let's do this together
i was reading max's blog today and came across this post and especially loved this part, written by max's dad:
I'm not bitter when people decline to participate because they aren't available, can't afford to, or even just don't believe in the cause. Long ago I chose not to take it personally when someone declines to contribute, participate, or otherwise engage with our cause - life's too short to worry about that kind of stuff (and there's so many people who DO want to help if only you ask and show them how, so that's time better spent anyway!).But what gets me are the excuses. "Oh sure, I care Andy, just make it easy for me to care, and I'll show up."
As Melissa and I have started giving more and more of our time to fighting neuroblastoma and other causes, a constant theme has emerged for me, and that is when giving is easy, you get less out of it. Giving in a manner that challenges the giver, also helps the giver; it helps them appreciate the sacrifice of their giving more. It makes the giving mean more to the giver. Altruism is a funny concept (quick refresher: altruism being an act that benefits someone else other than the actor). Altruism doesn't align well with biology and evolution.And while I know that evolution exists, I also believe in God. Perhaps that's where love enters the equation. Maybe God's love makes it possible to see past our own selfish interests and limits. To extend ourselves past our comfort zone. Take risks on behalf of someone else, but get something unattainable otherwise in return.
and of course, i noticed the MAX RUN, which is taking place in san diego on september 11th, to raise money for pediatric cancer. my initial thought was,
oh how i wish i could be there to participate in the run.
but why can't i run? and participate? why can't i encourage people to sponsor me (donate) and just run here? and why can't i encourage others to do the same?
so you think you can dance did it with their july 31st national dance day, where people all across the world danced together on the same day. okay, so maybe running isn't exactly as fun as dancing but...let's try it. let's try to run one mile on september 11th -- together -- no matter where you are. and let's, together, spread the word and encourage others to donate to fight pediatric cancer. and while your donation can't help max or sam, it could possibly help children like will or talia, who are both currently battling neuroblastoma.
so...
on septemeber 11th, at 9:30 AM, i am going to run one mile. can you please sponsor my run -- simply click on the Chip In button below to donate to fight pediatric cancer ...
p.s. steve is going to be in iraq at the time, so the kids and i will be doing this one mile together. i hope you'll join me. think about it!!
ETA: i'm so excited that i've already had a number of people share that they will be running the MAX RUN with me on september 11th -- from all over the country. but my real hope is that along with the physical support and encourgement, i can help gather financial donations for max's ring of fire. if you're running or simply want to support in any way, please donate...any amount will help.
and please spread the word! if everyone shares with a few friends, who also support and donate, we could together make a huge impact!!
sharing my favorite image of max and a tree at his school on the day of the celebration of his life. do you see the angel? i do. © deb schwedhelm | tampa children's photographer
