Donations to Www.caringbridge.org will be matched TODAY 3-28-18 up to $10K. Think of your friends who need help during illness or dying...and how helpful it is to have ways to share support

It's not everyday I post about a fundraiser, though there are many worthy ones on www.gofundme.com (Including a current one for Folk-Legacy co-founder Caroline Paton, called Caring for Caroline, Time to Give.) She is in overall good health but is having mobility issues and needs assistance with many activities to age in a home setting.

Then there are other issues to figure out, including the future of the business she and her husband Sandy Paton and friend Lee Haggerty formed 55 years ago. With most of the 146 recordings online and downloadable by song, it is a legacy that can keep giving to millions around the world. But it all takes doing and more people knowing about...and at age 85 it seems its time to make a change.

There may be people ready to take over so that's a plus, and that may have to be done as a business transaction for various reasons rather than donating the archive to the Smithsonian which was an option but would not result in any funds.

 Meanwhile there are friends and people struggling with many medical and other challenges who want to keep others updated and receive supportive comments online. That can be done through www.caringbridge.org They are having a fundraiser currently with an anonymous donor matching funds up to $10,000. So that is a special opportunity to give a gift to help our wider community.

I will tell my End of Life Doula friends about that on our Facebook page. I realize more people are aware of the need for following HIPPA, as in privacy about medical issues, so it always makes sense even for family members to get the okay from their loved ones about sharing various types of information. Other options may be an email list or private Facebook group. Still in these modern times, it is nice to have options and encourage people to reach out in supportive ways.

Hope many people can share such small and larger efforts. Caroline's campaign on gofundme.com has been shared 500 times with many in the folk music and folk festival circles, as well as family and friends...and the results are very heartwarrming and impressive.

Those with more funds can give more generously  but all the donations do add up. The notes of encouragement are also helpful. I got a call today from Western Mass Labor Action who help those in need of energy assistance as well as medical help and more. They welcome volunteers and have a lovely calendar for a donation of $20. Contact them if you'd like to help or donate at 413-443-9862. Every effort helps

. I am also listening to Humanity's Talk today on the Enneagram and later in the week on Values-Based Education. Deepak and Oprah are running a great free program on shedding weight from mind, body and soul currently which is about half way through a three week program. I jotted down the ideas and hope try it more when I have time. The overall idea is to destress and unburden our lives as well as focus on positive and healing thoughts to allow our body and minds to come back into balance, not overeat or stress out. All aspects of one's life can impact one's health. Caring for others is a big area of discussion in more circles, and again self-care is important with mini-breaks, walks, talks, good meals and sleep along with life balance of basics. That's it for this post but hopefully something resonates worth sharing...HugEnergy and Best Wishes!