The bad news is... there are over 40 muscular dystrophy diseases, and NO cures.
If you've followed me for any length of time, you know my pet causes are Be the Match National Marrow Registry and Project 2,996. This year, I'm adding another - the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Even if you're not familiar with MDA, you've probably at least heard of Jerry's Kids, and the famous annual telethon.
How did I get involved? Well... someone was smart enough to appeal to my sense of self-importance, and my ego. I got a telephone call that started, "Say, Gonzo, you're a local celebrity, and..."
You had me at "celebrity."
Seriously, though, what did I know about MD? Zilch. Nada. Zero. Embarrassingly little. I figured I couldn't be a very effective fundraiser by shrugging my shoulders and mumbling, "I dunno" when asked questions about the cause, so I started researching.
I learned not only that there is no known cure for MD, but that inactivity may worsen the disease. I also learned that MDA supports and makes possible programs to send kids to MD-accessible camps and activities. I learned that some victims of MD die in early infancy, while some with milder manifestations of the disease live into adulthood. I found that physical and occupational therapies can make life more manageable for those with MD, including children.
That all takes money, y'all.
So, I'm offering up my dignity and going to jail to raise money for this amazing cause. I'm trying to raise $1,600.00 before September 22nd, and I still have a long, long, loooooong way to go.
I know the blogging community, and I've witnessed how amazing things happen when people start sharing links and blogging about blogs and being social about their social media. I KNOW - together - we can reach this goal.
Please... If you'd like to help, blog about my impending arrest. Tweet it. Facebook it. Stumble it. Whatever your sharing method of choice is, please help spread the word.
Then, please DONATE!
My fundraising page is here, and contributors may make a secure, tax-deductible online donation with their debit or credit card. The recommended donation is $25.00, but every single dollar counts. If you can skip a mocha, you can donate $5.00. Financial times are tough. I totally understand. Still, isn't there one little thing you can sacrifice this week, in order to help send a child to camp, make sure patients have access to therapy, or assist with research to find a cure?
$800.00 sends one child to camp. $100.00 provides sponsorship for a support group. $85.00 funds ONE MINUTE of research toward a cure. We really, truly, have a long way to go.
I'm stepping out in faith, and stepping into a jail cell. Your words and donations mean so much to me, and the families you'll be helping. THANK YOU.
If you've followed me for any length of time, you know my pet causes are Be the Match National Marrow Registry and Project 2,996. This year, I'm adding another - the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Even if you're not familiar with MDA, you've probably at least heard of Jerry's Kids, and the famous annual telethon.
How did I get involved? Well... someone was smart enough to appeal to my sense of self-importance, and my ego. I got a telephone call that started, "Say, Gonzo, you're a local celebrity, and..."
You had me at "celebrity."
Seriously, though, what did I know about MD? Zilch. Nada. Zero. Embarrassingly little. I figured I couldn't be a very effective fundraiser by shrugging my shoulders and mumbling, "I dunno" when asked questions about the cause, so I started researching.
I learned not only that there is no known cure for MD, but that inactivity may worsen the disease. I also learned that MDA supports and makes possible programs to send kids to MD-accessible camps and activities. I learned that some victims of MD die in early infancy, while some with milder manifestations of the disease live into adulthood. I found that physical and occupational therapies can make life more manageable for those with MD, including children.
That all takes money, y'all.
So, I'm offering up my dignity and going to jail to raise money for this amazing cause. I'm trying to raise $1,600.00 before September 22nd, and I still have a long, long, loooooong way to go.
I know the blogging community, and I've witnessed how amazing things happen when people start sharing links and blogging about blogs and being social about their social media. I KNOW - together - we can reach this goal.
Please... If you'd like to help, blog about my impending arrest. Tweet it. Facebook it. Stumble it. Whatever your sharing method of choice is, please help spread the word.
Then, please DONATE!
My fundraising page is here, and contributors may make a secure, tax-deductible online donation with their debit or credit card. The recommended donation is $25.00, but every single dollar counts. If you can skip a mocha, you can donate $5.00. Financial times are tough. I totally understand. Still, isn't there one little thing you can sacrifice this week, in order to help send a child to camp, make sure patients have access to therapy, or assist with research to find a cure?
$800.00 sends one child to camp. $100.00 provides sponsorship for a support group. $85.00 funds ONE MINUTE of research toward a cure. We really, truly, have a long way to go.
I'm stepping out in faith, and stepping into a jail cell. Your words and donations mean so much to me, and the families you'll be helping. THANK YOU.
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