My stomach feels queasy as I do something I hate doing. I’m asking for money. No, not for me! For the Lymphoma Research Foundation. My 18 years of leading Wendy’s Eagles haven’t made the fundraising easy. That said, my resolve is stronger than ever. Here’s why:
Gratitude In 1993, my life was saved by an experimental treatment received in a clinical trial. As I keep racking up more years (Note: today is my birthday!), the energy of my gratitude grows, pushing me harder to support research that might help other patients.
Responsibility Given that the life-saving trial was available when I needed it only because of partial funding by an advoacy organziation, supporting LRF makes sense. A sense of duty helps me tolerate my discomfort with asking for donations.
Meaning Hardships and losses associated with survivorship can seem meaningless. Fundraising for others gives meaning to the years my family suffereed hardships and losses while I was in treatment.
Memory: My heart still grieves the loss of co-survivor family and friends for whom effective treatments did not come in time. Fundraising is one way to honor their memories and continue their legacies.
On October 29th, I will carry the Wendy’s Eagles flag of names throughout the Dallas Lymphoma walk. Each ribbon honors a person surviving cancer or the memory of someone for whom answers did not come in time. With those ribbons, I am saying, “I haven’t forgotten you! I’m doing this for you!”
So, dear reader, I invite you to join me in a shared effort of helping fund lymphoma research. Thank you to my readers who already donated.
I have 10 days left to reach my goal. If you wish to donate in honor or memory of someone, please email me to make a ribbon for you.
