FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2011

Henry’s Hope Inaugural Back-to-School Bash
At Roy G. Holland Memorial Park in Fishers, Indiana on September 24th from 5:00 p. m. – 8:00 p. m.

Fishers, IN –Henry’s Hope Inaugural Back-to-School Bash will be held in the Playground Shelter at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park in Fishers, Indiana this Saturday, on September 24th from 5:00 p. m. – 8:00 p. m.

Radio Disney, bounce houses, a silent auction, and Steele Johnson, USA Diving National Team member, will kick off Henry’s Hope Inaugural Back-to-School Bash that will raise awareness for kids who have Mitochondrial Disease, Autism, Down syndrome, cancers, and other illnesses.

Henry’s Hope, a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit organization, focuses on assisting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families with defraying costs that are not covered by insurance. Along with the silent auction items donated from local companies, including a cut and color from KKBB and gift certificate to The Tan Company, there will be an opportunity to sponsor asthma treatments for a little girl named Hannah, and a back pack with medical supplies for children who need these supplies to support their nutritional needs and immune systems.

Henry’s Hope Inaugural Back-to-School Bash is going to be a fun community event for kids and families while creating an awareness of children with medical challenges and terminal or life-threatening illnesses. Join us this Saturday, September 24th from 5:00 p. m. – 8:00 p. m. at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park in Fishers, Indiana.

Henry’s Hope
Elisabeth Lugar
Director of Media Relations
6375 W US Highway 52
New Palestine, IN 46163
(317) 861-8460
hope@henryshope.org
www.henryshope.org
@HenrysHope
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Nearly three weeks ago, we decided to purchase a car. Our Oldsmobile Silhouette Minivan, affectionately known as Vany by the kids was ten years old with 157,000 miles, so we finally decided to bite the bullet and after 4 years without car payments we decided to find a new vehicle.

We looked around and within a reasonable amount of time found a 2005 Pathfinder in pristine condition. We have traditionally bought new and then kept the car 10 years or pre-owned and kept the car four to six years. This vehicle was older than we had set out to find yet it was in superb condition. We bought with the service light on with the agreement that the dealership would fix whatever was wrong on the vehicle. So, the next week my husband dropped off the car, picked up his rental, and within two days found that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealership didn’t have the part. So, they asked my husband to pick up the car, drive it for the weekend, and they’d have the part the following Tuesday. He picked up the car. Then he picked me up to go and serve at a soup kitchen where we regularly help. We were heading down the 70, going 70 mph, with a Semi directly behind us when the transmission blew out. The car slowed to about 10 – 20 mph.

Long story short, the dealership completely unwound the deal, returned the van we traded in, and we started our car search over from scratch. So, I guess “we are not always aware of the forces that ultimately move us.” (Stanford MBA Program http://bit.ly/r5WFTE )

Henry’s Hope Annual Back-to-School Bash will be held at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park in Fishers, Indiana on September 24th from 5pm – 8pm.

If you are a local business in Fishers, Indiana please feel free to contact Elisabeth Lugar through Henry’s Hope for a poster to display.

If you’d like to donate an item for the silent auction please contact Lauren Enochs at Henry’s Hope.

Elisabeth Lugar // Community Relations //@ElisabethLugar @HenrysHope

Marketing Strategist & Realtor // @LugarRealEstate // @JuberdooMedia // @LugarforCongress

Henry’s Hope is that all children with life threatening illnesses have access to medical treatment and support.

About 2 months ago I became actively involved in Henry’s Hope. Henry’s Hope is a non-profit organization whose focus is on assisting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families with defraying costs that are not covered by insurance. “While many kids are packing up their backpacks with school supplies for their educational future, other kids are packing up their backpacks with expensive medical supplies that support their nutrition and immune systems. We believe that all children with life-threatening medical conditions deserve access to medical treatment, supplies, and support for their families, regardless of socio-economic status.”

I have always had a strong passion for children and while I had a lot of trouble having children, I am truly blessed with 3 children. We have had our scares like when our 6 year old son fell 16 feet over our 2nd floor bannister just 3 days before my youngest was born. Yet, we have not had to face the challenges of a child who is in need of a very expensive treatment due to a medical condition, that we couldn’t afford and that our insurance stopped covering.

I was first introduced to Henry’s parents through my husband, Jack Lugar. He sits on the Board of Henry’s Hope. It was such a pleasure to start working with Henry’s Hope.

When I first started we were thinking of different ways we could bring attention to children who have children with life-threatening illnesses, to celebrate life and enjoy and cherish every moment. As I was about to fall asleep one night I thought why not have a Back-to-School Bash specifically dedicated to children who have life-threatening and terminal illnesses, as well as, for children who have chronic medical conditions. So, we started to lay the ground work for Henry’s Hope Back-to-School Bash as a day to celebrate the lives of these children and families.

It’s going to be a great day. I talked to Radio Disney and they are going to be there. Also, Troy Foster who is the founder of Henry’s Hope will be interviewed on Radio Disney’s Saturday morning kids show. There will be bounce houses and a silent auction with donations from local companies. I am so happy on how it is developing and for how it is reaching the community. Just after I started the planning process I received a call from a parent whose son had mitochrondrialism and was able to put her in touch with Henry’s mom, Kristen. It’s these calls that are so important. To know that someone else understands, has experience and knowledge that can help is so important. It was an honor to help with this connection.

Jack and I own Lugar Real Estate, LLC and we had the great opportunity to help sponsor Henry’s Hope Annual Back-to-School Bash.

Henry’s Hope Annual Back-to-School Bash will be held at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park in Fishers, Indiana on September 24th from 5pm – 8pm.

When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name;—— the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Seeing both my dad and mom’s example of doing good has been a tremendous guide in how to live my life. My mom and dad are not motivated by worldly pressures. Instead they embrace an idea and way and move forward guided by what they know is good and the right thing to do. They are incredible examples of working to make our world a better place. They have been the catalyst for how I approach life and the decisions that I make.

I think of Dan Ackroyd’s character, Lewis Winthorpe III, in Trading Places when his friends snubbed him after losing his money; or even Sandra Bullock’s character in The Blind Side, Leigh Anne Tuohy, when her friends gave her a hard time about helping a teen (Michael Oher) overcome adversity. When people don’t understand the cause you believe in they either ignore or disregard you. They may hear what you are saying but they don’t really listen and try to understand. So, you have a choice to believe in what you do and continue on the path with a positive attitude or to become discouraged.

Overtime I have built up the resolve to move forward on projects steadily until they gain traction, or to just get involved on my own. When you see the good in something you don’t look to “the footprints of any other” instead you grasp what you know is good and true and let it evolve whether it be a thought or way. When you know in your heart that something is right, you just move that direction.

Moving from California to Indiana after 13 years of establishing our home, family, friends, and work connections was uncharted territory. Yet, my husband (Jack) and I had thought about our future and then after weighing all the pros and cons, we moved. As with any adventure the journey has not been without bumps, yet, we have gained so much. Life is much fuller and richer. We have grown intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Prior to our move, Jack was a sitcom writer and I worked in marketing. Jack went back to school. I can’t speak for him, yet, in my mind he could always write but couldn’t always be an attorney. Now, he is an attorney. I really admire the firm he works for and the people he works with. I was able to teach at my alma mater for a couple years while helping Jack start our real estate brokerage where I have done a lot of the marketing and media planning. Now, I am working in marketing at The Foster Group and for Henry’s Hope. It’s amazing to see how life unfolds.

Jack always has talked about building a “long tail” which I’m sure he heard from Seth Godin or Hugh McLeod. It’s the theory of continually building upon your strengths and talents in tangible ways.

When you are presented with a new way, thought or direction and know that it is good; embrace it, step out in faith, and move in that direction. As Ralph Waldo Emerson writes, “the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new.”

Elisabeth Lugar // Director of Marketing //The Foster Group // Henry’s Hope // Realtor & Media Strategist // Lugar Real Estate, LLC // The Lugar Report// Juberdoo // The Starving Artist’s Diet

Do your work, and I shall know you. Do your work, and you shall reinforce yourself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

After reflecting on the challenge presented in The Domino Project that we have one life, about 100 years to make an impact or contribute something to this world, I am once again challenged. I have always wanted to go to law school. I started the process about a year ago now hoping I could go in Fall 2011, yet, I have a preschooler and want to have enough time to devote to him, my other children, my husband and my business. I have time. My sister’s completed their Masters in their 40s and my dad continually educated himself up through his late 60s, while maintaining a job. I come from a family who likes to learn and is inspired by education.

I have been told there is no need for me to go to school. I have a Bachelors in Communication and a Masters in Media Management. Still, I have had a desire to attend law school for about 15 years now. I started working at Warner Bros. in my early 20s and then freelanced while starting my family. I wanted to devote as much time to my husband and children as I could, and I still do. Now I own real estate brokerage and have been given a great opportunity to work as the Director of Marketing for The Foster Group and Henry’s Hope. Law school will come in time.

For now I will continue to raise my family, help serious buyers and sellers, and bring awareness to Henry’s Hope.

Most of us go and buy a backpack to fill with school supplies for our kids in the Fall as they head back to school, yet there are a lot of kids who carry a backpack filled with medical supplies like a feeding tube that gives them the nourishment that sustains their life. For most of us we don’t tend to think of a backpack with this double meaning.

Henry’s Hope is a non-profit that provides advocates and funds for families of life threatening illnesses. Whether it be Down Syndrome, Autism, Mitochrondrial Disease, Cancer or the many rare conditions we don’t hear about, the medical bills are costly and become a great burden on families. What’s great about Henry’s Hope is that they step in before a child gets to Make-A-Wish and helps their families with the astronomical medical bills, taking away some of that burden or helping a family afford the medical supplies/equipment their child needs. It is not a want but a true need.

What’s incredible is the maturity that children have when facing a life threatening illness. The little things in life become unimportant. Instead, we learn from them that we all have a purpose in life and every minute of every day counts.

For everyone who knows me well, they know how important family and children are to me. I gave up my career at Warner Bros. so I could build my own family. With the help of the medical community and a lot of prayer, I was blessed with 3 great kids. So, it’s a great honor to be involved with Henry’s Hope.

Elisabeth Lugar // Realtor & Media Strategistst // Lugar Real Estate, LLC // Juberdoo // The Foster Group // Henry’s Hope //The Starving Artist’s Diet

When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name; the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was just telling my daughter that we must be kind, generous and encouraging to our friends. We need to look for the positive attributes in our friends and what is good in our world. Life is brighter when we look for what is good in our world and the people with whom we interact. The same is true for ourselves. We need to invite the people and nurture the relationships that encourage us spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually. When we have a good support system we are able to bounce ideas about our future goals and get good feedback.

The world and self-help gurus encourage us to write down our goals and visions, every year there is talk about New Year’s resolutions. What are your immediate goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years, 10 years and 20 years from now? Having a clear focus and vision for your future is important. Still, we don’t want complete tunnel vision that we miss another opportunity or path that we would have never expected or explored.

Corrie ten Boom once said, ” Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” How true! A new experience may open up a completely new direction for our life. Consistency in our daily activities is important. Yet, a willingness to respond to new experiences and being open to adjusting our goals and visions may just be the catalyst that will is the ultimate purpose for our life.

Having a good support system allows you to bounce new ideas off your friends and you know their response will be in your best interest. Take a moment to think about your goals and ask, “What am I missing? Is there a new opportunity that I am missing?” Then, talk to your support system.

It’s all about adventure!

Elisabeth Lugar // Realtor & Media Strategistst // Lugar Real Estate, LLC // Juberdoo // The Foster Group // Henry’s Hope //The Starving Artist’s Diet

I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am participating in The Domino Project for the next 20 days. The goal is to challenge myself to think through the quotes and concepts sent to me via email. The quote given is by Emerson and listed at the top of the page. Next, they have asked us to “think of a time when we didn’t think we were capable of doing something, but then surprised ourself.” Then they ask, “How will you surprise yourself this week?”

I don’t think the quote by Emerson really connects with surprise. Trusting that what is deep is holy and believing that if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last, has more to do with character and faith. Ultimately, we have to follow truth everyday. If we are continually pursuing truth, life may not always be easy; however, we will be at peace with ourselves knowing we are doing the right thing.

As far as a time when I didn’t think I was capable of doing something, but then surprised myself. There have been a few like when I made a quick and decisive decision to take my unconscious son to the hospital after falling 15 feet, acting out a charade in front of my sixth grade class, teaching at Taylor University, and all the times I have gotten up 2 to 3 times a night for my kids.

In all of these situations I have I surprised myself. I responded quickly, calmly, and with a confidence that came from somewhere deep within me. I am not sure how I will respond this week. Yet, hopefully when I am surprised by an event I will be authentic and objective in my response.

These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is it society that is in a conspiracy against us? Or, is this just something we choose to believe? How often do we misinterpret someone’s intentions and motives, get upset, only later to find out that they didn’t mean to offend or hurt us? Even if their intent was malicious, we ultimately make the choice to let it erode our confidence. Instead, we can choose to “Ignore Everybody” and act upon “the voices which we hear in solitude.”

Life is about choices. The choice to be happy. The choice to be authentic. The choice to be generous. The choice to be kind. The choice to be patient. We all make choices. We can choose positive or negative choices. Our lives will most likely resemble the choices we make. The more negative the choice, the harder our life. The same is true for making positive choices. The more positive the choice, the better our life. It’s all in our attitude.

I have learned that there are “good” people and there are “bad” people. There are people who are kind and those who are not. There are people who want to see you succeed and those who do not. Choose to be around the people who are good influences and pay it forward.

Let’s make a choice to embrace the unique traits of one another. Let’s encourage each other to reach our potential. Most importantly let’s encourage each other to be free to express our ideas. So, often we want to control how our friend, daughter, husband, son, sister, or brother reaches their potential. We think we can help by guiding them. How often have you said or heard someone say, “If they would just do it this way….”? Let’s work together toward a common goal while respecting each others individuality.

I understand what Emerson means when he writes, “These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members.” However, I will embrace what Harvey Mackay writes about in “Swim with the Sharks.” Don’t embrace the negative comments of those around you. Instead, let them roll off your back. Negative comments and attitudes only steal your time and energy.

Choose to be original and authentic. It’s contagious!