July 7, 2019 Winnetka, IL — A close virtual friendship that became real has now grown into a crowdfunding campaign to publish “Roland’s Story: Inspired By A Stroke,” to help stroke survivors, their families and others facing physical challenges. The Indiegogo site can be found at: bit.ly/PublishThisStory

From June 18 – July 18th, 2019, Lynn Sanders of Winnetka, Illinois is reaching out to friends, families, neighbors and colleagues to raise $3000, in covering costs to produce, publish and promote the empowering memoir by her beloved friend, Roland Takaoka. An added stretch goal of $2000 will be given to Roland’s widow, to help in covering past medical expenses.

Unique perks for donors include a psychic intuitive strategy session by Mel Doerr of Mount Prospect, a guest appearance on Stroke TV by Aaron Avila from California, an online media and marketing consultation by Virginia Parsons of Nevada, a sound healing session by Shira Hunt from Hawaii, an online $1200 training course by Teresa de Grosbois of Costa Rica and more. Roland’s story of hope, healing & transformation was written after his third stroke in 2012. Roland passed away suddenly from a fourth stroke on August 23, 2018, but his manuscript had never been published.

Recognizing the insights from Roland’s Story, Lynn knew Roland’s wisdom needed to be shared with the public. “He lived life with such positivity,” said Sanders. “He wanted to share his ideas about how we can all learn to expand in joy.”

Since Roland was primarily seen from the computer screen, most people never knew that he worked from a wheelchair, or that his entire right side was paralyzed. His warm, engaging personality easily attracted a following online.

Besides developing websites for Lynn, and working as the technical advisor and wingman for her online show, “The Difference Makers,” Roland helped many other entrepreneurs worldwide. He was a website marketer, designer, an online video producer and media host of his own programs. He organized “The Saturday Morning Marketing Smarties,” and “The Positivity Show,” involving a wide range of speakers. Roland also co-hosted the live-streaming program, “Stroke TV,” with Aaron Avila. (Stroke TV still continues with Aaron and co-host, Jerry Wald.)

After the first year of their friendship, Lynn and her husband, Joel traveled out to California to meet Roland and his wife, Barbara Peeters. Two other trips followed over the next three years. Their last time together in person was in May of 2018.

“I felt like I was greeting an old friend,” said Lynn, as she reflected on being with Roland in person. “We were connected from the heart.”

“Roland’s book describes his adventures in the hospital and rehab with such humor,” added Lynn. “I love his experiences with the mind-body connection, and know his book will make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

To enhance the content, Lynn also added a preface, and interviewed Roland’s wife, Barbara Peeters, for an epilogue. Resources for stroke survivors will be included, and sponsors are also being sought who’d like to be listed in the book.

“Our stories make a difference in the world,” says Lynn. “Roland’s Story shows us how our thoughts can transform our reality.”

Any donations are appreciated. “Roland’s Story” campaign on Indieogogo runs through July 18th. To learn more, contact Lynn Sanders, Difference Makers Media, at 847-501-2867. Email: lynn@differencemakersmedia.com.