To all those who have touched my life in the past years, I am so thankful for everything and everyone in my life. I was blessed with a very special sister, Marcia, who had cerebral palsy. It was Marcia who taught me what really matters in life. My siblings taught me to love in spite of, and because of, our differences. My parents taught me that I could make a difference in the world, one person at a time. My friends have taught me how people who are not related to me, can be counted on every day of the week. And my clients taught me that I always need to try to be better than I was the day before. I have been blessed beyond anything I could ever imagine.

I was fortunate enough to spend last weekend at an amazing "women's camp" at the top of a mountain in Malibu, CA, called Campowerment. There I was surrounded by like-minded women, who in their own worlds, make a difference each and every day. I participated in a disco dancing competition, climbed a telephone pole and jumped off onto a trapeze, meditated and experienced mind provoking exercises with professionals from all over the world. I went to Campowerment to rejuvenate, but mostly I went to think about how I could make a bigger difference for the families I serve.  

Over the last year, I have found power in the families I work with. When families are together, ideas flow, energy is enormous, and things get done. I realized I could offer an Empowerment Camp for family members of those with special needs, and bring the same profound experience I had to the families that Protected Tomorrows serves. Imagine, you could build your plan, make sure your legal work was moving forward,  identified new residential and employment opportunities, and finalized your financial plan, all in a safe place, while you had fun! And while doing this, you would meet other families who are in similar situations with similar goals and needs. And, do it in an environment where you were nurtured and pampered, (like the top of a mountain, or a forest, or alongside the ocean). And I thought, "YES, I can do that"! So, as I soon as I got back, I started talking to families about it, and I heard many say "YES, Let's do it". So, STAY TUNED for the details. I know we can make a difference, fifty families at a time!  We ARE going to do this in 2018. 

I walked out of camp not only with energy, but gratitude beyond anything I've ever felt before. I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to work with the families we have helped. My life has been blessed by every one of you. I'm grateful for my team that has been by my side to help me accomplish our mission.

I'll share a few pictures of the wonderful views that helped me find clarity in my life, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 

I look forward to the coming year. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. For now, I will leave you with the gratitude and love that I feel for all of you.