Author: Delores Selivon

Breakthrough Newsletter: Fall 2020

Posted on by Delores Selivon

Have you had a chance to read the latest issue of Breakthrough?

The most recent newsletter features important updates from the OI Foundation including:
•    OIF Virtual Conference 2020
•    COVID-19 Resources
•    Programs for Medical Professionals
•    Current Research
•    OIF Information Center Updates

Click here to read this issue of Breakthrough!

COVID-19 Survey Results

Posted on by Delores Selivon

Thank you to the 199 community members who filled out OIF’s COVID-19 survey to help us better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting families and individuals living with OI. Your responses will help shape future OIF programs.

Important Findings:

  • A large portion of the OI community has become less active. Health advocates believe that “movement is life.” Therefore, the OIF will provide new opportunities to encourage OI-appropriate exercises and activities.
  • The OIF recommends that community members take the flu and Pneumovax vaccines in order to maintain the best possible pulmonary health. Of note, many pharmacies are offering drive-thru vaccine stations. To view locations where you can receive a flu shot in your area, use the Vaccine Finder at www.vaccinefinder.org.
  • Anxiety and/or depression have been a challenge for many individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The OI Foundation has held two community calls on this topic, focusing on resiliency and self-care (available at www.oif.org/podcast) as well as sharing numerous resources for addressing the pandemic, and will continue to offer similar events in the future.

To view the full COVID-19 Survey results, click here.

The impact of the pandemic is changing daily. We will be sending a second survey out in early 2021, so, if you missed the first survey, please be sure to enroll for the next one! To complete the survey, you must be a member of the OI Registry. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE OI REGISTRY

 

Introducing Gemma’s Corner

Posted on by Delores Selivon
Gemma Geisman, founder of the OIF, was creative, passionate, and a wonderful listener. She listened to learn about you, she listened to find out how to help you, and she listened because she cared about you.

Today, on Gemma’s birthday, we are excited to announce the OIF’s newest program, Gemma’s Corner, in her memory. Gemma’s Corner will encourage the OI community to keep sharing with each other, caring for each other, and providing support to one another. Your story just might be exactly what a fellow OI community member needs to hear.

For more information, or to share your story, please contact Jessica at jransome@oif.org.

Order Delicious Popcorn & Support the OIF!

Posted on by Delores Selivon

The OI Foundation’s Double Good Popcorn Store is BACK!

You asked, we listened!
So many of you have asked to order more, we brought the OIF Double Good Popcorn Store back THIS WEEK ONLY! Not only will delicious popcorn be delivered to your doorstep, but 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the OI Foundation.
Orders can be made starting at 12:00pm ET on Tuesday, December 8 until 12:00pmET on Saturday, December 12.

CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER

 

If you would like to create your own virtual popcorn store for the OIF, download the DoubleGood app or visit https://popup.doublegood.com/s/yhcjcy and use code: FSP GRC. Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to purchase popcorn from your store this week!
Thank you for your support!

Celebrate #GivingTuesday with the OIF!

Posted on by Delores Selivon

Everyone Can Have an Impact on #GivingTuesday!

Giving back isn’t canceled! There are so many ways to support the OI Foundation right from your own home.

  • DONATE to the OI Foundation at www.oif.org
  • CREATE a Facebook fundraiser for the OIF
  • RAISE AWARENESS – share your OI story!
  • SHOP on AmazonSmile for the OIF
  • TELL EVERYONE! Encourage others to celebrate Giving Tuesday this year

Thank you so much for celebrating Giving Tuesday with the OI Foundation!

It’s the Season of Giving!

Posted on by Delores Selivon

Are you looking for a way to support the OI Foundation this holiday season? Use AmazonSmile while shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, celebrate #GivingTuesday with the OI Foundation, or make a donation in honor or in memory of a loved one this holiday season.

You Shop, Amazon Donates

Make an impact while you shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!
When you shop using AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the OI Foundation.Start shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7076021!

Shop in the Amazon app!
Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations:
1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
3. Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, Facebook will match $7 million of Facebook donations in honor of Giving Tuesday! Double your impact by creating your own Facebook fundraiser for the OIF here and inviting your friends and family to celebrate the National Day of Giving with the OI Foundation! Create Your #GivingTuesday Fundraiser

Give the gift of an Unbreakable Spirit®!

Make a donation to the OI Foundation in honor or in memory of a loved one this holiday season.

Thank you for thinking of the OI Foundation this holiday season, we wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

 

Please join us for a Virtual Friendsgiving Celebration!

Posted on by Delores Selivon

You are invited to the OIF’s Virtual Friendsgiving Celebration!

For some, this holiday season may look a little different, but our incredible OI community reminds us that we are never alone. Mutual support is at the core of the OIF’s mission and we believe it is important now more than ever.

Please join us for an evening of fun and togetherness with live raffles, bingo, and warm conversation as we come together and give thanks. All are welcome to participate in this virtual event! Don’t forget to register in advance on Zoom to receive login information and to be entered into the live raffles.

CLICK HERE to register to attend OIF Friendsgiving! 

Share your recipe! Email your favorite Thanksgiving recipe to jransome@oif.org to be included in the OIF Friendsgiving Cookbook! All recipes will be shared with all attendees.