With the holidays quickly approaching, it's so important that we give back and think of those people in need. I have had the misfortune of losing some very special people in my life, both friends and family. My mother was one such person. She taught me at a very young age of the importance of being true to yourself and true to those around you. As a child, she encouraged me often to be available to help others whenever I could. It makes you feel special inside and it is these special feelings that I have tried to instill in my own family.

There are several charities that are near and dear to my heart. The Canadian Cancer Society is one such charity. Back in the fall of 2007, my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A disease considered to be so lethal, that there is a minimal chance of survival of more than a few years, and that's if everything works in your favour and the stars align. In the end, my mother passed away, which in turn, turned my life upside down.

I found myself wanting to help raise awareness and funds to try to conquer this terrible disease. I ended up creating Team WonderMoms and along with several of my friends went on to raise thousands of dollars. It felt good to be able to give back. I knew it would never bring back the loss of my mother, but in some small way, maybe I was helping to ease the future pain of others suffering the same sort of loss. I love hearing success stories of those who have battled cancer and won- a true victory for the underdog!!

When we got our beloved puppy Paisley, we decided early on that we were going to get her fixed as we didn't want any unwanted puppies arriving on our doorstop any time soon. The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is another such charity that is close to my family's heart. Paisley is our world, and there is nothing we wouldn't do for her. The SPCA is dedicated to providing a humane environment for all pets and pet owners while providing the best possible care for your little fur babies. In fact, the clinic in Lincoln that we took Paisley to for her surgery provides the veterinary services (DR) free of charge, in hopes of controlling the unwanted pet population. There is a fee that varies depending on the type of animal and sex of the animal. It is a fraction of what you would expect to pay elsewhere. If it weren't for the organization and their services, I believe we would be overrun with stray cats and dogs.

I encourage you to do the same. It feels good to give back, as you may someday find yourself on the receiving end.