Oops! We messed up the Raffle.... so let's do it again!

"We are so very sorry that our Twelfth Day of Giftmas was mixed up.  As promised, we are running it again so that everyone has a fair chance to win.  Please see how to enter into today's Raffle below.  Wishing you and yours a very merry, warm, safe and healthy Christmas! 

The Twelvth Day of Giftmas

On the twelfth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

The Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

On the Tenth day of Giftmas

On the Tenth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

On the Ninth day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

On the Eight Day of Christmas

On the eighth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

On the Seventh Day of Giftmas

On the seventh day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

On the sixth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

On the Sixth Day of Giftmas

On the sixth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. 

On the fifth daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay of Giftmas

On the fifth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle. ( and pass the water... all this singing is getting to me!)

On the Fourth Day of Giftmas

On the fourth day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle.

On the Third Day of Giftmas

On the second day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle.

On the Second Day of Giftmas..

On the third day of Giftmas, be sure to make a new comment and add another friend today to be enter for the new daily raffle.

The Twelve Days of Giftmas Utah Kids Style!

We are starting our 12 Days of Giftmas for Utah Kids families.  We have 12 fun giveaway items to raffle off each day from December 1 - December 12th.  We won't disclose the presents ahead of time... they are gifts and will come wrapped and all!  Follow the simple steps below.  Each day one person will be drawn and announced.  Enter daily to win gifts!! IMPORTANT: Make a new comment and add another friend on each subsequent day to be enter for the new daily raffle.

Meet KayCee, our December Kid of the month

Meet Kaycee!  She is a beautiful young lady that gives amazing hugs freely! She is a sweetheart and very easy to be around! KayCee can make her mom smile, and cheer her up like no one else.  KayCee is 10 years old and is in the 5^th grade.

KayCee came to live with her parents when she was 4 weeks old, they were able to adopt her 10 months later. Both of her birth parents have some challenges that have prevented them from raising her. She has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and severe ADHD. She has brought so much life and joy to her home! She loves to tease and has personality for days! She has an amazing smile. She is the best at making sure everyone around her knows she loves them, and she will tell you all the time. She loves to give hugs, and tease. She has her parents and grandparents wrapped around her little finger.” KayCee’s greatest accomplishment is starting to learn how to read and getting 100% on her spelling tests. She is a very loyal friend, and makes friends easily. When KayCee she plays school, she plays "mainstream" because that is her favorite part of the day!

Kaycee loves Curious George, U of U football, NASCAR, animals and dolls. She is full of life, and is very happy and always has a smile on her face.

Empty Stocking Fund Part II

A few questions have popped up and I am hoping to address the most common questions:

1) Who are the recipients of the Empty Stocking Fund?

Applications were made available to families here in Utah with at least one special needs child.  In the process of selecting the families we could confirm assistance to, we had several private sponsors come in.  Every family that applied for help will be receiving help.

2) When are gifts and/or donations due?

We would love to accept gifts until Christmas but it isn't practical.  We hope to have all donations in hand by December 5, 2014.

3) Can we donate funds so that you might ensure the correct things are purchased?

Absolutely!  Donations can be made at http://www.utahkidsfoundation.com/index.php/donation-uc  

4) Where can we send gift cards?

They can be mailed to Utah Kids Foundation, 550 North 120 West, Lindon, UT 84042.

5) Is there a suggested amount for gift cards?

We are happy to accept any gift cards.  We are hoping to provide each of the 3 families with gift cards to purchase the needed items for Christmas dinner.  If you choose to purchase one of these, we ask that those be approximately $50.

6) Where can I drop off items?

We have locations to drop items off at in Ogden, North Salt Lake, South Salt Lake, Foothill, Murray, West Jordan and Lindon.  Call Syndi at 801-770-3166 for specific addresses.  If you need to ship the items, please send them to Utah Kids Foundation, 550 North 120 West, Lindon, UT 84042.

7) What about the parents?

We are primarily focused on the children, however we will gladly accept items for the parents.  Two families have both parents in the home and the other is a single mom.  For ideas, please contact our office at 801-770-3166.

8)  How do we ensure we are not duplicate purchasing items?  

If you plan tograb something, please make a note on our list at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ju93-VI0nr--uxYqRyGmPpU7D-DgGtkB18GT0L7TGUQ/edit

Once an item is in hand, please change the status to Done.

If we have not answered your question, please email syndi@utahkidsfoundation.com or melissa@utahkidsfoundation.com

Our Empty Stocking Fund Wish List

This year, the Utah Kids Foundation has offered assistance to special needs families for Christmas.  We had applications for 26 children come in and every child will have a nice Christmas either by the foundation or private sponsors.  What an amazing feat for our first year!  We do have a wish list of items for the children that will be receiving Christmas from the community of families.  We are hoping to not only provide the gifts, but also gift cards for a nice holiday meal.  We have one family that is not on here yet so a few items will be added with 2 girls... sizes are coming.  We have divided the lists by clothing and all other items. 

Cash donations can be made at http://www.utahkidsfoundation.com/index.php/donation-uc.  

Drop off locations can be found in Washington Terrace, North Salt Lake, South Salt Lake (I15 convenient location), Murray, West Jordan, Lindon and St George.  If these locations do not work for you, please email Syndi at syndi@utahkidsfoundation.com and we can try to arrange pick ups.  

All items need to be in no later than December 5th.  We ask that items not be pre wrapped due to sensory issues or items that might seem age appropriate but are not the actual functioning level of a child.  We can make sure the items get to the family that can most use an item.  If you are interested in having a gift wrapping party on  Saturday, December 6th, I am arranging a location.  Again, any questions can be sent to syndi@utahkidsfoundation.com or my phone 801-362-9725.

Wish List:

Skylanders

MP3 player

Godzilla movie

16 GB Flash Drive

Anything Angry Birds

Lego's

Hot Wheels

Big Stuffed Dog

Anything from the movie Frozen (2 girls have requested)

Anything Dora

Anything Sensory with Lights and Sound

Baby doll Stroller

Elsa Doll

Video Games:  Wii, DS, PS3

Board Games

Books Wish List:

Diary of a Wimp Kid

Goosebumps

2nd or 3rd grade level Vampire or Sci Fi (2 children requested)

Manga (Fairy Tale, Lucky) 

Teen Sci Fi

1st grade Picture Books

2 year old picture books (2 children)

Kindergarten level picture books

Percy Jackson books (2 children)

Michael Vey books (2 children)

Boy Clothing Wish List:

Kids 10/12 shirts

Kids 15/16 shirts or Men's Small

Men's XL Shirts

Boy 6T Shirts

Boy 5T Shirts

Boy 3-6 month or 6 mo shirts

Boy XL or Men's M Shirts

Boy 10/12 slim pants or adjustable waist

Boy 14/16 slim pants or adjustable waist

Men's 36x30 pants

Boy 7/8 pants

Boy 5T Overalls

Boy 3-6 mo or 6 mo pants

Boy 14/16 pants (no zippers, buttons or snaps)

Men's size 8 snow boots

Men's size 9 snow boots

Boy size 12 church shoes

Boy ankle socks size 4 shoe (not toddler)

Boy Crew Socks size 7 shoe (not toddler)

Winter Gloves for a teen Boy

Boys 14/16 Boxers

Boy 3-6 mo or 6 mo warm pajamas

Men's XL winter coat

Girls Clothing Wish List:

Girl 5T Shirts

Girl 3T Shirts ( 2 children)

Girl 14/16 or Woman Small Shirts (longer length)

Girl XL or Woman Small shirts

Girl 5T Pants

Girl 3T Pants ( 2 children)

Girl 14/16 or Woman S pants

Girl 14/16 Petite pants

Girl XL or Woman Small Warm Pajamas

Other items:

Wrapping Paper

Gift Bags

Tissue Paper

Shirt boxes

Amazon Gift Cards

Walmart Gift Cards

Grocery Store Gift Cards

Gas Station Gift Cards

Target Gift Cards

Christmas Candy

Please share our page and #EmptyStockingFund

Meet Carter - our Kid of the Month

             On October 25, 2007 the Nelson’s welcomed twins Carter and Hunter Nelson to the family at 8:55 a.m., 11 weeks early. Carter weighed in at 2 pounds 13 ounces and Hunter weighed in at 2 pounds 15 ounces.  They were born early due to a phenomenon called twin-to-twin transfusion, where one twin gives the other twin all the blood and doesn’t get any back.  Carter was the donor in their case, while Hunter was the recipient. It was also determined that Carter suffered from Stage 3 and Stage 4 brain bleeds which could potentially cause Cerebral Palsy.  Only time would tell though what the damage would do to his body. 

Carter was born at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah and spent 5 days there before it was apparent that he would need more serious medical intervention.  On November 1, 2007 Carter was life flighted to Primary Children’s Medical Center where it was discovered he needed immediate life saving bowel surgery.  Over the course of the next 7 weeks Carter would stay at Primary’s to grow. During those 7 weeks while at Primary Children’s he would undergo many tests to make sure he was doing ok.  It was discovered that he had holes in his brain from the brain bleeds at birth for being so early which could possibly cause Cerebral Palsy.  Both boys came home from the NICU on December 24, 2007. It was the best Christmas present ever. 

Starting February 2008 through September 2008 Carter had several surgeries trying to give him the best little body he could have to live the fullest life.  One of the surgeries Carter underwent that year was Cranial surgery. He had a pointy forehead and it needed to be corrected.  When the doctor got inside they didn’t like the way the actual skull was formed so instead of just fixing his forehead they actually cut into the skull and flipped it 180 degrees and then put the plates in. As parents we often joke that the back of his head is now the front, you can still kind of feel where the point was. Up until August of 2014 he had not had to have any further surgeries. He recently just recovered from a hip reconstruction, femur reduction, adductor release surgery, and 6 weeks in a body cast.

He turned 7 on October 25, 2014.  Carter does have Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy but is a very happy and social boy. He loves to EAT all types of food, loves people, the school Bus, books, computers, his iPad, TV, music, School, church, playing with his brothers, and being tickled. Carter is the light of our family. His smile and hello’s melt our hearts every time we walk into a room where he is at.

Beginner's Guide to Medical Terminology

I have worked in the medical profession for the last 13 years in cancer care and now in mental health.  I also just finished my bachelor’s in Health Information Management and have had medical terminology up the wazoo.  Here’s a quick intro lesson on medical terminology 101.  Medical terminology is based off Latin. 

For example…..gastro- means stomach.  –Entero means small intestines.  –ologist means specialist.  When combined, what may look like a really long word is just simply several shorter latin based words put together.  Gastroenterologist is a specialist (-ologist) who studies the stomach (gastro), and small intestines (-entero).  Another example – pulmo means lung.  A pulmonologist is a physician who specializes in treating the lungs.  Once you learn the prefixes, the medical world seems a lot less scary.

ab-                              away from

abdomin/o                abdomen

ad-                              toward or in the direction of

aden/o                       gland

-algia, -dynia             pain and suffering

ana-                            excessive

angi/o                        blood vessel

ankyl-                         crooked, bent, or stiff

anter/o                      front or before

appendic/o               appendix

arteri/o                      artery

arthr/o                      joint

ather/o                      plaque or fatty substance

burs/o                       bursa

carcin/o                     cancerous

cardi/o                       heart

caud/o                       tail or lower part of the body

-centesis                    a surgical puncture to remove fluid

cephal/o                    head

chondr/o                   cartilage

-clasis                         to break

cost/o                         rib

crani/o                       skull

-crine                         to secrete

cyan/o                        blue

cyt/o                           cell

dermat/o                   skin

-desis                          surgical fixation of bone or joint

dia-                             through, across

dors/o                                    back of the body

dys-                             bad, difficult, or painful

-ectomy                     surgical removal

endo-                          within

enter/o                      small intestine

epi-                             upon, above

erythr/o                    red

eti-                              cause

eu-                              good, normal, well, or easy

exo-                            out of

-gen                            producing

-gram                         a record writing

-graphy                      the process of recording

hepat/o                      liver

hist/o                         tissue

home/o                     same

So there are a ton more words we could go over, but let’s take a few of these and combine them into words you already know.  Hyster- means uterus.  –ectomy means surgical removal.  Hysterectomy means surgical removal of the uterus.  Appendic- means appendix.  –ectomy means surgical removal.  Appendictomy means surgical removal of the appendix.  Cardio- means heart.  –Gram means a record writing.  A cardiogram is just a recording of what your heart is doing. 

Here are some links to the most commonly used medical terms and their definitions:

http://quizlet.com/4714472/quick-and-easy-medical-terminology-review-for-chapters-1-7-flash-cards/

A quiz on medical terminology:  http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz4508452c228.html

http://kidshealth.org/kid/word/

http://quizlet.com/31202465/easily-confused-medical-terms-1-flash-cards/

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/medical-terminology-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html

Confused about Health Care Reform?

Hello, Utah Kids families!  My name is Brandee Garvoille, I have a son that’s almost 15, and a daughter, 10 years-old; both are on the Autism Spectrum, have other learning disabilities, and severe ADHD, so things can be a little crazy at our house!  Not to mention, I also work full-time!  I began my career in the insurance industry by working on the carrier side.  I worked with IHC Health Plans (which later became SelectHealth) for almost 6 years.  The Insurance Exchange recognized my talent, and hired me to start working with them in 2005.  I have an extensive understanding of all aspects of placing and servicing insurance policies that I learned while working on the carrier side.  In 2007, I obtained my insurance license, which allowed me to expand my roll with The Insurance Exchange even more.  I love my job!  As crazy as it sounds, I’m passionate about insurance!  However, I know how extremely frustrating it is; the denials, the benefits, the customer service, and to now throw “Obamacare” in to the mix.  I love when I can answer questions, and help people with their insurance needs!

On November 15^th the second Open Enrollment for individual healthcare through the Federally Funded Marketplace, or directly with the carrier of your choice, begins.  For most of us, there are still a lot of questions, and some confusion, in regards to HealthCare Reform, aka Obamacare, aka PPACA, aka ACA.  In this post, I’ll do my best, to break it down and explain it in laymen’s terms.

The biggest thing that came about with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, that especially affects our special needs kids, is that everyone is now guarantee issue.  You cannot be denied or rated up on an individual policy for health conditions.  Waiting Periods and Exclusions for Pre-Existing Conditions have also been eliminated.   This was huge for our kids! 

One of the biggest confusions has been when an individual can apply for coverage; you are no longer able to apply for an individual policy whenever you want.  Open Enrollment is November 15, 2014 through February 15, 2015.  Outside of Open Enrollment, you are only able to enroll in a plan if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.  A few examples of qualifying life events include:

·         Marriage or divorce

·         Having a baby, adopting a child, or placing a child for adoption or foster care

·         Moving your residence, gaining citizenship, leaving incarceration

·         Losing other health coverage due to losing job-based coverage, COBRA expiration, aging off a parent’s plan, losing eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, and similar circumstances.

An important thing to remember is that voluntarily ending coverage doesn’t qualify your for a Special Enrollment Period.

In order to make health insurance more affordable to you and your family, it is possible to have help from the Federal Government in paying your premiums.  This assistance is called Advanced Premium Tax Credits aka Subsidies.  In order to obtain a subsidy, you must apply through the Federal Marketplace, several carriers (Altius, Humana, SelectHealth), allow you to go through their website, as it is connected to healthcare.gov, to see if you qualify for a subsidy.  These subsidies are generally available for the following people:

·         Individuals who are not offered insurance through their work

·         Those who are not eligible for a public plan like Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP

·         Those with annual income between 100 and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

These subsides are based on certain criteria such as family size, age, and income.  To qualify for a subsidy, you must:

·         Be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.

·         Have a family income between 100 to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level based on Modified Gross Income.

·         Not have access to a qualified employer-sponsored health plan that provides minimum value (actuarial value of at least 60 percent) and that is affordable (does not cost you more than 9.5 percent of your income)

·         Not eligible for public coverage-including Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, or military coverage

·         Use your subsidy to purchase insurance.

Many of you may be on a “grandfathered” or “grandmothered” plan; this is part of ACA that says you can keep your current coverage without changing.  Many employers, and some individuals, have chosen to remain on their old plan, and not change to a plan that complies with ACA.  However, if you ever want to change this plan in any way, i.e., your deducible, co-pays, or co-insurance, etc., you would have to move to a new plan.

There is a tremendous amount of information that is available, a tremendous amount of regulation, and requirements in regards to PPACA.  The information above is only meant to be a summary of the more pressing issues dealt with on a daily basis.  The good news is you never have to try and navigate this alone!  Please don’t hesitate to contact me, Brandee Garvoille, with questions on your specific situation.  My office number is (801) 262-2691, or email me at brandee@ieutah.com.  

How to Deal with Burnout

This article is not directly related to special needs but the information is just as important.  This is reposted with permission.

Anil was beyond exhausted.  He had taken on a new job because it promised greater prestige and more income.  But now that he was working late nights as well as weekends, sometimes up to 80 hours a week.  “The work environment was chaotic,” he states, “and all the responsibility fell on me.  I said to myself: ‘What have I done?  If I don’t make a change, I’m dead.’  Anil was rapidly burning out.

Workplace burnout is more than the mere tiredness, and it goes beyond the ordinary stress of everyday work.  Burnout is characterized by chronic exhaustion and strong feelings of frustration and powerlessness.  Those suffering from burnout tend to withdraw emotionally from their work, lose motivation, and become less productive.  Studies also link burnout to numerous emotional and physical health problems.

What causes burnout?  Work overload is often a factor.  Because of economic pressures, some employers demand that employees work longer hours, at times for less money.  Technology now keeps some in constant contact with their job, blurring the lines between work and private life.  For some, job insecurity, lack of control over their work or feelings of being treated unfairly contribute to burnout.  So does dealing with unclear priorities or conflicts with coworkers.

Burnout can also be self-inflicted.  In the pursuit of career goals and greater income, some try to fit ever more work into their life.  Such ones may become over-committed and find themselves on the road to burnout.

If you are experiencing workplace burnout, how can you recover?  Granted, change may seem impossible if you feel trapped in circumstances beyond your control.  Nevertheless, consider the following four steps for dealing with burnout.  You may have more options than you realize.

Ø  Evaluate Your Priorities

What is most important to you?  Many people would likely put family relationships and good health near the top of their list.  These are things that are likely to suffer if you are burned out.

By clarifying your priorities, you prepare yourself to make difficult decisions and accept trade-offs.  For example you may see that your work is leading to burnout.  Yet you my reason, ‘I cannot change jobs or work less; I need the income!’ True, everyone needs income, but how much and at what cost to the things you value most?

Beware of pressure to adopt the priorities and yours are likely different.  Others may choose to put work first in their life, but this does not mean that you must do the same.

Ø  Simplify your Life

To reduce stress and gain time for what you truly value, you may consider working fewer hours, you may be able to persuade your employer to reduce your current job demands, or you may determine you need to change jobs.  Whatever you decide to do, you will likely need to adjust your financial situation and make changes in your lifestyle.  But this is not impossible and may not be as hard ass you might think.

In many lands a consumer-oriented society sends the message that happiness is linked to income level and possessions.  But in reality, it is not.  A simpler lifestyle can bring greater freedom and satisfaction.  To prepare for such a change, reduce expenses and save money.  Try to lower or eliminate debt.  Discuss the need for change with your family members, and seek their support.

Ø  Learn when to say No to Work

If you face an unrealistic workload or some other persistent problem in your workplace, discuss your situation with your employer.  Reassure your employer of your commitment to your work and explain what you are willing to do, but be clear and firm about what you are not able to do.

Use foresight and be realistic.  If you want to work less, your employer may expect you to accept less compensation.  Anticipate risks such as the threat of job loss, and be prepared to respond.  Remember that your prospects for finding a different job are better while you are still employed.

Even when you have reached a mutually agreeable work arrangement with your employer you can expect to be pressured again to take on more work.  What can help you remain firm?  Keeping to the commitments that you have made.  Doing so might give you leverage to ask your employer to do the same in return, including keeping your workload within the agreed limits.

Ø  Renew Yourself

Even when your work is free of major problems, you may still have your share of stresses, difficult people and unpleasant situations.  So make time for sufficient rest and balanced recreation.  Remember that recreations does not have to be expensive so be refreshing to you and your family.

Cultivate interests and friendships apart from your work, and avoid defining yourself by the type and amount of work that you do.  Why?  The book Your Money or Your Life observes: “who you are is far greater than what you do for money.”  If your identity and self worth come primarily from your work, then you will find it difficult to minimize the rule that work plays in your life.

Meet our October Kid of the Month

Meet Whitney, a happy 7 year old with bright blue eyes and red hair.  Whitney has a smile that will light up a room.  She uses it as her main form of communication.  Whitney is in first grade and LOVES school.  She is very social and prefers to be around other kids.  She has two older brothers who take good care of her and love her deeply.

Whitney has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.  She suffered an anoxic brain injury at birth due to complications from her mother having an Amniotic Fluid Embolism.  Both Whitney and her mother were lucky to survive!  Whitney has spastic quad CP.  She has a baclofen pump for spasticity, is 100% G-Tube fed,  wheelchair bound, uses a stander, DAFO's, and scoliosis brace.

Whitney loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, and Sofia the First.  She also loves Tinkerbell movies.  She loves to watch the leaves blowing in the breeze and having other kids play with and around her.  She is a very brave girl and rarely complains.  She loves to snuggle and be held.  She spreads joy wherever she goes.