Youth Venture

November 20, 2007 - 5:20pm — beaniebeenie25

Yummies for Sensitive Cookbook

When I was twelve years old my younger sister was diagnosed with Gastroesophagel
Reflux Disease (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and lactose intolerance. My
sister's doctor told her there was no cure for these disorders, but their painful symptoms could be lessened through medication and diet. However, when I began to search for recipes that my sister could eat, I found very few. Of these recipes, I found even fewer that tasted good and were not bland. Children with gastrointestinal diseases often suffer from depression, social, emotional problems due to chronic pain and awkward symptoms they endure. I wanted to help my sister and thousands of suffering children worldwide.

II began researching/creating a cookbook for children suffering from painful gastrointestinal disorders. I dedicated 3800+ hours producing the cookbook: researching diseases/dietary restrictions, interviewing dieticians and medical professionals, chefs, and food experts. I created and published Yummies for Sensitive Cookbook Sampler in my basement with a student committee. We created the layout and artwork of the Sampler. This 9-recipe cookbook sampler was distributed by 41 Regional Advisors to Children’s hospitals throughout America. I solicited investors and donations to finance free and low cost Sampler distributions. We also created www.sensitivetummies.com website to educate children/adults about healthy lifestyles and food choices.

Experts estimate 9-23% of the world’s population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 20% of Americans suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Free Samplers(700) were distributed to children's hospitals throughout America, Canada, South Africa, serving diverse socio-economic groups and races. Under the advisement of Spanish-speaking professionals, I translated the sampler into Spanish for distribution in America and Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic. The sampler is being translated into French for distribution in French speaking countries. The cookbook was distributed to children's hospitals in America/Canada for free.

Educating sick children and families about how to eat appropriately/ feel better is my purpose.

November 19, 2007 - 11:25pm — NETworkMC12

Stepping Up

Fr. Mujule is a great man. It amazes me to think of all he's gone through, but he has achieved so much. Fr. Mujule is a priest serving in our diocese from Hoima Uganda. It's ironic to think that he calls himself a missionairy here in the United States when he has been serving the impoverished in his country for years. He says that so many people in Uganda are materially poor but have strong values. Where as the people in the US are materially wealthy. I think one reason I wanted to start a Youth Venture Team was because I want people to realize that youth are not yet molded. We can still become whatever we want. We can help people regardless of who we are or what we do. We really can make a difference. The best way to do this is to step up.