Giving Tuesday

Kathryn E. Vinson, MS, CCRC

Giving Tuesday To Cancer Associations – Here at Cancer Horizons, we believe in the adage of “Pay it Forward”.  As cancer patients and survivors, many of us have been on the receiving end of some of the greatest kindnesses imaginable.  From our caretakers, to our treatment teams, to national and local charities that have helped us to navigate the murky waters of life with cancer, it can feel like the love and gifts that have been bestowed upon us can hardly be repaid.

Paying it forward, however, doesn’t necessarily mean monetary gifts – there are so many ways that we can show our appreciation and help those that are currently in the shoes that we as survivors once wore.  We can help raise money as a coordinator for annual fundraising drives (I’ll tell you a bit more about that in a sec), we can help man a phone bank, we can offer rides to treatment for patients. Today, I’d like to let you know about some amazing groups on the national level that provide amazing services and assistance to cancer warriors, their families, caretakers, and survivors, and ways that we can “pay it forward” on Giving Tuesday.

The Komen Foundation is probably one of the better-known advocacy, fundraising, research, and support organizations for women and men battling breast cancer.  With their Breast Cancer 3-Day (in which my beautiful momma participated several years ago), their race, and the ability to become an advocate in science or to governmental bodies. Check out their “Get Involved” tab on their homepage for more information on these opportunities.  Also available is the ability to donate monetarily or via the purchase of merchandise from their online store.

With some of our guys sporting facial hair that isn’t their norm this month (mine included), its hard to ignore the impact of the Movember group.  I was stunned to find out that this organization has been around for 15 years – I had only heard about their work in the last couple of years on social media.  In 2017 alone, they have raised in excess of $17 million to support men’s health in the areas of prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health and suicide prevention.  The ways to help are plentiful – and not just for the guys, who are known as Mo Bros.  Ladies that want to get involved are known as Mo Sistas!  The most well-known way to get involved with Movember is the “Grow a Mo, Save a Bro” event in November.  This simple act helps raise awareness and start conversations about men’s health issues. By linking to social media, you can use your network to raise vital funds for cancers that our fellas don’t like to talk about.  There are many other ways that you can get involved with Movember – click the link to find out!

Since 1949, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society have contributed more than $1.2 billion (yes billion with a B) to research programs aimed at curing leukemias and lymphomas.  This one is dear to my heart, as lymphoma took one of my aunts in the ‘90s.  The LLS has an incredibly diverse list of options available to those wanting to help in their mission.  Back in 2004 and 2005, I served as my “street coordinator” for their annual fundraising drive.  With not much effort, I was able to reach out to my neighbors and tell them about the important mission of the LLS. Current options for involvement include their regatta, Man & Woman of the Year fundraising competition, and efforts for student involvement, among others. Don’t see an option that really speaks to you?  Their Lifestyle program enables you to create your own fundraiser to support the group. Click “How to Help” from their homepage for more details.

What I have told you about above are just a few of the amazing groups that you can help out mentally, physically, or monetarily.  There are so many ways to “pay it forward”.  We know that the holiday season can be financially tricky, with that in mind – we ask you to do what you can, if you can.  Everyone’s circumstances are different.  Below are some links to other groups that may interest you.

• The Cancer Support Community
• LiveStrong Foundation
• A Shelter For Cancer Families
• The American Cancer Society
• Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation
• The American Lung Association
• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
• Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance
• National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Is there a group that you love?  Tell us about them below in a shout out, and also on our Contact Us page.  With you, we can build our network of amazing organizations that provide support to cancer patients worldwide!

As always, much love, many prayers, and abundant blessings to all of the warriors out there!