We Will Win This Battle One Day!

Help Me Fight This Horrible Disease, MS - Multiple Sclerosis

Did you know that the risk of contracting Multiple Sclerosis if your father has the disease is approx. 1 in 100, but approx. 1 in 50 if your mother has the disease?

This definitely worries me. MS is an auto-immune disease that affects both men and women by damaging the protective coating of the body’s nerve cells. The cells get inflamed and then the body reacts by attacking its own cells in the brain and nervous system. And at this time, there is still no cure for the disease. I know this only too well, as I have lost my own father to MS.

My poor dad was stricken at the prime of his life with MS and was never able to enjoy the family he loved so much. The disease struck his central nervous system which caused a slow and painful demise. He spent most of his years at home with his family providing the constant needed care. What allowed us to do this was a hydraulic lifter that enabling us to get him in and out of bed.

This is the reason I now direct my donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Equipment Provision Program that provides MS patients with such things as wheel chairs, lifters and other expensive equipment that help people who suffer with this disease gain a better quality of life.

What is really sad is that the organization’s funds usually get depleted by July each year as most people donate to research. However, I really believe in supporting this department of the MS Fund as it really provides individuals with this disease and their care takers unbelievable assistance with day to day functions.

Starting today, I will donate $1 to the MS Society's Equipment Fund for every new person who clicks the “Like” button of my Amaryllis Events Facebook page. Please also feel free to share any of your stories with me after this blog or on my Facebook wall.

This is a great opportunity for those of us who have encountered this terrible fate to be able to share, connect, and support each other!

I appreciate all of your support in advance! Let’s fight this battle together and not let them run out of funds this July!

My Travel Adventures!

I’ve been fascinated by the Everest region of Nepal for years. It all started with my book club selecting Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer as our monthly read. Up to that point I thought anyone wanting to climb the highest mountain in the world had to be nuts! When I found out that this was the book we’d be reading, I had not initial interest, but thought to myself – Heather you should at least make an effort. Not expecting to finish the book, I was hooked by the middle of the 1st page!

So on October 3, 2009, my adventure buddy Darlene and I headed for a 17 day trek to Everest Base Camp, at an altitude of 18,000'.

Highlights of my trek:

• Hiking 4-8 hours every day
• No booze
• Strictly vegetarian diet
• Accommodation was in $2.00 a night tea houses
• No showers, electricity or flush toilets
  
• Going to bed at sunset and getting up at sunrise

But the amazing feeling of accomplishment and breath taking views were all worth it in the end!

Here are some photos of the adventure:

I am planning another trek to the Everest Base Camp in April, 2013 – Who wants to join me? Please leave a comment below or follow me on Facebook and let’s get in touch!

Everyone Should Have A Chef in Their Life!

No, I don't mean a personal chef...although, that would be nice!

I mean that fabulous little hidden gem that is tucked away in your local neighbourhood. One of my favourites is Crave on Main, a 30 seat casual bistro complete with its own veggie and herb garden.

Wayne Martin, Owner & Executive Chef brings his immense experience from the Four Seasons Vancouver Hotel to create this casual, yet trendy atmosphere bistro. Chef Wayne prides himself on showcasing fresh, local, and organic ingredients to create an innovative menu of classic dishes with a reinvented twist.

Some of my favourite dishes - the short rib poutine is a must, as is the dry aged New York steak with the wild mushroom and bacon ragout. They also have good cocktails list to choose from. I always have the Tokyo Rose and Sour Apple martini.

Chef Martin will also be sponsoring our food station at this year's North Shore Mayor's Golf Tournament! The Charity event will take place at the Seymour Golf & Country Club on Friday, May 27th, 2011. This will be an amazingly fun event, so come on out to golf, or join us for the dinner and silent auction.

You can find Chef Wayne's delicious creations at Crave on Main is located on 3941 Main Street, Vancouver, BC. I highly recommend dropping by to see what everyone on Main is craving! To learn more about Chef Martin and his culinary journey check out the March 8, 2010 article of Scout Magazine.