Project April.

I am SO happy to report to everyone that my friend and super mama April V is expected to make a FULL recovery from the stroke and the following 3 1/2 hour neuro surgery she underwent at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center late Friday night. My family and I went to visit her on Saturday and she looked as if nothing had even happened to her. What a miracle. Thank you to everyone who said a prayer for my friend as it clearly made a huge difference in the outcome of her story.

This terrifying event in our lives was really a life changing and eye-opening experience for me. April is a healthy, young, energetic, active mother. Just like me. Our kids share the same interests and hang out together all the time. When I found out April was in the hospital for having a stroke, I was beside myself with fear. All I could think was: "What if this had happened to me? Who would take care of my kids?" and "But she was JUST at my house! She was JUST fine! Why is this happening?"

I knew I had to get a hold of myself. I channeled the fear I felt about April's situation into an idea. This past Friday I started Project April (#ProjectApril on Twitter) in an attempt to help offset the medical costs I knew April would incur from this hospital stint. I was determined to make something happen for my friend. Moms have to stick together. I set up a listing for those shirts I told you all I was going to sell on Etsy for April. And once she's feeling up to it maybe we'll even hear from April herself about the stroke and recovery period.

In the meantime, I beg for everyone to see April's stroke as a lesson that life is not something one should ever take for granted. You are not guaranteed to live a certain number of years on this earth. Don't be afraid to take that crazy chance or go out on that very far, and ridiculously unstable limb. If it means failing a couple times, so be it. Growth and learning derive from failure. At least, that's how it is for me.

Thank you all again for your show of support. I know April truly appreciates it.

April needs our help.



April and Milo. December 2010.



My friend and fellow crafty mama April V is fighting for her life. Just this past Monday she came over and we talked about joining forces to revolutionize the party game. On Wednesday, she dropped off a fabulous mixer. On Thursday, she had a stroke. As she fell, April hit her head on a hard object. As a result, there is a pool of blood in her brain, though I don't know all the details.



She is being transferred to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center because they've been recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for their commitment in caring for and treating stroke patients.

April is a young and fabulous stay at home mom. What happened to her is just... I have no words to describe how I feel right now. I am devestated. As a mom, all I can think about is her son and what would happen to my family if something like this ever happened to me. That's why I decided to organize a fundraiser.

  

Last week, I asked April to make me a PDF that I could use to make "that mom" t-shirts that I was just going to give to my fabulous mommy friends. Well, now I think the shirt has an even bigger purpose. I'm going to get these shirts made and ALL proceeds from them will go towards helping April's family pay for medical bills. Stay at home moms don't have health insurance. So, I'm hoping we can all help a mama out.

Here's an image of the design:

Designed by April V. February 18, 2011.

I'm currently looking around and trying to get the best rate on the shirts. If anyone has any connects in this department, PLEASE let me know. Also, if you're interested at all in purchasing a shirt and helping a mom in need, please leave me your email address as a comment on this post. Once I have the shirts I'll email everyone a link to complete the purchase. This will hopefully be by the middle of next week.

I need input as to how much people are willing to pay. I'm thinking $25? And $2 extra if I have to ship it. I also need people to help me spread the word. I'm also working on several other fundraising ideas, so I'm asking all my crafty mommy friends for help right now too. Email me at: thepinatamama@gmail.com.



What really boggles my brain is that she was just FINE the other day. This could happen to anyone. April has one son, Milo, who loves Yo Gabba Gabba and Cars. I'm trying to get some fun things going for him too, because I'm sure he's probably wondering what's going on with his mom.



If everyone reading could just say a little prayer for April, I'm sure it would really make a difference in her recovery. Thanks you guys.





WOW it's been a LONG time!

Finally got a chance to post something! I actually have a million blogs saved in the notes of my iPhone that need to be transferred here! But I've been SO incredibly busy! Which is a good thing. So this is just my mini attempt to get the "blog-ball" rolling again.

My 2011 started off with a definite bang.

Pinata orders are through the roof! Who knew they had such high demand in the kid party department? I never had one when I was younger... And to think it all started with a Brobee for Leah's first birthday...

I've also been selected to host a Pull-Ups® Potty Dance Day House Party™! WooooHA! I'm beyond excited for that. It's going to get national press so you KNOW I'm pulling out all kinds of tricks from my party plannin' bag! More details on this fun little party are coming soon for sure! Until then, check out the link!

Feels like everything is just falling into place.