Thanksgiving

This is a special post.  With our country focused on gratitude this week, the timing is right for a little appreciation from the Hip Chick household.  Today's editorial diverts from the usual Thanksgiving mention of family, friends, food, and home (although we are, indeed, thankful for all of the above) to highlight some little known heroes in the hip dysplasia (DDH) community.  

As mentioned in prior posts, I belong to an international hip dysplasia support group, comprised mostly of parents like me.  I was introduced by one of the authors of our beloved Hope the Hip Hippo children's book.  She stumbled upon my first blog post about her book and invited me to join!  Over the course of this year, some spectacular things have arisen from within this DDH community.  The International Hip Dysplasia Institute and One Hip World are gaining more traction, thanks to support group members.  One Hip World has named a Parent and Child Advocate.  This tireless woman has helped mobilize doners of DDH supplies for giveaways to group members... supplies which members may not have known about or afforded on their own.  Many products parents use to manage their child's treatment plan are discovered via word of mouth or hours of internet surfing.

So, todays' s post is in gratitude of these persons and organizations, without whom I and many others would be lacking knowledge and resources (formal names withheld for privacy purposes):

Hope the Hip Hippo author GJ, as her introduction helped me feel a lot less lonely during a rather scary and uncertain time

Parent/Child Advocate KF, for enabling so many families to receive extra tools to manage their child's DDH journey.

For my fellow Texan and DDH jill-of-all-trades AH, for having the vision to begin national fundraising efforts... and stitch a stylish line of spica cast bloomers!

To the following companies, for donating products to One Hip World's Parent/Child Advocate:

Boba Carriers

Cast Cooler

Hunter House Publishers, for donating copies of The Parents' Guide to Hip Dysplasia by Betsy Miller

IvyRose Spica Chairs 

Snug Seat

Lastly, a combined thank you to IvyRose Spica Chairs and Traction Program Coordinator EE, for working with me and together on a personal project this past summer.

With sparks of passion and drive, a few people can bring so much positivity to the world.  What can you and I do today?