Donna's Warriors is going back for a 2nd year for the St. Jude's Give Thanks walk in November. Because I knew to watch for it this time, as soon as I saw the date I went into action getting our team registered and thinking up various ways to raise money. I invited friends and family to walk and had a great response at first, 15 people saying they want to walk! That would make our team bigger than last year, I was so excited! Only a very small handful of that 15 have actually gone to the website and registered. No big deal, we can do this with or without a large group of people who feel compelled to help make a difference, right?
At the start of September I posted the link on Facebook and sent an email to several co-workers to kick of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. It seemed fitting and appropriate and I had hoped a great way to kick off fundraising. I posted on the invite several times trying to encourage people to go to the site to register. I've asked if anyone wanted fundraising ideas. Nothing. I could hear crickets with the silence I received in response.
My friend Missy is also on the team. She is the one that introduced me to Donna's Cancer Story last year, the story and inspiration behind our team. She works at Bennigan's and they offered to hold a fundraiser for our team. She set a date and created a flyer. Bennigans will donate 20% of your bill if you present this flyer. She even had gold silicone bracelets made up for the event, free with a donation. I created another invite, posted the flyer all over Facebook (social media is great, isn't it??) and scattered several flyers all over work for people to grab up. People eat good food and donate to a great cause all at once, what a great idea! Surely this will appeal to people! So far the response I have received on my end has been mediocre at best. I am still holding out hope for an amazing turn out.
Each time I have posted our link or the flyers for Bennigan's I have asked people to please share. I have found one of the best ways to advertise is by word of mouth. It is so easy to do and doesn't cost anything. Registering for the walk is also FREE.
September seems to have been overtaken by a sea of pink already. Yes, Breast Cancer awareness is October. But it also goes on all year long. People get so wrapped up in all the cute pink ribbons and cute sayings like "Save the Ta-Ta's!" and "Save 2nd Base!" Did you know there's a good chance the "pink" stuff you are buying, thinking you are helping to donate to the cause doesn't actually go towards Breast Cancer research? Pediatric Cancer doesn't have these cute little gimmicks to get people to act. All that is asked for is people to stand up and be a voice for the babes affected by this horrible disease. Don't get me wrong, cancer is a BEAST no matter what the form is. And I am not saying I am against raising money and awareness for Breast Cancer research, as both my grandmother and my aunt are survivors. But when 12% of funds are being donated to Breast Cancer and a measly 3% to Pediatric Cancer...where is the fair and even distribution? That being said, it would be nice if Breast Cancer took a break for a month so some sick kids get a fair shot at a future. One month. It's all they ask for.
Please don't misunderstand me. I am sure this is coming off like I am whining, I promise I am not. I am merely one small person so passionate about this cause and doing what I can to make a difference venting some frustrations. I don't expect people to be as passionate, I understand it isn't everyone's gig. But what does a girl have to do to get just a tiny bit of acknowledgment someone is listening? Or a glimmer of someone who is just a tiny bit interested in helping but maybe feels like it is too hard to see kids sick and suffering? It is hard. But knowing you are doing what you can to help make a difference makes it worth it, it is an amazing feeling! I am very grateful for the little bit I have accomplished and while it feels disheartening at times, I remain hopeful for more.
This is a plea. Be a voice for these kids! Here's how you can help:
1) Go to our team page, you can either register to walk (we'd love to have you!) or you can make a donation. Even if it is only $5, it adds up. Every little bit counts! Then share our link with friends and family.
2) Come grab dinner on September 26th at Bennigan's in Plymouth. Eat food and present this flyer, easy!
3) Read Donna's Cancer Story and Aiden's Story and share them. Yes they are sad and difficult at times to witness. But they aren't just about sickness and dying. They are about tiny heros who endured more than anyone should ever have to endure in a lifetime much less in 31 months and 8 months. They are about love and choosing hope.
4) If the above doesn't work for you then please just share our link for our team page. Share it on your facebook, and ask others to keep passing it along. It's free and easy.
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