© Liz Hinz

Thanksgiving weekend, I got an email from a woman named Sheila. Her friend Liz was an avid reader of my blog, so when Liz nearly died in childbirth earlier that month, Sheila wanted me to know. Sheila hoped that I could say something to Liz to help give her hope, and keep her fighting for her life.

Liz suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke during an induction for chronic hypertension, which led to an emergency cesarean. When Liz awoke, her entire left side was paralyzed and she could not speak correctly. She was so excited to start a new life with her child. Instead, Liz barely survived the birth, and now has to re-learn basic functions. I wasn’t sure what I could do to help her, but Sheila felt that just hearing from me could make Liz feel better.

So I’m doing one better.

To help give Liz hope and inspiration for recovery, I’m launching a greeting card campaign, and asking readers to send Liz a card with some message of support.

Yesterday, when I talked about our major family heartaches, so many of my readers piled in with messages of love, support, and encouragement for me and my husband. But my problems are nothing compared to Liz’s. She has to re-learn how to read, and write, and move – all with a brand new baby. She has started a blog to chronicle her journey and help her practice typing and writing. Knowing what Liz is suffering, I hope that my readers will direct this outpouring of support toward a mom who really, really needs it right now.

And Listen: I’m going to be totally, horribly honest when I tell you this — The incredible, heart-wrenching support I’ve received over the past few days is actually increasing my anxiety. I’m sorry if that sounds ungrateful, or hurtful. Please don’t take it that way. This is just how my dumb brain reacts to attention like this. Knowing that people are sad for me, while other people are suffering so much worse than my family, makes me feel guilty and even more anxious. I need everyone to redirect this incredible support to a family truly battling tragedy so that I can feel that this blog uses its power for GOOD. I’m sorry for however that sounds – I know I’m a basket case.

So if you really want to make me feel better, then please, help me help Liz.

Here’s all you have to do:

1. Grab a greeting card, or have your kid make one, or simply fold a piece of paper in half.
2. Write a note to Liz. Tell her you’re rooting for her. Tell her the story about your family member who suffered a stroke, and what helped them recover. Tell her that you’re glad she’s still here, and that Sheila told us about her. Tell her anything you think will brighten her day.
3. Slap a postage stamp on, and send it to the following address: 

   Liz Hinz
   C/O People’s Food Co-op of Kalamazoo
   507 Harrison St.
   Kalamazoo, MI 49007

THIS. This will make me feel great. This will hopefully make Liz feel great. And hopefully Sheila will feel like she accomplished her goal for finding Liz some comfort.

If you do this – please take a picture of the card you send and upload it to my facebook page. I would love to see it. This would make my week.

THANK YOU.