http://www.givevaccines.org/index.php

“GiveVaccines.org is a non-profit organization whose ultimate goal is to help prevent the spread of disease in the neediest areas of the world while providing an enjoyable tool for participants to improve their English vocabulary and medical terminology.  All net proceeds from advertising revenues are donated to GaviAlliance.org and other affiliated organizations for the purchase of life-saving vaccines.”

In other words, go to the first web address, play a couple rounds to test your vocabulary and you will be helping fight the spread of pneumonia around the world.  Each time you log on to GiveVaccines.org and take part in the vocabulary quiz, you are donating medication for the vaccines.  This will go through the month of November, so instead of going on facebook, give this a try!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/health/research/25aids.html

Take a look at this site to read about an AIDS vaccine that shows some success in trials, for the first time.  I think that this statements summarizes my thoughts, ‘“We often talk about whether a vaccine is even possible,” he added. “This is not the vaccine that ends the epidemic and says, ‘O.K., let’s move on to something else.’ But it’s a fabulous new step that takes us in a new direction.”’

*** you may have to type in the address to access it

Hello Family & Friends –

This year through my nursing class, we are going to do the March of Dimes walk in Rochester on April 25^th.  This is a close issue to my heart as I one day want to work in pediatrics and possibly be a neonatal intensive care nurse.  With your help, I hope to be able to raise a lot of money to support this amazing cause that has done so much already.  As it states in their website, “The March of Dimes uses your money wisely: 77% of every dollar supports research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And your funds are used to bring comfort and information to families whose baby was born too soon, or sick.”  Together, we can make a difference and make this world just a little bit brighter, one step at a time.  If you are unable to donate, I understand as we are going through tough economic times, but would you say a prayer that day for the families that have dealt with children in their lives who were sick or born too soon… that would be worth more than anything.  God bless you all!  If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at acdalbec6374@winona.edu; I check my e-mail regularly (probably too often) so you will get a response fast : )  If you would like more information in general about what March of Dimes is, please check out their website at http://www.marchforbabies.org/.

There are a couple of ways to donate.  One of the easier ways is to go to this address: http://www.marchforbabies.org/adalbec, it will save the both of us time and stamps : )

Love,

Abbie Dalbec

Starbucks goes (RED) for World AIDS Day!  If on Monday, December 1st, you could spare a few minutes and go get a cup of coffee at Starbucks, they will be donating 5 cents to the Global Fund in Africa to help save lives.  Even if you don’t like coffe, go buy a cup for a friend, or buy the cup of coffee and don’t take it.  Just simply say “No thanks, I just wanted to donate!”  It would help out a lot and with the Holiday season what could be more rewarding then helping?  Thanks everyone!  God bless : )

I would like to introduce you to a new member of our family.  His name is Raimundo Azevedo Jose and he is from Mozambique, Africa.  Raimundo and his family live in a community severely affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis.  He is 13 years old and cannot be in school because his mother needs his help in taking care of his other brother and three sisters.  I am so happy that my mom and dad decided to sponsor this child from the organization entitled World Vision.  My mom said she specifically picked a child from Africa who was in a crisis-bound AIDS place because of me.  I am so happy that they see my ambition and desire to help and that they are doing their small part to make a difference in this world.

According to my textbook, most of the new infections worldwide are in people younger than 25 years of age who live in developing countries.  Sub-Saharan Africa has been hardest hit by HIV.  Eastern Europe and central Asia have the world’s fastest growing HIV population.  There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2.  HIV-1 is found most commonly in the United States, Europe, and Central Africa, whereas HIV-2 is principally seen in West Africa.  The difference between the two is that HIV-2 spreads and causes disease more slowly than HIV-1.  Both lead to AIDS.   Interestingly enough influenza was the last uncontrolled pandemic killer of humans until the advent of AIDS.

This table represents the estimated # of adults and children living with HIV/AIDS, new infections, and deaths at the end of 2002 (just think how much higher the numbers are now 6 years later).

According to a 100 year old lady, the key to long life is “black coffee and hard work”

Just thought I would pass the wisdom on to you : )

I am starting this blog to express my ideas, thoughts, and concerns with the world as a whole.  Many of these topics are going to deal with Africa and AIDS which are very close to my heart.  I believe God has a purpose for me in helping children throughout the world with healthcare and that is why I am continuing in the nursing major in order to advance my learning potential.  I don’t know yet if I still think nursing is the thing for me but I don’t believe it can hurt me in anyway, it can only make me stronger and persevere farther.  That’s it for now.

Actually I have one more thing: I was watching Oprah today and she went over an act that is in the process of hopefully being passed soon.  It is called the PROTECT Our Children Act (S. 1738, Biden-Hatch) and it is up to us to e-mail our senators and get this thing passed!  We need to get child molesters out of our streets and in jail where they need to be.  Lets make this world a little bit better, so please do your part.  It is super easy and takes literally two minutes.  Go to this link: http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20080911_tows_predators and follow the directions.  Please make the place we call home a little bit safer!