This month we’re coming together for Katie, a single mom in Dallas fighting through her second brain tumor (pituitary) and hydrocephalus with the best attitude in the world! She was held back from meeting her friends this year, so we’re working towards two missions this month:
1) We’re gonna put a dent in her gigantic medical bills.
2) Since she couldn’t connect with her friends at this year’s conference, we’re bringing the spirit of the conference to her.
In late January, J. Money and I were invited to attend the BlissDom conference in Nashville, where I also had the pleasure of speaking. We were blown away by the intimate, real-life relationships existing within the web of such a large online community – it was great to see such a relevant group doing it right.
BlissDom had signed on to be a Love Drop flagship partner before we even launched, and with such an influx of team members and nominations after our appearance there, this month’s mission is a perfect match for all of us. We’re going to focus more on community this month than on money, and we know that with these ladies on our side, it’s gonna be something special. :)
Check out the video intro from Alli Worthington, one of the principals of BlissDom, and then learn what they’re all about below:
About BlissDom:
BlissDom Events’ Alli Worthington, Barbara Jones and Paula Bruno host premiere social media conferences for women who find and express their bliss by publishing online in both the U.S and Canada. BlissDom conferences combine intimate-sized gatherings with a welcoming atmosphere in the ever-changing blogging world. Speakers and panels featuring the best blogging, public relations and social media pros gather to teach and mentor new and old friends alike.
BlissDom is dedicated to making sure its attendees have a meaningful learning experience, connecting and cultivating inspiration for her blog, her business, her family and her life. Our partners are excited to support ‘our bliss’ by sponsoring a rich schedule of experts, partaking in meaningful interactions with our influential women attendees plus engaging in abundant entertainment in both Nashville or Toronto.
Imagine going to the doctor for a vision problem, and 30 days later you’re having brain surgery. If that sounds bad, it’s because it is ;) But as you can guess, Katie pushes forward like a champ!
In this episode we learn about the medical struggles that Katie has been through over the past few years. There were times when it got pretty scary, but in the end she knew it would be okay. Now she focuses on her recovery, her friends, and most importantly – her faith.
In this episode, Katie talks about the strong bonds she formed with friends in her online community, and how those relationships can be just as powerful as real-world interactions.
This quote from her says it all :)
“That would be a gift. If somebody seeing this felt not alone. Cuz, really, this isn’t my story. It’s just a tiny piece in a much BIGGER story.
I felt not alone by reading other people’s stories, and, felt less scared by reading other people’s stories… and knew that I wasn’t alone, even though, you know, I was by myself. But I’m not… by myself.”
We wanted to surprise her with these tickets at the actual Drop, but due to the timing they had to get out and enjoy themselves while they were hot :) And look how happy they are!! The first time they’ve ever gone to a hockey game before – so cool.
HUGE props goes out to Love Drop member Matt for hooking them up, and giving Katie’s family a fun day out together. Y’all are really making things happen! (For those who haven’t connected in our community forum yet, be sure to check it out and be a part of the behind-the-scenes action. These tickets, as well as a BUNCH of other ideas you’ll soon see, have all come out of those forums.)
Can’t wait to show Katie everything else you guys have been up to! The Drop goes down this Sunday, get excited!!
March was a huge success, guys! We wanted to focus on the community aspect of Love Drop this month, and you guys helped us put together an event that Katie will remember for the rest of her life. We can’t thank you enough for jumping in right from the start and building something valuable and long-lasting. You’ve truly demonstrated the power of a connected, caring community.
Last weekend was the most fun we’ve had as a team since we began this project, folks. The event was filled with so much joy, laughter and friendship – you could feel the love for Katie everywhere you went. Our goal from the beginning was to bring the BlissDom conference to her, and thanks to you, we did it. Good work guys!
Here is everything our community brought for Katie and her family:
$2,919.21 Check! More than the $2800 we actually presented too – Way to go team!
$600 worth of maid service – Thank you so much Buckets & Bows!
An Amazon Kindle – Our special gift to Katie, since she LOVES to read :)
$110 worth of Amazon gift cards – So she can get started!
A surprise “friends” party! A dozen or so of close friends drove in (or flew!!) to make Katie’s Drop special. It was awesome :) And she didn’t even see it coming!
A special video, from those who couldn’t make it (Thanks DanielleTV!!)
A cooler full of pre-made food. The night before the Drop, a bunch of us cooked her some meals to freeze and use whenever she needs a break (well, mostly chef Mary Anne! The rest of us taste-tested ;)) But Sarah did make her famous chocolate chip cookies!
3 Tickets to watch Tornados Hockey! Katie had never seen a hockey game in-person yet, so we sent her to her first one this month! Big thanks to Matt for making this happen – Check out their pics from the event!
4 Tickets to Disney on Ice, compliments of Goldstar.com)
A fancy ($170) hand bag! From Maile of Epiphanie Bags! WOW.
Containers & containers of beads! Like, hundreds of dollars worth!! Haha… as well as a bunch of Blissdom swag. Way to do it big, Alli Worthington!
Box of scrapbooking supplies – Sent in from Diane, a Creative Memories consultant (Yay!)
Baskets full of fun stuff for Katie – Including “Dessert” bubble gum that tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream, haha… plus a TON of other goodies to make her feel happy.
Basket full of fun stuff for Claire – Lots of girly toys and trinkets for her to enjoy.
Basket full of fun stuff for Jamie – Lots of boyish toys and trinkets for him to play with.
More bags of great stuff for the family, courtesy of Texas Holly.
A bunch of books, like the Go-Giver (Thx Mary Anne!)
Mixed CDS with great music.
Printed photo book covering the day’s Drop by GroupStory
And a bunch of other stuff people brought but didn’t tell us :)
Special thanks to Arden Prucha for all the great pictures of the event, and Mary Anne & John for housing us and throwing the after party! Well done everyone, I think we surprised her! :)
This is the video we showed Katie during her Drop – right before some of these very same people who “couldn’t make it” showed up ;)
It was a pretty awesome surprise. And really showcases the love her community has for her.
Thanks to everyone who participated in this! Especially D who put it together. This was an EXCELLENT way to give back without costing a penny. Very very creative, loved it!
THANK YOU EVERYONE! We just wanted to give a quick shout out to all those who helped make Katie’s Drop special this month. We were absolutely blown away by everyone’s support, and we honestly can’t make it a week without you.
For those who are unable to watch the video, here is everyone who made this month happen: ALL THE MEMBERS OF LOVE DROP!, Alli Worthington, Barbara Jones, Paula Bruno, MaryAnne & John Beasley, Danielle Smith, Ang & Sidney England, Erica Mueller, Sarah Baldry, Arden Jenkins, Our Motherhood, Blissdom, the Merry Band of Schemers, and lastly, the Howard family.
We thank you so very much for allowing us into your lives, and your home, to tell your story. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you so far, and we’re excited to have you as part of the Love Drop family :) See ya guys next month!
We’d like to thank all 1,000+ members of the Love Drop community! It is each and every one of YOU that powers the project and enables us to touch lives and inspire others each month. THANK YOU for everything you do – together we are making a real difference.
