Skip to main content

Paying It Forward

Many times we see our glass as half empty rather than half full. At this time of year we are reminded of how blessed we are when we witness others less fortunate.

This year, with the help of Circus Arts Conservatory, we took on a rather large project for the holidays and “adopted” local families in dire need. One family had been homeless until recently. Without the generosity of others, their holiday would have been far from merry. Another had difficulty putting food on the table for seven children. Another was a single mom working full time at minimum wage struggling to support her children. There are so many stories like this in our community and beyond. Our Giving Tree project brings to mind how lucky we are every day to have food, clothing, and shelter and how difficult it is to look away from those who suffer without these basic needs.

At Sarasota Orthopedic Associates our “elves” created a Giving Tree to help fill the wishes of those with very little. Not only did we fulfill every wish, we collected many extras along the way with an abundance of canned goods and substantial amount of cash to purchase food gift cards. We cried happy tears yesterday as we wrapped 85 gifts.

This morning we delivered those wrapped gifts to families. Our hearts are overjoyed, knowing on Christmas morning children will be surprised with a new bike, or skates, or clothes and have a hot meal to share with their family. To see the tears of appreciation in their mom’s eyes fills us with an awesome sense of giving and inspires us to carry that benevolence long into the coming year. Francis of Assisi said “For it is in giving that we receive”.

At Sarasota Orthopedic Associates we are grateful for the abundance in our lives and mindful of the importance to pay it forward. It truly is better to give than to receive.  We wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday, Happy Hanukkah, blessed Kwanza and most of all, a New Year filled with hope, love, joy, and prosperity.

You Might Also Enjoy...

How Soon Can I Run After an ACL Injury?

Sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, and fast changes of direction raise the risk of damage to a ligament that stretches diagonally across the middle of the knee. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament can sideline you for months.

The Link Between Neck Pain and Headaches

Is your neck pain causing your headache? Or is it your headache causing problems in your neck? There’s no easy answer since it could be either of these, or it might also be two separate issues.
 3 Ways PRP Therapy Can Help Relieve Shoulder Pain

 3 Ways PRP Therapy Can Help Relieve Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body and one of the most complex. The bones, muscles, and other support tissues give these joints amazing mobility and strength, though they can often prove difficult to treat when things go wrong.
 Eat This Not That: Pain Management Edition

Eat This Not That: Pain Management Edition

When you suffer from chronic pain, everything you can do to help ease pain is welcome. This can even extend to the foods you eat. Consider this your Eat This, Not That, Pain Management Edition

Your Ultimate Guide to Rehabbing a Strained Muscle

Muscle strains range from minor overstretching to partial or full tearing of tissue. Your rehab period depends on the extent of your injury. Here’s what you can expect for the most common strained muscle injuries.
3 Ways to Keep Your Kid's Cast Clean

3 Ways to Keep Your Kid's Cast Clean

Casts are a necessary treatment device when your child has a broken bone or other condition that requires immobilization of a body part to aid healing. Kids being kids, it’s sometimes a challenge to keep the cast clean.