May is Lupus Awareness Month

About 10 years ago I participated in a Walk for Lupus when my mother was newly diagnosed.  I was already familiar with the disease as her brother died from complications related to Lupus a few years earlier.  It just so happened that the Walk was in October and when attempting to raising money many people were unfamiliar with Lupus and much more familiar with Breast Cancer Awareness especially in October.  Our walk is now in May and our voice is stronger than ever providing awareness to the growing disease.  Here are just a few facts about Lupus straight from the Lupus Foundation Of America:

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self") and creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

• Lupus is also a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus can range from mild to life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
• Lupus is not contagious, not even through sexual contact. You cannot "catch" lupus from someone or "give" lupus to someone.
• Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Cancer is a condition of malignant, abnormal tissues that grow rapidly and spread into surrounding tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, as described above.
• Lupus is not like or related to HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In HIV or AIDS the immune system is underactive; in lupus, the immune system is overactive.
• Our research estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans have lupus. The actual number may be higher; however, there have been no large-scale studies to show the actual number of people in the U.S. living with lupus.
• It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus.
• Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too.
• Women of color are 2-3 times more likely to develop lupus.
• People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
• More than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country.

As with Breast Cancer I have made a candle collection for Lupus to assist in awareness, education and research. 50% of every candle and bracelet sold will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America.  I will be posting bi-annual updates of what was donated thus far.  You can find the Lupus Awareness Candle w/bracelet exclusively on Etsy and Artfire.

These candles are also available in bulk for fundraising events.

Estians for Disaster Relief

In the wake of this most recent disaster several independent artisans from Etsy put together a team called Etsians for Disaster Relief.  We post national and international disasters, organizations to donate, what is needed and what we can do to help.  Many shops have donated a percentage of sales to organizations in an effort to help raise money.

Like I've mentioned before, giving is the absolute best feeling in the world.  I highly recommend volunteering your knowledge or time with an organization that is always happy to have the help.  It's free and priceless to those who need it.  If that's not possible then money is always the next best option.

Besides donating to organizations, why not also do your shopping at some shops that are also donating a portion of their proceeds.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Kosmika

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kosmika?ref=seller_info

These lovely Pink Dots Earrings in Pastel Pink w/ handmade Hoops and Porcelain Clay Charms are adorable.  60% of the sale will go to any charity of the buyers choice on this link www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html.

Tickled Paisley

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TickledPaisley

This Modern Clutch - Kate Spain Central Park makes me wants to set a date with my mom for Sunday Brunch in the heart of New York City!  50% of sales will go to the AmeriCares Foundation Inc.

Melissa Bee Art

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MelissaBeeArtDenver

For all of us animal lovers let's not forget all the misplaced pets.  50% of sales from this shop will go to the Japan Animal Relief Fund.

AmiAmigos

http://www.etsy.com/shop/amiamigos

This Silly Doggy Crocheted Hat just makes you want to smile like this adorable model.  50% of sales for March goes to Direct Relief International.

Amy Fine Design

http://www.etsy.com/shop/amyfine

I love these Red Leather Bangles (I bought a set for myself)!  For every set sold $5.00 will be donated to the Red Cross.

 By My Touch

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bymytouch?

It was hard just picking one bag but I just love this Charcoal Grey + Pink Coral Purse.   This shop uses eco-friendly materials and net profits from all sales will be donated to to the Red Cross for the month of March.

 

Hearts for Haiti

Last week I was a little perturbed at the online community as I didn’t see much outpouring of sympathy or much talk about Haiti except for an occasional lone person here or there.  People talked about what they had for lunch or their love life but no mention of an Earthquake that affected millions of people.   I know life must go on but it  hurt that I kept thinking about this suffering and it “seemed” many others just thought of this as a tragic news story.  Then I came across Heart for Haiti.

Hearts for Haiti is an online collective of Etsy shops that have donated items to one shop.  All proceeds (minus Etsy and Paypal fees) go to Doctors without Borders.  As with many groups and organizations that have popped up recently stating their donation would go towards relief efforts one should be wary.  Although; this shop has the permission of the Etsy organization as well as Doctors without Borders and a separate paypal account is linked directly to Doctors without Borders to maintain the integrity of the shop.  This is double satisfaction!! Not only does one receive fantastic merchandise (with free shipping), the money one spends will go to help an organization assisting with the medical attention this disaster so desperately needs.   Browsing through the pages of this shop is like going in a department store with a wide variety of items!  At the time I published this there were 435 items for sale and 495 items sold totaling almost $5000 in just 5 days!  I donated some perfume body oils and they quickly sold within hours so grab your favorites quick!

Here are a few favorites I found from each section I  think are fab (if they haven't already sold)!:

Hat and Scarf Set by Yarnconstants.etsy.com

Gemini Kitten by CrochetKitten.etsy.com

World at Peace art Print by ElenaMary.etsy.com

 

Vintage 60s Modernist Atomic Necklace Silver tone Hippie 

by Goodeye.etsy.com

  

Chunky Bali Sterling Silver Double Strand Toggle Clasp 

by nirvanabeads.etsy.com

 

Candy Kiss Valentines Day Quilted Handbag + Matching accessories 

by  simplestitches101.Etsy.com

 

Helpful Hearts Cushion by ecoinspired.etsy.com

 

Iris Earrings by Earlybirdcreations.etsy.com

(FYI – there are over 170 jewelry items in this section…check them out!)

 

Midnight Allure Bookmark by GiftDesigns.etsy.com

   

Custom Copper Pet Tags by TheTwoBeans.etsy.com

Check the Hearts for Haiti shop each day for different items that are listed (including mine).

If you have an Etsy shop and would like to donate please go to HeartsforHaiti[at}gmail{dot}com or the following forum thread link

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6406726&page=1

If you are still wary about giving to this shop please take a moment to give other reputable organizations that I have posted earlier (1/15).  I'm so happy and glad I was so wrong that we care so much and doing anything and anyway we can to help. 

Random Rants - Haiti needs our help!

This is usually a light-hearted blog promoting Nikki Makes Scents and other handcrafted businesses, some tips and random personal and/or funny tidbits.   Nevertheless, I could not ignore the devastation of the already impoverished country of Haiti only 750 miles away from the U.S.  Living in New York which has the largest population of Haitians, I am acquainted with some who are still waiting on word on the well being of their relatives.  It reminds me of when living in Michigan the time of Sept 11th and waiting on word of my family and friends in New York.  The not knowing for only a few hours was unbearable.  I can only imagine after seeing all the news clips of the ruble and people in the streets the turmoil of not knowing after 72 hours if your loved ones are safe.

With 80% of the population below the poverty line;

you can see Haiti does not have earthquake-proof buildings. 

There are many survivors out there that need medical attention.

This beautiful building, the Presidential Palace is now just ruins.

So what can we do?  

• Give of your time -  With economic times as they are it may be difficult for some to reach into an empty pocket. For others who want to be proactive. And for those who want to show their teenagers the self satisfaction of giving; short of catching the next plain to Port-au-Prince here are a couple of suggestions:
• Go to your local Red Cross or disaster relief agency to offer your assistance for anything.  Relief workers are probably working around the clock and someone just getting coffee or manning the telephones for a couple of hours while other relief workers prepare supplies for shipment would be a big help right now.  
• Take the opportunity to donate blood. This is a gift of life. 

• Give Money - More than anything right now the major relief organizations are requesting money than other material items so they can specifically obtain the supply needed.  The times are meager.  Although, just making instead of buying coffee and bagging lunch for a couple of days and donating what you would have spent can make a world of difference.  Consider these  reputable organizations my business and I have contributed to:

The premiere emergency relief organization, The Red Cross is in the process of sending relief from the US, Peru, Mexico and the local chapters already in Haiti.  Go to the Redcross.org or 1-800-REDCROSS to donate.

YELE, Founded by Haitian-born artist Wyclef Jean. This organization was
established to promote the betterment of the Haitian people.  With just a text message "YELE" to 501501 $5 will be donated to the relief fund and 100% of the proceeds are used for this purpose.  For larger donations go to YELE.org

• Doctors without Borders comprise of medical and mental health professionals donating their skill around the world regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.  These selfless humanitarians need supplies to give quality medical attention.  Go to DoctorsWithoutBorders.org to donate.

 If your not giving to one of these organizations please 

beware of scams like email solicitations, and third party fundraisers.

• Promote the cause - I urge everyone not to make this just "news of the week" only to newspaper the bird cage with the headlines next week.  This is not tabloid news but current disastrous events.  The death toll is climbing to the 10's of thousands and as many as 3 million people are in need of some type of aid.  Emergency help is needed now. Reconnecting with family members, cleaning up, rebuilding, and so much more will be needed in the weeks and months to come.  Keep it in the media.  Just like we were tired of hearing about the latest Tiger Woods scandal we should keep the spotlight on this because rebuilding 3 million lives will not happen overnight.