Stories of Hope AZ

Overcoming childhood turbulences and abandonment - Marshall Jones

Meet Marshall Jones, he was raised in a racially turbulent era in southern Georgia, “learning the rules” about being a kid of color. His mother of 4 had to make the difficult decision to give up one of her children because life was difficult. Marshall was the baby and was given to a couple in their 60s who didn’t know how to read or write and lived off their land. Marshall pushed hard on his school studies, always excelling, and grew up to travel the world and meet kings, queens, Presidents, the Dalai Lama, and more. Marshall reminds us to connect with others, learn to be the thermostat, not the thermometer.

Whispering Hope Ranch, an Arizona 501(c)(3) - Bailey Lloyd

Meet Bailey Lloyd, she is the Manager of the Arizona non-profit organization Whispering Hope Ranch. Mission: To improve the lives of children with special needs through the wonder of camp, the beauty of nature, and the human-animal connection. A 45-acre fully accessible facility located in the cool pines of Payson. Designed and built from the ground up to accommodate the highly diverse needs of those we serve. 

https://whisperinghoperanch.org/

 

Founder of Armer Foundation for Kids 501(c)(3) non-profit - Jennifer Armer

Meet Jennifer Armer, founder of Armer Foundation for Kids, an Arizona 501(c)(3) non-profit. Mission statement: The Armer Foundation for Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to easing the financial burdens of families with children battling extreme medical conditions. When healthcare is not enough, we assist with copays, deductibles, premiums, and any medical-related out-of-pocket expenses. https://www.armerfoundation.org/

 

^{Jun 23, 2023}

Sister Sledge - Co-Founder, Nothing is Greater Than Love Foundation - Debbie Sledge

Meet Debbie Sledge she is an accomplished vocalist and recording artist who has been mesmerizing audiences since the early 1970s. She is the principal member and vocal director of the group she began with her siblings, the Grammy-nominated Sister Sledge that made global superstars of the sisters, and continue to perform to enthusiastic audiences globally. 

In 2018 Nothing is Greater Than Love Foundation was co-founded by Debbie Sledge and Phyllis Smolens. The inspiration came in 2017 after the passing of Debbie’s sister Joni, who loved the community and supported rescue missions of human trafficking which Nothing Is Greater Than Love is about. 
Please visit the website to learn more, donate and learn about her upcoming September Gala in memory and honor of Joni Sledge. This is going to be a great Gala! 

https://ngtlove.org/
Nothing Greater is Greater Than Love Foundation.
A memorial tribute to Debbie's Sister Joni Sledge
^{Jun 19, 2023}

Gaines Coach, Motivational Speaker, Event Planner - Ms. Jay

Meet Ms. Jay, she grew up in the projects of Chicago. Her childhood was anything but easy, from having to fight for herself every day physically, to school being a struggle, she was incarcerated as a teenager without family support or mentors to guide her. She says all of her experience created her to be the successful businesswoman, public speaker, and mentor she is today at the young age of 70. “You can be anything you want to be, you simply have to believe in yourself and be passionate about your life“.

^{Jun 15, 2023}

Courage Under Cancer 501(c)(3) - Co-Founder Jerry Baginski

Meet Co-founder Jerry Baginski with Courage Under Cancer Foundation. His late wife Dee Baginski founded this non-profit organization while going through treatment for Stage 4 Serius Endometrial Cancer in March 2018. Dee is also the author of the book Courage Under Cancer, an easy-read book about the journey of 31 days of Hope, Inspiration, and Encouragement. https://courageundercancer.org/ The mission of Courage Under Cancer Foundation: Our goal is to help cancer patients focus on their recovery and improve their quality of life. We believe no one should be without treatment because they can’t afford it.

^{Jun 13, 2023}

Stroke Survivor and Founder of Spokes Fighting Strokes 501(C)(3) - Dan Zimmerman

Meet Dan Zimmerman, who suffered a stroke in 2005 as a result of HHT (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia). He was told he would never walk or talk again and be wheel-chair bound for the rest of his life. His determination was stronger than a doctor's diagnosis.

Dan founded the non-profit Spokes Fighting Strokes which allows Dan to meet other stroke survivors all over the country, helping them heal and enjoy riding tricycles and getting their freedom, health, and independence back. 

https://www.spokesfightingstrokes.org/
^{May 31, 2023}

”Paralyzed but not broken” - Sharon Malone

Meet Sharon Malone, on October 24, 2012, she was involved in a rollover auto accident. The life she once knew and was her “normal” was now changed forever. Her story of being “broken” physically with fractures to her neck, and spine and leaving her paralyzed from the chest down, is a story of determination to get back to living life even though she knew she would never be who she once was. Sharon is needing your assistance with being considered for a new mobility device that will allow her more freedom than her wheelchair offers. Please click on the link below to learn more and cast your vote for her. https://www.matiamobility.com/contest/

 

^{May 11, 2023}