One charity is near and dear to my heart - The American Cancer Society.
I posted a little here about how Justin and I were named as Heros of Hope for the 2013 year, to represent the American Cancer Society, and more specifically, their event Relay For Life, around the Eastern Missouri region.
The American Cancer Society is the official sponsor of birthdays. Taken directly from their website:
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or finding it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.5 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
I have been involved in their signature fundraising event, Relay For Life, since I was in high school. I had no idea that God planted me their for a reason... I went on to serve on the committee and eventually co-chair our event at Saint Louis University, and serve on the Eastern Missouri Regional Council. Now I am a Hero of Hope and Co-Chair of our local event. Obviously, I am passionate about this cause.
When Justin was diagnosed with cancer, I was terrified. However, the ACS website - www.cancer.org - was an amazing tool for me. I researched and learned everything I could. I printed of lists of questions to ask every doctor. I learned about treatments, survival rates, and that his cancer is CURABLE 95% of the time (even greater since he was diagnosed so early). They provided Justin with a gas card, since we had to travel sometimes 90 miles round trip 5 times a week for treatment. The American Cancer Society was a beacon of light for us.
Unfortunately, almost everyone knows someone who is facing cancer. 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will now be diagnosed in our lifetime. We have to FIGHT until we find a cure!!
For more information on a Relay For Life event in your neighborhood, visit www.relayforlife.org.
