A Journey From Hope to Healing

A Journey From Hope to Healing

Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an autoimmune thyroid disorder in which the immune system mistakes the thyroid gland for a pathogen. The immune system normally reacts when it detects bacteria, toxins, or viruses. But with autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s, the immune system becomes dysregulated and causes an autoimmune reaction, attacking the body’s own glands, organs, and tissues. In the case of Hashimoto’s disease, the body’s immune system launches an attack and seeks to destroy thyroid cells. Damage from that attack makes it hard for the gland to produce enough thyroid hormone. Low thyroid hormone levels can make a woman’s periods irregular, which in turn can make it harder to get pregnant.

Growing up, Chelsea never had regular periods. She always thought this was just because she was a very active teenager and young adult. Menstrual dysfunction can occur when the amount of energy used exceeds the amount of energy taken in through nutrition. Excessive exercise, overtraining, stress, dieting and weight loss can lead to changes in normal hormone levels resulting in menstrual dysfunction. Doctors never seemed to be concerned with Chelsea’s menstrual irregularity at any of her checkups as it was always just attributed to her active lifestyle.

When Chelsea got married in 2015, she and her husband started trying to get pregnant right away. However, they both knew that it might be more difficult to have children because of Chelsea’s menstrual irregularity. They were still hopeful. In 2017, after struggling to get pregnant for almost two years, Chelsea’s doctor finally did some extensive testing. Tests showed that Chelsea had Hashimoto’s disease. Since her thyroid was still somewhat functioning, doctors had missed the diagnosis over the years.

Miraculously, Chelsea and her husband found out that they were expecting later that spring. Because Chelsea had Hashimoto’s disease, she was referred to a specialist for a level-2 ultrasound in July at week 19. She was so excited to see her baby in the ultrasound. Her hope was to announce both the pregnancy and the gender at the same time on social media immediately after the appointment. When the tech began the ultrasound, Chelesea saw a round area on the screen. She asked if what she was seeing was the baby’s head. Her heart sank when the tech told her that it was the chest. She immediately knew what was missing… a beating heart. Chelsea delivered her beautiful, stillborn baby girl at the hospital two days later. They named her Hope.

A year after Hope’s birth, Chelsea still hadn’t gotten pregnant again, so they started searching for more definitive answers. After more testing, Chelsea was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) or Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR). Doctors told her that it was highly unlikely that she would conceive again. However, as she sat in the doctor’s office receiving this devastating news, all she could think of was, “You are not God.” And so, she prayed. Oh, did she pray.

Chelsea also began seeking out alternative therapies and treatments. She started seeing an acupuncturist, changed her diet, and came to Sara’s Garden for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Chelsea knew about HBOT because her sister, who had also been diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) due to Lyme Disease, had also come to Sara’s Garden. Just like Chelsea, Taylor had also been told by multiple reproductive specialists that she could never have children. She is now the mother of three, with one on the way! (Read Taylor’s story)

Because Chelsea lived in Florida, she spread out her HBOT treatments at Sara’s Garden throughout the next year. In September of 2019, when Chelsea completed her HBOT treatments, she went to see one last reproductive specialist. Just as before, he told her that she would never have children of her own because of the POF and that it was a miracle she had even gotten pregnant with Hope in the first place. If they wanted to have kids, Chelsea and her husband were told that their only option would be through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using an egg donor. They declined as they did not feel that it was what God had for them.

Two months later, on November 3rd, 2019, Chelsea held a positive pregnancy test in her hand! She can only attribute that miracle to God. He brought Chelsea healing from the grief of losing her daughter, and He brought her physical healing that allowed her to conceive.

“When I arrived at Sara’s Garden for my first treatment and saw that their mission is “Hope, Help, Healing”, I knew that I was in the right place. I needed healing in more than just my body, and God provided that to me. He used Sara’s Garden, a grief counseling group at my church, my acupuncturist, and the countless prayers of family, friends, and even strangers to bring me healing. It is only because of Him that I was able to give birth to a perfectly healthy, 8 lb. 12 oz., baby boy on July 8 of 2020.”

No matter what you’ve been told, there is hope… for this and many other conditions. HBOT is treatment without drugs… without surgery… without pain.

2024 “Drive Fore Hope” Charity Golf Scramble

2024 “Drive Fore Hope” Charity Golf Scramble

Sara’s Garden would like to invite you to participate in the 2024 “Drive Fore Hope” Charity Golf Scramble. Be sure to save the date! We have put together a fun-filled day at Ironwood Golf Course in Wauseon, Ohio and hope to see you there!

Event Date:Friday, May 24, 2024
Event Location:Ironwood Golf Course, Wauseon, Ohio
Event Format:4-Player Team Scramble
Event Cost:$75 per Player ($300 per Team)
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All proceeds from this event will be used towards the purchase of therapy equipment for our clients and students at Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy. Sara’s Garden is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is the only facility in the United States to offer Autism Intervention, Conductive Education, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration and Speech-Language Pathology services.

Registration Includes:

  • Scramble format (4-player teams)
  • Green and cart fees
  • Range balls
  • Goodie bag
  • Contests and prizes
  • Awards for top teams
  • Lunch Buffet
Time
Schedule of Events
7:00 a.m.
Registration
Range Open
8:00 a.m.
Shotgun Scramble
1:00 p.m.
Lunch Buffet at NHA Career Center
2:00 p.m.
Awards

Partnership Opportunities

Platinum Title Partner – $1,500

  • Includes one foursome, event promotion, platinum title partner signage and program recognition.

Gold Event Partner – $900

  • Includes one foursome, gold event partner activity signage and program recognition.

Silver Contest Partner – $500

  • Includes one foursome, silver contest partner signage and program recognition.

Bronze Meal Partner – $350

  • Includes bronze meal partner signage and program recognition.

O2 Tee Partner – $100

  • Includes O2 tee partner signage and program recognition.

For additional information regarding partnership opportunities or team registration for the Sara’s Garden “Drive Fore Hope” Charity Golf Scramble please contact Tara at 419.335.SARA or via email at tarad@sarasgarden.org.

Please join us for a great day of golf filled with fun, great food, auction items, skill contests and fabulous prizes. Take a day off work for a great cause and meet some of the amazing people you are golfing to help!

Designer Purse Gala 2024

Designer Purse Gala 2024

Ladies, you’re not going to want to miss our 2024 Designer Purse Gala!

Enjoy a fun filled Girl’s Night Out with your friends while playing for fabulous purses from the designers you love. 

Win designer handbags by Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and Dooney & Bourke. Over 30 handbags are available to win!

All proceeds from this event will be used towards the purchase of therapy equipment, vocational supplies and educational curriculum for our clients and students at Sara’s Garden and New Horizons Academy. This funding provides invaluable resources to the children and clients we serve.

Get your tickets reserved now!

Event Date:Thursday, June 20, 2024
Event Location:Founder’s Hall at Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio
Event Time:
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Event Cost:$50 Single Ticket | $400 Reserved Table of 8
Reserved table includes a meat, cheese & cracker tray
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Wait till you see what we have in store for you this year… more purses, more games, more surprises, more chances to win and more fun!

Each Designer Purse Gala admission ticket includes two (2) drink tickets good for coffee, lemonade, soft drinks and/or water.

Event will also feature:

  • Raffles and door prizes
  • 50/50 drawings

Available for purchase:

  • Beer, wine and mixed drinks
  • Appetizers and snacks
Open to all ages. Must present ID to be served alcohol.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Purse Sponsor – $250

  • Includes purse sponsor signage and program recognition.

Event Sponsor – $400

  • Includes event sponsor signage and program recognition.

Title Sponsor – $900

  • Includes title sponsor signage and program recognition.
  • Includes one (1) reserved VIP table for eight (8) attendees.
  • Each VIP table attendee will also receive a special gift.

For additional information regarding tickets, reservations or sponsorship opportunities please contact Tara at 419.335.SARA or via email at tarad@sarasgarden.org.

Sara’s Garden HBOT: A Cert Above

Sara’s Garden HBOT: A Cert Above

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) requires nurses to have a heightened degree of patient assessment skills, advanced knowledge of specific disease processes, and the technical abilities not seen in any other nursing environment. Created in 1985, The Baromedical Nurse’s Association encourages nurses to work on becoming Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurses.
 
The Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN) certification indicates a higher level of training and experience than a Baromedical nurse and signifies that a registered nurse has: made a commitment to provide the best possible care to hyperbaric clients/patients, understands the value of education and nursing research in the hyperbaric community, and has taken the necessary steps to advance her/his career in hyperbaric nursing.
 
In order to become a CHRN, the registered nurse must have completed a National Board of Diving and Medical Technology approved course and have a minimum of 480 hours of clinical experience working in the hyperbaric area over a two year time frame. The course is a 4 ½ day intensive education that provides the nurse with all the knowledge needed to work safely in a hyperbaric clinic or unit. The certification test must be taken and successfully passed in order to use the CHRN behind a nurse’s signature.
 
Here at Sara’s Garden, three of our registered nurses have successfully passed the difficult certification exam and are now considered Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurses. We have a fourth RN who will be taking the course this year and then she will be able to sit for the exam.  Sara’s Garden has a total of four (4) RNs and one (1) paramedic/EMT that work in the hyperbaric clinic. It is amazing for a facility our size to have so many CHRNs on staff.
 
Any client that comes to Sara’s Garden for hyperbaric oxygen treatments can be assured that the nurses working here are very committed to continued education and to providing safe care while in our care.

NHA Holds Amazing Holiday Hoedown

NHA Holds Amazing Holiday Hoedown

The NHA students celebrated the holidays with family & friends at a Down Home Christmas Holiday Hoedown!
 
Thank you to all of our cowboys and cowgirls for stomping and dancing their way into our hearts and offering family and friends another reason to believe in Christmas miracles at New Horizons Academy’s 2023 Annual Christmas Musical and Holiday Hoedown on December 12 at Pettisville Missionary Church.
 
This down home, toe tappin’ country Christmas was made possible by our talented students and dedicated NHA staff and teachers, especially Music Teacher and Director Melissa Valentine.  Without all of her hard work, vision, dedication, and creativity, the show would not have gone on.  She found or created the absolute perfect role for each of our students’ abilities and personalities and corralled and coached over 100 of our special needs preschool to high school youth through the entire holiday hoedown. 
 
This year, we may not have had a white Christmas; but we sure had a ROCKABILLY  one, complete with cowboys, reindeer, square dancing, and even Elvis himself (Well, actually, double the fun with TWO Elvis impersonators!).  Who would have thought that Christmas spirit was so wrapped up in country Rockabilly style?  NHA, that’s who!
 
If you missed this special Christmas show, check out all of the photos on New Horizons Academy’s Facebook page HERE or check out our YouTube channel for your own special, encore performance HERE.

Grounding our HOPE with GRATITUDE

Grounding our HOPE with GRATITUDE

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Sara’s Garden hosted it’s very first “Grounding our HOPE with GRATITUDE” event.  This event was created to share our sincere gratitude for all the support in helping those we serve reach their fullest potential. We had over 50 people in attendance and the room was filled with love, laughter and tears.

During the event, we were blessed to have personal testimonies from hyperbaric clients along with past and present students from New Horizons Academy.  Our goal was to thank everyone for the opportunities and services that we have been able to provide for our clients, students and families.  This could not have been possible without the love and support from family, friends, community partners and members.

Special thanks to the clients, students, staff, family, friends, community members & advocates that made this event so special.  We also want to thank Everence Financial for the Special Grounds Everence Blend coffee gifts that each person received.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Melody Beattie

NHA Coffee Fundraiser a Huge Success

NHA Coffee Fundraiser a Huge Success

New Horizons Academy held their very first Special Grounds Coffee Fundraiser to support both our Wauseon and Springfield campuses. We had 84 students participate in this fundraiser and they sold 1,220 bags of coffee!  

Our students not only sold 1,220 bags of coffee, but they assisted in labeling all the coffee bags sold and helped sort and organize the bags of coffee for parent pickup/delivery of the coffee bags.

Since our students’ scholarships only cover a portion of their academic, behavioral and therapeutic services, all fundraising proceeds will be used to support our students’ emotional and mental health through stress management, relaxation, sensory, problem solving and behavioral activities.

We are very thankful for the time and effort that was put in from the students and their families during the NHA Coffee Fundraiser.  Thank you to everyone who bought a bag of coffee or donated to the school.

Special Grounds Coffee takes pride in getting the freshest roasted coffee in your hands.  We hand-roast green coffee beans locally to ensure fresh, rich flavors while blending cultures and tastes of the world into each cup.  In addition to providing much needed vocational experience to individuals with disabilities, Special Grounds invests back into the community through programs like our Coffee FUNdraising Program to benefit other schools and non-profit organizations.

If you know a school or organization that would be interested in doing our Special Grounds Coffee FUNdraiser, please contact Tara Dumas at 419-335-7272 or email at tarad@sarasgarden.org.

Thank you again to everyone who supported our very first NHA Special Grounds Coffee FUNdraiser!

Sounds of Music

Sounds of Music

Did you know that we have a beautiful sanctuary room at Special Grounds Coffee? Did you also know that it is the perfect place for schools to come and share their students’ musical talents?

We have recently been blessed to have Pettisville School’s Noteworthy singing group and jazz band come and perform in our sanctuary at the coffee shop, where family, friends, customers and our NHA students were able to sit and listen to the beautiful voices and musical talents from of one of our local schools. 

If your school is interested in coming out and sharing your students’ talents in a safe and beautiful setting please contact Tara Dumas at 419-335-7272 or tarad@sarasgarden.org.

Handcrafted Hope Sale at Special Grounds

Handcrafted Hope Sale at Special Grounds

Mark your calendars!  Our New Horizons Academy students have been working hard on new items made from the burlap coffee bean sacks from Special Grounds Coffee and they are planning on having a sale. With March being Disabilities Awareness Month, we wanted an additional opportunity for our students to display their creative sides through our Handcrafted Hope program.  

Event Date:Thursday, March 28, 2024
Event Location:Special Grounds Coffee Co.
Event Address:854 S. Shoop Ave., Wauseon, OH
Event Time:9:00 am – 11:30 am
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All proceeds from this event will be used towards the purchase of additional life skills and vocational equipment for our students at New Horizons Academy, providing additional opportunites for our students to lean new skills and helping them reach their full potential. 

2024 Summer Programs

2024 Summer Programs

Our 2024 Summer Enrichment programs are quickly approaching and we are currently taking registrations for both our Wauseon and Springfield locations.

2024 Summer Program Dates:

  • Wauseon: June 3-28 (Registration deadline is May 1)
  • Springfield: July 8 – August 2 (Registration deadline is June 1)

If you are considering either of these programs, now is the time to register and arrange funding.

Sara’s Garden offers amazing summer intervention programs for children with disabilities. These month-long programs deliver inclusive therapies that provide interventions for individuals with a variety of conditions and disabilities.

Our caring and experienced staff of licensed therapists, conductors and paraprofessionals create unique, intensive therapy-based programs that are tailored to the needs of each participant and are designed to enhance your child’s developmental skills. This approach not only helps your child to work towards greater independence, it also keeps the regression of skills and development that typically occurs over the summer months at bay.

Goals of these programs include:

Improving Interpersonal Skills:
  • Relationship building
  • Responding to his/her name
  • Learning the names of peers
  • Basic conversation skills
  • Behavioral skill development
Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills:
  • Range of motion
  • Sitting and standing
  • Walking and transfers
  • Self feeding
  • Independent living skills
Improving Language Skills:
  • Vocabulary knowledge and understanding
  • Basic concepts
  • Following verbally presented directions
  • Improving story comprehension
  • Improve Reading/Writing Skills
Improving Social Skills:
  • Greetings
  • Turn Taking
  • Initiating communication
  • Informing and directing others
  • Requesting

Our summer intervention programs also provide support for children who use augmentative communication systems (low tech or high tech) who have language and literacy skills and need more experience with peer to peer social skills.

We serve clients with (but not limited to): ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, CDKL5, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Near Drowning, Seizure Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, Spina Bifida, Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Additional information is being compiled on potential funding and grant options for families in need of financial support.

For more information, please contact Ronda Rupp at 833.668.7272 or via email at rondar@sarasgarden.org.