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A Spark In A Child's Day Goes A Long Way

2011-06-23T15:18:08Z

I couple weeks ago when I was in Chicago with Empower Pro as a part of the AAD (Athletes Against Drugs) Event I spent some time at Children’s Memorial Hospital Family Center. This is a great place where kids who are in the hospital and their families can go to “escape” the daily routine of being sick and in the hospital. It is a place where laughter and life resides. A place where you can play and a place where parents can watch their kids-even if they are tied to an IV pole or a wheelchair-LIVE. And where parents can take a deep breath and many times realize, “everything just may be okay”.

It was an honor to meet different kids and their parents and hear some of their stories and happily enough accomplishments and triumphs-sadly, some real struggles. I prayed with one mom and laughed with another. I high five’d children and gave hugs. I was, in a way, home. Back to one of the “homes” I grew up in anyway. I remember those days as a child being in the hospital and all the kindness and hope that was shared with me-it is important for me to “give that back and pay it forward”

I even got to be part of Hospital Bingo. What an amazing thing this is! The PRO Bingo man is named Rene’ and he volunteers his time and plays Bingo for all the kids in the hospital. He gives back because his son who is living his life healthy as a young adult was once a young patient at Children’s Memorial and it is important for him to show his appreciation and “pay it forward” what an incredible man-I was honored to be his helper/sidekick for the day!

The kids who cannot come down to the Family Center get to watch and play on their TV and call in when they get BINGO! It was so great. I LOVED seeing light in each child’s eyes from their excitement of playing the game and winning-even hearing it in their voices from the ones who couldn’t come down-they were even calling in from ICU! They may have all been struggling with an illness or a health issue but they didn’t let that stop them from having fun-we ALL can learn from kids and their resilience.

SO, “Play even when you don’t feel like it or it isn’t so easy” “Play, Get Up, and Live Your Life even when Life tries to knock you down.” Definitely lessons to be learned and I felt so grateful to be healthy enough to share some of my own I learned with them that day. We do whatever we have to for what we want. Watch a kid sick, too little, too tired, scared, defeated, etc demand better-you don’t have to go into a hospital to find it, go to a playground, a school, maybe even your own home. They are on to something-they don’t quit-we shouldn’t either.

Thank You to everyone at Children’s Memorial for allowing me to share in the strength, joy, and magic within your walls. I loved being there and also loved being able to walk out of them and go home to my own magic and sparks in my life I fought so hard for. It paid off.

Live Life Fully – Believe You Can!

Dottie

The Power of a Child's Belief

2011-06-10T17:33:33Z

It’s Strong and It’s Powerful. Help light it up. Don’t screw it up. It’s that simple.

I was so honored to have the opportunity to be one of the Athletes that got to speak to some of Chicago’s inner city kids last Saturday at the Athletes Against Drugs weekend. These kids were Chicago’s finest. Mr. Stedman Graham and his team have done a wonderful job for 26 years spreading a powerful message and helping kids “see” a positive and powerful future.

From the moment I stepped into the room they were welcoming with big promising eyes ready to see their future and open hearts ready to embrace it. They Inspired me. I spoke about how you must “Believe You Can” despite any obstacle that comes your way. To never, ever let anyone tell you “You Can’t, Because You Can” and asked them to let their “Self Belief they create be their drug”

They got it. One of my proudest moments was when we did activities at the end and they wrote their own “7 Letters/Word” after I read them my “7 Letters/Word” from my book Seven Letters That Saved My Life, ATHLETE. A word that fuels them, makes them proud, sparks their light inside and gives them purpose. They stood up and said proudly “FAMILY, FOOTBALL PLAYER, LAWYER, SOPHISTICATED, ACTRESS, DOCTOR………

And then these kids who I am sure have been told they can’t or won’t wrote down “Why They Believe They Can” Our EMPOWER PRO motto. I shared with them why I Believe I Can and then they took the stage. They stood up proud and tall and stated “My name is….and I Believe I Can Because….”

After hearing some of the incredible reasons and seeing the light come on in their eyes, down in their gut –that spark, I knew my job was done for the day. I Believe I Can Because…..roared through the room and we worked as a Team to encourage and congratulate each young star who stood up. It was magnificent and I realized that our kids are so special, so worthy of our time and the knowledge we have learned along the way in our own lives. They truly “Believe They Can” and have an innocent yet abominable determination that is fearless that they can tap into to make things happen. We can’t screw that up and we must help it emerge-we have to help light their way.

I know on this Saturday they helped me continue to light my way and Believe I Can-Because I KNOW They Can-These kids are going to SOAR and AAD is helping them do that.

May you all share the gifts you have been given and give back to our kids, our youth, so they can see and have the future they so very much deserve. Thank You Mr. Graham, Alicia, and all of AAD for allowing me to share what I have been blessed to live and learn with some very special kids who will forever have a piece of my heart.

“If We Do Not Share What We Have Learned Than The Moments And Lessons Were For Nothing”-Dottie Lessard

“BELIEVE YOU CAN” in your Own Life and in Others, Dottie

EMPOWER PRO Is Here!

2011-06-05T19:35:52Z

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I can’t believe it, it is finally here! After all the hard work my business partner and I put into this dream, purpose, we are launching this weekend in Chicago! We will be in all Bally Total Fitness Clubs throughout the US and we are starting with a bang by being a part of Stedman Graham’s Athletes Against Drugs Celebrity Gala and Golf event this weekend. I am very honored and proud to support such a wonderful cause and excited to be one of the speakers talking to the kids on Saturday. We must help all our children know they can be and do anything in this world Drug Free and Self Empowered.

Having my own protein drink is a dream come true. I feel very strongly that we must Pay It Forward and Give Back. I have been so blessed in my life despite my obstacles and have had to learn out of absolute necessity “how to survive” and then, “how to thrive”. I learned in life and death situations what was crucial to a healthy and strong body and the main ingredient is quality nutrition. Having my protein shakes when I was too short of breath, too sick to eat helped save my life and keep my body, my foundation, strong to make it to and through both organ transplants and to be the athlete and mother I am today. I would not be as healthy as I am today if it was not for my commitment to quality nutrition-I wouldn’t even be here writing this.

“If We Do Not Share What We Have Learned Than The Moments and The Lessons Were For Nothing”-Dottie Lessard

So, when I had the opportunity to work with an amazing team to create a protein drink that would be something that would Empower people with quality ingredients, that tastes good and digested easily-it was as if my life had come full circle. All those times where I would lug my blender and protein powder into the hospital admissions with me, the times I had to decide whether to buy groceries or order my protein, the times my parents made my shakes for me just so I made sure I was “feeding-fueling myself, even on the sickest days, all was so that one day I could share my experiences, my belief in being self empowered, with anyone who is dedicated to living a fully as possible in sports and in life. For Life.

My feeling is it doesn’t matter if you are fighting for your life with a health challenge or fighting for your goal in the gym-you ALL deserve quality nutrition from hard work. You deserve to see results from the hard work you do and I want to make sure what you are feeding yourself after fighting for yourself is quality.

I could go on and on about my pride in this and my Team-Thank you Sharon, Ben, Dr Jeff Stout, Mike C, Jeff L, Lewis, Nita and Connie...YOU have made me so proud. Thank You for hearing and respecting my voice and believing in the power of a journey-ours starts NOW.

For any of you interested in finding out more please spend a few minutes on this site or “like” us at our new FB page (much more will be on it soon) at Empower Pro by Whole Body Wellbeing.

Never let anyone tell you “You can’t because you Can” Anything is possible in this world if you decide to fight for it. It starts with you-make sure YOU have the strong body (foundation) to make everything you want to accomplish in this world yours.

BE EMPOWERED,

Dottie

When You Give, You Receive

2011-05-26T15:45:07Z

I got to meet an incredible young girl a week ago-my newest Dottie’s Dream Hero Kaylynn Hooker. She cheered me on during my obstacle course and counted every single one of the 50 box jumps I did during my fitness skills. She inspired me and reminded me just why I do what I do. I am such a lucky girl.

Kaylynn had a heart transplant when she was just a young baby and she is now 8 years old and full of LIFE. One of the greatest memories of our meeting happened moments after we met. We headed to go find a place to sit and talk; Kaylynn and I were walking holding hands ahead of her mom, sister, and brothers. I looked back at DeAnna (her wonderful mom) and joked that I was just going to take her with me and Kaylynn with big eyes and a huge beautiful smile said “I don’t care, I’m with someone just like me” It made my own heart grow 2 sizes and made me so proud to know I am doing the right thing with my life and Dottie’s Dream.

-“If We Do Not Share What We Have Learned Than The Lessons Were For Nothing”-Dottie Lessard.

This is a quote I recently made and I firmly believe it. We must find a way to give back because we must “pay it forward” and we are rewarded richly when we do by the amazing feeling it brings. I did great at my Tri Fit competition-I beat all my PR’s and made it through that wonderful obstacle course completing every obstacle but nothing compared to the feeling of seeing this little girl now know that she can be and do anything she wants to in life because I did.

I’m not an award winning scientist or even close to the fastest athlete in the world, I’m just a girl who always believed she could and feels it is her purpose to help others feel the same. To me, that’s a pretty big deal. I am so grateful to Genentech for their support of Dottie’s Dream and also Whole Body Wellbeing and Empower Pro Nutrition. Kaylynn and her family will inspire me for many years to come and she is just one of the Hero’s in my Dreams. Kaylynn Hooker is a Dottie’s Dream Hero because she “Believes She Can”. Kaylynn got a HERO shirt, a new pair of shiny sneakers, a beautiful award and a fun filled couple of days including running her own kids obstacle course but Kaylynn gave more to me in those two days than I could’ve ever given her.

Give of yourself to others, share the good you have learned, you will be repaid with so much more than you give. It may even cause you to Reach, Strive, and Believe, higher than you ever have.

LIVE LIFE FULLY and Always, Always, BELIEVE YOU CAN

Dottie

Find Your Why

2011-05-17T15:20:00Z

I have said this many times to clients I work with, kids I coach, etc. Find Your Why. When Jillian said this on the Biggest Loser last night I felt pretty proud she feels the same way-she’s pretty Bad Ass.

Find what fuels you, lights you up inside and it will propel you forward. I have a few why’s….Why? Because I want to live life as fully and strong as I can, because I want to celebrate all the gifts I have received in my life including honoring all who fought for me to live and my donors and their families. Because I want to live a long life with my family and grow old many years from now with Ben. Because I will only demand the most from my life, and help others want the same from theirs. And the most important why..Because from the day he was born my son Liam is my why, my purpose, my oxygen.

Many times in life we are challenged both physically and mentally with obstacles to overcome and fears to face-if we take a moment to feel, really feel, the WHY it will bring you through. You will need to push and dig, and grab, and believe, but you can and will do it.

Find your why. Finds what will make you fall 7 times and get back up 8, what will make you grab a hold onto any dream and goal and not quit. Find what makes you know, despite what anyone else says that YOU CAN.

May you all live your life as fully as you deserve,

Believe You Can

Dottie

Everything Grows When It Is Fed

2011-05-08T12:15:00Z

Everything Grows When Its Fed

Liam brought home a baby tree for Arbor Day last week and we took great care in planting it, spreading out its roots in the new healthy soil, picking out the perfect pot to plant it in, and making sure it was watered and fed. He named it “little tree” and it is now the newest member of our family he says.

It’s pretty cute and I thought about our conversation as we were carefully planting it about how everything little grows up-just like him. And he is right. I still look down in awe sometimes when we are holding hands at this hand that now can wrap around mine. What happened to the tiny fingers that fit perfectly inside the palm of my hand? They grew to wrap around his moms hand –amazing. Life Happens. Life Continues and Life Grows. How blessed I feel.

The truth is, if we take care of and nurture ourselves we grow too. We also grow when we do not take care of ourselves….but in not such a good way We must take care of what we love-and ourselves, so we can love. It truly is that simple. Nurture yourself with quality nutrition, a lot of water, days filled with excitement and work towards goals, healthy happy people around you, and laughter and love.

If we water and feed ourselves with the nutrients, self care, and positive things we need-we will grow strong and build strong roots. A tree may bend with strong wind but it takes a heck of a lot for it to break-we can build ourselves the very same way.

As I look at this tree we planted as a family I realized we strengthened ourselves and our own roots while doing so. “Little tree” will be with us for a long time and because I make taking care of myself a priority I know that I will get to see this little tree, and my son grow leaps and bounds for many years to come. That is my priority.

Feed yourself everything you need inside you to grow beautiful and strong for we all can reach higher and stand proud. That is my wish for all of you today- it’s a little water for you….drink it up!

LIVE LIFE FULLY and BELIEVE YOU CAN

Dottie

I Still Love My Cuts and Bruises

2011-04-26T22:27:00Z

Back in 2002 when HBO Real Sports was wrapping up a segment on me at the Tri Fitness competition I spoke about how I loved the cuts and bruises on me as I was able to truly “Live Life”. It may seem a little crazy to some but to a girl who was told she would always be sick, “she can’t do this, she can’t do that, and she’d never be able to….” for most of her life, to be able TO DO now feels Life Affirming and just plain cool and I doubt it will ever change-even when I am well into my eighties. YES, I said into my eighties.

Being able to truly experience life by “doing, breathing, leaping, playing” is a true gift-one I will never ever take for granted because I remember all the days I would stand at my window and watch life happening outside as I struggled to live. I wanted to be “out there” so bad and found a way to live inside my walls by walking on the treadmill for 2 minutes at a time, forcing myself to let the dog take me for a walk” crawling when I had to-just to MOVE. SO why wouldn’t I feel proud and think it’s kind of cool when I get a bruise or a cut from doing things that others said I could never do or things I dreamed about one day-of course the “proof” I am living fully is cool.

The new scars I get to add is especially cool because it was from spending special moments living life with Liam and Ben. We gave Liam a list of choices to do on a vacation day last week and he wanted to go climb rocks and have a picnic so that’s just what we did. Watching the boys climb and jump and then being able to do it myself reminded me of how lucky I truly am to have this life and my health I fought (and others fought) so hard for. And to be climbing with my son-living life, doing active things with him- that is an extra gift I will forever feel grateful for.

After a nice lunch and good conversation together we climbed more and as we were heading down a pretty big ledge Liam decided to be “curious” and go a steep way just as Ben said “this way” Liam went –“that way” and of course, Mommy armor went on and I immediately followed him. As I saw his foot slip a little I launched for him to grab him and make sure he didn’t fall but I then lost my footing and knew I had 2 choices; head where I was leaning and fall on Liam or lean the opposite way away from Liam and any harm on him and take a rough landing…guess what way I took? Liam was safe and I was pretty tore up but as long as he was ok, I was ok.

Besides a torn pair of jeans, a bruised wrist, a couple bone bruises on both legs with a few cuts down one -I am fine. Ben took good care of me and so did Liam –after I insisted we stay at the park a little longer so Liam could play-Ben just shook his head as blood streamed down my leg. That’s just what moms do…and I didn’t want Liam to think Mommy was anything but the superhero he thinks I am.

It’s been a week since the fall and I am now back to doing my full training for my competition coming up in a few weeks…it’s all good …Life is meant to be lived and sometimes the living can be a bit painful but so well worth the journey in those moments.

Enjoy your life! Live it and experience the joys of good health and the ability you have “To Do”-don’t waste it. And if you get a few cuts and bruises along the way-celebrate them as a sign you appreciate the gifts you have been given. Bruises and cuts heal-the memories of living with the pride and accomplishments you achieve will last a lifetime.

LIVE LIFE FULLY and BELIEVE YOU CAN

Dottie

Always Play a Little

2011-04-23T19:23:00Z

This week was April vacation for the kids and my son has been wanting his friend Daniel to sleep over forever…I told him when they were 7 and his “BFF” as he calls him turned 7 last month so this week their adventure began!

I wasn’t sure how much I would sleep or how well they would do for a full night and day together but I was sure I was as excited as they were when we picked Daniel up. I was SO HAPPY watching their joy and excitement-we can learn so much from these little people who see the world as good and the possibilities within it-endless.

As I watched these two boys play for hours…and I mean hours…in Liam’s room with lego’s, star wars, and stuffed animals building, creating, laughing and living, I was pulled into the FUN. They were just happy with the simple things like milk and cookies and sleeping bags and drawing books. They made their own wonderland and it was perfect to them.

As I sat out in the living room while they were winding down still giggling and talking to their stuffed animals well into the night I thought about how great it would be if we all could use the imagination we all had as children to see our adult dreams and goals come into being. Why can’t we accomplish anything we want to in life-just like we thought it was possible as a child? We can…we just have to step out in faith and courage to begin the actions needed for those dreams and goals and use our imagination, our innocence, to block out the fear and doubt that is saying “You Can’t”,

As children, we would’ve never let “cant” stop us, let’s not allow it to stop us now. Sure we are wiser about the obstacles in the way but I am not so sure that kind of wiser is a good thing? Think about how those “obstacles” would have mattered when you were younger and how much “wiser” you were with possibility then. Use that “wise” part of your childlike you to feel all the possibility again and get your grown up body going on those dreams and goals….

As Liam and Daniel say “May The Force Be With You”…..

LIVE LIFE FULLY and BELIEVE YOU CAN……..

Dottie

A GIFTED LIFE

2011-04-17T19:21:00Z

This week I had the pleasure of meeting Matt Boger of Donate Life New England and Suzanne, a wife of a kidney recipient, at the mayor’s office in Haverhill to recognize April as Donate Life Month. It was a special hour as Mayor Fiorentini learned more about organ donation and our stories of life that were saved because of it. I got to meet some incredible people that strengthen this cause from the women who work at the registry to the first responders such as the local police. The mayor really cared about what was being done and proudly said if he was not an organ donor yet, he would be one after today. He was amazed at the life that had been given because someone made the choice to allow a part of them to live on to save another, often many lives.

I am not a pro at listing off all the statistics and facts-I only speak from my heart. However, for more information and amazing stories, the facts not the misunderstandings, for how to make your own choice on becoming an organ donor please go to www.donatelifenewengland.org or even ask at your local registry. It is certainly a personal choice for every human being and I only ask that you take a few minutes to read through some information, maybe read a couple of stories and consider it. All I can say is I would never have had the opportunity to hear the word “Momma” if it was not for two people, two families who made the selfless and courageous choice.

My life has been a dream since I received my first transplant in 1994 of my lungs. For a girl who could never truly breathe, I know miracles happen and there is much good in this world. With all the negativity in the media, all the fighting in the world, it is nice to be reminded that people care and I was honored to be a part of some of those moments this week in my very own hometown.

I am proud of what we are doing and proud of so many who give their time, their voice, their caring. Life is good and deep breaths abound. I am alive because someone became an organ donor and because of that this month is extra special. Happy April everyone….Enjoy… and maybe take a few moments to look more into being an organ donor-it may even save your own life one day. Everyone deserves the GIFT of good health-I’m going to go enjoy mine now by playing with my son.

Deep Breaths and Gratitude,

Dottie

Proud of the New CF

2011-04-13T02:44:00Z

LIVE YOUR LIFE, NOT YOUR DISEASE

As I listened to my podcast on Jerry Cahill’s site www.jerrycahill.com this morning I was very proud. My pride wasn’t my own, for myself-it was for where we have come as a CF community. We have not only survived but we have found many ways to thrive. It was a great feeling. I have lived for 44 years with this disease-which means 44 years of memories and experiences, pain and joy. Old friends who I lost way too young and way too soon and new friends that I have watched live despite many obstacles and soar. They have all touched my life and made me better.

I have experienced so many things within my own life and the life of others with this disease and each experience, even the difficult ones, have made me stronger and I believe a more complete person-a better mother, a better friend, a better coach and leader, a more grateful human being and one lucky girl.

I am so grateful to organizations like the Boomer Esiason Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for being determined to strengthen the HOPE and DETERMINATION that lives within every person, every family, that lives daily with this disease.

When I was growing up we just were not lucky enough to have all these positive stories and encouraging news-we just didn’t. We grew with the disease and most of the news was bleak because they were still trying to figure out what the disease was and how to treat it.

NOW, we are figuring it out in a BIG EXCITING Way! I am SO PROUD and so excited for every little breathing child today-their life is full of so much hope and life expectancy and that is the way it should be.

I am so thankful to people like Jerry Cahill who not only lives every day with CF but makes sure the word gets out through his work with the BEF and his podcasts about how that is possible. Jerry thrives with what he has and I think that is exceptional. This guy runs despite needing oxygen many times to do it-he coaches, he competes. He is not only changing his life but the life of so many others-it was an absolute pleasure meeting him and getting to spend some time with him. He makes me proud to have CF.

As we met to do my podcast we knew we would have a lot in common and the most thing was our mind set and our decisions to just do what we have to do to live-to “live with” our challenges, not “live for them”. We both, and many others, have survived and lived with this disease because we chose to fight back and continue to push our limits,-not let statistics define us. LIVE YOUR LIFE, NOT YOUR DISEASE. THIS is the NEW CF-with cutting edge research, new medications, and treatments, and stories of people living a long and full life with this disease. I LOVE the new CF and what the future holds for the kids being born today with what I was born with 44 years ago. I am so grateful I have lived to see it and cannot wait to live to see more of it…until one day I get to lay down my head at night and be thankful for the cure that was found.

That’s all for today, check out my podcast and the amazing podcast stories of so many others on Jerry’s site and the Boomer Esiason Foundation site when you give yourself the time.

Be grateful for what you have in this life and live each day full of hope and determination and the belief that yes, anything is indeed possible. After all, I am breathing as I write this.

LIVE LIFE FULLY and BELIEVE YOU CAN

Dottie

Healthy Self Care Works

2011-04-08T16:04:00Z

Last week was a long week starting with the weekend. Both Liam and Ben were sick. I don’t mean just a little fever sick, I mean hacking their brains out coughing through the night sick. It was rough and of course my main focus was to take care of them with soup, fluids, “Empower Pro protein”, cough medicine, Tylenol…most importantly-cuddle time and extra love.

My focus immediately went from me to them without thinking and I spent a night laying on the floor next to Liam’s bed per his request. I couldn’t say no when he got down from his bed and placed a dolphin pillow pet under my head and his dragon blanket over me…proudly making sure it covered my feet. Of course I would stay by his side when he is sick-that is what mothers do. Yet I also knew I had to do all I could to stay healthy so I could continue to take care of them.

I felt proud of myself for making it through without getting to the “cough monster taking over me” I managed to get through the week with only a slight sore throat and a tired body-that is SO COOL. I realized that the foundation I have built of health and wellness by eating right with quality nutrition, keeping my body strong with training, and getting enough sleep as much as I can paid off. I was able to care for two of the most important people of my life and not get sick myself.

Of course Liam reminded me one morning when they were both coughing a lot that I should “put on my mask” –I was very proud. Liam knows when he is sick there are times I put on the “funny blue mask” to be able to be full time, full on Mommy-NOTHING will ever stop me from taking care of my son when he is sick and if that means wearing an uncomfortable mask around the house for a little while-bring it on. I will take cuddles any day for looking a little silly. It’s just “protecting what I have” and being smart-something we ALL should do. For me some days it may be a mask…for you it may be forcing yourself to go to bed or choosing to eat for performance not only for pleasure. Just do what it takes.

Remember, if we do not take care of ourselves, we cannot take care of the people we love. That can go from being healthy physically and also mentally. A strong you allows you to be a “strong for them” A weak you can help “weaken them” BE STRONG. BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION. BE IMPORTANT TO YOURSELF.

Take charge. Eat right, get the sleep when you need it, don’t “wait” till you get sick to take care of yourself- treat your body like it is a fortune because you know what?…it IS. No money in the world can buy your health once it is taken away-only you can make the choices to do all you can to protect it best as possible.

So as we all heal in this house I have gained a new strength within myself from making it through last week without the worst of the worst from either of my boys and knowing I took care of them despite being immune suppressed, blah blah ..”I handled my house!” We CAN take control of our life and how we chose to live it and the hard work we do, the smart choices we make,-they pay off! You don’t get something for nothing…put in the work to get the reward.

Am I perfect, NO. I’m human just like you but I know what has kept me alive and helps me do the things I want to do and live the life I want. Yes, these things can be difficult at times but give me hard for results anytime-they are worth it. They will be worth it for you too-and I know YOU CAN.

Strengthen yourself at all times so you can be and do all you want to. For me, being able to take care of the ones I love when they need it the most, is one of the greatest gifts of all,

LIVE LIFE FULLY and BELIEVE YOU CAN,

Dottie

Rescue Dogs Rock!!

2011-04-05T01:56:00Z

March 30^th was a celebration at our house…our puppy Barney turned “1”. Ben reminded me that we aren’t sure if this is really his birthday since he was found walking down a road but it was the date on our papers when we picked him up in the NH parking lot that special spring morning last year so we are going with it. It certainly is a day to CELEBRATE.

People ask us all the time what breed he is because, well, he looks “different”..and he is. I simply smile and say “he is God’s breed”…cause….he is. His tall beautiful ears make up for his little bump of a tail that he sometimes tries like heck to catch…there’s no way its gonna happen but I love his determination to try-he definitely fits in this family.

He is our gift. Ben and I both had heavy hearts from each losing other dogs we loved more than anything. Neither of us was sure we could love another dog again.. But, when he cuddles next to me gently laying his head on my lap and his paw on the corner of my laptop as I do work I know I am loved. When he follows Ben around waiting for his next command to catch or jump with such attention, I know he knows he is loved. When I see him on the heels of “his Boy” Liam every move he makes and never leaves his side when he is sick, cuddles up in the blanket with him and doubles as “Liam’s pillow”…I know they both feel loved.

We can learn so much from dogs, animals, our pets. Unconditional love and loyalty is what they are all about and all they want in return is to be fed, played with and maybe a nice rub behind the ears now and then-how lucky are we? And yet, some people seem to not care, not pay attention –drives me crazy-if they are there for you, be there for them, period.

So, while we don’t exactly know the day Barney was born or the exact linage/blood-line he holds, what we do know is that he is the sweetest little dog who gives so much more than he gets and we are so lucky that there are people out there like F.O.R Rescue (our rescue in Tenn. that we got Barney from).

I also personally think he could win a dog show any day of the year! He is pretty darn handsome. OK, we may have some issues with the “staying in line” part of the show but hands down, he would win hearts!

For the celebration we made a little dog cake for him and sang Happy Birthday. Liam seemed more excited about Barney’s birthday than his own. We played ball and did homework (Barney likes to listen to Liam read). As I watched the two of them cuddle on the couch after the day I couldn’t help but be so thankful that this little dog was one of the lucky ones who got rescued knowing so many of them do not. I will never forget the pictures I saw of the kill shelter where Barney was before F.O.R rescued him for us. I feel so blessed that he is ours and we are his.

Celebrate the birthdays in your life and if you ever want to add a new one to celebrate…rescue a dog…..or a cat, or any other animal that is just waiting for a safe home and someone to love them-it will certainly be a day to celebrate and more than one life may end up being saved.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUPPY!! We LOVE You!

Celebrate Life Everyone…Every Breath, Every Day.

Dottie

SUCCESS From Within

2011-03-30T15:10:00Z

As I sit in my living room on my laptop writing this blog I am proud to glance over at the magazines laid upon our table knowing that inside one of them is my story. I am featured in the April issue of the powerful magazine SUCCESS. It is a huge honor to be in a magazine that I have been inspired and encouraged by many times over. The people featured in this magazine are people who are determined to settle for nothing less than what they want, what they can give, what they can do. I love that. I love being a tiny piece in a large world of believers and fighters, “action takers”.

I started to think about what it means to have SUCCESS within and how everyone can find it-anyone and everyone. Finding SUCCESS within is being happy with yourself, proud of yourself, and fulfilled with how you spend your time, -how you use it and how you give it. I know I am determined to improve on my SUCCESS from within by continuing to learn more about myself, learn from others, and continue to reach higher goals even when the uncertainty of reaching them seems scary. When you take those steps to break out of your comfort zone to go for the things you want most and you attain them-you will feel great SUCCESS from within. And even if you do not reach them the first time, if you did your best, gave it your all, you were SUCCESSFUL. As I tell the kids I work with,” the only way you lose is if you never try”.

I believe anyone has the opportunity to be in a magazine like SUCCESS when they believe and follow their purpose. After all, I am just a girl who had a dream who was determined to never stop working at living it. Find what ignites you from within and live it, share it, proclaim it as your path through life. You will find SUCCESS within when you know you are doing the right thing that is meant for you and you will know it when you feel it. It’s the feeling you get when your child runs into your arms after school, when you hold the hand of the person you married, when you witness another human being doing a kind act for another, ….

Never stop searching and welcoming these feelings-they will give you SUCCESS from within and when you get to share that SUCCESS, it is like fireworks inside your heart, deep in your soul.

Find and feel your own SUCCESS from within and never stop wanting more-for yourself and others. You may just find yourself within the pages of a great magazine like SUCCESS but even more importantly than that, you will feel those fireworks warm, bright, and strong within yourself.

Sparkle, shine, celebrate, DO

Believe You Can….Dottie

"Bye Bye Winter...."

2011-03-23T14:48:00Z

As I sit here writing this with the beautiful sun shining through my window and the traces of snow almost completely melted away, I can see the strength and determination of the grass ready to grow. It is clear that spring is truly upon us -WOO HOO.

New life is in the air and it smells wonderful. I love this time of year when people are excited about a Fresh Start. I am certainly ready to ‘break out” of the winter jackets and inside playing to run and celebrate outside. It was apparent it is time when I went to pick up Liam from school yesterday. Kids are so smart, they “get it” and we can learn so much for their appreciation of the little things and the joy they bring to them. Liam could not get out of that school fast enough-handing me his backpack, throwing me his jacket the minute he stepped out and felt the warm sun on his face and flying down the stairs to go full force with all his friends. It was a little breezy still but there was no way I was going to stop him from the joy and thrill he felt to “start fresh” and be free… TO LIVE WITH JOY

I watched these kids run around the school grounds just loving life and so happy to just be “alive”. It was magnificent and I found myself feeling so grateful to have the ability to run and play also and feel the sun on my face. That ability came from my own decisions and my own hard, but fulfilling, work with the choices I make in the gym training every day and what I chose to put into my body and the attitude I have –even when things seem to suck.

I thought about how these next few weeks were going to display the miracle of life by the transformation of the grass, the new flowers that will start to poke up from their strong foundation that has been built underneath, the sun’s warmth and strength, the songs of the birds, and the laughter from kids playing. It’s a magical and perfect time to create a new beginning for yourself…..you certainly have the inspiration right in front of you if you take the time to look for it.

So rip off that jacket, the shell you have been hiding certain dreams and goals under and “celebrate the strength you hold within yourself to make them happen” This is the time of new beginnings, jump in and be a part of the celebration.

Put away your fears and concerns like you pack away your winter clothes, break out just like a flower in early spring to take action on your goals by taking the first step to achieve them (step into a gym, chose better nutrition options, go outside for a walk, have lunch with a friend that inspires, and take more time for you…just to name a few).

So Bye Bye Winter, Thanks for the special memories but Spring is here and new opportunities are waiting to bloom for us all…….

Live Life Fully and Believe You Can,

Dottie

We Can't Do It Alone

2011-03-14T15:15:00Z

The neatest thing happened to me this weekend that made me take some deep breaths of GRATITUDE. I reconnected with two very special old friends-Bobby and Scottie. Now known as dads, husbands, successful men and- Bob and Scott. What? What happened to the little boys that I hung out with every single day growing up in our safe and quaint neighborhood? They grew up-and the coolest thing is I DID TOO!

I have thought of these boys so many times throughout life because they were my family, my childhood. They were the ones that allowed me to be “normal” growing up and helped me to LIVE. Every time I was on the bottom of the football pile in the front yard, every time we stayed outside until it was too dark to see each other building our snow fort, they helped me LIVE. They never treated me different; I was just Dottie who lived at 110. They also pushed me along when limitations were visible-they didn’t allow me to have them and even at a young age, I was so grateful for that-even more so now looking back.

I haven’t spoken to Scottie yet (sorry guys, you will ALWAYS be Bobby and Scottie to me) but I did have the absolute pleasure of talking to Bobby yesterday afternoon for about 2 hours on the phone. I missed his first phone call but when I heard his voice on my VM I literarily jumped up and down and screamed-it was like I was back at 10 yrs old waiting to go out and play! And the first thing Bobby said once we did get on the phone brought me back to a place of such pride and gratitude once again. We said hi, screamed each other’s name and then started to laugh with joy. And all of a sudden Bobby stopped, paused and said “Oh My God, you are laughing and not having a coughing fit, I can’t believe it” I stopped in my tracks also at the amazement of his surprise. It had been 16 beautiful years for me since my double lung transplant since I had to worry about laughing because my breath would immediately get stolen away with a huge coughing fit trying to catch my breath but Bobby and I have not been in touch for over 20 years….

I could feel the joy from him through the phone and we talked about the absolute miracle and also how he would ask his mom and another mom in the neighborhood all the time, “Have you heard how Dottie is” and how his breath would always be held until he got an answer. Sometimes it was “Not too good she is in the hospital I heard” or “She is doing a little better, hanging in”. Bobby told me he just never thought he would see me again and always remembered as children he was told his friend would probably never grow up. We laughed so hard as I thanked him for helping me “live” and all the joy he gave during those many years. He remembered how he would pull me around in the heavy, deep snow on a sled, falling, then getting back up to “pull the queen” SO FUNNY! He was superman and I was Wonder Woman! We laughed and laughed. He talked about remembering how I hated getting called inside to drink my shake or have therapy but also how they just “waited for me to come back out and jump in the game” **There is a lesson here-“do the things that aren’t so fun or what you have to do to overcome your challenges and then ‘GET BACK IN THE GAME” Don’t live by your challenges, live with and through them! And that is what I somehow managed to do and it has paid off. I am here and so excited to see these boys this summer-it will be an amazing day and we will never ever lose tough again.

As I got off the phone I thought about how much joy and peace this re connection gave me and as I told Bobby on the phone when we spoke about the ‘old days” I couldn’t have done it alone. There is no way I would’ve found the motivation or strength many times to get up after feeling so tired from a long night of shortness of breath or headaches to go out and “play” if it was not for the JOY I found in those moments-that they helped me have. Every day I got up, or went back out after a long chest PT session, and played…I was winning my battle against this worthy opponent called Cystic Fibrosis. And, I fought to be a normal kid because I was determined to live as normal of a life as I could despite what everything and everyone that was trying to tell me different. And it paid off.

So today I ask you to press your feet firmly in the ground and do whatever it is you have to to live the life that you want and deserve. Keep getting back up and back in the game. Embrace the people who support you and raise you up, let go of the people who want to pull you down or limit you. Bobby raised me up on his shoulders so many times when we played, when I was tired, when life seemed hard. He helped me see a way where I could continue-we figured it out together. Let others help raise you up and better yet, help raise others up. For none of us can do it alone but…we CAN do it!

Live your life- with every breath you have,

Dottie

*Thank You to my neighborhood crew who helped me LIVE. Fredia, Bobby, Scottie, Ronnie Jean….

THANK YOU

2011-01-24T22:16:00Z

Thank You

“The only way you can hurt the body is not use it,” LaLanne said. “Inactivity is the killer and, remember, it’s never too late.”

These are the words that Jack Lalanne lived by. He passed and went on to heaven at 96 yesterday and every day of his life he LIVED.

His agent said LaLanne ate healthy and exercised every day of his life up until the end.

I can remember watching him with pride for many years. Especially when I was waiting for my lung transplant, “my turn” to live the life I so desperately yearned for. As I fought for breath and clung on to every sign of inspiration and hope I could, he motivated me, he encouraged me, he showed me it could be done and I admired him so.

He was fearless in his beliefs and passion and never let anyone silent him on what a gift he believed exercise and good nutrition was. I loved that. He changed the world in his own way and taught many that anything was possible-if they took care of themselves and made the effort.

So, as I go train today and take deep breaths with lungs I would never have received if I did not “follow in his words and do something every day-sick or not-knowing it is never too late”, I will breathe extra deep for him and celebrate the GIFT of being able to breathe enough to move, being able to exercise and train.

THANK YOU Mr. Lalanne, you will forever live on in the legacy you have made and for me, in every accomplishment I make on the track, during the course, and atop every mountain I climb.

I ask you all to make sure you are living the life you want and deserve and if not, think of Jack today and start.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41225595/ns/us_news-life/?gt1=43001

Welcome Wishes for 2011!

2010-12-31T17:09:00Z

I cannot believe at midnight tonight it is going to be 2011. How amazing LIFE is. How lucky we are.

Every year since I was a young girl I would make my “resolution” and also silently wish for a new year filled with pure and complete health. I would wish there to be a cure found for Cystic Fibrosis and that my lungs would work better. I still make that very same wish after more than 30 years – I am still here. Thank You God and Thank You to all who have helped me along the way. I honor you with my determination to continue to grow, learn, give back, and take as good of care of myself and my gifts as I possibly can.

I also learned something else along the way. We need to do more than “wish”. We need to be accountable for ourselves and take action doing whatever we can to make and allow the things we are wishing for to happen. We can’t always “make them come true” but we can sure help with the process. I know it is up to me to keep my body as strong as I possibly can so that I can not only live the life I want and do the things I want but so I can fight off and protect myself from any and all obstacles that try to get in my way. *This is important for every human being, not just the ones who “are sick”. If you don’t take care of yourself, no matter who you are, “sick will come”. Don’t let it.

I may have been born “sick”, I am not now and I believe that is because of me-of course with the help of the medical community and loved ones but I made the decision to fight and to do what is difficult to overcome. Those who are living with diseases like CF, Cancer, and Diabetes…don’t call them “sick”, I hated being called that. They may be fighting a disease or a health challenge but many of those people are healthier than people who are completely clean of illness right now. They are more fulfilled and doing more each day with their life. There are struggles and miserable days but they find the good to keep going on-that’s being- “healthy”. It’s a choice how you want to live the life you have been given. We all have it.

With a STRONG foundation I am able to fight off viruses and infections, train and play hard, and when I do get something, I have more to “battle” with. This is key and I believe it is why I have been able to live all these years with CF and 16 years post lung transplant the way I have.

So as I sit here and drink my Empower Pro nutrition drink (that I am SO proud of) and plan the goals for my day-including going to the clinic to train before the day gets busy. I know that I am taking care of my foundation, strengthening the bricks, filling in any cracks so that I can have a wonderful and fulfilling 2011 despite any obstacle that comes my way.

I am Strong and I am Powerful. You are too, it IS inside you. You know that burning flame that flares when you feel alive, when you experience pure joy? Think about it, you will remember feeling it. Fuel that by reminding yourself you can decide to do all you can to change whatever it is you want to, to accomplish the goals and dreams you want. YOU CAN make a difference in that happening, even if it is only tiny at first, don’t quit!- bigger changes will happen-I have lived it many, many times.

It’s not easy, it can be scary, but it is so empowering when you yourself accomplish something you didn’t think you could. That flame inside you, it will become so strong and powerful you will become addicted to the feeling-feeling that proud. I wish this feeling for all of you in 2011 and hope that you decide to make it happen. Please know I am here if you need a little push or a hand to hold-I may need one at some point too.

And those wishes I have silently spoken every year before the next year started, I will speak them again tonight with a smile on my face and great pride for I know I am going to do all I can to have a healthy year with healthy and strong lungs and…that cure for CF I know is coming very soon.

May you ALL turn your wishes into reality and stay committed to your resolutions in 2011 to LIVE LIFE FULLY.

Happy and Healthy 2011! Make it your best year yet and may Peace, Health, Love, and Strength be yours,

Dottie

I'M Knockin' At Your Door......

2010-12-14T16:39:00Z

They say if you want to make a difference, find where there is a problem, and fix it, make a solution.

I am very proud to say that I strongly believe I have. I sit here very proud and very excited to help others feel like there is HOPE, feel STRONGER and LIVE BETTER. Whatever your obstacle is, an illness, an injury, a weight issue, a motivation issue, It all begins with building a foundation and making sure that foundation is made STRONG. Taking the very step, making the first move. I believe now I have the very first granite stone you can place for that foundation, EMPOWER PRO.

For years I did everything I could to stay healthy, be healthy. Living with CF in and out of the hospital I would drink tar if they said I would feel better. Yet nothing seemed to make a difference until I went outside of the hospital and found a quality protein drink. That was 18 years ago and I never forgot what it felt like to feel hope, to feel a difference, to see a change in how I felt and fought. It EMPOWERED me. I know want to give that same power to as many people as I can. I believe it is one of the reasons I am still here. To give back and share what I learned to survive and now truly live.

It breaks my heart when I see people doing everything they possibly can and still not see results. Some of this is life, I know, I lived it. Yet, everyone can make some sort of difference, I truly believe that. And, if they put in the effort, I WANT IT TO MATTER. This is why I developed a quality drink with professionals in the field. I want what you do to matter.

I am not going to talk about all the amazing scientific info we have-It is important but it is not what I am reaching out to you for because if you do not feel any spark inside to make a difference, that doesn’t mean jack. But, please spend a few minutes on this website and look under Empower Pro “the difference” for the scientific info because it is important and was very important in my determination to do this.
I am reaching out with the the real life facts of making the choice to do your part in having the life you want, the health you want. You cannot sit back and wait for someone else, even the doctors, to do it for you. YOU must fight your own fight, YOU must go for your own goals, and YOU must decide within yourself I WILL do everything I can. Then my friend, you will see results. Small results create momentum for huge results. Take action and watch and see for yourself. Stop watching others, do and watch yourself.

I am not claiming to be an expert. However I am an expert in results of my own life. Those results are pretty darn good. And if I can make it to where I am with what I learned, where do you think you can go? It is my dream, no…it is my goal, that everyone has the opportunity to do all they want to do in this life. Make and take yours.

Don’t settle for mediocrity in your life, go for outstanding. Demand it for yourself and MAKE YOUR HARD WORK MATTER.

Be EMPOWERED and LIVE LIFE FULLY, Dottie

Creator of Empower Pro, “Made by a Patient, for a Patient”, "Made by an Athlete, for an Athlete”, "Made for a Dreamer, by a Dreamer”…….Get it?

It is the season to remember we are GIFTed

2010-12-08T19:31:00Z

No matter what your religious beliefs are or what you practice within your family, the days of this month are filled with excitement and appreciation. There is a spirit within the air that causes you to think of happy memories and hopeful futures. It is a time to rejoice, a time to reflect, and a time to make some wonderful memories.

Here in the northeast there is a chill in the air and I get to see my lungs working as I watch my breath circle in puffs in the cold air-I like that part of winter-to be reminded I am living, breathing …Gifted.

I love seeing JOY on the faces of strangers as they walk excitedly and with purpose to attend, purchase, or listen to something that will make them feel better, feel needed, feel loved. It is a beautiful thing. Now, there is also sadness, worry, and stress during this season. Sometimes that makes me sad. I do whatever I can to help lessen that for others and try to focus on the good I can find in each and every situation. It is not always easy, be it can surely be done. There is such a great amount of giving at this time of year.

Just imagine if we used the good, hopeful, enthusiastic, and compassionate, emotion we experience this season all year round…how would the world change? I wonder? One person cannot change the world but when one person touches another, then another, and they touch another…then, a chain is formed and the world can indeed be changed. It takes a decision from each individual to make the changes within themselves, to take the actions they know will create the results they want, regardless of anything that may try to stop them, to create change.

Now is the time when spirits are high and hope is in the air to move forward with JOY and remember the special little things that grow to create special big things. Remember when you were a child and received a gift wrapped beautifully with shinny paper and a big bow? That felt amazing right?

Our gifts do not have to be wrapped in shinny paper and big bows to create that same feeling. It is a choice we all can make to unwrap and feel each gift we have and receive this season and this lifetime. I know my greatest gifts did not come wrapped in shinny paper and bows but from the kindness of others and the actions of myself. Do something to give you the ultimate GIFT of good health and happiness, do something for someone else to have the same. Those GIFTS will be as shinny as the stars.

May you be GIFTed by your own kindness and choices this season and all the other seasons to come. Most of all, remember the gifts you have given and received that made you feel just like that child on Christmas morning with that big shinny present and give more,

Dottie

We ALL Have GIFTS To Share

2010-11-27T03:57:00Z

I received a very special gift last Saturday-the gift of remembering how lucky I am. That is always a great gift-Gratitude is the essence of the light within the human soul. It is when we are truly grateful that we are lit from within and when that happens, it is beautiful and it is powerful.

I attended a workshop given by the New England Organ Bank, NEOB. I got to sit inside a building surrounded by people who have given and received the ultimate gift of life and people who have devoted their life to this cause and hear a piece of their stories. I was humbled, empowered and most of all very proud. You do not need to read a self help book to inspire yourself to be better or do more, spend some time with people and their family members who have faced life and death and you will be changed

I also found a new way for my spikes that carried me to Gold this summer at the Transplant Olympics to continue to be of use. I was asked if I would be a part of the traveling exhibit the NEOB has and shares to show the power of Organ Donation. They had ordered my book and asked me to autograph it and when I said that I wanted to give more and donate my spikes they were thrilled. After all, my Nike’s are one of the biggest parts of me…of my dreams and goals from way back and for the future. I signed them and I was so proud to place them on the table next to my book and among so many wonderful and amazing “pieces” that signified the stories of LIFE.

I hope it shows people that lives are not only saved but lived with organ donation (and maybe the grass and dirt still stuck on a few of the spikes will give a good visual for that) I finally get to “wear out the treads”...

I have said this many times that I believe organ donation is a personal choice each individual is allowed to make yet I also believe it is one of the greatest, most important choices a human being can decide. To give life to another, to many others and their families, is a pure miracle and one of the greatest gifts of all. I know I would not hear the word “Mommy” every day or be writing this if not for 2 people that made that choice.

I am not writing this blog to make a plea for everyone to be an organ donor-however, I do hope you spend a few minutes to become informed and consider the choice. I am writing this blog because I was “made better” on Saturday by helping a cause that is close to my heart (and very close to my lungs and kidney .

I realized that we all have something to share with others and we all have the chance to be inspired and empowered by the good in the world. So many times the focus is on the negative, the bad, and the harmful. We have a choice to decide what matters in our life. Donate. Donate time to a worthy cause, to your loved ones, to a stranger on the street even if it is a smile as you pass by. Give time and love to yourself, for when you are stronger, feel more taken care of, you can give, do, and be more. Make the good matter people…good can be made and found in so many places-even in a pair of bright, pink, worn spikes.

LIVE LIFE FULLY-for yourself and others,

Dottie