1) "Crooked Rainbows" straightening out the
differences, is now online. Crooked Rainbows is a gift and greeting card
company that features kids and adults with disabilities doing everyday,
wonderful, inspirational things. Crooked Rainbows currently has a figurine
of a bear in a wheelchair. Crooked Rainbow was created by Tina Oneill Finn.
Tina has over 25 years experience in the greeting card industry.
Tina says: "I went to work for Hallmark right out of art school and it
was there that I realized I loved the social expressions industry. After
working in almost every capacity and job description from illustrator to
Creative Director, I decided to venture off on my own. Just what the world
needs, another greeting card company. But I had a vision. It was important
that my company be unique, not only from a creative standpoint, but also
from a customer base. "Who is not being represented by the greeting card
industry"? I wanted it to revolve around, or at least include, children
and I wanted it to be charitable. All of this ambiguity came together in
the middle of the night. It was that evening, five years ago, that "Crooked
Rainbows" was born. A gift and greeting card company that features kids
with disabilities."
She goes on to say: That was five years ago and although
the cards are still in prototype stage, I have designed a figurine of a
bear in a wheelchair. My hope, is that it is the first in a series of "Crooked
Critter Collectibles", different animals with different disabilities."
"My goal is to get "Crooked Rainbows" in to mainstream book and stationery
stores nationwide. Someday, maybe even a "Crooked Rainbows" store.
Editors Note: I wholeheartedly support Crooked Rainbow's and recommend them highly. I have the bear figurine, and it is the most adorable thing I've seen in a long time. All my friends and family love it to and ask where I got it. They are reasonably priced and make cute gifts for the Holidays for everyone. Please visit Crooked rainbow for more information and to read their mission on my website at http://www.crookedrainbows.com
2) The Week, September 23-29, 2002, is a designated time, worldwide, in which people who live with chronic illness, those that love them, and organizations are encouraged to educate the general public, churches, healthcare professionals and government officials about the affects of living with a disease that is not visually apparent. For more information visit their website at: http://www.mychronicillness.com/invisibleillness/home.htm
3) The Star Wars fan club 501st Legion was founded by Albin Johnson. Mr. Johnson is a person with a disABILITY. He is a below-knee amputee. Mr Johnson says: "It's quite a testimony to what a handicapped person can accomplish when enough support and love is involved. When I appear in public in my prosthesis, I get countless remarks on how surprised people are to see me moving like a 'normal' person." Members appear in the costumes from the Star Wars movies and are very involved in children's causes and charities. In only five years they've grown to over 1300 members and spread to over 20 countries and even been invited by Lucasfilm to help promote the release of their latest movie, Episode 2. For more information visit their site at: http://www.501st.com
4) "THEY BOUGHT THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS FROM CANADA AND
SAVED A FORTUNE"
When Linda Mathews was four years old, her mother
developed a tumor on her spinal cord that paralyzed her for a year.
Following removal of the tumor at the Mayo Clinic, Linda's Mom began the
slow process of recovery. While she was able to get back most of her movement,
Linda's Mom still needs some help in her activities and needs some medications.
Linda's Mom and Dad just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They still live on their farm in central Iowa. Linda asked her Dad the other day what he needed help with. He gave his standard answer, "I'll let you know when I need help." But, after a few more minutes of conversation, he added, "The one thing I could use help with is our drug costs." Between both their drugs, they were spending thousands of dollars per year (hundreds each month). Linda told him she'd work on it, but hung up thinking that this was the one thing she could do nothing about.
But then Linda did some investigating, and found that you can (anyone can) mail order prescriptions from your American doctor to a Canadian pharmacy and get them filled at HUGE savings. They've ordered seven prescriptions so far, and each time they were fifty percent off! Linda's husband was wary at first and investigated to make sure it was legal, and . . . it is! U.S. citizens who live close to the border have been doing this for years. Now, Canadian pharmacies are saying that they actually prefer you buy from them using mail order, so they don't have busloads of folks showing up at their door!
There are a couple of procedural steps to take to begin receiving mail order prescriptions from Canada. Linda has compiled this information along with toll-free numbers of Canadian pharmacies that offer this service in a packet to guide you through this easy process. Send your name and address along with $5 for postage and handling to: Linda Mathews, P.O. Box 12226, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Editors Note: Reach Out Magazine is not associated with this offer. We neither endorse or condone the practice of buying drugs from Canada or other online pharmacies. Buyer beware. Buy at your own risk and use caution. While there may be substantial savings there may also be severe risks. The FDA also does not endorse this practice and also considers it illegal.