We hope you will help us celebrate Women’s History Month by supporting our Founder & President, Reverend Tammie Denyse!

In appreciation,

Carrie’s TOUCH Board of Directors

You see, while doing my normal end-of-year cleansing and purging, I made a bitter/sweet discovery. I found a document that, unbeknownst to me, had “paralyzed” me spiritually and emotionally since October 2010. WHAT? October 2010?!! What on earth happened? How could this be?  And, why am I just realizing this information had such an impact on me? Well, for me, the answer is simply this: Quite often when we are presented with information that overwhelms us (I.e., loss of any kind, receiving a cancer diagnosis or other situations that impact our lives negatively) one of the ways the body deals with the blow of devastation is denial. We deny how much the situation or news affected us and we continue to push through…

Denying my feelings about the situation was easy because I was working on our major project, the “Breast Cancer Exposed” calendar among other things like family, school, church, etc. Much of my time and energy was spent on completing these chapters in my life leaving little time to focus on the unsettling document. When the situation was brought back to my attention during my season of cleansing, I knew it was now time to face what I had avoided for more than a year! It was time accept what was and more importantly, it was time to move forward…

There are tons of self-help programs designed to aid in moving us from where we are to where we want to be. I believe the “right” program or process depends on the individual. For me, it was embracing the profoundness of the Serenity Prayer (see below). In the end, I stand firm on belief that in order to move forward, begins by taking 1 second, 1 moment, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month, 1 year – ONE STEP AT A TIME! It’s a New Year and what better time to face the situations we’ve avoided and have left so many of us paralyzed.

With new beginnings on the horizon, here’s to moving forward one step-at-a-time in 2012!

God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change; the courage to change the things we can; and the wisdom to know the difference! Reinhold Niebuhr

ATLANTA (November 18-20 2011) – Bright Starts, an innovative brand of infant and toddler products, has named Tammie Denyse as a 2011 Pink Power Mom. Denyse joins seven other women who were selected for persevering through their battles with breast cancer and for their continuous inspiration to their family, friends and other survivors. These eight women stood out among the more than 200 nominees, for their dedication, commitment and individual efforts in the fight against breast cancer.

Denyse has had a proven impact here in her local community and beyond the city, which was apparent in her story submitted. She was nominated by a fellow survivor and friend, Margie McCutcheon.

Bright Starts selected Denyse for her bravery in the struggle against the disease and for her efforts to help others join the fight against breast cancer. There are many reasons why she is exemplary, but a few include her leadership role in founding Carrie’s TOUCH, an organization that supports and advocates African-American men and women battling breast cancer.

Denyse will be honored with all of the 2011 Pink Power Moms during the Pink & Powerful weekend celebration in Atlanta, hosted by Kids II, owner of the Bright Starts brand.

About Kids II, Inc.

Kids II has been inventing and reinventing infant and toddler toys and gear for more than 40 years and has quickly become one of the world’s fastest growing baby product companies. Headquartered in Atlanta, Kids II spans globally with operations in six continents serving customers in more than 70 countries. Driven by innovation, design and a comprehensive brand portfolio, Kids II is the next generation leader of infant and toddler products.

Kids II designs, markets and distributes more than 100 products under its signature Bright Starts^TM  brand name and holds the license to design and manufacture products for Disney Baby^TM and Baby Einstein^TM brands.  Most recently, Kids II acquired the intellectual property rights for the Rhino Toys^TM and Taggies^TM brands, further enhancing its brand collection and reinforcing its position as a global leader. Under its flagship brands, Kids II has produced more than 70 award-winning products.

Kids II’s international affiliate operations are located in Australia, Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Mexico. Visit www.kidsii.com

About Bright Starts™

Bright Starts is an innovating brand of juvenile products that provides parents with smart, fresh solutions.  With a growing portfolio of over 100 innovative activity centers, play gyms, bouncers, swings, playards, and toys; Bright Starts’ large selection of progressive products inspire confidence and engage curiosity.  Backed by awards from numerous leading industry and consumer organizations, Bright Starts is a trusted name for cleverly-designed, quality products for young children.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Bright Starts is the flag ship brand for Kids II, Inc., manufacturer, designer and marketer of toys and baby gear.  Visit www.brightstarts.com