Hi! My name is Maria Macnamara and I'd like to tell you about my trip to Kenya in January 2010. I went with three Americans who I met for the very first time at Heathrow airport on our layover to Kenya! To date, I've spent time volunteering in Brazil, Thailand and in September 2009, Ethiopia. Whilst ...
On December 3, Global Volunteer Network officially released its first book, Ripples Of Difference. The book celebrates the "thousands of volunteers who have given their love, energy, and time to help communities in need around the world." Ripples of Difference is about real people ...
The mission of Inspire The Child empowering girls to be strong and independent women of Kenya inspires me. Helping bring the confidence and determination to be all that they can be could be seen as a light at the end of their tunnel.
I’m reminded many times of the inspiration that children provide, often without recognizing they are even doing it.
Alexandra “Alex” Scott was diagnosed with a childhood cancer shortly before her first birthday. She fought. She met many milestones that her parents, Jay and Liz were told would probably not occur. In 2000, the day after her fourth birthday, Alex told her mother “When I get out of the hospital I want to have a lemonade stand.” Her plan seemed simple in her mind… she’ll raise money from her lemonade stand and give it to the doctors so they can find a cure for cancer.
Did I mention Alex was a fighter? She passed away in 2004 at 8 years old, after being the inspiration for lemonade stands and fundraisers to donate over $1M to childhood cancer research.
Although Alex’s family lives in my area, west of Philadelphia, the lemonade stands spread the country. Many national companies have jumped on board in helping the cause, like Volvo and Applebee’s Restaurants. The family and board members continue growing Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to fight the fight and find a cure for childhood cancers.
Like I’m sure most of us have, I’ve battled some challenges lately. When I look at what Alex was able to accomplish while fighting the fight of cancer, I’m inspired. I’m humbled.
How can you help?
* Encourage a lemonade stand in your area – get the children involved!
* Commit to a 5K run or walk on October 25th – no matter where you are – join The 1st Annual Lemon Virtual Run/Walk
* Buy a $1 virtual cup of Lemonade at Volvo’s virtual lemonade stand
* Volunteer virtually. Find and Follow Alex’s Lemonade Stand on Social networks.
* Get your school involved
Sometimes just being yourself is an inspiration to others. Sometimes it is sharing your story. Sometimes it is creating a Foundation. But one rule is steadfast… don’t do any of it out of self-service … it just doesn’t work that way and it might bite.
"What are you doing for others?" Martin Luther King asked this of us many year ago. What is your answer? This Monday, January 19, 2009 is more than just a holiday to ...