When We Meet

DEAR DONOR FAMILY:

How are you doing? In November, 2011, I forwarded a letter to you through LifeLink, It was to reach out and introduce myself to you. I hope you received the letter that was written to let you know I respectfully keep your loved one in my memory.  When we meet, I hope you will tell me about this special person.

I don't take anything lightly. Most times, I feel like a no nonsense beginner in a lot of things because I look at things so differently -- with a new appreciation.  I have stepped out of my comfort zone and don’t know how I really got here.  None of this could be possible without the love from the heart I now have.

Because of my immense gratitude and a promise to God to help educate people about heart disease, I have written a book that was published in January, 2012. So during February - Heart Awareness Month – I had 18 speaking engagements at schools, civic organizations and churches to try to give back to the community.  My wife joins me at all the functions and helps with printed materials.  If we meet, my wife will be with me and she can share how hard we work to make a difference.

At this point, the book which is dedicated to the memory of my donor and their family has reached approximately 500 people.  This opportunity to help others is coupled with my prayer that God strengthens our families to do His will. And that His spirit continues to give us inner peace.

Thank you for your time.  I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you.

Yours truly,   

~Coach Chip

  

"Giving a gift from the heart requires that you don't look for anything in return. "    

THE SECRET IS OUT . . . Here It Is!

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU AGREE

You probably heard that March 4, 2012 was National Walk Day.  So in keeping with many New Year resolutions, I hope you got out with us.  Keep up the good work!  Get healthy, stay healthy - don't stop now. 

I reach out to effect change as part of my humanitarian journey  from personal experience.  I am not asking someone to do something I wouldn't.  The American Heart Association research supports walking for at least 30 minutes a day you can:

• Enhance mental well being
• Improve blood lipid profile
• Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

My hand is raised. . . it does work for me.

To your health,
~Coach Chip

ONE TOUCH

One Touch Can Make All the Difference

Our first child was premature.  When the nurses introduced me to her, I couldn't believe how tiny she was.  An overwhelming desire to protect this new, totally dependent person that had come into our lives consumed me.

The pediatrician explained that she was seriously ill and needed some tests to evaluate her condition.  There it was.  I am in a situation so new to me back-to-back issues gripped me that I had no control of.  A new born and the illness of someone I wanted to help.  She couldn't even tell daddy what was wrong.  So I would visit her continuously. Because of my work schedule full & part-time, the nurses would sneak me in after visiting hours into the nursery dunned in a funny yellow jacket & mask.  I would slide my hand (one hand practically covered her entire body) into the incubator to touch her.

With the watchful eyes of the nurses later told me that her recovery was expedited from the stimuli - the power of the scense of touch.   My little girl would squirm, flinch, or awaken in response to a gentle touch.  Sometimes, I would adjust the cap on her head or a sock just for the excuse to touch her; "everything is going to be alright."  "Daddy's here."

Chaplin Greg Popcock and I met for the first time since November 3, 2010 just before they wheel me off to surgery for the heart transplant.  He came into my room early that November morning and laid his hand on my forehead in prayer for me and with my wife who was by my side.  I squirmed in awareness of the presence of God and the change of atmosphere in the room; I awoke after surgery to my family who anticipated a response from me when hearing their voices; I continue to crave knowledge of Him and how I can impact the lives of others.  When Chaplin Popcock and I met the end of February, 2012, we realized that we are men with a testimony and one touch can make all the difference.

To your health,
~Coach Chip

February is Heart Awareness Month, but being heart healthy is important everyday.  

A Call to Action

IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY

Will we travel to get the word out about heart disease, risk factors, healthy tips and the medical advances that can save lives?  You bet!  Remind your church or organization to give me a call or email me at newstart1@cox.net.


Last week I made a telephone call to a gentleman named Mr. Alex Habersham.  He extended an invitation to appear on his talk show after hearing my story.  On the very next day, Cynthia and I met he and his staff for the opportunity to talk live about our journey and the book "A Second Chance"  to give hope to others fighting this and other illnesses.

The show is named A Call to Action . . . . http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21444435