Lend a Helping Hand

by Michelle Phaup
November 07, 2007

I've often heard it said that "Things happen for a reason," and I wholeheartedly believe it.
There's a beautiful poem called "Things Happen for a Reason" written by Piano Lady Nancy, that begins with "Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there . . . to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become."*

Piano Lady Nancy's words of wisdom have been demonstrated throughout my life. My inspiration and desire to help others was derived from the people in my life who have touched my heart.

In a previous column I mentioned that it feels as though everyone knows at least one person who has been diagnosed with cancer.

I have met numerous people around our community faced with cancer or a major health concern. After recognizing the widespread need for financial assistance to pay for associated medical treatment, I formed Lend A Helping Hand, Inc. (LAHH).

Today, LAHH, a not-for-profit organization, partners with family and friends of loved ones to raise money to pay for medical expenses incurred during treatment of a terminal illness or life altering disease.

While I was attending a Kalamazoo College reunion a couple of weeks ago, my friend, Nancy Reye, a medical doctor from Traverse City, encouraged me to contact Beverly Ann Cramer, a talented artist who designed a fresh, new logo to help raise Breast Cancer Awareness.

Beverly, a breast cancer survivor, designed an "Awareness Clothing Line" that features her new logo in memory of her dear friend, Martha Brady, who lost the battle.

I immediately fell in love with Beverly's feminine logo with roses. In Beverly's own words, "The design was painted to show just how delicate life truly is."

Lend A Helping Hand has formed a partnership with Beverly and is now selling her "Awareness Clothing Line" as a fundraiser to help pay for the treatment and prescriptions of local women with Breast Cancer.

I have learned from several women who have undergone breast cancer treatment that even with full medical insurance, the deductibles and prescriptions can be very costly.

Last week, I met Lynn Warner and Carrie Van Duzen, co-owners of Best Impressions Hair & Nail Salon located on Dixie Highway in Ritter's Square.

I discovered that these two vibrant, caring women have a heart of gold and have been contributing to various charitable organizations in our area.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Best Impressions raised money for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Four of the salon employees gave $1 for every client that had an appointment in October and the salon donated 10% of their proceeds from all product sales.

When I introduced Lynn and Carrie to Beverly Ann's logo, they too fell in love with the design and clothing line. If you'd like to see Beverly Ann's Awareness Clothing Line, you can now see it on display at Best Impressions.

A hat, apron, long sleeve t-shirt, sleepwear, or note cards cost only $20. Soft pink, cozy bathrobes are available for $75.

Not only is the purchase a tax write off, but, five dollars from each item purchased will assist women, within our community, facing breast cancer.

Best Impressions will continue their charitable efforts through the holidays by collecting non-perishable food items, as well as, hats and mittens for needy, local families.

If you, too, believe that "things happen for a reason," may we meet one day and make a difference in each other's life.

*To read the "Things Happen For A Reason" poem in its entirety, visit: www.pianoladynancy.com/things_happen_for_a_reason.htm.

Michelle Phaup, founder of Lend A Helping Hand, enjoys helping people and working for a worthwhile cause. To share a story about a local family member or loved one who can benefit from help within the community, email: Michelle@LendAHelping Hand.org. For information on Lend A Helping Hand: http://www.lendahelpinghand.org/ or 248.431.6727.