Monday, June 22, 2009

Farmers Insurance kicks off
“Be A Hero For Babies Day” in Arizona

Farmers Insurance will hold its nationwide “Be A Hero For Babies Day” March of Dimes fundraiser July 22. Earlier this year, Farmers was reminded of just why this fundraiser is so important, and by one of their very own employees.

Joey Alexander Romano was born Feb. 1, 2009 at just 29 weeks gestation, weighing 1 pound 12 ounces. This “miracle baby,” as parents George and Debbie Romano like to refer to him, spent 3 months of his life in the NICU and miraculously shocked the medical community as he began to grow and become healthy.

Baby Joey’s journey into this world was a difficult one. His parents, filled with joy to know they were expecting, prepared for the journey a 9-month pregnancy would take them on. Tracking his progress and the progress of Debbie’s experience was something they looked forward to; however, an unexpected turn of events prevented that from happening.

A short time into her pregnancy, Debbie found herself at the hospital for routine monitoring when they noticed the baby’s heart had dropped. Unknowingly suffering from severe Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), a condition in which the fetus is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy, at just 25 weeks Joey’s arrival was imminent.

“It was a very scary and confusing time for us,” said Debbie Romano. “This was my first pregnancy, and I didn’t know what to expect from that, let along giving birth too soon.”

During his stay at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), George and Debbie stayed by Joey’s side night and day. They shared in each others frustration and monitored their son’s progress, even when there was none to report. Often recalling his feelings of jealousy and envy as they watched soon-to-be parents come in for healthy deliveries, George Romano felt as if his family had been short-changed. “We were supposed to have that experience. I wanted to be the tired and emotional one…I wanted to take him home…it’s not fair.”

“It was a surreal time…it’s a tragedy, yet that crazy environment is what you begin to accept as normal,” said Debbie. “We became so accustomed to being there and watching as he was poked and prodded…tubes everywhere…we even learned to stimulate him when his heart would slow down or he would stop breathing.”

The stress of having a premature baby or a baby suffering from a defect can take its toll. Parents struggle not only to find out the science behind what is happening to their child, but with the unanswered “why me” questions. Debbie Romano recalls her many rides to and from the hospital with her husband as they prayed for his health – “We always had so much running through our minds. I remember asking George if we’d ever talk to each other in the car again.”

A newly married couple, the Romano’s had been married only 2 years before they became pregnant and Joey was born premature. “I think we got through this by having our friends and family by our side,” said Debbie. “We have an 11-year old daughter at home and we somehow needed to keep a sense of normalcy for her…we know many of the families who spent their nights in the NICU were completely alone…thankfully there are programs such as the March of Dimes NICU Family Support program that provides comfort to those who are going through what we did.”

As Joey’s condition slowly improved, the Romano family began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. “He was no longer the size of 4 sticks of butter, he was 6 and then 8,” said George. The tiniest of progress in Joey’s health meant he was that much closer to coming home.

On April 10, 2008, Joey was finally able to take his first car ride, feel the warm Arizona air on his skin and sleep in the comfort of his own home. “There was something about getting him home,” said Debbie. “Yeah, he was still covered in tubes, but he was finally home and that made it easier to cope with.”

Months went by and Joey became stronger. While he still suffers from a tiny hole in his heart, Joey is all smiles and full of playful energy – especially when his big sister walks into the room. “I’m so glad to have Joey home,” said Alexandra Romano. “I didn’t like having him so far away – I never knew I could love him so much, and I get to play with him all the time now!”

Doctors are unsure as to what potential developmental constraints Joey may have as he gets older. Weekly, Joey has a specialist who works with him on his motor development, speech and language skills. “We continue to be thrilled that our son is home, but it is still stressful to hear doctors say we are unsure of how he will progress,” said George. “We know Joey, and we see his enthusiasm for life – we know there may be uncertainties, but we choose to live life to its fullest.”

George Romano, who works for March of Dimes partner Farmers Insurance, participated in the 2009 March for Babies in Phoenix. “It was the first time I walked,” said George. “I saw people with their t-shirts and photos of their very own miracle babies – I walked for Joey, and every step that I took reminded me of the crucial and lifesaving research performed by the March of Dimes.”

Farmers, who will host their annual “Be a Hero for Babies” day across the country on July 22, encourages their employees and agents to host awareness activities that provide information on the programs and services offered by the March of Dimes. “I was a brand new employee of Farmers when my wife and I went through all of this,” said George. “It’s nice to know that my company looks out not only for me and my baby, but for babies everywhere.”

Joey, now 16-months old weighing 20 pounds and close to 30 inches in length, is as active as ever playing with his sister and enjoying the endless amount of love offered by his parents and family. “He’s still small when compared to other children his age,” said Debbie. “But to us, his perfect.”






About Be A Hero For Babies: For Farmers Insurance, being a national sponsor of March of Dimes March for Babies is part of fulfilling the “Farmers’ Promise for Babies:” Helping Get Babies Back Where They Belong – Healthy and Strong. Farmers’ commitment to the March of Dimes has been on-going for more than two decades and includes contributions of more than $25 million. Farmers’ headquarters is in Los Angeles. They do business in 41 states, providing Homeowners, Auto, Business, Life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households through 18,000 employees and 15,500 agents. Farmers' has been serving America's families and businesses for more than 75 years. For more information, visit http://www.farmers.com/.

About March of Dimes: The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit http://www.marchofdimes.com/ or http://www.nacersano.org/.

Farrelli's hosts Cultural Dinner Series
for the Welcome to America Project

Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club, one of the Valley's most unique restaurant and event sites, is hosting a Summer Cultural Dinner Series at their Scottsdale venue to benefit The Welcome to America Project.

"This organization helps refugees from war torn countries get settled into a safe life with an apartment, furniture, clothes and food," says owner Wendy Farrelli. "Some of these kids have been in refugee camps all of their lives."

"We would like to extend our congratulations to their executive director, Carolyn Manning, who was just awarded the 2009 CNN Hero Award," adds Farrelli. "This wonderful, local, grass roots organization needs and deserves our support."

The three Cultural Dinner Series for The Welcome to America Project will be held June 28, July 26 and August 23.

The first of these educational fundraisers will be "One Night in Bhutan" and will feature a buffet of cuisine from that region. That will follow with the premiere of the internationally acclaimed new short film "Nationless" by filmmaker Carly Campo, which follows Bhutanese refugees as they chart a new life here in Phoenix.

Learn about this beautiful, mysterious, and troubled country and its refugee crisis of the last 15 years. Enjoy exotic flavors as you hear firsthand the plight and rich stories of Bhutanese refugees beginning new lives here in Phoenix.

What: Dinner, drinks, cultural presentations and stories
When: Sunday, June 28th, 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club, 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Cost: They request a voluntary $50 donation per adult and $30 donation per child under 18 (all donations are tax deductible). Donation includes the Bhutanese buffet, the movie and non-alcoholic beverages.

Only 100 tickets are available. To reserve your spot now, go to www.wtap.org/events and click on the 'Register Now' button. All proceeds will directly help the Welcome to America Project pay for deliveries to refugee families arriving in Phoenix this summer! To read more about this great charitable organization, go to www.wtap.org.

For more information about Farrelli's Cinema Supper Club and Catering, call 480-905-7200 or visit www.Farrellis.com.

Friday, June 12, 2009

East Valley Business Expo announced;
exhibitor registration now open

Registration has opened for the 2009 East Valley Business Expo, the largest networking mixer and business-to-business event of the year. More than 1,500 attendees are expected and 145 exhibitors will be on site for this annual event that regularly provides the best growth opportunities and business-to-business connections in the entire East Valley.

Because time is the most valuable asset of any business, the Expo brings together in one location the key elements that will help any company increase its profits. Business owners, managers, purchasing agents, sales people, human resource managers, IT managers, CEOs, CFOs and all decision-makers responsible for company growth are encouraged to attend.

Online registration is open and booths are first-come, first-served at www.eastvalleybusinessexpo.com.

The East Valley Business Expo takes place from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Mesa Convention Center, 201 N. Center Street. Admission is free for attendees with a business card.

Gift cards, door prizes and giveaways will be offered to attendees. Free food and soft drinks will provided by four local restaurants. The East Valley Business Expo is a joint production of the Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa Chambers of Commerce.

For more information contact Expo Manager Sally Harrison at (480) 969-1307 x26 or sharrison@mesachamber.org

For complete information on the Expo or to register, visit www.eastvalleybusinessexpo.com.

Fine wine, scrumptious food and fantastic music:
A night to end multiple sclerosis

Taste and treat your senses to an evening of song, spirits and savory treats. Corks and Chords is the 3rd Annual National MS Society, Arizona Chapter wine tasting event. The event will be taking place in the Scottsdale Mayo Clinic’s beautiful reception area nestled among the scenic foothills. We have over nine valley chefs joining us this year! Stations of chef-prepared dishes paired with delicious wines and wonderfully-appointed acoustic music will tantalize guests as they browse packages of spirit-related items in the silent and live auction. Visit http://aza.nationalmssociety.org or call (480) 968-2488 for ticket information.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Evans Family SkyCycle takes science to
new heights at Arizona Science Center

The newest addition to Arizona Science Center’s four floors of interactive fun tests not only your science knowledge but your balance as well!

On June 14 guests at Arizona Science Center can take an exhilarating bicycle ride suspended nearly 14 feet in the air on a 40-foot cable (additional fees apply)! Visitors ride out from the loading platform backwards, then peddle forward to return.

Though suspended in air, the Evans Family SkyCycle features a large weight suspended underneath the bike, teaching riders about the principles of counterbalance and center of gravity. The suspended counterweight acts as a resisting force, lowering the center of gravity and keeping the bike in an upright position.

Swaying of the cable and bike, caused by the rider’s actions, add to the thrill, but the rider is never in danger of falling (height & weight restrictions apply).

The Evans Family SkyCycle opens to the public on Sunday, June 14 on Level 2.

COST: $3 for Members / $5 for Non-Members

www.azscience.org/

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Sleep America announces inaugural
"Swim to the Third Tier" program
benefitting the Save R-Kids program

Sleep America is proud to partner with the United Phoenix Firefighters Association and St. Joe's Hospital to help support the S^3 Program. The kickoff for the main event will be held Thursday, June 4 at St. Joe's Hospital therapy pool, 350 W. Thomas Rd. in Phoenix. The program will benefit the Osborn School District as well as other children who might not be able to afford swimming lessons.

Sleep America President Debbie Gaby said, "It is great to be part of the swim program from the inception. We were there from the beginning of the pool fence program and hold water safety close to our hearts. Hopefully we can decrease the number of child drownings by helping create awareness."

Other speakers that will be in attendance include Patty White, COO of St. Joe's, Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot, Phoenix Fire Captain Tom McCracken and a representative from the Osborn School District.

Sleep America is doing their part by raising funds for the program to increase the number of children who can benefit from S^3. Customers who stop by any Sleep America location will receive a plush Dalmatian puppy for a minimum $10 donation. Mattress vendors Serta, Sealy and Spring Air have joined the cause by partnering with Sleep America. The goal is to raise $15,000 by the end of June.

For more information, visit www.sleepamerica.com.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Local Arby’s giving Valley residents a chance to help match a child with a mentor

Arby’s restaurants are giving Valley residents an easy way to help the children in their community. From June 15 through July 26, 2009, customers who visit Arby’s restaurants may donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona to help the organization match a child with an adult mentor.

“While people think of Big Brothers Big Sisters as a volunteer organization, it’s also a non-profit charity that depends on donations to make more matches,” said Greg Hawkins, Sr. Vice President of Community Partnerships, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “Funding is used for recruiting, careful matching, background checks, screening and maintaining ongoing professional support for the volunteers, youth and their families – the key to ensuring long-term positive outcomes that change lives and communities.”

Arby’s customers who come into local Arby’s restaurants from June 15 through July 26, 2009, may donate a dollar and sign a “Help Us Help Kids” pin-up to hang on the walls of the restaurant. Customers who donate will receive a coupon redeemable for $1 off select Arby’s menu items during their next purchase. The donated money will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, a youth-mentoring agency which helps children realize their full potential by matching them with adult mentors who help them succeed in life. Last year, Arby’s raised over $2 million nationwide through its pin-up campaign.

“There’s a growing demand for structured successful youth mentoring, particularly in this economy when families are struggling,” Brian Hassett, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona said. “Independent research shows children matched with Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors are more likely to succeed in school, behave nonviolently, avoid drug and alcohol abuse and other negative influences.”

“We’ve always believed in the power of giving back to the communities that we serve,” Hawkins said. “Mentoring makes a powerful difference and I’m proud to be part of an effort that gives the entire community an opportunity to contribute.”

West Valley National Bank CEO Candace Weist to share latest economic outlook with Central Phoenix Women

It’s not all gloom and doom in the banking industry. Those banks that did not finance mortgage and construction loans are still in a good position to assist businesses grow and expand, according to West Valley National Bank CEO and former Federal Reserve Director, Candace Wiest. She presents her outlook on how businesses can weather this financial storm at the next Central Phoenix Women monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 10, from 11:30AM-1PM at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix, 2401 East Camelback Road.

The lunch meeting sponsor is West Valley National Bank with favors provided by Donovan’s. Deadline for RSVPs is Friday, June 5, 2009. Invitations and information are available at www.centralphoenixwomen.org or 602-263-3589.