articles

MK AOK (Act of Kindness) Day!

Support a local family!

By Amy Ghiglieri, Publisher/Editor Macaroni Kid Frederick September 3, 2015

Performing Acts of Kindness has tremendous benefits, both for you and those you help. In fact, experts suggest that every single day we should all try to do at least one kind thing for someone else. Macaroni Kid understands the importance of helping those around you, which is why they created MK AOK Day (Macaroni Kid Act of Kindness Day) on or around Sept 19th to encourage acts of kindness all over the country.

 

Macaroni Kid Frederick has an awesome opportunity to help an amazing area family. Local mother of four Adriane Brooks was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May. Since then, she has undergone a bilateral mastectomy and the second week of August she started chemotherapy. She is currently recovering from the mastectomy and will have reconstructive surgery after chemo and radiation are completed in about 10 months.

Adriane has been married to her husband, David, for eight years and they have 4 boys ages 7,6,4 and 3. Originally from TX and NJ, Adriane and her husband moved to Frederick in 2007. Adriane earned her degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. Adriane is currently a stay at home mom, often caring for friends’ children in her home. She also volunteers at her church and is active at her childrens’ schools and with the PTA.

 

  

I reached out to Adriane asking if she and her family could be the focus of MK AOK Day, and I was so taken back with her response. Rather than going straight into what the community could do to help her,  she responded with the following:

 

“During the past 10 months I have lost over 70lbs and on May 20th I came out of the shower and found a lump on my breast. My doctor said I would have never felt the lump had I not lost all the weight because as women we know the first place we lose fat is our breast. I really want to get the word out about how important it is to do self breast exams. My insurance would not have paid for a mammo until I was 40 next year. Who knows where I would be finding it next year. I'm so thankful!”

 

I was so impressed with her desire to reach others. Later in her email, she went on to say: “I am very optimistic and walk around with a smile each day because I will not let this period in my life define who I am.” How much easier would life be if we all looked at our obstacles the way Adriane does this one?

 

Here is where the MK Frederick community comes in. Adriane said their number one financial and emotional stressor is childcare during her treatments. She also mentioned that meals would be appreciated as well - we all know how costly and time consuming it is to feed four little mouths, let alone when you are not feeling well. Adriane did not ask for much, but I know our MK Frederick community can do SO much more.

 

We have opportunities for business owners and individuals. Do you own a local children’s center and would be interested in donating some drop-in playtime? Restaurant gift cards so they can pick-up meals would be awesome. Are you a hair stylist and willing to donate a few haircuts? Would you be willing as an individual to donate to their gofundme account? How about donating a grocery store or gas gift card? The opportunities are endless. Whatever you are able to do will make a huge difference!

 

Now through Sept. 19, MK Frederick will be collecting items to present to the Brooks Family. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form and we will be in touch with you. Questions? Email me at amyghiglieri@macaronikid.com. Frederick is an awesome community and I have no doubt this effort will be a success!