Residents Put On Their Walking Shoes In Support Of Life

Residents Put On Their Walking Shoes In Support Of Life
By Carisa Biesecker, carisa@ospreyobserver.com
“The thief has come to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come so that they may have life…Life in all its fullness,” John 10:10 is etched across the flyers distributed by the supporters of LifeCare of Brandon, as they invite residents to the First Annual Inspire Life Sunday Walk for Life to walk for those who have yet to live.With hopes of the arrival of some 500 residents in their walking shoes, the LifeCare staff is gearing up for the center’s first ever winter walk, being held at Brandon Pkwy. in Brandon on Sunday, January 24, from 1-4 p.m. “We are inviting area churches and the community to show support for the gift of life as together we inspire and grow a culture of life in our community,” comments Center Director Karen Brooks. She mentions that a winter walk was decided upon in an effort to highlight Tuesday, January 19’s being National Sanctity of Human Life Day. All coordinated walks in the past have been initiated in the spring. In lieu of sponsorship, which will be adapted to next year’s walk, participants are being asked to bring diapers and/or wipes to the event. Headed under the name of “Change a Baby,” these reserves will be allocated towards the 200-and-something diapers and wipes that are dispersed monthly at the center. Those in attendance will be able to partake of T-shirts, balloons and water, all while intermingling amongst special set-up displays. Having surpassed its 50,000 client just months ago, the center, opened in June of 1987, has become known as the place to turn to in the midst of unexpected circumstances such as that as an unplanned pregnancy, providing information and counseling on abortion, adoption and pregnancy as well as medical and community referrals. Staffed with six full-time employees and some 40 volunteers, the facility also offers the Teaching, Loving and Caring (TLC) program, of which mothers can earn “Mommy Dollars” to spend within the onsite Mommy & Baby Boutique. The nonprofit also seeks to provide teens with the knowledge that abstinence is a choice in today’s society, holding discussions in all but two Hillsborough County high schools as well as some middle schools. Welcoming up to 200 clients some months and operating on an annual budget of $350,000, the facility is always in search of donations and volunteers. Those interested can call 654-0491, e-mail karen@lifecareofbrandon.com or visit www.lifecareofbrandon.com. LifeCare, located at 122 N. Moon Ave. in Brandon, operates from Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m-1 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.- 12 Noon and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. Brooks concludes, saying, “Together with God, we can change lives, impact futures and grow a healthier community.”