Carol Stout holds an annual fund raiser for JDRF (the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation), in the Metro St. Louis area.
Carol recently contacted me, stating that she had received bars of my soap as gifts. She said, “I love what you are doing, your product and your spirit.” Thank you, Carol! You are a blessing in many lives, including mine!
Carol is the mother of a grown son who suffered from juvenile diabetes. He had several rough years, including missing half of his high-school years and 6 serious hospital stays. Carol said, “I had to do something and so along with family and friends organized a fund-raiser.”
Personally, I have participated in a few fund-raisers in my life, passively for the most part, donating money. Once I donated Samson for an evening cancer walk. Yes, he walked around the track, helping people earn money for laps completed. It was a huge event, and I was proud to offer my boxer boys’ assistance. I will be very happy to assist with Carol’s event as well! Carol asked if I would like to donate some of my products to be used in her auction or raffle baskets. I am delighted. I say, AS GOOD AS DONE!
The real topic here is Carol, and her friends and family, and more specifically the fight to find a cure for diabetes. Imagine, with help from people such as Carol and friends, if the cure for diabetes were finally found. What if children (and adults) no longer had to fight the disease as they do, no longer having to struggle just to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
If there is anything you can do to help with this cause, in your own area (I am sure there are chapters available), please do so. The link to the JDRF Metro Saint Louis blog is: http://www.jdrfstl.org/ . The blog post regarding Carol Stout’s efforts is: http://www.jdrfstl.org/2008/07/29/nothing-trivial-about-this/ .
Carol’s group of friends and family have been organizing this event for 6 years. Over 250 people attend annually. The event has raised around $47,000.00 for the Juvenile-Diabetes Foundation!
Carol, you are a blessing, to me, and to people around the globe, for your king sized efforts in the fight for juvenile diabetes research! We all thank you!!!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
Awesome post, Mary. Thank you for reminding us about the very deserving causes in our communities that require our support. Back when I worked at Marsh Landing Country Club, our resident LPGA touring pro held an annual golf tournament with the proceeds to benefit the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation. It was always a joy to participate AND I got to rub elbows with all the lady golf pros. But the best part was seeing the good that the fundraiser did for the cause and for Jessica, the local JA poster child.
Awesome post, Mary!
Diabetes is a horrible disease. My Mother and Brother both have suffered with it.
I hope that someday they find a cure.
Thank you for all you and Carol have, and will do.
Thanks for sharing.
Amy
So often it takes a family crisis or major health problem to help us remember those in need of practical help ( as in funds!). It does make us happy , doesn’t it when we discover we CAN help, even a little, and helping others is an even bigger boost to those who need the help, in encouragement and the knowledge that they are not alone…..thanks for bringing this to our attention Mary!
Thank you for the thank you’s, you are so appreciated (Kathy, Becky, Amy and Alix)!!!
I am glad to be able to help with the cause.
I am so touched by what Carol Stout is doing. Sometimes, when you are a mom and your child has a disease and you just don’t know what to do…Carol dug in and did something. What an inspiration…just don’t sit back…do something. I am mailed a check to JDRF Research Foundation today.
Janet P., Carol inspired me as well. She does a wonderful job each and every year!