Stories

Everyone needs support sometimes. No matter the challenge, banding together with other people who can encourage you through hard times is vital.

Medical struggles are no different. A community of people who understand and can provide support and advice is a key part of maintaining your sanity and morale through the ups and downs the medical roller coaster can send you on. This is especially true for people with bleeding disorders.

When it comes to health, your ZIP code makes a bigger difference than your genetic code — especially in Charlotte, where people have a harder time rising out of poverty than in most other U.S. cities.

The American Heart Association wants to change this. In addition to their renowned research and signature charity events, AHA is determined to empower people in underserved Queen City communities with access to heart healthcare and prevention.

You probably know the stats by now.

70% of U.S. adults are overweight, and 40% of those are obese.

Staggering numbers, yes.

And they’re only getting worse.

What immediately comes to mind when you think of human necessities?

Water? Definitely.
Food? Absolutely.
Hygiene products? Sure thing.

What about blood? Did that make the list? If it didn’t, it should have.

Before I wrote this article, my understanding of human trafficking was limited to what I had seen in movies like Taken and Crash. Needless to say, I had a lot of learning to do.

Present Age Ministries opened my eyes to the reality of human trafficking. As a mother of a daughter and as a Charlottean, I was stunned to learn that it's prevalent, it's pervasive, and it's happening right in front of our eyes - to girls in every ZIP code in this community.

February is American Heart Month and heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. It is important to help spread the word about not only the risks, but also the solutions. The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented and awareness is the first step! 

My daughter ran down the hill to the ice cream truck with her piggy bank tucked under her arm like a football, me a few paces behind her. Once I arrived a bit out of breath. I smiled at the two female neighbors and the man they were with. I’d seen them before, but never all at the same time.