Hello family and friends! 
As many of you know, Carrie is preparing for two preventative surgeries soon related to testing positive for the BRCA1 gene. I thought I'd reach out to share ways that we can help support her as she physically and emotionally recovers from surgeries related to the double mastectomy. 

Her first surgery related to the double mastectomy is on August 19th and she'll be out of work for 4/5 weeks and unable to drive for two weeks. Her second surgery will be in late October or early November and she'll be out for six weeks/unable to drive for 2 weeks as well. As you can see it will be a tough couple of months for her. While she's grateful she has medical leave with work, it is at a reduced pay which also adds to the stresses.

Since so many of us are scattered all around the country I thought a gift card donation drive would be the perfect substitute for a meal train! (Casseroles certainly welcome though if you really want to make the drive, ha!) 

You are also invited to send a supportive text or to send a card snail mail  - see the info on this page to do that as well. I know it will lift her spirits!

Carrie has a heart bigger than anyone I know...let's show her some love during this challenging time!! Thank you so much for thinking of her and for your love and generosity!

Love, 
Sarah

P.S. If you missed Carrie's post on Facebook, here is her story in her own beautiful words:
~ ~ ~
Hello to all friends and family. I hesitated on sharing my story, but feel it’s so important to spread awareness. As many of you know my mom (Diane), and maternal grandmother (Elizabeth) both passed away from Breast Cancer. Fall of 2020, I decided to get tested for the BRCA gene. I tested positive for BRCA1. I have an 85% chance of getting Breast Cancer if I am not proactive.

It’s been a journey, starting with a full hysterectomy which I already completed. In the next weeks I’ll be starting part 1of2 of a double mastectomy.
It’s very emotional, thinking of my mom as I walk through each step. I know she’s in my heart, and wants me to live a full healthy life.

This experience feels very isolating, but I know I’m not the only one facing this. I want to break the silence and share how important it is to be proactive.

Sending love and good health to all of my loved ones.

Surgery / Injury

Medical

Carrie Osmer

Love for Carrie!

email-address

first-name

last-name

customer-logo-url

email-message

Email Delivery

Spreadsheet Delivery

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.
Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, and a menu free of man-made trans-fat, Panera is committed to providing great tasting quality food people can trust.
With a wide variety of year-round favorites, their menu is complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera's warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free Wi-Fi access.
Why We Love This Gift: We like convenient, comfortable, and quality chain restaurant food. You know who else might like it? Anyone who has reason to spend time with a sick relative in a hospital. Chain restaurants can provide a valuable change of scene and a little headspace.
What To Express In Your Card: Please stop for a minute and eat something. Let's catch up soon? I love and miss you.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread is committed to providing great-tasting, quality food that people can trust.

Target

Panera Bread - Panera Gift Card

With your favorite restaurants at your fingertips, DoorDash satisfies your cravings and connects you with possibilities -- more time and energy for yourself and those you love.
Why We Love This Gift: In every situation, food is necessary. Let your recipient select exactly what they want to eat - and have it delivered. Win and Win.
What To Express in Your Card: I am thinking of you and I want you to eat something that appeals to you. You choose. xo

DoorDash

DoorDash - DoorDash Gift Card

Spreadsheet Download

Email

What is the best gift anytime? A Target eGift Card. With no fees and no expiration dates, the real question is: who couldn't use a gift card from Target?
Why We Love This Gift: Whether as a baby gift or to replenish supplies around the house, to cheer up a sick kid, or help someone with prescription costs, you can almost always find exactly what you need at Target. We love this gift because it enables your recipient with endless options and the ability to purchase precisely what they need - no questions asked.
What To Say In Your Card: I thought this might come in handy. I am sending you so much love!

Target - Target Gift Card

Give the gift of take-out. Seriously, the perfect gift for any situation.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it is take-out and everyone loves take-out. It gives your recipient the flexibility to order exactly what they want, when they want it. Pregnancy cravings are no joke. Neither is the stress level of a single parent on a school night. Young professionals who get sick often hate the loss of their own agency. The capacity to choose one's own dinner is not to be underestimated. Nothing says I love you like Pad Thai.
What To Express in Your Card: I wanted you to be able to choose your own meal. I am thinking of you!

Grubhub

Grubhub - Grubhub Gift Card

This is the perfect gift for any family or any loved one with medical needs. Send help to those you love to provide care in the form of a CVS e-gift card.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because everyone has medical needs from time to time. Often, medical insurance with high deductibles eats into the ability of a family to cover unanticipated medical expenses. An e-gift card ensures that those you love get that which they need to heal - with adequate respect for their privacy. Perfect. This is very useful in any medical crisis in very specific ways. Supplements useful in various treatments are expensive and not covered. This is applicable to surgical patients, cancer patients, pediatric patients, and more. Medical equipment can be ordered - such as canes or walkers and your recipient can pay using their gift card.
What To Express in Your Card: What else do you need me to do? At the ready. xo

CVS Pharmacy&reg;

CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy&reg; - CVS Pharmacy Gift Card

This e-gift card allows access to all Walmart products. Useful for anyone anywhere.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it offers access to things like pharmacies when a family you love is in need. Many aspects of surgical care are not covered by insurance - these expenses can add up. This is especially true when a family is on a fixed income. Items like canes, walkers, surgical gauze, and more - can all be underwritten in this way. (Bonus: It respects, as well, the privacy and dignity of the person you love). Supplements that are doctor recommended (always check) can also be covered in this manner. Walmart also just has everything so for someone who has lost their job it enables them to get what they need without spelling it all out. People are proud.
What To Express in Your Card: You'd do exactly the same. xo

Walmart

Walmart - Walmart Gift Card

Amazon gift cards never expire and they carry no fees. Redeemable towards millions of items at Amazon.com and also certain affiliated websites. Deliverable electronically and instantly.
Why We Love This Gift: We love this gift because it's appropriate for any situation. Let your recipient choose just what they need, when they need it... with ease, convenience, and endless options.
What To Express In Your Card: I'm sending you my love.

Amazon.com

Amazon

Amazon.com - Amazon Gift Card

<a href="https://instacart.oloiyb.net/c/1246143/413183/7412" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instacart</a> is a grocery delivery service that delivers in as little as an hour. They connect you with Personal Shoppers in your area who pick up and deliver your groceries from your favorite local stores.
Why We Love This Gift: Shopping for groceries is a chore under the best of circumstances. For families facing a new lift event or crisis, it is very often incredibly stressful. The gift of a cupboard full of basic necessities is tremendous. It is a wonderful way to remind those you love that you have not forgotten the day-to-day challenges they face. You are telling them in no uncertain terms that they are not alone.
What to Express in Your Card: I was thinking about the things you have to get done every day. I hope you'll let me help a little by giving me a chance to buy you some groceries - and have them delivered to you. Just one lest task for you to worry about. I send you my love.

Instacart

Instacart - Instacart Gift Card

image-1

image (1)

logo-8

logo

Give InKind

General Support

Setting up a food train is one of the best ways to help support someone you love. Here are some tips on how to give groceries as a gift.

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train

How to Give Groceries as a Gift for a Meal Train - Give InKind

digital-hospitai

digital hospitai

temporaryheadshot

Tara Shafer

Helping loved ones recover after surgery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for concrete suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and support to those in need of help.

How To Support Loved Ones Post-Op

Post op recovery is difficult. Visit Give InKind for specific suggestions and a new way to schedule meals and assistance in times of need.

Author Pamela Stockwell, photographed by daughter Kiana Stockwell

pamela-stockwell-2

Pamela Stockwell

Author Pamela Stockwell shares her experience becoming a living organ donor for a fellow writer, whom she's never even met in-person!

"My Kidney's Going to California!" A Living Organ Donor Story

One year ago this month, in March 2021, my daughter and I drove to South Carolina to see my dad. At one point, she was driving, so I checked Facebook to while away the time and I see that my friend and fellow writer Kelly Hartog had posted a plea for a kidney. I knew [&hellip;]

Search

Love for Carrie!'s Wishlist

Wishlist