Life is fragile and can change on a dime. Things we once thought were important can quickly take a back seat when crisis hits and we learn our life purpose. “I used to have the ‘I worked for it, I deserve it mentality” says Sarah Tiffany Richardson-Baker. Making money and providing for her family was never an issue. Then in 2013, a rare form of blood cancer turned their lives upside down. Almost instantly, Sarah went from working full time in Politics and Education being able to provide for her family, to zero income. Within 12 days of diagnosis, she was on chemo. $1200 chemo pills! No income due to health issues + $1200 chemo pills. Wow.
Sarah felt extreme gratitude as her community stepped up. A gift of two weeks house cleaning services was a godsend. She realized how much we take for granted, from our health to our finances. Writing a will about who would take care of her daughter, Olivia and how she wanted her daughter to be raised was an eye opening experience. With the cancer behind her, Sarah wakes up every day thinking of how she can help someone else and show the same love she was given during her illness. She wants to raise Olivia to take care of her own well being AND to truly care about the well-being of others. "I feel like the only reason I survived is to give back. I don’t want my kids to have that epiphany later in life to give back, I want them to know now.”
So begins the story of Livanthropy! After watching the kindness of others towards her family, young Olivia decided she needed to take action. She saw people in the streets with no umbrellas and wanted to do something about it. The Umbrella Drive was underway! The dynamic duo raised thousands of dollars & were able to provide so many umbrellas to people in need through extensive social media, news features and word of mouth. Sarah realized her privilege of being able to spend so much time helping with the campaign and knows everyone may not have that opportunity, that’s where Livanthropy steps in. So many children want to give back but may not have the means to do it or know where to start. This 501c3 raises money to help kids fund and foster their philanthropic ideas.
Sarah has truly turned a major life challenge into a triumphant story of love, gratitude, family and community. She was recently married and is expecting her second child soon! Livanthropy is in full bloom and we can’t wait to see what upcoming projects they have up their sleeves. Congratulations Sarah on being an inspiration as a woman, mother and survivor! We are truly excited to honor you as Sol Sisters February Woman of the Month!
For more information on Livanthropy, visit https://www.livanthropy.com/.
Written by: Chayla Gibson (Sol Sister)