I haven't wrote anything on here in a while due to a busy schedule...and wanting to spend my limited 'down' time away from a computer...or contacting people about this campaign. Enough with the lack of blogging excuses though. I have several goals and ideas in the works for this year and the years to come, but I'm only going to talk about one right now. Back in the fall I committed to participating in the 2013 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man/Women of the Year Campaign. I was hesitant when I committed, but prayed and thought about the cause and some other life circumstances...and agreed to give it a shot. Reasons for not wanting to participate included some fear of failure, fear of stress and 'over-doing' it as well as conflicts related to humbleness and asking others for help, time, and money. All those reasons were pretty much selfish. There are many more reasons to want to participate in the campaign, all of which have nothing to do with cancer-free-me and all to do with cancer survivors and fighters now and in the future. When I set my ego and personal bucket list aside, I saw the bigger ticket bucket list item for all of us. The world working together to find a cure for cancer.
Over the past few months, I've started to brainstorm ideas and ask for a little help from others. Last night, we had our first official Man/Women of the Year Campaign work shop/meeting. I met the other candidates and learned more about all the fundraising work. I'm not going to lie...I was intimidated...by them and the fundraising road ahead and my ability to perform well in this role. Just as in any endurance race, I don't really know what to expect. I left the meeting feeling nervous and anxious yet inspired and motivated. People with cancer don't really know what to expect in their lives after they get diagnosed. I do know that on any given day, any one of us could get the unexpected news that ourselves or another loved one has cancer. I do know that I want a cure. I do know that the research funded by LSS has directly contributed to many breakthrough cancer treatments. I have a healthy heartbeat, so I'm going to try this different type of endurance event and give it all I got. During the process I hope to increase both public awareness and funds for cancer research, prevention, treatment and care support programs. I hope you join me during this journey in supporting the LLS towards the goal of curing cancer. Please let me know if you have stories, talents or gifts to share with others in support of LLS. The 2013 Man and Women of the Year Campaign kicks off March 8th and continues through May 17th. More details on the work of LLS, the survivor stories and campaign events to come.
Cherish your heartbeat, all it gives you and all it allows you to give to others.
