The ultimate sacrifice: In loving memory of Jennifer Michelle Lake

By
Monica Pop
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Jennifer Lake was a 16-year-old student at Pocatello High School, Idaho, when she first started experiencing severe headaches that would come out of nowhere. She somehow knew there was something wrong and decided to visit the family doctor and go through a series of check-ups. 

Her doctor ordered an MRI on her head and that’s when Jennifer learned she had a tumor in her brain. That was the most devastating news a teenager could hear. She believed her life was ahead of her and hoped it would be a happy and a careless one, but instead, she faced a battle against a horrible disease. 

Initially, doctors informed her and her family that the tumor was around two centimeters wide, but after they ran a round of other tests and scans, it turned out the situation was even worse, and the tumor was even bigger. Sadly, the cancer spread to other parts of her body. 

Jennifer was told her chances of survival were slim even if she decided on undergoing through chemotherapy. She was also told that if she made it, the treatments would make her sterile and she would never be a mother. 

”Jenni just flat out asked them if she was going to die,” said her father, Mike Lake, a truck driver from Rexburg, north of Pocatello.

‘We were told that she couldn’t get pregnant, so we didn’t worry about it,’ her boyfriend Nathan, 19, said.

However, something unexpected happened, and the couple learned they were expecting a baby. That made things different for Jennifer whose biggest wish was to become a mom one day. 

But, that meant she had to make a tough decision. It was either her child’s life or hers at stake. In case she decided to carry on with the pregnancy, that would mean she had to stop with the chemo. 

This fierce young lady decided to follow her heart and deliver the baby, even though it put her life in even greater risk. 

Nine months later, baby Chad Michael was welcomed into the world. 

Jennifer’s mom, Diana Phillips, recalled the day of her grandchild’s birth and said how her daughter grabbed the midwife’s hand and whispered: “I’m done, I did what I was supposed to. My baby is going to get here safe!”

Just six days after she had her baby, Jennifer was released from the hospital. Sadly, she only had six days to spend with her bundle of joy in the comfort of her home. The moment she died, little Chad was in her arms. 

Jennifer was happy she got to give birth and kiss her baby. She made the ultimate sacrifice and that speaks of what mothers are capable of doing for their children. 

Now, years after her passing, Jennifer’s family is making sure Chad knows of what his mom did for him and how much she loved him. Her story is touching the hearts of many since 2011, when she left this world. 

There is a Facebook page dedicated to Jennifer’s life and journey where people pay still tribute to her sacrifice. 

This story touched me to the core. Please share it to keep Jennifer’s legacy alive.

Neighbor flies into action after witnessing stranger pick up 6-year-old and toss her into car

By
Monica Pop
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What a rescue!

A man named Prentiss Weatherford from Louisville, Kentucky, was a witness to a child kidnapping while he was staying outside his home in early July.

There is nothing scarier and more terrifying for a parent than when a child is abducted. They are left fearing for their little one’s life and feel powerless, so most times, in situations like that, what they can do is wait, pray, and put their faith in the authorities to get their precious jewel home safe and sound.

Source: YouTube/ Inside Edition

When he saw his six-year-old neighbor being grabbed by the collar out of her bike and tossed inside a car, Weatherford rushed into his vehicle and started chasing the kidnapper. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage to catch him but was able to identify the type of car he was driving, a red Dodge Challenger, and memorize he last three digits of his license plate.

As it turned out, it was enough information for the police to act and track down the suspect. Weatherford alerted the police of the kidnapping and also told them that the suspect was a white man with dark hair.

Source: YouTube/ Inside Edition

An entire division of the Lousiville police department got involved into the search of the little girl. Shortly after, two police officers, Sergeant Joe Keeling and Officer Jason Burba, spotted the suspect and asked him to get down on his knees. When they opened the car’s door, they could see the girl inside, crying and looking for her daddy.

Thanks to the brave neighbor who ran into action and the officers who joined in the search, the girl was taken back to her family.

Source: YouTube/ Inside Edition

Weatherford’s action was praised by the entire community. Speaking to Inside Edition, he said: “Thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate it and just hope you guys would do the same in that situation.”

Source: YouTube/ Inside Edition

In case we find ourselves in a similar situation where we witness someone is kidnapped or abused in any way, it is our responsibility to step in, or at least alert the authorities.

If you want to learn more of this incredible rescue make sure you check out the video below.

Officer returns to middle school earlier than planned and ends up saving a student’s life

By
Monica Pop
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In an unexpected turn of events, one police officer found himself in the right place at the right time and saved the life of a chocking student.

Officer Duane Smith was supposed to go to the school later that day, but he decided to return earlier after helping the school patrol. This decision, or call it an intuition, turned to be life-saving.

Source: YouTube Screenshot – WSB – TV

During lunch time, one of the students, Ethan Hamrick, suddenly started chocking on a water bottle cap that was lodged in his airway. Luckily, his friend Rudra Parmar realized what was going on and rushed to alert Officer Smith and the school nurse, Annette Lively. Without hesitation, Officer Smith ran into action and started performing the Heimlich Maneuver on Ethan.

After 14 tries, the cap move around and opened a breathing passage. Luckily, it gave Ethan a chance to take some breath while they were waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The nurse also did her part and stayed by Ethan’s side.

Source: YouTube Screenshot – WSB – TV

After the scary incident, Ethan was rushed to the hospital where doctors managed to get the cap out. He was soon released and is now feeling fine.

His friend, Rudra, who saw the emergency unfolding right in front of his eyes, said: “I was really hoping that he’d be alive by the end of this, so I just prayed. Because I don’t want to lose a friend…I’ve prayed for my mother and my father, might as well pray for a friend.”

Source: YouTube Screenshot – WSB – TV

Thankfully, everything turned for the best for young Ethan all thanks to his friend, Officer Smith, and nurse Lively.

You can take a look at the whole story in the video below.

Toddler helps German Shepherd overcome fear of sprinkler

By
Monica Pop
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Who could have thought that the big and brave German shepherd could be afraid of water. Although this breed is known for their courage and their service in the army and the military forces, they are allowed to be vulnerable at times and to have their own fears. This particular dog hesitates to go near the family’s new water sprinkler. He barks at it not knowing it will become the best ‘toy’ he’s ever played with.

Source: YouTube/ Amanpreet Singh

Watching from the distance, the dog nervously stares at the water coming from the sprinkler as his little baby brother encourages him to come forward. It’s so sweet to watch how the little buddy point to it with his tiny finger as though he says, “Don’t be afraid, this is so much fun” and then demonstrates how it works. While the mom watches the two ‘talking’ she starts laughing.

Source: YouTube/ Amanpreet Singh

Once the German Shepherd is convinced the water won’t hurt him, he approaches near the sprinkler and that’s when the real fun starts. Watching the dog play with the water is beyond hilarious. He is so excited that he goes completely nuts and can’t stop running around. The fear is now gone and all he has to do is enjoy even more.

We are happy this dog found a new way to entertain himself. Take a look at the video and don’t forget to share it with your friends!

Community steps in for a single mother and two young children who have been living in their car

By
Monica Pop
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Being a single parent is hard and demanding, especially now when a huge number of businesses closed down because of the pandemic and finding or even holding a job is harder than it has ever been.

Angela Thrower, from Richmond, Virginia, is a mother of two. Unfortunately, things haven’t been easy for her and her kids recently, and they ended up living in her car.

In the past, Angela was convicted of embezzlement, and that makes it even harder for her to find a place for her family. She says that her kids are forced to suffer because of that stupid mistake she made, and that’s not fair. According to her, not many people are willing to rent their property to someone who is a former convict.

“I’ve called every community line, resource line that you can think of and I’m still back at square one,” the desperate mother told WRIC.

Source: Screenshot/ WRIC

Angela has been placed on the waitlist for some time now, but things don’t seem promising. “I shouldn’t have to be sitting here, crying, stressing and figuring things out when there’s a whole resource line,” she said. “They’re telling me I’m not a priority. What makes me a priority?”

WRIC contacted Homeward, an organization that tracks data in Richmond and the surrounding area, and were told that a lot of people are staying in the shelters for longer periods of time and when someone doesn’t move out, others can’t move in.

Luckily, once the news outlet shared Angela’s story, the community decided to step in for her. A great number of people offered to help, with some of them offering to pay for a hotel stay and others offering free apartments. Since then, Angela has started a GoFundMe page which helped raise over $5,000 in the first 24 hours.

Source: Screenshot/ WRIC

Thanks to the kindness the community offered, Angela will luckily be able to find a home for herself and her two kids.

You can take a look at this mother’s story below.

Single foster mom shares the story of her journey to family of four: ”Love has no color in my home”

By
Monica Pop
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Not every child who ends up in the foster system is lucky enough to find a forever family. A lot of young kids go from one home to another, but never settle, and that’s a very sad reality.

Luckily, there are people out there, like Treka Engleman, who give these children a chance for a clean start and turn their life for the better.

Sharing her incredible story with Love What Matters, 30-year-old Treka from Cincinnati, Ohio, recalled the time she decided to became a foster parent.

“I have 20 nieces and nephews, 3 great nieces, and a host of cousins who I have babysat over the years. I’ve worked in childcare ever since I graduated from High School. I’ve always babysat for different families; I guess I can say I thought I was a natural when it came to taking care of children. Little did I know three children would change my life….” she wrote.

“For years, I wanted to be a foster mom. Yet I was always hesitant to start the journey into foster care because I didn’t think a single person like myself could be a foster mom (no spouse, no children).”

Treka heard a lot of stories of children who were left without a family, and losing her mother at the age of six, she could only imagine how hard life would be for her without her big family by her side.

Once she was told she was suitable to be a foster parent, Treka took some parenting classes at an orphanage and moved into a bigger apartment.

When asked about the children she wanted to foster, Treka listed down African American and Caucasian. “Color doesn’t matter to me. Love is love no matter what color you are,” this incredible lady said.

The first child she welcomed into her life was five-day-old Elijah Lee Hill. Soon after, she was asked whether she wanted to take two sisters in. Treka agreed, but only one of her sisters, Alexis Bowman, came to live with her. As it turned out, the older girl, Mercedes, got herself into trouble and was sent to a group home.

As she couldn’t imagine for the girls to be separated, Treka contacted the caseworkers and asked to take Mercedes. They agreed, and soon after, the two girls were reunited and Treka’s family became a family of four.

“On March 16, 2018 Mercedes came to live with us. The girls and little Eli were all so excited. So now at this point it was me, a single mom 30 years old with 3 children ranging from 1 to 15. What was I thinking?

“You know what I was thinking? I love these kids and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They needed a home and I had more than enough to give them…My family does not see color, just kids that needed someone.

“Yes I have had my fair share of stares while we’re out in public, but we just keep walking by unbothered. I’ve had people ask me, ‘Oh, are you babysitting?’ and my response is no, they are my children. No questions asked. I never say ‘foster children,’ but my children. Because that’s what they are and always will be,” Treka shared with Love What Matters.

“Love has no color in my home and they are loved unconditionally…If you are considering fostering or adopting I say go for it. It doesn’t matter if you’re single, divorced, married, black or white. You can change someone’s life!”

Thank you Treka for everything you do for your beautiful children. You truly are an amazing woman and a mother.

Disabled father couldn’t take newborn son for a walk, a group of students built him a wheelchair-stroller

By
Monica Pop
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This uplifting story will definitely make your day. It involves a beautiful family of three and a group of very innovative high school students.

When Jeremy King became a father, he was over the moon. Sadly, his happiness was overshadowed by the fact that he could not enjoy his baby’s company to the fullest due to his condition. Namely, he had a brain tumor and underwent a surgery which affected his balance. As a result, he now uses a wheelchair.

Speaking to Good Morning America, Jeremy’s wife, Chelsie King, said: “While he can walk, he can’t do so safely carrying a child. So we jumped into, ‘OK, what do we need in order for him to parent safely?’ and honestly, not a whole lot came up — there’s just really not a ton of resources out there for disabled parents.”

“One of the things that we really couldn’t find was a way to enjoy walks with our son,” Chelsie said, according to NBC Washington.

“We really just wanted a way to have walks as a family and for him to be able to do everything that a parent without physical disabilities does,” Chelsie added.

After exploring all the options, Chelsie came up with a brilliant idea. She reached to the students at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, who are part of the school’s Innovation and Technology Lab, or BITlab. One of the classes, under professor Matt Zigler, Making for Social Good, is all about coming up with innovations which improve the lives of those who need it the most.

Professor Zigler was more than happy to introduce his class with the challenge. “One, it was great to have it as a challenge, but two, it was great that it was somebody in our community that could benefit from it,” he said.

The young minds did the most incredible thing. They created the WheeStroll which allows Jeremy to have the so much anticipated walks with his son.

The students not only made one father’s greatest wish come true, but they also received plenty of awards for their invention, including “Best Inspirational Story” and “Best Showcase of Iterative Design.”

“To see the smile on his face and to know that I was able to help give him that connection with his child that he wouldn’t be able to have because of his disabilities,” one of the students involved in the project, Benjamin Gordon, said.

“It definitely made me feel for them and it kind of made me mad because something like this should be made already and we shouldn’t be the one—high schoolers—making these designs,” student Jewel Walker added.

We are so happy for Jeremy and Chelsie, and profoundly thankful to the young students for their incredible work.

For more of the story, check out the video below.

Caitlyn Jenner says she will “support” Donald Trump if he runs for President in 2024

By
Monica Pop
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When Olympic gold medalist and a father of six, Bruce Jenner, transitioned into a woman, all eyes were on him. Known not only for his professional achievements but also as the former husband of Kris Jenner and part of the show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Bruce, now Caitlyn, has spent a lifetime battling gender dysphoria before finally coming out as a woman at the age of 65.

Besides having kids on her own, Caitlyn has also been the stepfather of Kris’ children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob.

However, after transitioning, it looked like her relationship with her stepchildren sort of broke down and they are not into contact any longer. Speaking about it, she told Grazia: “I don’t talk about that side of the family, I spent 23 years of my life with those kids –  it’s difficult to talk about it, terribly terribly sad.

“I’ve lost all relationship with them, yes, I don’t talk to any of them anymore.”

Recently, 71-year-old Caitlyn has turned to politics and announced earlier this year that she will be running for governor of California against Governor Gavin Newsom.

“Californians want better and deserve better from their governor. For too long, career politicians have overpromised and underdelivered. We need a leader with a vision and the resolve to see it through,” the reality star shared on Twitter in April.

“This will be a campaign of solutions, providing a roadmap back to prosperity to turn this state around and finally clean up the damage Newsom has done to this state.”

In case she’s elected, she will be the first transgender governor in the country. At the same time, Caitlyn slammed President Biden’s work so far and said she will support Donald Trump in case he runs for the presidential elections in 2024.

In an interview with Fox News’ ‘Justice with Judge Jeanie,’ Caitlyn expressed her support for former POTUS Donald Trump.

“If I was governor of the state of California… obviously, I would support him,” she said. “Yes, I still would support Trump. I do not like what’s happening in this country right now.”

This support comes despite the fact that the republicans took a critical stance regarding the LGBTQ issues. Caitlyn herself has done a lot for the rights of the transgender people, especially the children. She, however, is against transgender girls competing in sports. “I oppose biological boys who are trans competing in girls’ sports in school. It just isn’t fair. And we have to protect girls’ sports in our schools.”

Caitlyn says that what she liked about Donald Trump is that he was a disruptor. “He came in and shook the system up, OK? A lot of people didn’t like that in Washington, D.C., but he came in and shook the system up,” she said.

Caitlyn has made it clear she wouldn’t like Trump’s endorsement during her campaign.

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