donation to advance research. EVERY PENNY COUNTS.. Thanks in advance.

Please join me in supporting Team Roberta and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) by making a donation. Every dollar we raise counts as one vote and the candidate who gets the most votes/raises the most money is named the local Man or Woman of the Year. Please forward this email to your friends and help Support Team Roberta.

Please visit my fundraising page. To make a pledge, please click here: http://nca.mwoy.llsevent.org/TeamRoberta

-Bryant R.

Are you #TeamRoberta?

Justice for Trayvon

Visit this link To find out more about his story and sign the petition to bring justice for this young man!

God Bless

St. Baldrick's Foundation

Are you interested in helping to fund children’s cancer research and cure-findings? The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. The Foundation raises money for childhood cancer research primarily through head-shaving events. Volunteers, sponsored by family, friends and employers, shave their heads in solidarity with kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatment. Events have taken place in all 50 US states and 28 countries. Since 2000, St. Baldrick's Foundation volunteers have organized nearly 4,200 head-shaving events and shaved over 190,500 heads, raising over $118 million for life-saving childhood cancer research.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation became a non-profit organization in 2005 and makes grants to research organizations that meet stringent criteria and share the Foundation’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and emphasis on research. St. Baldrick’s research grants help fill crucial funding gaps at medical institutions where children are treated for cancer, ensuring the finest care for every child. Since 2005, St. Baldrick's has awarded over 100 Fellow and Scholar awards, to develop the childhood cancer research experts of tomorrow.

To learn more about St. Baldrick’s Foundation and how you can contribute (by internet, mail, phone, text, and even by tweeting) please visit: http://www.stbaldricks.org/

You can also show support for the foundation by visiting its official Facebook-page and “liking”: http://www.facebook.com/StBaldricksFoundation

 

God Bless and Love One Another!

KONY 2012

Kony 2012, named after the infamous leader of Christian terrorist group the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), is a film and campaign by humanitarian group Invisible Children that aims to bring Joseph Kony to light, "not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice." The film focuses heavily on the issue of child soldiers, with Kony’s LRA reportedly having up to 30,000 boys and girls who are used as soldiers and sex slaves.

Kony is alleged to have fathered over 200 children during his 26 years on the run from the Ugandan government. Invisible Children, an activist group that campaigns to end genocide and crimes against humanity, said the goal of Kony 2012  was to raise awareness about one of the world’s most brutal warlords in an effort to expedite his arrest.

Kony, who wants to implement a theocratic government in Uganda based on the Ten Commandments, was indicted by the International Criminal Court in 2006 for war crimes but has evaded capture. Viewers of the film have expressed shock and anger at the events taking place in Uganda and many have pledged to do what they can to help, including celebrities Rihanna, George Clooney and Ellen DeGeneres.

I’m asking you all to take just 30 minutes to watch this video, which highlights the terrors and disastrous political climate of Uganda. These children need our help! We need to end the war and help stop the innocent lives being taken!!!!

I’m not asking for donations, nor am I suggesting you donate to any charity regarding this manner (as controversy surrounds some of the charity groups), but am I asking that we all become aware of Uganda’s struggle for peace to end genocide. God Bless <3

Visit the Official Stop Kony 2012 site and pledge to help bring Kony to Justice: http://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/kony.html

Please visit the official Stop Kony Facebook Page and “Like” to show support: http://www.facebook.com/#!/Kony2012Stop  

Mini-Drive for The American Red Cross

** Due to conflicts with the American Red Cross' PayPal access, we have forwarded the raised money for this charity to Ten Doves Charity in order to help with immediate relief for tornado victims and families. **

HUGE thanks to those who contributed, without you S.O.A. would not exist!!!