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"When my son, Chaz, suffered a stroke at 6 days of age, I cried. I was mad at the world.
I was in shock and denial. I was upset and felt all alone. But, I took my anger and started advocating for my
son and others. I started sharing my experiences with other parents, via my newsletter, "The Special Needs Club."
13 years later (Damn! Has it really been that long!), Snap4kids is born and I'm still advocating.
I actually got the best compliment that I could possibly get 3 days ago. It was, "I Googled you
today and was amazed to read about all of the things that you have done." Now, for me the compliment was "I Googled
you today." Because I had no idea what this person read on the internet and if it was true or not. I do know that
there is a lot of things missing, that I wish were there. It reminded me of that "Sex and the City" episode when Carrie
"Googled" her artist boyfriend.
So, my goal for now is to be added to "Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia." If "Guy Goma" also known
as "The Wrong Guy," can make it to "Wikipedia" then why can't I be listed as "The Wrong Girl, Woman, Lady, Bitch, Anything"
would be nice. So, everyone pitch together and pass on this dream to your friends and email buddies and have them contact
"CNN" and/or "The BBC" (which by the way I have been on, but didn't become as popular as Guy) and let them know that "I Want
to be Noticed! I Want to Make the Public Aware of Our Children with Special Needs and Challenges and Who Better to do
so, than Someone who has so much guts that she doesn't care whose toes she steps on and if she's being politcally correct
or not! See, that person is ME! So, please make some phone calls, send some snail mail and/or email the living
hell out of "CNN" and the "BBC."
Okay, now back to basics. Tons of people have asked me how I came up with the name Snap4kids.
Well, that's easy if you know me and I mean really, really, really, know me, then you'd know. Besides Chaz (who
is now 13) I have another son Dustin (that's 10) and Dustin has a Golden Retriever name Snappy (because he got her when he
was 2 years and 2 months old) and he didn't understand that a 8 week old puppy that was no longer with her mama or brothers
and sisters did not want her to be pulled on. So, here name was changed from Sandy to Snappy, then eventually to Snap
(because let's face it Snappy takes too long to say). I was searching my database of photos and can't find Snappy anywhere
(but when I do, I promise to let you see how cute she is). Snappy did suffer a stroke 2 years ago, so she's gone from
Dustin's little girl to my little girl. She hates to be alone now. So, she's helping me type this (I blame the
errors on her. I mean she's trying to eat pizza with one paw while typing with the other one). Which brings me
to another issue DOGS!
I LOVE DOGS!! And a very Good Friend of mine Founded "Dogs Deserve Better," which can be found
at www.dogsdeservebetter.com. Tammy is Great because she is Advocating for Dogs that are treated worst than the criminals in our jails. At
least criminals have a roof over their heads; water; food; blankets; heat; air conditioning; etc. While most dogs are
treated worst than ants being stepped on at a picnic. Not my dogs though. They have no idea how what "the elements"
are. They are inside at all times (besides pottying of course, which they can do on their own. Thank God for the
individual that invented doggie doors.) So, consider this a Friendly reminder. A dog is a Kid's best friend.
When Chaz was home for 6 months (due to 4 body casts and 5 surgeries due to an awful staph infection)
2 of my babies (they were 4 years old at the time) stayed with him day and night. He had Snappy on one side and Casey
on the other. These dogs did not even go to the bathroom at the same time or eat and drink at the same time (they stayed
right there on Chaz's bed for 6 solid months). Guess what? You can't get that kind of love and dedication from
a human. But, you can from Angel Doggie from Heaven!
You'll see that my website has changed a lot and will continue to do so. Why? I want to
say a lot of the things that us parents actually think (so watch for sarcasm). I also want you to feel at home with
the website and with me. And the only way to do that is to provide you with up-to-date information and complaints (yes,
there will be complaints). But, in the end it will all be positive!
Regarding the strictly volunteer information that you read on our Home Page, here's your more information.
Over the years I have met, gotten to know pretty well, seen and found out that many Founders, CEO's, Co-Chair's, Vice-Chair's,
etc., are making HUGE salaries. When I say HUGE salaries, I'm talking 6 figures (for those of you that are in shock
that is $100,000 plus). Some are ($50,000 plus, which I found out is the "norm.") Fortunately for you guys, I
happen to have a conscience and cannot do such a thing. Maybe if we were as big as the American Red Cross, Microsoft,
FEMA (I had to throw that one in for fun, sorry) or something along those lines and I was spending 80 hours a week at work,
then I might reconsider. Until then happens though, I have Snappy (and man, that Dog can type!)
Pam Floyd
P.S. I feel the need to warn you that I am just a little bit crazy.
But, there is someone out there crazier than
I am.
Please visit, "Diary of A Madwoman." She's sure to make you laugh.
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