Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!

In honor of my mom's 50th birthday today,

(oh crap, I did it again, you didn't hear it from me!) I gave her the day off, so I am doing today's post.  This is an old picture from last year (8.2009) when we went to the beach to watch the sunset. These are two of her favorite things to do besides be with MOI!

 It's one of my favorites because it was during a difficult time in our life and we knew we could depend on one another ~ no matter what obstacle came our way!!

 Since this picture , mom has been diagnosed with a life altering liver disease. 

We have since fired her original doctor (who was very negative) and found her a fantastic "liver guru" doctor (Dr Tarek Hassanein).  Mom has remained very positive and continues to be extremely motivated in getting as healthy as possible.  She has even lost a lot of weight already. 

 This makes me very proud because I take her on daily walkies!!!

 We all remain positivee by moving in the right direction. And that direction is forward bound!

Liver disease is often unknown or misunderstood.  Here are some compelling statistics:

* 1 out of every 10 Americans is affected by about 100 types of liver disease. That is 30 million people -- the number of people in the United States living with diabetes and cancer combined, and the same number of people who live in America's 15 largest cities.
* 60% of the 26,000 people who die each year from cirrhosis have no history of alcohol abuse.
* Nearly 17,000 people are on the waiting list for a liver transplant.

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is dedicated to a future where there are effective treatments, cures, and no one dies waiting for a liver transplant. The ALF mission is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.

This has been a Life Changing eye opener, not just for my mom, but for her children and grandchildren as well. She like many others, hope and dream that finding a cure for this life-threatening illness is soon. My mom is a part of the American Liver Foundation (ALF) Liver Life Walk team.  Her next walk is this January 2011, Carlsbad, California.  She and my hooman sister are doing another walk together. 

 I would like efuryone to take a moment and read a little bit about Liver disease. It's another scary monster that is surfacing faster than we realize and you never know what furiend (or foe) it may attack. 

I love my mommy with all my heart and I know that my mission in this life is to make her as happy as possible. So all my furfriends, hugs your pawents and let them know how blessed you both are to have one another. I sure am thankful that I rescued her!!!!!! Well.... that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!

Happy Birthday Ol' lady!!!!!

Hugs & smoochies! XOXO

 Hailey and Lala too!