LIGHTFEST & Those to Inspire Others to Aspire

LIGHTFEST & Those to Inspire Others to Aspire

It is the first week of the New Year and LIGHTFEST will be igniting the Flame of Hope from a SPARK in your heart as LIGHTFEST will continue its 25th Anniversary Celebration activities as we Light the World with Hope.

How it all got started
In 1996, Sharon Cecil met Girl Scout Troop 1472. They were working on a project –Growing Up Female. The troop became involved with the pilot program for WOW (WOW – Women Offering Wisdom) that started at Wayside Christian Mission. The girls wanted to use their clowning ministry to help educate about the concepts of the WOW program. These girls were instrumental in creating many of WE SURVIVE’s events including the LIGHTFEST born from the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay held at Churchill Downs in 1997.
LIGHTFEST is a time to come together and bring awareness to the issues accompanied by a sense of hopelessness; some being feelings of entrapment in unresolvable outcomes (ie: hunger and homelessness) with mental and medical challenges.

Recent Themes
We Survive continues to reach out to children and families through various activities and the annual LIGHTFEST event while Realizing The Power of the Dream.

“Deep within each heart

There lies a magic spark

That lights the fire of our imagination…
Feel the flame forever burn

Teaching lessons we must learn

To bring us closer to the power of the dream”

Lyrics from “The Power of the Dream”

LIGHTFEST 2022 – “Hope a Gift of Empowerment” was nontraditional with the creation of a Commemorative Tapestry designed by Sunshine Joe Mallard.  

LIGHTFEST 2023  – “Light the World with Hope” is showcasing youth and what they have done for 25 years through combined efforts with schools and other organizations assisting We Survive and LIGHTFEST to be viable entities as an intricate part of communities worldwide.  
Through a series of stories over the next 7 months, we will be introducing multiple aspects of  volunteers and their contribution to our communities (locally and globally).  We will also be acknowledging those who have mentored and advised these youth through the years.  

People who Inspire others to Aspire Today, I am introducing you to Sunshine Joe Mallard and Stacy Burks. You will be hearing more about these extraordinary people in the next 7 months.  

Sunshine Joe at LIGHTFEST 2019

Sunshine Joe Mallard “Sunshine Joe’s work sparks dialogue and chronicles the hopes and challenges facing our greater community.” ~~ The Carnegie Center for Art and History  

Sunshine Joe’s involvement with We Survive began almost 20 years ago when we had an educational display at the Kentucky Center for the Arts for Hunger and Homelessness.    In  2016-, Sunshine Joe and We Survive worked to coordinate an activity with the youth at Global Games Changes creating a tapestry “Voices.” The children learned about the art of  needle/tapestry art.  They wrote on the tapestry before its being embroidered and quilted in preparation for hanging.  
In 2023, we will be presenting a Commemorative Tapestry to YPAS-duPontManual.

Stacy Burks at LIGHTFEST 2019

Stacy Burks Stacy Burks was a nursing student when I first met her.  I took nursing students to Wayside Christian Mission for clinicals and she was one of my students who truly was moved by her experience.  
Stacy is now a nursing instructor.  She takes her students to Wayside Christian Mission on a regular basis and brings students each year to LIGHTFEST events.

On Friday, December 30, I got an invitation to a new non-profit started by Stacy who has partnered with Cristal Pollak. Stacy says, “We have been a solid team for many years now and without each other’s support Our502family would not exist. This is a dream for us both.”
How amazing is it that one of my past students who has been extremely involved in LIGHTFEST has launched a non-profit from her experience at Wayside years ago!  
Their mission “to share the love, joy and hope that so many have lost through homelessness. As long as we are able we will move… #hopelives”

2023 LIGHTFEST – Light the World with Hope Since the inception of LIGHTFEST in 1997 at Churchill Downs, the blending of organizations and schools throughout Kentuckiana has included a constant base from YPAS-duPont Manual.  One of our very first Youth Advisors was JC Reedy (Assistant to the principal at YPAS and Artistic Producer). 
Individuals and groups will continue to create activities leading up to the date of the Commemorative Tapestry Presentation Event in 2023 – Date TBA

There is always HOPE

There is always HOPE

Written by Randi Espinoza 6/12/22

Hope  – Feeling of expectation or anticipation of a certain (believed in) future event occurring that causes joyfulness when contemplated.

Hope is that the Reds win the World Series and the Bengals win the Superbowl this year.

Hope is that children of any age, sex, color, gender, ethnicty, or socioeconomic status can go to school without fear of being shot at.

Hope is what is foretold in the Bible about God, Jesus and heaven, and one day being taken there to live in eternal bliss forever. 

Hope is Martin Luther King’s dream.

Hope is being in your darkest hour and knowing the sun will rise again.

Hope is reaching out when depression makes you want to retreat, and someone to be there for you to talk to and to help you through.  

Hope is when the world tells you you can’t, you find a way that you can, and when the world mistreats you, respond with love, spreading hope to others.  

Hope is love.

Hope is 3 years without cutting, and the ability to resist when the urge comes.

Hope is belonging, having a family, a home, and food to eat,  

Hope is being off the streets and safe.

Hope is liberation from sex trafficing and prostitution.

Hope is beating addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Hope is the possibility of healing and miracles.

Hope is after 24 years of having MRIs to track my Multiple Sclerosis progression, this MRI will show nothing; My brain will be free of plaques (lesions) and scarring. 

There is always hope.

Author Randi Espinoza

Learn and Earn – A Personal Perspective

Learn and Earn

A Personal Perspective

Written by Sharon Cecil

Growing up in a dysfunctional family and my mother’s death my senior year of high school set me on a journey full of exploration and discovery that included a failed marriage, multiple moves and several jobs.  I was full of doubt, had no self-esteem or confidence in myself. But, I knew that I had to learn in order to earn my way in life.

While married to my first husband, I experienced a turbulent yet MIRACULOUS pregnancy, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, bouncing baby girl in 1972.  Whew—after experiencing a Postpartum Depression, I was in need of a full body wellness experience.  

In order to be a good mother, I knew that I was going to need a lot of guidance.  Mental health seemed to be what was needed the most.  Part of the health care plan was to become engaged in therapeutic crafts.  This seemed to be the most beneficial part of my care plan, it was important to learn as much as I could.

In 1974, I started a craft class at Bardstown Road Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY with the Highland Community Ministries.  This class lasted until the mid-1980’s.

During this time, I found myself to be a single parent after a difficult divorce.   I learned how to barter, and sell consignments utilizing my craft skills.  In order to supplement my income, I began:

  • doing cleaning at a local sewing center in exchange for sewing lessons and material to make my daughter and myself clothes 
  • making craft items to sell at a shop in St. Matthews, KY
  • learning a simple painting style while talking ceramic lessons in order to teach lessons for a craft shop in Jeffersontown, KY.

In 1979, an opportunity was available for me to go to college on a grant. During the discussion with my advisor, I shared that I would like to do hair styling, be a seamstress, chef or baker—something artistic.  He said that the only college course that would fit the list was chef through a Culinary Arts Program, which was not recommended.  He said that if I wanted to do something artistic, “you need to minor in art and get a traditional degree.”  He pushed business.  

I decided to get an Art Degree with no business in the mix.  

Some years passed, and I became a Registered Nurse. Since then, I‘ve applied my art and nursing skills as a psychiatric nurse, university lecturer, health educator and social advocate to design creative programming that benefit others.

As cancer survivors, my late husband, Moody Cecil, and I co-founded We Survive in 1994.  In 2012, Moody became dependent on me for much of his care.  Choosing to keep Moody at home was a choice I don’t regret making. Although it drained our finances and I am now experiencing financial fragility, I am a fighter who will not sit back with self-doubt.  That will not get me anywhere.   

In 2014, it was decided to re-ignite an event that was originally held in 1997—LIGHTFEST.  By 2015, we became less involved in the community because of both of our medical challenges.  But it was still possible to keep LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited (LFR) viable.  In 2017, LFR was celebrated in over 70 cities and 2 countries. It has been the goal of LIGHTFEST to reach an international level whereby everyone around the world will shine a Light of HOPE.

I faced life’s tragic obstacles that came with a dysfunctional family, the harshness of not being loved by a parent to watching people self-destruct through poor choices. Once I married Moody, I learned how to be loved unconditionally, believe in myself and dare to dream. 

Moody and I faced many obstacles and yet never gave up our passion to help others.  We blended our talents and created We Survive.  Our obstacles were many but our resolve was strong.

My actions have been from acquiring a deep-seated desire to never have another person feel alone or afraid.  As my husband would say to me and I now say to others, “I will believe in you until you believe in yourself. “  

Moody passed away in December of 2016.  Today I sit here writing this story thinking about the Business Degree I didn’t pursue and the lessons I have learned along the journey life has taken. Having personally experienced the power of hope, I am inspired to share that message with others through art and nature. I believe that “Art Saves Lives.”  It has saved mine numerous times.  

This year, We Survive is kicking off a Social Entrepreneurship Initiative—Learn and Earn which had gained momentum due to We Survive’s Voices – Passport to Art that took place in March 2018.

It is important to do what gets you excited–Purposeful Living is about living a life that you love.

I feel that Learn and Earn is not just about the potential to earn money. It’s about earning self-respect, self-confidence, recognition and support, and learn entrepreneurial skills. If some money can be earned, great!!!

Watch this short video to learn more about We Survive and some of its programming.


 

Taxes on the Go Offers Hope for the Homebound

Taxes on the Go Offers Hope for the Homebound

Written by Sharon Cecil

In the fall of 2015, I found myself in a situation where I was pretty much limited due to a fall that created mobility issues. To the knee injury that imposed restrictions that I referred to as “stair incarceration” add blustery wind and a flurry of snow accumulation, home became my husband’s and my sanctuary.

During this time, there were a lot of people sharing stories about how it was hard to get out of their home to get things done. The information shared took me on an explorative journey to seek out services that are available to you when you are homebound.

Two services that I felt were vital included getting your taxes completed and food for the pantry.

Taxes on the Go Offers Hope for the Homebound

TaxFormIt is inevitable, that January brings with it that time of the year. TAX time! It can be one of the most grueling tasks that you procrastinate about for multiple reasons.

One young man’s story was fascinating.

Michael Fitzmayer has done tax preparation for more than 35 years. He will tell you that he has seen just about every type of tax situation in that time.

Mike started Taxes on the Go. He will come to your home with his laptop in hand and prepare your taxes.   He has the capability to e-file, but needs to file from his office to ensure that it is sent from a secure network.

In order to help people that were less fortunate than he is, Mike started doing Taxes on the Go. Mike wanted to be there for people who were in recovery situations and be able to reduce the cost for those with lower incomes or stressed financial concerns.

Mike talked with me regarding, “People with low incomes are going into tax preparation offices and being taken advantage of by paying very high preparation fees.”

When you can’t leave home, there is always the option to do your taxes yourself when you have access to the internet. For many people, they don’t have the luxury of owning a computer and internet access due to their financial limitations. Or health issues such as sight might make that option prohibitive.

Thank goodness that there are people like Mike who have put a personal touch to taxes.

Taxes on the Go takes the worry out of getting your taxes done if you can’t leave home.

Contact Mike at Taxes on the Go 502-640-8782. He will also prepare taxes at his office.

FYI—If you live in Louisville, you might want to check out ValuMarket’s Curbside Direct, Louisville’s original online grocery shopping platform that allows customers to buy all their favorite grocery items online in a safe and convenient way. Or check with your local area store to see if you can call in the day before to get your order delivered.

From Humble Beginnings a Childhood Vision Soars

From Humble Beginnings a Childhood Vision Soars

dovepeaceglobeFrom Humble Beginnings a Childhood Vision Soars

There are so many stories that could be shared about Moody Cecil’s love of nature and how he grew up walking the land that his grandparents owned, later owned by his parents and then passed down to him.

As a child, his Aunt Dumpy would take him hiking and his Uncle Lovell took him fishing on a regular basis.  On Sundays, the family would gather at the farm for Sunday dinner and play boardgames and with the years passing by it came up to video games and virual games, we have so much fun playing Super Mario and Fornite, you can review here for more games. I remember I kept all my nintendo consoles and it still takes me back.  Moody’s mom (Alma) and dad (Moody Sr.) carried on the Sunday dinner tradition.

Cathy, Kent and their cousins Rita and Anita enjoyed their regular Sunday get together which included  hiking, playing in the creek, floating stick boats, making homemade ice cream with an old time hand crank ice cream maker and many other activities.  Anita says, “I have so many wonderful memories of Sunday dinners with Aunt Alma, Uncle Moody (Sr.), my dad, Junie (Moody Jr.), Cathy, and Kent. I will always cherish those memories as some of the best times in my life.”

Although Moody, Jr. (who we all knew as Moody) recognized that he was not cut out to be a farmer, he realized at a very young age he loved being on the farm.  Moody decided when he acquired the land; he had been given the privilege of being steward of the land.

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Moody and Cathy

Moody was dedicated to working with youth and the vision of creating “a legacy for future generations.”  He began exploring the possibility of a Certified Stewardship Forest (a designated given by the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Moody’s children Michelle Wolf (Matt), Cathy Bellamy (Rob), and Kent Cecil (Stephanie); and grandchildren Kyle Wolf, Kate Bellamy, Jordon and Leah Cecil enjoyed being at the farm.

Moody loved to fish.  When each grandchild was born, he bought them fishing poles.  Rob reminded Moody’s wife Sharon that Moody had taken Kate fishing for the first time.

Rob also shared a Memory Moment about when Cathy, Kate and he were having lunch with Moody at Uno’s Pizza on Bardstown Road.  Kate was 3 or 4 at the time.   She looked at her Granddaddy and asked why he lived on the other side of Louisville.  Rob said that Moody calmly explained to Kate about our blended family, and said to Kate, “Cathy is my daughter and you are my granddaughter and I love you so much.”   Kate was completely satisfied with this information and never brought it up again.

One of Sharon’s fondest memories is of grandsons Jordon and Kyle going fishing with Moody and Kent.    They were thrilled that they caught a fish.  Excitedly, the boys came running back from the creek and told Sharon that they had caught a 5 pound bass.  When in actuality, it was a 5 inch bass.  Through the years, Sharon would tease Moody about how he had not only taught the boys to fish but also taught them how to tell fish stories.

Moody was a fierce champion for both the young and old. With his extraordinary love of nature, it was decided that Sharon and Moody Cecil would create an organization that would offer health and wellness programming that provided “nurturance in nature.”  In 1994, We Survive was born.

GazeboIn 2004, Anita said her wedding vows under the gazebo at We Survive—now referred to as Haven of Hope.  What a wonderful memory and tribute to her grandparents Florence and George Hahn.

As time passed, Moody’s memory began to fade. He lost many of the memories he held so near and dear.  Despite this, Moody never lost his desire to be around people of all ages or his love for nature. He even attended LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited on November 5, 2016.

Moody’s passion was working with children from all walks of life. He enjoyed being part of the planning and participating in Day of Hope https://wesurvive.org/day-of-hope/  activities at We Survive’s Haven of Hope.

 

Moody Cecil

March 23, 1932 – December 19, 2016

To read more about Moody’s story, read Amazing Vision Offers Guiding Light.

 

To Donate or Comment (and share a Moody memory) visit the

Moody Cecil Memorial Fund

A fund for the Haven of Hope Arts, Cultural and Nature Center.

beacon-of-hope

I know you would be standing beside me today,
if heaven was not so far away.

Like We Survive’s Beacon of Hope,
your presence has a far reaching scope.

Day of Hope Inspires

Day of Hope Inspires

Written by: Ryan Hatfield

mortar and pestalMarch 15, 2016

I first became involved with We Survive and Day of Hope as a first-year pharmacy student. The Day of Hope event was the first service learning project I had undertaken in pharmacy school. I didn’t really know what to expect other than I knew I was going to help provide health education to underprivileged children and their families.

Each of the pharmacy students were paired up with one of the children from the shelter. The child with whom I was paired was one of the older ones there, and he was definitely not thrilled that he had to participate. I tried talking to him and getting him to open up, but all I got was nowhere fast. I get it—we are from two vastly different worlds, and to be completely honest, I probably would have been just as aloof as he was if I was in his shoes.

The day itself had various activities. There was an educational component to it, of course, but the children and families also got to explore nature. For most of them, I’d hedge a bet that it was the first time they’d ever been out of the city. The young man with whom I was partnered started loosening up a little when we went on the hike, but he really came out of his shell when we went down to the creek. He absolutely loved being able to explore the creek. His biggest prize was the frog that he caught. We had to pry him from the creek when it was time for the groups to change activities. He did a 180 from the time he arrived at the farm to the time that he left. Being out at the farm did wonders for him, even if it may have only been for that day.

The children and families that participated in the event were so gracious and so thankful. If not for the Day of Hope, I don’t think a lot of these folks would have the opportunity to get out into the country and experience nature in its true form.

Seeing the children and families being able to enjoy their day with playing games and being out in nature and being able to forget about life for a while was a great opportunity for me as well. I’ve participated in the Day of Hope event each of my 3 years in pharmacy school. I graduate in June, and while I know that I won’t always be able to attend the Day of Hope event every year, it is an organization that I do wish to continue to support.

 

Ryan Hatfield, PharmD

Sullivan University College of Pharmacy, Class of 2016

Attitudes Are the Real Disability

Attitudes Are the Real Disability

henry-holden-1

Henry Holden

In 2014, Madison Pierce from Los Angeles, California was given an assignment to write about someone who not only inspired her but also overcame adversity.  Madison shared with us her story regarding Henry Holden a LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited Ambassador.  As we Celebrate Hope in 2016, STAR Ambassador Henry Holden will shine brightly for LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited.

“Attitudes Are the Real Disability”

Written by Madison Pierce, Los Angeles, CA

image1Henry Holden’s life journey has inspired many people all over the world to not give up and have determination. He was born in Germany in a displacement camp called Fahrenwald, near Munich, on March 20, 1948 and is known for never letting his disability get in the way of anything he sets his mind on. Faced with a disability that left him unable to use his legs, Henry Holden speaks primarily at colleges, influencing and inspiring students and all who listen.

Henry Holden was 4 years old when he remembers walking with his mother, and couldn’t walk correctly. Later that night he woke up and started screaming. His parents called the ambulance which took him to the hospital. The emergency room doctors informed Henry’s parents that he was faking and could walk just fine. After more tests, the doctors realized that Henry had polio in both of his legs and would be permanently disabled, never able to walk again without the help of crutches and/or braces. He has had about six arduous surgeries on his legs. Even with his polio, Henry was gallant and still played baseball, football, and other sports with his neighborhood friends. Henry’s determination to assimilate was as powerful as Edison’s perseverance in developing the light bulb. His parents had high expectations for him, and for Henry, that was very important. It was both his parents and his neighborhood friends that inspired him to never give up on himself. According to Henry Holden’s website, “Don’t DIS the ability” is his “compelling message.”

Henry Holden currently is a motivational speaker, actor, comedian, writer, and two-time LA Marathon participant in a wheel chair. He speaks mainly at colleges, and has traveled all around the United States of America, and internationally to England and Bermuda. He has given over one hundred speeches. He recalls one time he was speaking at a school in Minnesota and the people who brought him in said that a student was going to drop out. The student decided not to after hearing Henry speak. Sharon Cecil from the Courier Journal states, “Thank you for showing not only me but also the world what can be done when will overcomes adversity!”

Henry Holden has been seen on many television shows. Some of these shows include: Becker, TJ Hooker, After M.A.S.H, Knotts Landing, and Hunter. He loved performing in these shows because they didn’t focus on his disability. He played characters that happen to have a disability. He is most proud of the show Kids Incorporated, a Disney show that Fergy was on. The show’s message that people can do anything they want, regardless of having a disability, made a big impact on people’s lives, especially the children who watched the show. Henry Holden has also written The Hitman and Other Short Plays, which features Henry as one of the characters. The Hitman was made into a 10 minute short film. Stated on Henry Holden’s website from one of the audience members at a recent conference, “What you’re doing is opening the eyes for people who didn’t know they could see”. “Mr. Holden is an excellent speaker. He is not only positive and humorous, but stands as an excellent role model. Mr. Holden, I greatly admire you!”

img_8007Henry Holden has made a difference in many people’s lives, telling them to never give up; never let anyone tell you, you “can’t” do something, show them that you can. He never felt indignant about his disability, it only made him more singular. As his famous and well-known slogan goes, “Attitudes are the Real Disability!”  Henry resolutely states “There is nothing negative about an individual. Everything about a person is positive. You just have to focus on the positive.”