Trish Skram’s Blog

February marks such an important month me. As many of you know, February is American Heart Month. Statistics show that cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one killer of both men and women in America. For me, personally, it really hits home. Heart disease is also the number one, most prevalent disease in my family, on both sides. To recognize heart month and my dedication to keeping myself and my loved ones educated about heart disease, I’m going to wear red for the remainder of February and post photos to my Facebook, and Flickr accounts. Wearing red signifies the power we have as women to come together and stop heart disease and stroke.
I’m a BIG supporter of AHA, especially AHA of Rock County, where I serve on its executive leadership planning team. This organization is near and dear to my heart and I hope its mission and vision will generate a healthy change in your life as much as it has mine. My favorite AHA initiative (and also becoming its most recognized accomplishments), is the “Go Red for Women” movement. “Go Red” works to raise awareness about women’s number one killer, heart disease. Real women from all over the country speak up about their heart experiences to help save lives. Their stories always inspire me and I hope you take this opportunity to get informed with the facts and make a positive commitment to your heart health. Join the cause by visiting its Facebook page.

I wear red in honor of my grandfather Alvin Skram, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest in 1981. I wear red in honor of my uncles, Chuck, Jerry, Roger and Ronny, who are all strong heart survivors. I’m proud of all of you for being proactive about your heart health and maintaining healthy lifestyles. And I will always support the American Heart Association (AHA) for its dedication in keeping our communities educated about heart disease and speaking up about what we can do, today, to help prevent heart disease and stroke.

If heart disease and stroke affects your life, how do you educate the ones you love? OR better yet, how do you maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle? Please share your thoughts below.

Technorati Tags: AHA of Rock County, American Heart Month, heart health awareness, PR Gal blog, Random "Trish" Thoughts

Tomorrow is the day! A day to stuff our faces with savory turkey, cranberry dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and too many buns! Ah, I love Thanksgiving! But more importantly, as cheesy as it sounds, it’s a time to reflect and express our gratitude and talk about what we’re thankful for.

Many of you saw my Facebook post yesterday (if not, be my friend on Facebook!!) about my visit at a local homeless shelter. I go there from time to time and always enjoy myself there. Yesterday’s experience, however, really pulled on the heartstrings. I was talking with a single mother about her experience at the shelter and what brought her there to seek support. She had her one-year-old daughter with her and I was humbled by their willingness to make the best of what they have. As her daughter played and smiled unfathomably, I couldn’t help but feel for these families who struggle during the Holidays. This family had limited family support and no financial sustainability, but she still felt so thankful. Unfortunately, this is the story of many of the residents. Do you take time to reflect on what you have and express your gratitude? The simple, very small things we take advantage of each and every day. The car we drive, our home, condo or apartment (no matter how small it is), food in the fridge … it’s all necessary for our survival and a strong asset to our well-being yet so overlooked in many instances. The long talks we have with our sig others at night before bed, the little favor your co-worker does for you to make your day brighter. I don’t say this much but I truly feel blessed. It made me reflect on what I’m thankful for: my health, happiness and most of all, you, my friends and family. So I pose to you, what are you thankful for?

Photo courtesy of http://cybernetnews.com

Technorati Tags: House of Mercy Homeless Center, Random "Trish" Thoughts, what I'm thankful for

2009 HOM Charity Ball. What an enchanting evening!

Over 230 guests enjoyed the elegant festivities at the House of Mercy Homeless Center Charity Ball, held last Saturday in Janesville. And WOW was it a great time! Mercy Health System’s Charity Ball is one of the largest fundraisers in Rock County, Wisconsin AND it supports the ONLY homeless center in the area!

It’s great to know as another House of Mercy Charity Ball becomes a part of our history, it creates a new beginning for a family in need.

Me and my prince charming at the ball!

Oh, yeah! I’m also the lucky girl who purchased one of the winning jewelry tickets for the diamond pendent [pictured above]! I’m still in aww! It’s beautiful!

Oh, yeah! I’m also the lucky girl who purchased one of the winning jewelry tickets for the diamond pendent [pictured above]! I’m still in aww! It’s beautiful!

Technorati Tags: fund raising for families in need, House of Mercy Homeless Center, Janesville, Mercy Health System, Random "Trish" Thoughts

I’d like to take a little time to reflect on a unique experience I had last week. I volunteered to go out into the community to count and give care packages to the homeless in the area.

The purpose of the count was to reach out to homeless individuals and families and to compile accurate information for a number of reports that have a significant impact on the amount of funding that Rock County, Wisconsin receives each year to combat homelessness.

I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was a bit hesitant because of the thought of going out into the frigid winter weather was, well scary. Plus, the fact that we’d be out all night until 4 in the morning seemed scary too.

Interesting, right? Indeed it was. Over 60 people came together at 11 pm last Wednesday. We formed groups, packed our cars with care packages and set out into the night.

We covered every area we could in our 4-hour search. Every park, bridge, construction site, parking lot … we even scoped out local pubs and bars. No one. But that’s a good thing, right? As I walked the streets, bundled head to toe, I couldn’t help but wonder how anyone could sleep in 10 degree wind chills (the week before it was -10) with only a sleeping bag.

Our crew found 21 homeless people in Rock County (including South Beloit). A majority were sleeping under bridges in Beloit. And trying to stay warm at local convenience stores and coffee shops. One of the volunteers even found a meth lab and heroin remnants in the downtown Janesville. Eek!

It is scary. When you grab your morning latte and drive to work listening to your favorite morning show or gab on your cell, you don’t really see homelessness.

Just because you don’t see homeless people like you see in some urban cities and urban communities, doesn’t mean they’re not there. That’s probably one of my biggest take-a-ways. The stigma about what a homeless person acts or looks like is simply not the reality.

One of my fellow group members and friend, Stacy, who happened to be a local news reporter, covered our experiences. She said it best, “As I ate pancakes at Perkins with my friends after the long night, I kept thinking about those people with nowhere to go. I hope they found warm breakfasts, and I hope the community finds ways to help them. Because the thought of so many people living on the streets is scary.”

Last Wednesday night was really rough. But it was so rewarding, and something I plan to do again. Just one way I can give back to my community.

Do you do your part? How do you give back to your community and those less fortunate?

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Coming soon…

Technorati Tags: my work