I am back with another interview style post! Now I am not sure exactly how I found Blakeley’s account makinglymeonade. Yet, she is doing amazing things with it. Not only does she advocate for her diagnosis but she makes sure other people have smiles on their faces too. She does this with her care mail program. Let me have Blakeley tell you a bit more about her endeavors.

Tell me about yourself, Makinglymeonade and your care mail program.

Hi! My name is Blakeley, and I run my Instagram page @makinglymeonade! I also run a project called Care Mail! I started Care Mail in early 2022, and its been growing since then. My heart behind starting Care Mail was that I have been chronically ill for four years myself, and I have experienced deep and painful loneliness because of that. I have been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease and co-infections, as well as POTS, and thyroid issues. 

One of my major struggles in life is that I also greatly struggle with multiple vision issues which happened because of my illness. On a daily basis, I live with double vision, extreme blurriness, and vision loss, all which is escalating.  Through all of these extremely hard circumstances, I have realized that there are SO many people who are also struggling and need hope. 

In the beginning, Care Mail was just a little idea to send mail to my chronic illness friends. It quickly turned into something that is a huge passion and love of mine. I now send out hundreds of Care Mail Envelopes a year, and we have now expanded into sending out full-sized care packages. The envelopes are available to anyone, as we are ALL going through something in this life, and we all need to feel loved and seen! The packages are sent out to people who are battling chronic illnesses. Long story short, I started Care Mail because it means the world to be able to send love to those who are hurting just like I am. 

How did you come up with the name Makinglymeonade?

The name MakingLymeonade came from the depths of my struggles with Lyme disease. I was really just looking for something that would encourage others that just because things are hard, doesn’t mean that beautiful things can’t simultaneously exist with the pain. To me, MakingLymeonade means finding joy in the midst of deep sorrow and pain. It means finding that little spark of hope. 

What is the process for putting together the care mail?

The process for putting together Care Mail is pretty straightforward! Applications open, people apply, then I organize and get all of the applications printed and ready. I get all of the items and supplies needed, and then package them! Packaging typically takes a couple of weeks! 

How did the idea for your Makinglymeonade and then eventually the care mail come about?

MakingLymeonade came about because I wanted to be able to connect with fellow chronic illness warriors. I also just really wanted to be able to share my story, and help others know they aren’t alone. Care Mail eventually came about for similar reasons, that I wanted to be able to send love to and encourage others who are struggling!

Can you describe/outline your typical day?

Honestly, at this point, my days are spent fighting illness, and working on Care Mail! At this point in my illness, I am currently not able to physically do much, but I work on Care Mail in every moment I am able to! Because of my visual issues, I can’t drive, so I spend most of my time just doing what I can, with what I have! I’ve learned that even if I am not able to do exactly what I want to be doing, that is okay; because what I do have is enough! 

What motivates you?

My faith in Jesus is my biggest motivation. He is the only reason I have made it this far, and why I am doing what I’m doing. Music is also a huge motivation to me, and I truly don’t know that I would be able to go through tough days without it! Fellow chronic illness warriors also greatly inspire me!

What is your favorite aspect of doing care mail

Seeing people receive their Care Mail, and seeing how it makes them smile will always be my favorite part of Care Mail!

 What would you do differently if you had the chance to start your care mail project?

Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything, because learning what works or doesn’t work is a huge part of growing!

How has starting Makinglymeonade and doing care mail impact you?

MakingLymeonade and Care Mail have truly changed my life!! I have met so many incredible people through what I do, which has been absolutely amazing! It has also just really opened my eyes to how beautiful life truly is. 

Have you learned any new skills from everything you have done so far if so What are they?

I have learned many new crafting skills! I make a lot of the items that go into Care Mail, so I have learned how to make many items!

How many care mail (envelopes) have you sent out

So far, I have sent out about 250 envelopes, and 13 full-sized packages. In 2023, we are going to send out SO many more of both!

What are your long-term goals for your project

I would really love to see Care Mail continue to grow and reach more people! Ultimately, I just want people to know that they are never alone. One of my other goals is to keep Care Mail personal and genuine. Meaning, I pack every single one of them myself and pour so much love into each individual package and envelope. I never want to lose that just because we grow!

How do you choose who gets care mail?

For the envelopes, applications open every couple of months, and everyone who applies receives an envelope. There’s no one who misses out! For the packages, I do giveaways on my Instagram page @makinglymeonade and randomly draw 12 names each time!

What are your goals for this year?

My goals for Care Mail are to send out MANY more packages this year. We just recently started sending full-sized packages in December 2022; so I want to grow that this year. 

How can people help?

We LOVE when people feel led to help! We are always in need of items! We have an Amazon Wishlist that people can donate from! It makes it super easy! You can also make handmade items, or get other items that aren’t on the wishlist and send them to our PO Box!