American Heart Association | American Stroke Association Support Network

Hello If you, a family member or loved one has been affected by heart disease or stroke, it is important to remember that you are not alone. That’s why I want you to know about the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Support Network, a new, free online resource where you can connect with others who are facing the same challenges you are facing. The Support Network is a sounding board to express your concerns and ask questions, and also to find encouragement, inspiration, and practical advice from others who are sharing your journey. Here are several key topics that people are discussing at the Support Network: You’ve recently had a heart attack or stroke, or been diagnosed with heart failure, coronary artery disease, or another condition Your child was born with or diagnosed with a congenital cardiovascular defect You are about to undergo surgery, or begin cardiac rehabilitation You would like rehabilitation advice from others on lifestyle modifications or medication adherence Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or want to learn how you can help someone you care about, I hope you’ll become a part of our community. By sharing your voice, you won’t only be receiving the support you need, you’ll also be providing it to others. All online conversations are professionally moderated and confidential. Thank you, Nancy Brown Chief Executive Officer American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

A little inspiration~

I don't often write about my family because I believe in privacy but if there is harm, you don't mess with my family. There was conspiracy why I changed my name in social media and frankly it had to do with the arts nothing else. You can't share a name in SAG and Deanna Maria is my name and my amazing parents gave it to me. I miss them always but I have to say to only do them justice is to look forward and live and thrive. I found McClean, Joel Olsteen and many church's. I love Joel Olsteen. He is SOOOOO positive and uplifting. I almost don't feel like he's preaching but more like talking and I am more like the talking kind of gal.

Honestly, I have been busy with life, school and family so not really tracking the outside but I do read a few blogs. Everyone who knows me , knows I am an international gal, meaning International pageants and although some religions may frown on this, as my friend Eddie would say Ester might understand.

I was reading Maggie Thorne's latest post and frankly most all of her post and this is what I see. DISCLAIMER I have competed before and never posted this so this is truly how I feel. Maggie is special and amazing and different. Different meaning she goes for it and went for it. EVERY post I read from her is inspiring, uplifting and challenges me and yes we competed with each other twice but she was the right choice. I encourage any pageant lady to take from her the wisdom, which is WISE beyond her years. Lord knows I mastered self destructing because people get in your head. Things, get in your head. YOU GET IN YOUR HEAD.

YOU ARE YOU OWN WORSE ENEMY

Find your heros...big and small. Just wanted to say thank you~

Mother of child with special needs calls for changes in MCPS~ Carter Linz

Below  is a story featured on WUSA9. I have to state the Carter's teacher acknowledged the Velcro (but blamed it on the para educators) and the wheelchair breaking happened on the bus. I find it appalling for them to deny any of the events when the school already acknowledged this happening and the bus driving and the department of transportation acknowledged the event regarding the wheelchair. They had no choice because they had to cut Carter tie downs and hold the chair for the ride home. The bus driver was in tears.

Mother of child with special needs calls for changes in MCPS

http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/maryland/2015/04/02/montgomery-county-public-schools-special-needs-student-changes/70867864/

POTOMAC, Md. (WUSA9) – Montgomery County is know for their great public schools, but the mother of a kindergarten student with special needs is calling for changes in how students like her son are treated.
Deanna Linz says her six year old son Carter, who suffers from cerebral palsy and a lung condition, has been sent home with other student's coats, in a broken wheelchair, and, of greatest concern, improperly restrained to his wheelchair by a Velcro strap that restricted his airway and made it difficult to breathe.
Linz said Carter's teacher at Wayside Elementary School told her that the strap was used to restrain Carter for behavioral reasons.
"To me it just came across as incompetence and not caring," Linz said. "It just again comes down to my level of confidence in the school, which is none."
A Montgomery County Public Schools spokesperson, while declining to discuss a specific incident involving a student in detail per district policy, refuted Linz's version of events regarding the strap, and said a student would only be physically restrained if he or she posed a danger to themselves or others and all other alternatives had been exhausted.
"I will tell you I talked to the principal. They've been working with this parent and they'll continue to do so," district spokesman Dana Tofig told WUSA 9. "The parent has raised some concerns and when they have they've been dealt with and we'll continue to do that," Tofig explained.
Linz says that her conversations with school and district officials have failed to produce tangible improvements in the care of her son while he is in the classroom. She said she has gone public with her complaints in the hopes of pushing the district to improve how it handles special needs students across the board.
Montgomery County Public Schools has more than 17,000 special needs students, and a budget of over $350,000,000 for special education.
"Montgomery County Public Schools has a pretty good reputation for special education services," Tofig said. "We have a lot of people who move here specifically for the programs that we offer, and we want that to continue," Tofig stated.
To that end, the district hired education research organization WestEd to conduct an audit of its special education programs this spring with a goal of improving what works well, and fixing what doesn't.
The audit includes focus groups with parents and students, school visits and interviews with faculty and staff. Tofig says the WestEd report should be completed and presented by the end of 2015.
The district will also host its second special education summit for parents in Gaithersburg on May 16th.