Now I know what you’re thinking. During the holiday season, EVERYONE has their hand out. And with times being as hard as they are, more people are in need and less people are able to help out. I’m sure each of those needy people/organizations deserve assistance, but we all can’t help everyone and in some cases, we can’t even afford to help ourselves, let alone someone else. But this program is unique.
Unique? How? Because you don’t have to spend a dime, unless you want to. Let me give you a little background information first. Meaghan over at I Kicked Cancer’s Ass and The Bean decided to put together a program to bring a little joy to cancer patients during the holiday season. It’s very simple. She supplies you a name and you supply the love.
You may be wondering how you can send someone something as intangible as “love.” It’s easier than you think. Don’t have any money? That’s not a problem. Have kids? (I know most of you SITStas out there have kids a-plenty.) Ask them to draw pictures, get well cards, and Christmas scenes to send to your recipient. Nothing is more heartwarming than a hand drawn picture from a child. Are you crafty? Perhaps you make jewelry, hats, or magnets. Whatever you do make, I bet you have leftover samples you could give or extra materials that you could use to make a special gift, all at little or not cost to you.
To participate, follow the instructions on Meaghan’s site or simply email her at megse5@netscape.net. I’ve already done so and my recipient is a woman who has recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer. With the help from my friend Linda (who works at Barnes & Nobles), I was able to purchase an inspirational book and a beautiful journal for about $20. What you choose to do is up to you, but please make sure you choose to participate.
I know this is getting long but last October I was going through a horrible personal crisis that consumed my whole life. At the same time this was occurring to me, my Stepfather (Al) had a debilitating stroke that devastated my mother. We were also riding on the coattails of the sudden death of a beloved Aunt and the subsequent death of her husband from Altzheimer’s. My biological father had stopped talking to me and my relationship with my sister was strained at best. I didn’t think life could get any worse until just a few days after my tragedy and Al’s stroke, the doctor told Heather (my daughter) that she might have breast cancer.
At 27 years old, she never gave a second thought about breast cancer. No one in our family ever had it. With one little announcement, every other problem seemed so unimportant except for Al’s rehabilitation. Heather had no insurance and we embarked upon a very long and tiring journey through the world of charity care and breast cancer. To make a long story short (I know, too late), they took a small chunk of her left breast and she is cancer free. But what I remember most during that very difficult time was the kindness, caring, and generosity of others. And that helped make the journey easier--somewhat bearable. If I can do the same for someone else, damn it, I’m gonna. And I know you can too.
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