A Poem About Life And Gratitude
Indian Hill High School Students Organized Layup For Lauren
written by Good Things Going Around intern, Andrea Francisco, a senior at Indian Hill High School in Cincinnati
On the night of Monday the 17th, the Indian Hill Cheerleaders organized a “Layup for Lauren” event, in which each participant attempted a layup and donated to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. Layup for Lauren was started by Lauren Hill, who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer last November. Even through her battle against brain cancer, Lauren continues her passion of playing basketball. She currently attends Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio and is a member of the basketball team. Lauren is a true hero for all Americans and everyone battling cancer as a spokesperson and advocate for The Cure Starts Now Foundation. Only year later from realizing that she has brain cancer, Lauren was playing a game at the Xavier Cintas Center in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,250. Her 
bravery and determination is incredible; she inspires everyone around her to keep going no matter what life gives you.
In basketball, a layup is basically a shot, where a player tries to shoot the ball into the hoop. In Layup for Lauren, there is an extra challenge, however: you must shoot with your non-dominant hand, one eye closed, and spin in circles five times. This is how Lauren feels from battling brain cancer; her medications cause negative side-effects in addition to the cancer that have weakened her right side. If you don’t make the layup, you must donate $10. I missed — my basketball skills are not exactly stellar. That’s okay though, because I ended up donating for a life-changing foundation that supports brain cancer research. All of the proceeds from this event go toward The Cure Starts Now Foundation, which focuses on cancer research to find a cure.
To donate and see how you can take the #LayupforLauren Challenge, please visit this website: http://layup4lauren.org/
We Are All A Box Of Crayons
While walking in a toy store
the day before today,
I overheard a Crayon Box
with many things to say.
“I don’t like red!” said Yellow.
And Green said, “Nor do I !
And no one here likes Orange,
but no one knows quite why.”
“We are a box of crayons
that really doesn’t get along,”
said Blue to all the others.
“Something here is wrong!
Well, i bought that box of crayons
and took it home with me
and laid out all the crayons
so the crayons could all see.
They watched me as I colored
with Red and Blue and Green
and Black and White and Orange
and every color in between.
They watched as Green became the grass
and Blue became the sky.
The Yellow sun was shining bright
on White clouds drifting by.
Colors changing as they touched,
becoming something new.
They watched me as I colored.
They watched till I was through.
And when I’d finally finished,
I began to walk away.
And as I did the Crayon box
had something more to say……..
“I do like Red!” said the Yellow.
And Green said, “So do I !”
And Blue you are terrific
so high up in the sky.”
“We are a Box of Crayons
each of us unique,
but when we get together
the picture is complete”
– Author unknown
Remind Yourself Today That You Are Awesome
People Working Cooperative Volunteers Helped Area Seniors
It’s that time of year again when thousands come together to help others in need with fall home repairs and clean up.
People Working Cooperatively’s Prepare Affair was Saturday Nov. 15 where 3,000 volunteers helped 1,000 senior clients by raking leaves and cleaning gutters and other small repair tasks. It was the 27th annual event with many heart-warming stories. The oldest client served was 105 – the youngest volunteer was 3. Many volunteers adopt the same clients year after year, making them part of their family.
“This has become a family tradition for us,” said volunteer Valerie Robinson, who brought her 80-year-old father. Bill to rake leaves. “We really enjoy giving back.”
PWC serves Greater Cincinnati seniors and underserved 365 days a year with professional home repairs, modifications, weatherization and other services to keep the homeowner safe in 
their homes where they want to be. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.pwchomerepairs.org.
