✨ Finding Gratitude in Every Season
November always reminds me to pause and reflect—not just on what we’ve accomplished, but on how far we’ve come. This season of gratitude has been a whirlwind of movement, milestones, and meaning.
At the start of the month, I had the incredible honor of participating in Dancing with the Capital Region Stars — an unforgettable night that combined joy, courage, and community. Together, we raised over $14,000 for the Logan Strong Foundation, earning 2nd place for fundraising! 💃💛
It was never just about the dance—it was about the difference we could make together. To everyone who donated, bought tickets, cheered us on, or shared our story: thank you. Your support means families facing childhood cancer get the help they need when they need it most.
And as if that weren’t enough joy for one month, we’re getting ready to celebrate another dream come true — the release of my very first children’s book, Ocho™ the Brave Little Octopus, inspired by Logan’s journey. 🐙💛
Gratitude in action is all around us — from the dance floor to the pages of a storybook, and soon, to a very special birthday giving tradition.
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💛 Feature: Gratitude in Action — Turning Thanks into Growth
As caregivers, parents, and professionals, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind — therapies, schedules, to-do lists, and the invisible emotional load we carry. Gratitude can feel like one more thing to check off. But what if it became the thing that fuels you?
Here’s how to make gratitude a practical part of your daily rhythm:
🌅 Start and end your day with reflection. Write (or say aloud) one thing that went right — no matter how small.
💬 Share it out loud. Express gratitude directly to your child, spouse, or colleague. Verbal appreciation strengthens connection.
🎁 Turn gratitude into giving. Include your kids in acts of kindness — baking for a neighbor, sending cards, or donating together.
🪞 Practice self-gratitude. Acknowledge your own effort. You can’t pour from an empty cup — and recognizing your resilience matters.
Gratitude shifts focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful. It’s not just about surviving the day — it’s about reviving your energy and thriving through intention.
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🐙 Ocho™ the Brave Little Octopus — Book Launch Celebration!
📚 Pre-Order Your Copy Today
📅 Monday, November 17 | Good Life Cowork, Schenectady, NY
Join us for a heartwarming evening as we officially launch Ocho™, The Brave Little Octopus — the story that’s captured hearts and inspired hope. 💛🐙
This story, inspired by Logan’s real-life journey through childhood cancer, is all about comfort, courage, and connection — reminding us all that bravery comes in many forms (and sometimes, eight legs!).
What to Expect:
✅ Family-friendly event
✅ Free to attend — please RSVP so we can plan for treats 🍪
✅ Book reading at 7 PM + signing with Jennifer & Logan
✅ Meet Ocho™ in person and take your very own Ocho™ home!
✅ Light fare, cookies, and sweet surprises 🎉
Books & Goodies for Purchase:
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Ocho™ the Brave Little Octopus – $14.99
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Handmade Ocho™ – $8
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Ocho™ Crochet Kits – $12
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Tiny Miracles: A Mother’s Journey of Finding Faith through Childhood Cancer – $16.95
Come celebrate community, courage, and the magic that happens when a story touches hearts of all ages. 💛
RSVP here
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🎁 Gratitude in Motion: Logan’s 9th Birthday Giving Project
🎉 Join the Celebration
Every year for Logan’s birthday, we honor his journey by giving back to The Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med — the place that helped save his life. 💛
Over the years, this tradition has evolved:
- Years 1 & 2 ➡️ Collected funds
- Year 3 ➡️ Donated cozy pajamas
- Years 4–8 ➡️ Gift cards for families in need 💌
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Year 9 ➡️ We’re doing it again — with a twist!
✨ The Logan Strong Foundation will MATCH every single gift card donated! ✨
That means your $10, $25, or $50 doubles its impact for families facing long hospital stays and unexpected challenges.
Most-Requested Gift Cards:
☕ Dunkin’, Starbucks, Panera
🛒 Market 32, Hannaford, Aldi’s, Walmart, Target
⛽ Stewart’s, Cumberland Farms, CVS
🍝 Bellini’s, Recovery Room, McDonald’s
💻 Amazon, iTunes
📬 Please mail all gift cards by November 18 (Logan’s 9th Birthday!) to:
Logan Strong Foundation
PO Box 2168
Scotia, NY 12302
💙 Want to make Logan smile? Include a birthday card — he loves getting mail!
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🌟 Community Spotlight: Resilience in Action
This month, I want to spotlight you — the parents, caregivers, and advocates who keep showing up. I see your strength, your exhaustion, your heart, and your hope. Whether you’re balancing therapies, hospital visits, or school meetings, you are living proof that love and resilience can coexist beautifully.
If you’d like to share your story in a future newsletter, reach out — your experience might be the encouragement another family needs. 💛
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💌 Thriving Through Gratitude
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a practice. It’s how we show up, give back, and find meaning in the moments that test us most. Every thank-you, every donation, every bit of kindness adds up to something bigger.
Together, we’re not just surviving — we’re reviving and thriving. 💛
With resilience and heart,
Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg
Special Needs Empowerment Coach | Cancer Mom | Founder of Logan Strong Foundation
| | Taking that first step can be daunting, but it’s also the most crucial. I invite you to join me for a complimentary 30-minute connection call. This session is your opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and see how targeted support can positively impact your family's journey. To schedule your session, please contact me today! | | |
Your journey is unique, and connecting with others who understand can make all the difference. Follow us and join our Facebook group, 'Special Needs Parenting Community,' to connect with a supportive network that shares your experiences. Also, keep an eye out for our upcoming courses and additional services designed to support and empower special needs families.
Together, let's embrace the challenges and triumphs of special needs parenting with confidence and support. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
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The content in this newsletter reflects my personal experiences and insights as a special needs parent and empowerment coach. I am not a medical professional, attorney, or licensed therapist. The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals like
medical doctors, therapists, or legal advisors before making decisions based on this content.
Your use of any information from this newsletter is solely at your own risk.
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