Vestavia’s Ben Cox is preparing to bike across America this summer for people with disabilities. Cox is a Psychology major at Troy University. In 2020, Cox was preparing to cycle from California to Washington in a 2-month event called Journey of Hope. However, due to COVID-19, those plans couldn’t happen like anticipated. Although the events went virtual, an impact was still made for people living with disabilities!
Ben Cox preparing for the Journey of Hope where he will bike over 4,000 for people living with disabilities.
The Journey of Hope started in 1987 when one man biked across the U.S. to raise awareness for people with disabilities. Since then, the men of Pi Kappa Phi have developed this trip into a yearly event with 3 routes, spanning 12,000 miles and 32 states, with around 25 cyclists and eight crew members per route.
“This summer I hope to continue on with my original commitment of cycling across America,” Cox says. He will be biking 4,000+ miles from June to August. “I’m sure with COVID-19 our trip will look slightly different than previous years but I am still optimistic and excited for the experience,” he adds.
Cox’s fundraising goal is to raise$6,500 for The Ability Experience before the 2021 Journey of Hope begins. There are two ways you can help Cox financially on his journey. Cox is hosting a golf tournament at Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham on March 5 that you can be a part of. Learn more about the golf tournament at www.the-ability-experience.perfectgolfevent.com. He is also raising money through his fundraising page. â€
Did you know? There are more than 40 million victims of human trafficking globally. It is estimated that 80% of human trafficking victims are women and children. The average age of victims is 13 years-old and their life expectancy once trafficked is 7 years. This trafficking is taking place right here in the Birmingham community.
Meadow Brook Baptist Church hosted an awareness seminar on human trafficking called Hidden in Plain Sight on January 31. It is available to view here.
These are some of the facts attendees of Meadow Brook Baptist Church’s awareness seminar, Hidden in Plain Sight, learned in late January. In addition to hearing a general overview of the human trafficking problem, attendees experienced presentations on education, prevention, rescue and recovery. Presenters involved represented the Freedom Business Alliance, Uncaged, The WellHouse, Trafficking Hope, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the State of Alabama.
Meadow Brook Baptist Senior Pastor, Chris Jones, reflects, “The Lord used the various ministries and speakers represented to remind us of the rescuing heart of God that overcomes the depth of human sin. God is stirring the hearts of His people to respond to the injustice of human trafficking with the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we be found faithful!” Click to access Session 1 and Session 2 of the seminar.
Are you interested in getting involved? Meadow Brook Baptist invites you to join them on March 13, 2021 for their Service Day at the Wellhouse, a ministry located just outside Birmingham serving victims of human trafficking. Email [email protected] if you are interested in more information regarding this service opportunity. Other opportunities include staying informed, engaging others, praying and giving. â€
Heart disease doesn’t affect just adults. For children in need of specialized cardiovascular care, families can turn to experts at the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama(PCHCA) at Children’s of Alabama, one of the largest pediatric cardiovascular programs in the Southeast. Here are the stories of two Jefferson County children impacted by Congenital Heart Disease and helped by Birmingham’s PCHCA.
Ventricular Septal Defect. Nora Love was only weeks old when she was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect – a hole in the wall between the right and left ventricles of the heart. The diagnosis stunned her parents, Jared and Jeanne Anne, and Jeanne Anne couldn’t help but think about her own medical journey as she prayed for Nora’s successful open heart surgery at Children’s of Alabama. Jeanne Anne lived with dilated cardiomyopathy – a disease of the heart muscle – until she had a heart transplant on New Year’s Eve 1994 at age 12. Dr. James Kirklin of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) performed the transplant. Children’s of Alabama Perfusion Manager Joey Timpa and retired Child Life Specialist Jane Love were also part of Jeanne Anne’s care team.
Nora Love
When Nora had surgery in March 2019, just shy of being 3 months old, Timpa was also her perfusionist and Jane Love had assumed the role of mother-in-law and grandmother. Jeanne Anne is married to Jane’s son. “The minute we knew something was wrong, Jane was on the phone calling [Children’s of Alabama Pediatric Cardiologist] Dr. Frank Pearce. Dr. Pearce was my pediatric cardiologist. It was very surreal.” Jeanne Anne continued, “Having been part of the heart world growing up and to have walked through it myself, to be at Nora’s side was a very humbling and unique emotional experience. For the first time, I understood what my parents went through. Walking in to see Nora post-surgery and hooked up to all the machines was very emotional, but I also feel like this has bonded Nora and I even more as mother and daughter. We have a shared experience and matching scars. I think that is so special.”
Nora has since grown into a happy and fiercely independent 2-year-old who loves to play with her big brother, Tucker, and family dog, Chloe. Jeanne Anne says Nora is the happiest child she has ever known. “She’s healthy now, she’s perfect,” Jeanne Anne said. “But every once and again her scar catches my eye and it takes me back to the moment when she was carried away to surgery. It’s been an experience totally orchestrated by God, and from the get-go, the doctors and nurses at Children’s were absolutely wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about our experience.”
Transposition of the Great Arteries. Seven-month-old Steven Johnson loves to smile, laugh and babble the day away. “He’s really a very happy child,” says his mother, Cyntia Ramsey. “He’s so happy, even with all he’s been through.”
Steven has been through quite a lot in his short life. When he was born, testing revealed a serious but rare congenital heart defect – transposition of the great arteries. Steven was transferred to Children’s of Alabama the very next day. Steven’s condition required an arterial switch procedure, or an open heart surgery that restores normal blood circulation in a baby’s body. “The doctors explained everything to us and how common the procedure is,” Cyntia said. “They were actually very comforting in how much time they spent talking with us about it.”
Steven Johnson
At just 6 days old, Steven had an arterial switch procedure, or an open heart surgery that restores normal blood circulation in a baby’s body. During surgery, doctors also found and repaired some holes in his heart. “Everything went great, just as expected,” Cyntia said. “They had prepped us to know that things could look worse before they get better post-surgery, but it just seemed like he wasn’t improving. It became quite a roller coaster of Steven seeming to improve, then getting worse, just over and over.”
It was discovered that Steven was also fighting another condition – COVID-19. The disease was making it much harder for Steven’s lungs to heal, but after numerous medications and time on a ventilator, they finally did. “It was so hard because he was hooked up to so much those first few weeks that we couldn’t even hold him,” Cyntia said. “When he finally improved enough to come off the ventilator and we got to hold him, it was everything.”Quarantined at Children’s, Steven later tested negative for COVID-19 and was given the OK to go home with a feeding tube and oxygen. He has since come off both and is growing and thriving. Doctors expect to perform another surgery when Steven is a little older.
“By looking at him, you’d never know he’s ever had heart problems, and we know that so much of that is because of Children’s,” Cyntia said. “We’re incredibly grateful for the doctors and nurses at Children’s. No one ever wants their child to experience health problems, but knowing that we have the support of Children’s to get through it makes a world of difference.”
One way the community can support the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama at Children’s of Alabama is by purchasing the Mending Kids’ Hearts specialty car tag that is available at every office of the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles. Every $50 tag generates $41.25 for the heart program at Children’s. Since 2017, tag sales have raised more than $200,000 for cardiovascular research, physician training and patient care. When state residents renew or purchase a Mending Kids’ Hearts tag, they are providing valuable funds for patient care, research and specialized physician training for the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama. For more information about the Mending Kids’ Hearts tag, visit www.childrensal.org/tags. â€
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS) students recently answered the call of service to help someone very close to their hearts. When 8th grade teacher Mrs. Renee Williams’ home was destroyed by the EF-3 tornado that ripped through Fultondale, the school immediately stepped in to help. They created a fundraiser for the school community and others to provide monetary donations for the Williams’ family. Her 8th grade class even created a special banner to show their love and support as her family begins to rebuild their lives.
Donations are currently being received for the family through Venmo @OLS8thgrade or by check addressed to OLS School at 1720 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School fosters the religious, academic, and social development of every child, recognizing that knowledge enlightened by faith and realized through service is at the heart of Catholic education. To learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, visit olsschool.com. â€
Are you one of the 70% of adults in the United States who take a nutritional supplement? More than likely you or someone you know is currently taking a vitamin or other daily supplement. As you have probably noticed, there are endless brands and options when it comes to choosing a supplement and picking the right one is more important than you may realize. If you want to pick a supplement that is safe, effective, and right for you, make sure to avoid these 6 common mistakes people make when buying supplements.
Expecting supplements to replace a healthy lifestyle. Nutritional supplements are just that – supplements. They are meant to supplement a healthy lifestyle to maximize your health. Nothing can replace healthy lifestyle choices such as eating right, exercising, limiting stress, and getting enough sleep.
Going the cheap route.You have probably heard the phrase “you get what you pay for,” and that certainly applies to buying supplements. Manufacturing supplements is expensive and making high quality supplements is even more expensive. Supplements don’t have the stiff regulations that prescription drugs have, and cheap supplements generally won’t meet those high standards. You’re likely trying to improve your health by taking a supplement, so why skimp on quality?
Believing that if a supplement is “natural” it must be safe.Supplements are truly drugs, just like the prescriptions that your doctor writes. Supplements also have side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications just like your prescriptions. Always check with a member of your healthcare team to ensure a supplement is safe for you. Your pharmacist is a great resource that is easy to reach.
Assuming supplements are “one size fits all.”Just because fish oil cured all your great aunt’s ailments, it doesn’t mean it will cure yours. Supplements must be tailored to a patient’s individual need.
Not reading the inactive ingredients.Sometimes inactive ingredients are not so inactive. Look for supplements with hypoallergenic fillers and no artificial colors, hydrogenated fats, or other unnecessary ingredients.
Not choosing a certified brand.Look for supplements that are USP or NSF certified. These are independent organizations who establish quality standards for products. If you see one of these seals on the product you’re buying, you can be assured that you are purchasing a product that contains the correct potency, contains only what is listed on the label, and was produced with the highest standards. If you can’t find a certified brand, ask for your pharmacist’s recommendation.
During this popular time of buying and selling homes, do you need a home inspection performed? Do you have concerns about having a home inspection during the pandemic? Tony Ponder of Higher Ground Inspections, LLC explains that even though the essence of home inspections is the same, the way they are currently conducted have been altered. “We now wear shoe covers, gloves, and masks when entering an occupied home; whether the homeowner is there or not.” He adds that there has not been a decrease in home inspections since the pandemic began.
Tony Ponder, owner of Higher Ground Inspections, LLC, shares that during a home inspection, expect inspectors to turn on all of the lights and fans, open windows and cabinet doors, run water in the tubs, sinks, and showers, and more.
Preparation. There are things you can do to help your home inspector before they arrive. “Make sure the inspector has access to the water heater, electrical panels, HVAC equipment, and crawlspace or attic entries,” says Ponder explaining home inspectors need a clear path to these spaces. Another way you can help the home inspection go smoothly is by leaving your home. “If the inspector has to work around you, then it takes longer for the inspection,” Ponder says, adding that if there are any codes or keys required for any doors, be sure to leave them for the inspector.
Are there common issues that home inspectors find? Ponder shares that the homeowners he serves are often surprised by how many issues he finds- big and small. Most of the issues are things homeowners do not consider, such as a damper stop on a fireplace. “When the damper isn’t opened, you get a buildup of carbon monoxide.” Even though it’s a small item that is a cheap fix, Ponder has seen that most homeowners don’t know about it.
 What do home inspectors look for? “Safety issues and big-ticket items. Items that could cause harm or injury to both the body and the wallet,” Ponder says. Examples include old HVAC equipment, water heaters, or roofs.
Higher Ground Inspections primarily performs residential home inspections, but they also perform radon testing and light commercial inspections up to 50,000 square feet. Ponder serves Jefferson County and surrounding counties, but can travel statewide if needed. Learn more by calling 205-937-3100 or visiting www.highergroundinspections.com.
Brought to you by: Community Partner DSLD Land Management, DSLDland.com
“We love the outdoors and spending countless hours in our backyard. Now we have another reason to enjoy it,” exclaims Chase and Dilma Carter of Chelsea, Ala. The couple just added the first ever Desjoyaux saltwater pool in Central Alabama built and installed by locally and family owned DSLD Land Management Company. “This is a totally new concept in pool building to the United States,” explains David Sharp, owner of DSLD Land Management Company which has exclusive building rights in Central Alabama. “Desjoyaux is the worlds’ largest and oldest swimming pool company, building the latest and greatest, most energy efficient swimming pool.”
Alexis Carter enjoys her family’s new Desjoyaux pool with friend Danielle.
The Carters did a lot of research before deciding on a Desjoyaux. “We liked the membrane and pipe-less aspect of a Desjoyaux pool. With standard pools, waterlines are all around the pool and under the concrete, meaning if there is ever an issue or a pipe bursts, the process to repair it could be costly and tedious.” They also were impressed with how the pump and filter are both underground, “which is aesthetically more pleasing and quieter.”
The Carter family enjoys their new Desjoyaux pool.
The Carters were also looking for a company that could not only build the specific pool they wanted but also provide the landscaping to make it their oasis. “Our overall project consisted of more than just the pool and DSLD was well equipped to handle each project.” They add, “Ultimately, we chose DSLD because of our familiarity and trust in David Sharp and their portfolio of other projects and their ability to perform every aspect of our project.”
The Carters say they are looking forward to many days ahead enjoying their new backyard to the fullest with daughter Alexis and other family and friends. “Our daughter loves to swim and we wanted a place for her to swim and a place for her to gather with friends,” the Carters explain adding, “We would definitely recommend a salt water Desjoyaux pool to other families looking to enhance their backyard space.” Learn more about how you can turn your backyard into an oasis by visiting  www.dsldland.com or calling David Sharp and his DSLD team at 205-437-1012.
-Melissa ArmstrongÂ
BeforeAfter
DSLD Land Management Company transformed the Carter family’s backyard into a vacation escape by installing Central Alabama’s first Desjoyaux pool and creating comfortable and striking surroundings. Learn more at www.dsldland.com.
Calling golfers of all skills levels, ages 18+! Come join the Birmingham Local Tour, presented by Step by Step Golf, where golfers of all skill levels experience life on tour and life changing fellowship. This is event #2 of 5 and it will be a two-man team scramble. Awards given for both gross and net scores. You will experience first tee announcements, live scoring, and much more. We will play by USGA rules, with a few small modifications to increase the enjoyment and pace of play for all golfers. Lunch is included, along with a short fellowship time prior to the first tee time. Join the tour and come play with us. You’ll have a blast. Learn more here. (Golfers not required to play in all five events.)
Studying history has never been more fun for these third graders at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood! Each student researched, wrote a report, and dressed as a historical figure for a special presentation to their class. The project is designed to help develop and strengthen their academic skills in a traditional, yet entertaining way. â€
Attention golfers! Have you heard about the Step by Step Golf tournaments in Central Alabama? Golfers of all levels are welcome to join the tournaments and enjoy fellowship while growing in faith. The tagline of Step by Step Golf is “where golfers of all skill levels experience life on tour and life-changing fellowship,” explains Todd Gober, founder and volunteer of Step by Step Golf. “We want golfers of all levels to be invited,” Gober says, adding that, “we deliver a true tour type feeling- with officials, uniforms, trophies, scoreboards, and more- even for the average golfer.”
The 2021 Joshua Cup Jr. Team Match Play Championship is set for February 13-14 at Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill.
There are several Step by Step events coming to our area. The 2021 Joshua Cup Jr. Team Match Play Championship is set for February 13-14 at Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill in Prattville. Gober explains that this championship began with the question, “if these events are working for men, why couldn’t it work for kids- particularly girls?” Gober is the father of two daughters who believed it was very important to be connected with his daughters. The very first Joshua Cup consisted of four girls. Their fathers were the caddies. Gober adds that two of the girls in the event now play college golf. The name Joshua Cup was inspired by Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Step by Step Golf welcomes golfers of all levels to participate in tournaments and seeks to connect golfers with God and others through quality fellowship.
Step by Step Golf has also embarked on a new venture that is happening in and around Birmingham starting on March 6. “The Birmingham tournament will be a series of five one day tournaments around the greater Birmingham area with a fellowship component that will happen before the tournaments start,” Gober says. As he looks back over the years, Gober credits the success of Step by Step Golf to two things- the tournament atmosphere that draws people and the fellowship that takes place. “It is a non-threatening way to hear the message because they may not be willing to walk through the door of a church, but they are willing to play golf,” Gober says, adding, “golf is the bridge.”Â
Gober’s prayer for all of the upcoming tournaments is simple. “I want people to know Jesus more than they did before.” Learn more at www.stepbystepgolf.org.
