Homebound Hugs

Our Partners & Affiliates

2009-08-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Homebound Hugs wants to acknowledge all of the wonderful people, companies and organizations that lend their support, time and efforts for our cause. Without them, HH would not be able to continue! Please show your love and support by visiting their sites, locations and events!

URBAN CULINARY CUISINE

Our Family First Dining Atmosphere provides a slightly upscale cuisine with a full services appeal, in a limited service format. The Chef, John Saxton, brings more than a lifetime of restaurant experience to Urban Culinary Cuisine.

At the famous Five Star Windows On The World Restaurant and The Market Bar and Dining Room, both previously in the World Trade Center, and B. Smith's Restaurant in New York City is where John The Chef, John Saxtonacquired his Fine Dining experience as a Chef's Apprentice and as a Kitchen Manager. He has a strong Full Service background in management as both a "Front of the House" and a "Back of the House" Manager. These skills were sharpened while at China Coast Restaurant (Darden Restaurants Inc), The Boss Restaurant (National Restaurants Inc) and other well known eating establishments.

John's motto is:
"I am more than a restaurant manager. I am a restaurateur with a vision of the culinary future."

They are located in the shopping plaza, across from the New Tampa Library and Benito Middle School. They are also approximately 2 miles east of Bruce B. Downs Blvd at the intersection of Cross Creek Blvd and Kinnan Street.

URBAN CULINARY CUISINE
10016 CROSS CREEK BLVD
NEW TAMPA 33647

(813)-994-3800

BY YOUR SIDE

Our Mission

As students we strive to understand the dynamics and science of disease, but it also important that we understand the human element.

By Your Side is a student service and support organization at the University of South Florida dedicated to providing volunteer services and programs emphasizing practical education and life coping strategies for palliative care patients and their loved ones. Our primary goal is to encourage those in need to seek bereavement support and to do everything we can to help patients and caregivers navigate their way through the emotional struggles of terminal illness, without ever feeling like they are alone. We will be BY YOUR SIDE.

BY YOUR SIDE website

LITTLEJOHN COMMUNITY CENTER

Linking the Community Together
Since it opened in 1996, the Littlejohn Community Center has been dedicated to providing a variety of valuable services to the community of Clemson. Many people, especially those in the low to moderate income families have benefited from the programs offered at the Center. There are a wide range of opportunities for the interested volunteers of all ages.

Mission Statement
The Littlejohn Community Center is a facility where citizens of the City of Clemson can enhance the quality of community life and promote:

• Life-long learning

• Individual family, neighborhood, and community growth

• Social, physical and cultural development

Website

Health Happenings

2009-06-10T22:20:00.007-05:00

Empowered Kidz
Kid's Health
Teen Health
The Cool Spot
Gravity Teen
Kid's Quest
Cool Nurse
About Health
10 Tips
Bandaids & Blackboards

Boardwalk Arcade

2009-06-10T22:18:00.004-05:00

How Stuff Works
Cosmic Comics
Magic Eye
Whit's End
How To Draw Manga

Ladies Only

2009-06-10T22:17:00.003-05:00

Elle Girl
About Face
A Girl's World
Girl Talk
Girls Go Tech
Girls Inc.
Smart Girl
Engineer Girl
Adios Barbie
Girl Geeks
For Girls & Their Dreams
Becoming
Teen Voices
Women In NASA
Girl Zone

Homework Haven

2009-06-10T22:16:00.002-05:00

The Constellations
Weekly Reader
Historic Figures
Science Museum
Resource Room
High School Ace
Atlapedia
Black Facts
Don't Know Much?
Superkids

The Guy's Post

2009-06-10T22:15:00.003-05:00

Nascar
Car and Driver
Super Cars
Car Sound
BMW Planet
Rock On The Net
UBL
Video Games
Comic Art Gallery
Crazy Bone
Cheat Codes
GameSpot
Adventure Quest
Second Life for Teens
Sports Illustrated
Skateboarding
NFL

The Walk

2009-06-10T22:14:00.002-05:00

The Walk
Young Disciple
Christian Teens
Sloppy Noodle
All 4 Teens
Mission Firefly
Boundless
12 Fruits
Infuse
Who's Jesus

The Jr. Walk

2009-06-10T22:05:00.004-05:00

Guide Magazine- 4 markers
Kidz One- 5 markers
Wonderzone- 4 markers
Cartoon Works- 3 markers
Veggie Tales- 4 markers
My Place With Jesus- 5 markers (need a username)
Psalty's- 4 markers
JC Playzone- 5 markers
Bible For Children- 5 markers
Cackleberries- 5 markers
Hi Kidz

Girls Rule

2009-06-10T22:04:00.004-05:00

Polly Pocket
Go Girls Only
Story Maker
Josie True
American Girl
Barbie
Girls Inc.
Groovy Girls
MaMaMedia
Whyville

Health Fun

2009-06-10T22:02:00.006-05:00

Fun Brain- 5 markers

Active Kidz- 4 markers
Yuckiest Site On The Planet- 4 markers
Kidnetic- 5 markers
Astroviewer- 3 markers
BAM (Body and Mind)- 4 markers

Kids Health- 4 markers
Come To Your Senses- 3 markers
Star Sleeper- 3 markers
BandAides & BlackBoards- 4 markers

No Girls Allowed!

2009-06-10T22:00:00.004-05:00

Legos- 3 markers
Neopets- 4 markers
Goobo- 3 markers
Matchbox- 3 markers
Sports Illustrated Kids- 3 markers
Kratt Creatures- 5 markers
Cartoon Network- 4 markers
Wicked 4 Kids- 4 markers
Seussville- 5 markers
WB Kids- 4 markers

The Hangout's Ipod

2009-06-10T16:21:00.005-05:00

Media Mania

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Disney- 5 markers
Archie
Spiderman
Superman
Anime
Yahoo Music

Education Station

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READING
Book Adventures- 5 markers
Awesome Library- 3 markers
Anderson Fairy Tales- 5 markers
Beverly Cleary- 4 markers
The Never Ending Tale- 3 markers
Reading Is Fundamental Club- 4 markers

SCIENCE
Discovery- 3 markers
Kaboose- 3 markers
Archimedes Lab- 3 markers
Biology 4 Kids- 2 markers

GOVERNMENT
US Government- 3 markers
White House 4 Kids- 4 markers

MATH
Room 108- 4 markers
Numbers Nut- 3 markers
**Kids Numbers- 3 markers
**Math is Fun- 3 markers

SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Study Fun- 4 markers
Egyptian Mad Libs- 2 markers
Geography 4 Kids- 2 markers

Fact Monster- 3 markers
Funschool- 3 markers

The Game Room

2009-06-07T23:59:00.005-05:00

Online Games
Rainbow Magic- 4 markers
Girlsense- 2 markers
Millsberry- 5 markers
Nick Jr.- 2 markers
Candy Stand- 2 markers
Seussville- 5 msrkers

The Note Boat

2009-06-07T23:53:00.010-05:00

The Note Boat
Burnin' Up The Charts

Check out Radio Disney's Top 30

Demi Lovato
Don't Forget

Miley Cyrus
HoeDown ThrowDown

Taylor Swift
Crazier

HH Rules

2009-06-07T22:15:00.003-05:00

We would like every Homebound Hugs Member to enjoy their experience here at HH and be safe at the same time so we ask that you:

1. Never use or give out your real name on any
public or shared access page

2. Never give out any personal information--address, phone
number, where you live or go to school, etc.--to anyone
even if you consider them your friend

3. Immediately report any contact from anyone you don't
know or any behavior that doesn't seem right to your
parents and the HH Director

4. Talk with your parents so that you can set up rules for
going online. You will decide upon the time of day that
you can be online, the length of time you can be online
and appropriate areas for you to visit. Do not access
other areas or break these rules without their permission.

5. Do not give out your Internet password to anyone (even
your best friends) other than your parents/caregiver.

6. Do not use your real name or any personal information in your
username

7. Check with your parents before downloading or installing
software or doing anything that could possibly hurt your
computer or jeopardize your family’s privacy

8. Be safe, have fun and learn a load of great things!

Soulful Spirits

2009-06-07T21:02:00.002-05:00

Do you know of any remarkable parents and kids that should be honored? If so, we'd love to share their story.

Just email us and in the subject box, type HH Soulful Spirit KIDS. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

Tiana Wathington-Diggs

I had a perfect pregnancy until my 6th month (26
went to the hospital and I was dilated 2 cm. I was
having some contractions and 2 days later, I dilated
to 7cm. My daughter was born 1lb 13oz. at 26
weeks. After a couple of days, she was less than a
pound. My doctor told me she would not survive.
She was breathing on her own for 5 days but then
had to go on a breathing machine for 2 1/2 weeks.
She had bleeding on the brain and 3 blood
transfusions. The valve in her heart had a hard time
closing. If it didn't close, they told me they would
have to operate but it finally closed with some
medicine. She had BPD (bronchial pulmonary
dysplasia). She had problems with her breathing
and when it was time for her to finally come home,
she was on oxygen for 3 months. Every day she was
in the hospital, I did not know if she was going to live
or die. I saw babies die and it was the most stressful
time of my life. My daughter is dealing with asthma
today because of her breathing problems as a baby
but she is a healthy 13 years now. It was the grace
of the Most High who got me and my daughter
through that time. He really works miracles.

Desiree Diggs, proud mother

Member "Chubbs"

Hello, my name is Crystal. I'm a strong independent mom to
a special needs child. He's 4 years old & his nickname is
"Chubbs". He has Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 3 aka
"brittle bone" disease. He fractures easily but is receiving
treatment called pamidronate. Its been a wonderful
treatment so far. He has been receiving it since he was 2
months old. He is the joy of my life and I wouldn't want him
any other way!!! He's so intelligent and full of energy! He
didn't speak until the summer of '07; it just boomed. I'm so
proud of what he's accomplished so far. I learn something
from him everyday. He has a G-tube but he also eats orally.
He can't walk yet but I am hopeful! He is my miracle baby
and motivates me to always look at the brighter side of
things even though sometimes its hard to. He has made me
a stronger woman and mother! My message to other
parents with special needs children is to never give up
hope on your children no matter what the issue is! There's
nothing better than that moment when your baby is born! I
always say things happen for a reason and God gives us
blessings to make us more aware of things and also to help
others. I hope to inspire & help others by giving advice to
moms that don't know what to expect. I also hope to find
other moms to ask them advice as well.

-Crystal, proud mama

Parents/Guardians

2009-06-07T20:54:00.009-05:00

A child or teen MUST have parental and/or the caregiver's permission to receive Homebound Hugs. This requires a telephone confirmation--if we don't contact a parent or guardian, no mail will be sent.

All sites in the Hugs Club are rated for parents--the ratings can be found here. No personal information will ever be shared with the public and you will NEVER receive spam from this website or email address. There are NO monetary fees involved! The services offered are FREE!

Any offensive or suspicious behavior or contact needs to be reported immediately to the HH Director.

No personal information will be given out to any individuals or groups, including Homebound Hugs volunteers. All e-mails will be filtered!

Safety Notice

Parents of younger children may want to
first explore the site with their children to
help orient them. HOMEBOUND HUGS
respects the privacy of its visitors. There
is no registration required to use our
site & we do not keep track of individual
users on our site.

The only time your child will be asked to
provide a name and email address is if
they want to register to be an official
HOMEBOUND HUGS member and
receive packages. There will never be a
fee for any person participating.

There is currently no advertising on
HOMEBOUND HUGS web site. We will
do our best to ensure that all the sites
linked from our web site are kid-friendly,
but the Internet changes minute by
minute, so we can't guarantee the
content of every site. If you come
across any objectionable or harmful
content, please notify HH and we will
address the issue immediately. You can
also protect your family from unwanted
content and intrusion by obtaining
content-blocking software such as
CyberSitter.

Our HH Angel

2009-06-07T20:46:00.008-05:00

LINDSAY SIMPSON 10/90--01/09

Lindsay was born October 2nd, 1990 and the same night, the Dr. noticed when she cried, she'd turnblue. So they transferred her to Texas Children's Hospital where we learned that she had a complex heart defect: Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), VentricularSeptal Defect (VSD) (holes in the heart), Pulmonary & Mitral Atresia meaning valves are missing, Hypoplastic Left Ventricle and Transposition of the
Great Vessels (meaning they are reversed). She was a frail, small baby and had a shunt put in at 2days old. She stayed in the neonatal ICU on a ventilator; she had constant thrush and even though she came home once, she ended being rushed back after she stopped breathing. After that, however she seemed to progress normally.

At 15 months old, she went in for a routine heart catherization and they accidentally bumped the AV node in her heart, causing it not to beat properly and had a pacemaker put in. We were then told she needed a heart transplant. On April 9, 1992 a heart became available and she had her first heart transplant at eighteen months.

She had complications the first few days after surgery but a week later, she started to improve slowly. She pulled out her tubes and wires and started to ask for her sister, Lana. She was in the hospital for three to four weeks and her color changed from blue to rosy. She looked like a different child. Lindsay began to gain weight and catch up to other babies her age. She learned to walk and do all the "normal" things. She had to go back to the hospital many times, too many to count, for numerous cardiac biopsies to check for rejection. Many times she was so bruised and sore she couldn't walk for days.

When Lindsay entered kindergarten, she was really mischievous- she would pour the soap out of the soap containers, get up off her nap pad when the teacher wasn't looking because she hated nap time and even started telling the teacher that her heart was stopping so she could go to the nurse. At first we thought she was just playing but after a few days, we called the dr. and sure enough, her heart was stopping. She had a microny pacemaker put in April of 1997. She was invited to NY to close the NY Stock Exchange for St. Jude's Hospital (the maker of the microny pacemaker) and she had a ball.

Then in November of 1999, we noticed she started becoming tired frequently. She quit ballet, quit riding her did sleep studies, batteries of tests but the doctors had no answer. She then started having short term memory loss, chronic leg pains and vomiting. We began to see on her biopsies that her arteries were becoming more
narrow, knowing the end result was Coronary Artery Disease- the only solution was another transplant.

In December of 2000, we were told the arteries were so bad she'd been listed for transplant again. We explained to her what she would need and she just said "Well, okay, then." She has a great attitude. She gets tired of going to the doctors but knows that this is what she must do and she keeps a great attitude about it. Lindsay started having more problems in the next few years-trouble concentrating, severe short term memory loss,having spells of fatigue so bad she couldn't get out of bed, daily headaches, leg cramps, etc. She started being taught at home.

Thank God another heart became available and she had her second heart transplant in 2001 Lindsay is truly a remarkably brave and strong young lady. Through it all, she remained strong with a positive attitude and a smile on her face.

-Lauren Simpson, proud mom

Lindsay Simpson was the very first Homebound Hugs member and very special to us all. She passed away in January of this year at the age of 18 and will be missed dearly!

The Hangout

2009-06-07T20:37:00.015-05:00

Hey, c'mon in!!

There's a lot going on here at the Hangout so be sure to check out everything! You're sure to find something you like--music, games, celebs, and more!

If you have any ideas or suggestions about what to add, just leave a comment here and we'll hit you back!

Homebound Hugs is on MySpace! Come and visit and make us a friend!
http://myspace.com/homeboundhugs

The Walk

The Guy's Post

Homework Haven

Ladies Only

Boardwalk Arcade

Health Happenings

The Hangout's iPod

Hangout Members

FAQ's

Hugs Club

2009-06-07T20:20:00.013-05:00

Ages 5-12

Welcome to The Hugs Club, a place just for you! There are loads of fun activities here and all are mother approved! ; ) You'll find games, stories, puzzles and more so don't waste another minute! There are over six pages of exciting things to do.... and receive your very own HH Hugs Club card!

**Be careful not to download anything without an adult's permission!**

Education Station

Media Mania

The Game Room

No Girls Allowed

Health Fun

Girls Rule

The Note Boat

The Jr. Walk

Club Members

FAQ's

The Hangout FAQ's

2009-06-07T19:36:00.003-05:00

What exactly is the Hangout?

It's a place where you can find all kinds of interesting things to do, to look at, even to listen to! Movie news, music, books and of course games can all be found at the Hangout. Much more will be added in the future so be sure to bookmark the page so you can visit often!

Some of the places don't have links. Where are they?

If you don't see an obvious link, try the pictures!

For Girls Only, The Guy's Post, The Walk....are they only for those designated groups?

Of course not! Anyone can visit any of the Hangout's specialized pages--- they are just labeled to let you know who they might most appeal to.

Okay, I've visited every page, seen everything. Why should I come back?

Hugs Hangout will try to add new sites every other month. There's always new things out there on the web to see and do. We plan on keeping you as current as we can!

I have some great idea for the Hangout. If I submit them, will they be used?

Well, I can't guarantee that EVERY idea sent in will be used on the page but we will do our best to implement as many suggestions as we can! This is YOUR page so it's important that you are actively involved. Submit questions, concerns or suggestions
here and we will respond ASAP.

Is there a message board or chat room? I think that would be fun!

Unfortunately, no, we do not offer one at this time. If we have enough interest in the future, we may add a message board. Only time will tell! Let us know what other features you'd like added!

Hugs Club FAQ's

2009-06-07T19:33:00.002-05:00

To help you get the most out of the HUGS CLUB, check out the info below!

Movie and book reviews can be submitted here

User names ONLY will be used on any public forum (unless requested or given parental
approval)!

Sites listed will be added to every 2 months

Many linked sites included are pop up or ad free

Rating guide for sites can be found below

RATING GUIDE

5 Markers: Top rated site- no pop ups
4 Markers: Top rated site with a few
pop-ups or ads
3 Markers: Highly rated site w/ ads
2 Markers: Good site--contains ads

Donate

2009-06-07T19:25:00.002-05:00

Would you like to help Homebound Hugs?

Homebound Hugs is a charity organization that only exists due to the overwhelming generosity of individuals, parents, corporations and organizations. All donations go directly back into the Homebound Hugs program-- buying gifts, mailing costs and all communications venues.

We have multiple ways available for you to help give Hugs to the children
and teens that deserve them.

-Purchase an HH Package

-"Adopt" a child for a year

-Wish List Donation

Email us for more information!

Affiliates
BECOMING
The Magazine That Grows With You
Ezine for girls of color
Tampa, FL.

BY YOUR SIDE
President Konstance Kasimos
University of South Florida
Tampa, Fl 33620

Dr. Debra King
Littlejohn Community Center, Inc.
American Girls and Boys Book
Club
and Historical Society
644 Old Greenville Hwy.
Clemson, SC 29631

HH Advisory Board

Marietta Jones
Dr. Debra King
Kathleen Orsetti
Dr. Deanna Wathington
Dr. Daewood Sultan

About HH Founder

2009-06-07T17:52:00.001-05:00

My name is Melissa W. & I am the founder of Homebound Hugs, a unique program providing communication with and for homebound youth. Due to illness, disability, and such, many kids become homebound and have limited contact with the outside world. I created this organization because I once was that homebound child, feeling alone and cut off from the world.

My medical history begins at birth, when I was born with a rare congenital heart and lung disease. A hole between my atria and the ability to breathe with just one lung are two major effects of the disease. At the age of seven, I broke my right hip in an accident and underwent two major surgeries to repair it. At twelve, due to
complications with my health, I had scoliosis surgery, which weakened my
heart further. They put in a Harrington rod to help straighten my spine. At eighteen, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and at 24 with chronic fatigue
syndrome.

Through all of this I graduated from both high school and college, with an
Associates and Bachelors degree. The Associates I received mostly through classes at home. I've written for college papers, as well as a county newspaper and edited two national magazines- both from home. I now write and run a publishing company full time.

Within the course of my life, I have spent over 75% being homebound. I was blessed with relatives who sent me many letters and cards, or little packages. They brought so much happiness into my life. They made me feel special and loved.

I knew when I got older that I would like to provide that kind of service for other
kids in the same position. Homebound Hugs is that dream!

Homebound children are unique. Even with challenges and obstacles, they plow through life with spirit. They are the real life champions that we should look up to and honor. Their fights aren't easy but they are determined and strong, giving us all a reason to be proud. But, we need to help them along their paths. I am looking for others to help me spread the word about Homebound Hugs .

In all their innocence and wonder, they are our future and our hope. Let's spread the love and friendship so that Hugs can be available to every kid who needs them.. Not only will it make them smile, it will make you smile too! Thanks for visiting our site!

About Homebound Hugs

2009-06-07T17:27:00.013-05:00

HOMEBOUND HUGS mail program is on hiatus!!!

Started by founder Melissa W. in 2001, Homebound Hugs was developed to add some fun and friendship to the life of any young people who happen to be hospital or homebound- it's hard having to stay indoors when you want to be out and about. With that in mind, we at HH want to help fill in some of those long hours!

Homebound Hugs started out as a mailing program where cards, packages and surprises were sent to members who signed up via the website. This continued for 6 years and then as Melissa's health started to decline, the format underwent several changes.

This main website is our offering for those around the world with computer access, for those who are hospital or home bound. HH offers a wealth of fum things to do:

At the The Hugs Club we offer plenty of games, stories, puzzles and treats from secure, mom-approved, mainly no pop-up sites. There's plenty to see and do!

The Hugs Hangout is the ultimate rec center for any teen. You can find celebrity news and pics, the guys post and the ladies room, health & fitness info, games and much more....we want this space to be all about you so let us know what you like, don't like or would like to see!

For the adults visiting our site, we offer the hot vacation spot, The Hideaway. A lovely resort filled with rooms of activities, be sure to check out each one. You'll never know what you'll find!

We are glad you stopped in and hope you enjoy your time with us! Any questions, comments or suggestions can be directed here.