Volunteers against cancer - something we should all be doing

Cancer seems to be the disease that is likely to have touched nearly every persons life.  My grandfather, my dad, my mom, my father-in-law, my ex.  My friends Mike and Heidi.  Becky's won the fight twice.  Warriors like Alan Hobson that refused to quit fighting.  Some won the fight, some lost.  They are some of the people that heard those life changing words that they had cancer.  This writing is not about them, it's for them and the countless others who's focus must be turned to the fight of and for their life.

This is a reminder of what we can do to help them and those who are yet to find out they are in the fight.  For us common folk, we can help raise money to find a cure...  to help the families...  to give because we can.  I urge you to find a way to help, to give of your time, your money, your compassion, your love.  Here's just a few suggestions.

Relay for Life are American Cancer Society sponsor events that take place across America.  Volunteers seek pledges and donations.  It is a moving event that goes on through out the night.  People are walking all night long...  memorials for those that have have lost the battle, celebrations for those that have won the battle and support for those going through the battle.  Find a location and make it a point to stop, walk a bit and give if you can.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer takes place over 2 days where volunteer fund raisers journey 39 miles helping to forever alter the lives of thousands affected by breast cancer worldwide. Together, the goal is to unite with one purpose and one goal - to end this deadly disease (paraphrased from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Web site).  Walkers all raise at least $1,800 for the fight.  A special person in my life, Rebecca Ballinger, made the walk this year.  With her permission, I hope to post her experience in this years Boston walk.  Watch for it, then become a part of it.

I listen to the dynamic duo of Dan and Kim on the Mix Morning Show on Mix 93.1 out of Springfield, MA. For as long as I can remember, Dan and Kim have promoted Katelynn's Ride in western Massachusetts. Katelynn’s Ride benefits Baystate Regional Cancer Programs Pediatric Oncology and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.  Eleven-year old Katelynn Battista of West Springfield lost her battle with cancer in 1997. She was a patient at the Jimmy Fund Clinic of the world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Baystate Medical Center in Springfield MA. Katelynn’s life and spirit made a memorable impact on radio personalities Dan Williams & Kim Zachary of Mix 93.1 FM and Steven Stark of the USPS.  You can find links to donate on their Web site and follow KRide2010 on Twitter.

These are just a few of the many, many ways you can give of yourself for the betterment of others.  Also, I know there are lots of other causes, cancer is just one.  Support the one that touches your heart and reaches you personally.  I'd guess most of us wish we could do something for all of them.