Hello to all of my crafty friends.
Today's post is an unusual request. I'm asking for donations for Madeline (see her story below). She needs to raise $2,000.00 for the Wilderness trip in June. Donations, as small as $10.00, can be made at http://cornerstonerecovery.org/. Simply scroll down and click on the "HIT HERE TO MAKE A PAYMENT OR DONATION" and then under payment description choose "WILDERNESS TRIP/ADVENTURE LEARNING". Type in your donation amount and under the description please put "MADELINE BIENVENU WILDERNESS TRIP".
Madeline's story:
Many of you are aware of my youngest daughter, Madeline, and her struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder. For those who are not, I will be as brief as I can.
After years of doctors, tests, etc, Madeline was finally diagnosed last October with BPD. As troublesome as the diagnosis was, it was a blessing to finally have a definite and correct diagnosis. Since being released from Sundown Ranch in October, Madeline has been working with a wonderful therapist and has made tremendous strides in her effort to overcome this disease.
Before going to Sundown Ranch, Madeline became involved with Cornerstone Recovery Group. This is a parent driven group that helps addict teens turn their lives around. Although Madeline was not what you would describe as a full fledged addict, she had, on several occassions, become drunk and high. Thankfully she knew what she was doing was wrong and sought help on her own.
I can say that Cornerstone saved her life. It was the counselors at Cornerstone that pushed us to get her into Sundown Ranch, as they knew that was the place that would finally get to the bottom of everything. They were correct! After years and years of doctors, medications, etc., and Madeline never getting better, only worse, we were given a diagnosis that has put her on a path of recovery - REAL recovery.
With the dramatic improvements in the past few months, Madeline was offered a chance at a 3 week long Wilderness Trip in Idaho with Cornerstone Recovery. This is a very grueling, intense 3 weeks and Madeline has been in training for several weeks now. It is an opportunity to teach her and other kids like her, that they can only rely on two things in this world, themselves and God. I've seen kids that have gone through the program and am astonished by the change. I desperately what this for my child. Madeline is working at Michaels (she is very creative), doing odd jobs, holding fundraisers, all in an attempt to raise the money, as we (her parents) are not allowed to give her money for this trip. Madeline has sent out letters to about 40 people asking for donations, but with the economy in the shape that it is in, she asked if I would post this on my blog.
Any help you could give would be so greatly appreciated. Any donation you make is tax deductible, as Cornerstone Recovery is a non-profit organization. Thank you in advance for your help.
