I'm new to this community, so let me give you fair warning - I'm am open book when it comes to blogging about my passions, my past and my aspirations. One of the reasons is that life gave me great gifts - a wonderful family, many friends, a beautiful place to live, a wonderful career, and two other really interesting things: a stage iv colon cancer diagnosis in November 2012 and total recovery from that diagnosis. Without wanting to sound too dramatic, I feel like I stood at the abyss and was then miraculously pulled back.
I can't tell you why my life has been so charmed, but I can tell you that I do believe this: To whom much is given, much is required. So now I come from contribution. Every day. I only get so many days and hours allotted to me. I want to use those days and hours to make a difference for someone who might hear these words, "You have stage iv cancer," today. Or any stage. The words are so awful. And when you hear them, the ability to handle small details flies out of your head and you're left with the staggering knowledge of your mortality.
One of the ways I come from contribution is by being very actively involved in the Cancer Foundation for New Mexico (CFFNM) as a Board Member. This nonprofit provide real services to cancer patients in northern New Mexico, from gas and grocery cards to lodging for folks who drive in from rural locales to social worker assistance to chemo/radiation suite volunteers. If someone needs a set of tires so that they can travel to treatment, CFFNM provides those tires. If they have to travel to MD Anderson for treatment they can't get here, we help with those expenses. In very practical terms, CFFNM makes sure that the small details are not what keep patients from getting the treatment they need.
So why am I writing today? I woke up inspired by all the very generous posts I've read in the past few days, and I wanted to ask a favor. On February 11, CFFNM will have their annual Sweetheart Auction, at which we raise over half of our annual operating expenses.
The auction items are amazing - a 12 night safari in Zambia, trout fishing in some of the best waters in the country, Native American sculpture and artwork, celebrity dinners, and a whole lot more. (http://cffnm.org/sweetheart-auction/auction-items/) The hanging artwork alone is stunning. Almost 1,000 attendees will spend a fun evening at the Santa Fe Convention Center and they'll collectively raise funds that help us help our neighbors who need it the most.
We have a deadline of January 9 for submission of auction item forms. I just wondered if there is ANYONE in this community who might have a vacation home for which they'd like to donate a week or two or three nights. Santa Fe is a wonderful place - but we like to get out of here and see the rest of the world as well. Or perhaps you have a beautiful work of art or piece of jewelry that you'd like to let go for a tax deduction.
If I'm overstepping, I'm sure someone will let me know. I just feel so much joy at being healthy and well, and I want other cancer patients to have the opportunity to get the treatment they need.
In any event, if you're interested, email me at bunnyterry@kw.com and I'll send you a donation form.
Thanks for considering my request. And thanks for welcoming me to ActiveRain with such open arms.
Happy Wednesday!
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