*BEAUTY* ~LOVES~ \^COUNTRY^/

Alrighty y'all ... get those *VOTiN'~FiNGERS* ready!!!

I honestly couldn't think of a better time for this competition to be happening. The first week of Brain-Injury Awareness Month...
Marching forward!!! ;~D

What's this competition I'm speaking of, you wonder? Well, it is the
"Beauty Loves Country" Mary Kay Makeover Contest.

The champion of this contest will win an exclusive fan experience to attend the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music® Awards. But, more importantly, a prize of $2,500 to my favorite charity benefiting
women and children!! <3

I don't think I have to go to great lengths to explain/reaffirm just how much I adore country-music and everything it encapsulates. This genre had always been my favorite, for as long as I can remember. However, that "favoritism" was only strengthened in the immediate aftermath of my TBI. I can even remember my older sister, Courtney, burning different CDs to bring into Spaulding Rehab Hospital during the Summer of 2010. Although I wasn't aware of much (if anything at all), I would still know all the words to every, single country-song she had chosen to include.

Additionally, country-music has just been a motivating factor to me all throughout, whether I am pushing through a cardio-session at the gym, or putting the "finessing-touches" on my Survivor-Speech outline.

From MARCH 2nd to MARCH 9th ~~~

Voting is open, five[5] - times per day, per account [Facebook+Twitter].
Here's the link; all you have to do is type: "Ryan F." into the search-bar at the tippity-top of the page!!! 

VOTE for *ME* !!! =D <3 =D

PROUD to BE... >*A-S-T*< !!!

Almost five years ago, I made a decision that I knew would positively influence my four-years as an undergrad: to "put myself out there", and go out for
Sorority-Recruitment at school. Little did I know then, that this would ultimately be one of the best decisions I have ever made thus far in my life. 

I proudly accepted the "bid" to begin the new-member process of Alpha Sigma Tau

~~~ Excitedly ready to start my journey towards sisterhood, I could not have ever imagined how big of a role ΑΣΤ would play in my collegiate career. Never did I think that I would be approached to be featured in the national newsletter! 

While I'll never forget any of my moments with my sisters, there is always one phrase in particular, which was said to all the new-members as we were just beginning the process: "It's not four-years ... it's for-life!" 

Alumnae *SPOTLiGHT* !!!

New Year ~~~ New {& IMPROVED} You!

Helen Keller once stated: "Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties."

I think we all can interpret that quote in a number of ways, actually. Firstly, in the tangible measurement of
+SUCCESS+ ... but then again, who really can be the judge of our own individual success? I feel that it's not only more realistic, but also more productive, to gauge one's success on his or her own terms.

Now folks, bear with me as I take you on a little journey down "Memory-Lane" of my *2014*. Because, after all, looking back in retrospect is an ideal way to look forward in anticipation!!  

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I reconnected with the first Speech-Therapist I ever worked with, the incredible Brenda Lovette. Back in May 2010, when I first arrived at Spaulding Rehab right out of the St. Francis ICU, Brenda helped me tremendously throughout those first few months of rehabilitation. I am so happy that I came "rediscovered" the sweetest card she had wrote for me as I was transitioning from Spaulding to Crotched Mountain Rehab at the beginning of August'10. 

All who know me are well-aware of my affinity for all things inspirational, especially poems or quotes! I am so happy I rediscovered this particular one! 

RyRy Lynne

February 11, 2014 ·

Keep calm, and put your *~PEARLS~* on ...

 — with Nicole Zuar and Erin Rebecca.

I had been waiting/anticipating again, since that summer, the semester when I would be able to become a "BiG" in my sorority. Well, on the first night of Recruitment, when all the freshmen ladies were taking that first-step towards becoming a member of Greek Life at Marist, I met my LiTTLE, Kolbe!
I knew, almost instantly, that she would fit-in perfectly with my Big, Big-Big, & Big-Big-Big, Nicole, Kady, and Erin!!! <3

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I <CELEBRATED> my *4th~Birthday* on April 18th. No, you didn't misinterpret the number I just wrote... it was my 4th~ALiVEDAY!!! Looking back on that day now makes me excited for what 4.5 months from now represents... 5 years _ HALF-a-DECADE!!!
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Saturday, May 24... a date which will forever be ingrained in my mind as one of the best, most fulfilling experiences of my life. I, Ryan Lynne Farrell, graduated from Marist College with a degree in Communications - Radio/TV/Film Concentration. Strolling (more like strutting) across that stage on my beautiful campus, family, classmates, friends, professors and advisers all looking on...talk about a ~RUSH~

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I was one of a group of individuals to be recognized by and honored at "A Night of Heroes", hosted by the
Lowell Spinners at a baseball-game this summer! 

The ever so lovely Laura Chagnon [lower-left],  a fellow survivor and a beautifully articulate poet, shared her words after this wonderful evening:Seven Stars
Upon this celebration of heroes,
there is a galaxy of stars. 
Seven sparkling lights gleaming, 
each one uniquely graced with its own aura.
Team Hoyt New England led by Rick Hoyt, 
the most noble of all soldiers.
Alicia, wounded warrior survivor, 
her heart aglow with this country’s pride.
Julie, confident and bold, 
a dove with tranquil eyes.
Ryan, soaring to the zenith with enthusiasm,
my spirit alive in her presence.
Jeremy, his power leaping forward, 
steel-clad brilliance, a comet in the sky.
Laura, a peaceful soul of sunshine, 
words emanating from her, 
purely compassionate.
The Hoyt Foundation, 
a legend of great dignity, 
momentously closing the night.
In this heavenly baseball game, 
God hung the moon and stars, 
a field of dreams in the dusk of this lovely summer eve."

How ENORMOUSLY lucky I was, to be recognized at the same time as those individuals! 

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Summer quickly dwindled, as Fall began briskly approaching. Only, this year, for the first-time in 18-years, I did not have school [or out-patient rehab] to attend.
What an adjustment that was!

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BIA-MA Annual-Appeal

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Anticipatory, Excited, Happy, Anxious [in a good way] ... those are just a few words that come to mind when envisioningmy  *2015* !!!

My *GUARDIAN~ANGEL*

December 21, 2009 ... an unfair day when the best woman in the whole wide world was taken away from her family and many friends --- far too soon. 

[Gram & Papa, on their first date. Papa had borrowed that spiffy car from a friend, just to impress Gram! It honestly looks like the perfect snapshot right out of that time-period.]

My grandmother, Ann Marie Sugermeyer: your typical 100% Italian woman. Cooking, baking, sewing, knitting... she could do it ALL! But, even more than those things, she was the most considerate, faithfully devoted, genuine woman anyone could ever hope to know. When she wasn't serving Holy Communion at Our Lady of the Cape Parish, or volunteering every week at the Parish's Thrift-Shop, she was entertaining family and guests alike (once you entered the Sugermeyer house, you were instantly family). 

Every holiday is a little tough... especially Christmas. Yesterday marked the fifth celebration of the birth of Jesus we have celebrated without her. 

As we attended Mass at Our Lady of the Cape, I could feel her with me. I don't know if it was the beauty of the church itself, or the singing mixed with beautiful instrumental accompaniment; either way, I felt Gram: her spirit, her beauty, her faith. It was truly the best Christmas gift I could have hoped for!

Giving, Caring, Sharing!!!

          Mother Teresa once said: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” It’s as if she had been bestowing these bits of advice upon the late Paul Newman, while he was in the process of forming the plan for and building >The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp< , whose main mission is: “dedicated to providing ‘a different kind of healing’ to seriously ill children and their families throughout the Northeast, free of charge.”

  

          Yesterday, my mom and I had the great pleasure of attending this wonderful camp’s Holiday Party. I had received the invite from the marvelous Mr. Ray Lamontagne, a philanthropist himself, whom I had met my first semester back to school [Fall’11]. He had hosted an Emerging Leaders session, aptly titled “The Purpose and Power of Non-Profits”.  Ray and I have stayed in-touch over the past few years, and I was so flattered to receive that invitation. The even better feeling? Attending this occasion, and being able to witness the genuine joy, love, and gratitude which were so prominent all throughout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were so many superb sights to behold. From the walls wrapped in decorative, holiday paper, to the elves and other North Pole-ians prancing to and fro, it was certainly an enjoyable day!  I even was able to ~craft~, which is, without a doubt, one of my favorite pastimes.

 

 

... talk about feeling as if you were in Santa's work-shop!

 

~MY~ *HAPPY-ZONE*  

 

The gigantic tree was a sight to be seen! Not only was it monstrously tall and wide, but the special ornaments which adorned the many branches, paired with the generous gifts underneath for all of the strong survivors who were present, just made it even more phenomenal!

 

Before our departure, Mom and I had to pose for a picture with a couple of Santa's helpers ~  

 

Without the endless efforts of individuals like Ray and his tremendous work-force, this would not have been possible. 

As quoted by Paul Newman's character, Butch, in the famous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid film:

"I have vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veteran's Day ~~~ *THANK YOU ALL*

            As all of you are probably aware, today is Veteran’s Day. A day to celebrate the heroism, service, and sacrifice of all the men and women who selflessly served/are serving in our United States’ Armed Forces. 

            What we must not forget on this day of red, white, and blue, stars&stripes, is that for many of our returning veterans, although they are no longer actively serving on the battlefields, the battle is not anywhere close to being “over”. 

            Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is just one of the many long-lasting and invisible wounds of war. Another, which especially resonates with me, is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). There are numerous organizations established to ensure that our bravest are “taken care of” when they return home after their deployment. Most of these programs, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, focus more on the physical wounds, such as missing limbs, loss of eyesight, and many more mobility issues. There is one program, which not only aides these brave warriors’ physical necessities, but also the silent wounds of war. That organization is The Bob Woodruff Foundation. Established by ABC News’ Bob Woodruff and his wife, Lee, the foundation’s main mission is “…to ensure injured veterans and their families are thriving long after they return home… find and fund innovative programs in communities where veterans, their families and caregivers live and work” (bobwoodrufffoundation.org). 

            Mr. Woodruff is also a SURVIVOR of TBI, which he sustained back in January 2006 while covering the war in Iraq. At the time, Bob was ABC’s newly appointed news anchor, and the vehicle in which he was traveling was hit by a roadside bomb. His TBI nearly ended his life, yet it inspired him and his family to focus on and pioneer one thing: “Give our injured heroes access to the high level of support and resources they deserve, for as long as they need it.”

             Although I myself am not a veteran, I am so incredibly appreciative of foundations such as this. Not only does it ensure that our bravest are taken care of, but was founded as a result of Bob’s journey through TBI. It also gives me even more motivation to, as Robin Roberts says, “Make my mess my message”. 

            From the bottom of my heart, with the utmost sincerity and gratitude, I would like to give a resounding “THANK-YOU” to every veteran, on this day and every day!

~^~SET SAIL~^~ at Spaulding!

The last time I ever laid my "googly-eye" on Spaulding Rehab Hospital was August 6, 2010, as I was gratefully being brought up to Crotched Mountain Rehab to begin the final phase of in-patient recovery.  

Now, here I was, this past Sunday, returning to Spaulding; different location, brand-new facility, but still the hospital that had claimed the entire summer that should have been marking the completion of my first year of college. 

My mom, sister, and I were all looking forward to this event, as it was bound to be an enjoyable afternoon out; along with the opportunity to see fellow survivors and their families, four years after meeting them, and under much different circumstances. 

[Jason, Jonathan, I, & Jason's fiancée]

[Courtney, Mom, & I... posing with the Bruins' mascot, <^>BLADES<^> !!!]

<3 [Where would we *SURVIVORS* be without our moms?!] <3

[My beautiful big-sister and I, with a great view of Boston in the background!]

Although the whole afternoon was incredible, the highlight of the entire event, for me, was the opportunity to meet WCVB[Boston's ABC-Affiliate]'s very own Kelley Tuthill. 

She graciously acted as the "host" of this event, somewhat as a celebration of all she has overcome as a SURVIVOR of breast cancer. 

The smile of relief I had on my face, helmet resting on my pajama-lap four years ago, was replaced with a humongous, happy grin. Standing tall and grinning proudly, next to a woman whose career-path I will call my own in the near future!!!