Let's use our freedom to help others!
Stroke Recovery Foundation
"My name is Sarah, and I am here to share my journey of recovery after suffering a stroke. It was a day that began like any other—sunshine pouring through my kitchen window as I prepared breakfast for my family. But as I stirred the eggs, I suddenly felt a strange sensation on my left side. It was as if my body was betraying me, and in that moment, everything changed. When I collapsed on the kitchen floor, I had no idea what was happening. I was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed my worst fears: I had suffered a stroke.
In the days that followed, I faced challenges I had never imagined. Simple tasks like brushing my hair or holding a cup of coffee became monumental struggles. Every attempt was met with frustration and fatigue. I felt like a shadow of my former self, and despair began to settle in.
Looking back, I see how critical the Stroke Recovery Foundation was in my journey. They gave me the tools to not only survive but to thrive. Today, I am proud to say that I can do things I once thought impossible. I’ve returned to work part-time, enjoying the camaraderie of my colleagues, and I have even taken on new projects that challenge me creatively."
The book “Search My Heart, Lord” is dedicated to my grandma Elizabeth — one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. She was a walking, breathing testament to the power of gratitude, joy, and true peacemaking. From a young age, she taught me the basics of art: how to paint, how to draw, and so many other creative skills that still shape me today.
As she grew older, she faced many physical ailments, all while carrying the grief of losing my Papa to Alzheimer’s a decade prior to her own passing. Yet through all of it, she remained joyful, steadfast, and anchored in the Lord. In 2021, just two weeks into nursing school, my grandma Elizabeth went home to be with Jesus.
In her honor, I am donating a portion of the book’s proceeds to the Stroke Recovery Foundation. I know some of you may prefer to donate directly, so I’ve also included a link that will take you straight to their website.
The Stroke Recovery Foundation focuses primarily on preventing strokes. They emphasize twelve pillars of stroke prevention and recovery, offering education, coaching, consultations, and awareness events to empower people to reduce their risk and to support survivors on their healing journey.
Unfortunately, strokes are incredibly common, and they don’t only affect the elderly. Chances are you know at least one person whose life has been impacted by a stroke. I encourage you to be part of the change and consider donating to this life-changing organization.
Rainn.org
I personally love this nonprofit so much! It’s heartbreaking how often victim-blaming happens in cases of sexual assault, and unfortunately, it makes it easy for survivors to internalize their trauma and build walls between themselves and everyone else. When I was trying to navigate what happened to me, RAINN was an incredible resource—non-judgmental, factual, and truly supportive during one of the most painful seasons of my life.
RAINN empowers survivors by giving them access to trained professionals who will listen to their story with compassion and without judgment. They provide educational training in the workplace, information about the reporting process—including the legal and medical steps—and guidance for both prevention and recovery.
They offer 24/7 support, along with grassroots initiatives aimed at changing legislation. RAINN believes sexual assault affects everyone and that everyone has a role to play in preventing it, which is why they offer numerous trainings and educational programs, including how to talk to and support a survivor.
I support them 100%, and the work they do is truly life-changing. Because their impact is so significant, they rely on funding to continue helping survivors and advocating for change. That’s why I chose to donate a portion of the proceeds from Speechless to this organization. While strokes are common, I believe sexual assault is even more widespread—and it’s time we rise up and do something about it.
If you prefer not to purchase Speechless, I still encourage you to click the donation button and give directly to RAINN. Every gift helps them continue the crucial work of supporting survivors and transforming lives.