You may have heard me talk about an organization I am passionate about in my local neighborhood, The Miami Shores Heidi Hewes Chapter of the Woman’s Cancer Association of The University of Miami.  Yes the name is long, but we refer to it as “Heidi Hewes Chapter of the WCA” locally.  I’ve been involved with this cause for almost 4 years now in all kinds of roles including president.   What’s amazing about this organization is that it is a purely a volunteer effort where 100% of proceeds go directly to cancer research.

The organization is composed of a diverse group of Miami Shores residents (and also various close-by neighborhoods) who unselfishly give their time and talents organizing different fundraisers.  We meet the first Wednesday of every month at one of the member’s houses.  There are 2 main fundraisers every year, The Miami Country Day Walk for Cancer and The Miami Shores Homes for the Holiday Walk.  This coming Saturday is the Miami Country Day Walk for Cancer, hosted by the school and organized by the students.

I recently attended the school’s Walk for Cancer Assembly that gets the kids pumped to reach their goal – to raise $50,000 to benefit our “Heidi Hewes Chapter” – here’s what I said about that assembly,

Miami Country Day brought the reality of cancer to the assembly by inviting Dr. John Goldberg from The University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center – a pediatric oncologist who specializes in the early phase of clinical trials.  Dr. Goldberg explained how seed money is used to start research and how his team is responsible in many cases, for taking the lab research projects to clinical trials that give hope to real terminal patients -  in some cases even 5 week old infants with Leukemia.

After talking to Dr. Goldberg for a while, I realized how important our grass roots efforts are – the fact that we help fund, with seed money, different research projects, is what gives the chance of life to many.  Dr. Goldberg was so grateful and explained how many of his clinical trials, which have saved many lives, would not be possible without the help from organizations like ours.  (SIGH) – talk about reality slapping you in the face and realizing that we are making a difference.

The Miami Country Day Walk for Cancer will be held this Saturday, October 24th at 7:30 AM at Miami Country Day School (located at 601 NE 107th St. – North Miami, FL 33161-7199  (305) 756-1207).  If you cannot attend but want to help our organization, consider sponsoring the Holiday Walk (sponsorships available in $100, $250, $500, $1000 increments or more).

Please consider getting involved at a local level – you will experience a real sense of community that is absolutely priceless.  Also take a look at what was accomplished at BlogWorld this past week with the help of Social Media.

BeatCancerEverywhere

The Guinness World Record #BeatCancer event is officially over….Thanks to all of you who have tweeted, put up Facebook Posts & mentioned #BeatCancer in your blogs. In the end, you helped raise more than a penny per tweet. In all, four cancer organizations have earned over $70,000.

A few years ago I joined a local cancer group in my area because my dad was fighting cancer and I felt I had to give back.  Since then I have become very active in the group, became president and thank God every day because my dad is in remission.

This past Wednesday we had our monthly meeting and prior to the meeting I received several calls from members excusing themselves because of sickness, being busy, having too much on their plate or just feeling down about the times.  If anyone understands, it would be me….(SIGH)….I feel like I’m so overextended at times and can’t find time to take a breath.

But here’s the thing – you are not alone – we all have problems and feel stressed and grasp for air as if we’re suffocating.  It’s important for us to take look around and see the brighter picture.

During the meetings we share “sunshines” and it’s not just about cancer – it’s about the good news around us that make us smile.  A member shared about their new grand daughter, someone else about a negative biopsy, and I decided to give thanks for everyone that was present.

It’s not easy to volunteer, and give your time for a cause when your life is so full and so busy.  In this time where everyone is struggling and the negative news are flowing, it is crucial and even more important to give back.  You have the power to make a difference and this is the time you are needed the most.

I looked at the small group present – a diverse group of moms, grandmothers, dads, students, teachers, professionals, cancer survivors…..and said…..THANK YOU for making a difference, THANK YOU for recognizing that although life can be tough, organizations like this one depend on unselfish individuals that believe in the power of intention.

So if you are sitting at home right now feeling sorry for yourself and trying to get a breath in between all the craziness – take a look at how you can help – MFFO will give you some amazing ideas that won’t take much time away from you, but truly will make a difference.