An Apple a Day ... for 365 Days!!??

Created by Jennifer Dye Visscher

When is the last time you did something every day for one year?  I'm not talking about your usual routine.  I'm talking about something you set your mind to and make happen.  I don't think, no strike that, I know, that I have never done anything for 365 days straight.

Well, let me introduce you to an amazing woman who has.  I have never seen her in person, nor have I heard the sound of her voice, but I call her friend.  Jennifer Dye Visscher (aka: Jenna), an artist, blogger, health activist and fellow AS warrior, decided last year that she was going to create an apple everyday for one year to raise awareness for ankylosing spondylitis.  Um, yeah, I told you she was amazing.  This Friday culminates her year of apples.  Yes, she has painted, or otherwise created, an apple every. single. day. since October 1, 2010.  This would be an accomplishment even under perfect conditions, but to do this while living with AS is just an incredible testament of resilience, passion and strength.   And not only did she create the apples, she actually blogged about it every. single. day.  Double wow!  Check out her website, TheFeedingEdge.com, for some beautiful art and inspiration.

Today Jenna landed in New York.  Why?  Well, to have a 24-hour Apple-A-Thon of course.  She will spend her last day of the project painting apples, along with other supporters, for 24 hours.  Seriously, my hands are cramping up and I want to fall asleep just thinking about it.  Not Jenna.  She's going out with a bang.  A bang to spread awareness, raise money for research (she is donating all proceeds to the Spondylitis Association of America) and show the world that people with AS know how to have some New York City fun!

I'm so proud of her.  Proud that she has used her amazing talent for good - to be part of the solution. Proud that she stuck to it - even on the days nobody would have blamed her for "skipping" an apple. Proud that she  has completed this project with grace, excellence and the most amazing attitude ever!

Jenna's mom wrote a beautiful post on her blog a couple weeks ago.  Please read it when you have some time.  You will not only learn about this incredible woman, you will learn a lot about life with AS.

If you would like to support Jenna's project (and in turn help raise awareness and reach for a cure) you can purchase an apple, make a donation, or attend the event virtually, by clicking here.

"See" you all in the Big Apple!
Kim