This week, I would like to do something a little different. The holidays are the time of year for family, friends, giving, thankfulness, and charity. This week, I'd like to highlight the latter. There are a number of charities I am passionate about, for various reasons. I think we've all encountered an event in our lives that makes us thankful and appreciative of various charitable organizations. If you have any you'd like to add to this list, please do so in the comments!
- Alzheimer's Association - My very dear grandmother passed away almost 2 years ago to the day (November 9, 2007) today. She suffered from Alzheimer's, and it was very difficult both for her in the early stages, as well as my family. I hope that one day a cure is discovered to rid other families of this heart-wrenching disease. November is also Alzheimer's Awareness Month, so it's a great time to learn more about the disease and how you can help.
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - We also had a family friend fight a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He gave up his fight 2 years ago this spring, and ever since then his family, as well as mine, have been very much involved with finding a cure for this terrible disease as well. My mom plays an integral role in making strides to find a cure for pancreatic cancer in our local area, so I know for a fact how easy it is to make a difference! In addition, November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, so I urge you to learn more about ways you can help!
- Innocence Project - Not long ago, I watched a very raw documentary about wrongfully convicted individuals whose lives have been ruined from jail time. The Innocence Project is a public policy organization dedicated to helping exonerate these individuals. Another good resource related to this program is http://www.exonerated.org.
- National Kidney Foundation - My brother-in-law lives with kidney disease, and I have ran into some kidney problems myself over the past 8 years. For this reason, I have learned a lot about kidney function and health. If nothing else, this is great information for you to know, so I urge you to learn more about kidney function and health, and how to tell if you have signs of kidney disease or other kidney problems.
Do you have a story you'd like to share about an organization that has become a part of your life? Or even just the link to the organization for us to learn more information! If so, please feel free to share!
xoxo
Thank you for this wonderful post. I too had a loved one who passed from cancer, and have an aunt that is suffering with Alzheimers.
ReplyDeleteI would like to share a link to an organization that I am passionate about and spend a great deal of time helping to educate others about:
www.Lupus.org
Lupus is an chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease that can affect and damage any part of the body including skin, joints, blood and/or internal organs. It can range from mild to life-threatning.
It is believed that over 5 million people worldwide suffer from a form of Lupus; 1.5 million in the US alone.
Lupus strikes mainly women of child-bearing age (15 - 44), however men, young childen and teens develope Lupus too.
The reason in which I am so passionate about this organization is that I was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) in 1991, three years after following a bout with ovarian cancer.
I am excited to say that as far as my ovarian cancer goes, I have been cured and will be celebrating my 20 year anniversary of being "cancer-free" on November 20th.
To date however, there is no cure for Lupus.
The one charity that I enjoy contributing to is Make A Wish Foundation. I think it's because I am a mom and it's hard to see kids going through any kind of illness.....
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think all of these are great organizations and there are so many others out there! What a great way to give thanks! Great Post!
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Amanda .. I have lost many family members to various disease .. My Dad passed from Emphysema and Bone Cancer 10 years ago ... My Gma passed from Leukemia, My Fav uncle from complications with his Diabetes .. we have a few local charities that I am passionate about One is Gods Pantry http://godspantryministry.org/ They feed and cloth the needy in the small part of town I live in. Another great event is the The Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway - its an organization that collects toys at Christmas time and gives them out to thousands of needy children! what a great post Amanda - Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your losses. It's great to hear you're involved in these foundations.
ReplyDeleteI help out the local Red Cross each year by donating items and time to their annual craft show...which is next weekend :)