Made in USA
Today I became a partner in hope!
It already feels amazing because I feel like I just did one of the most meaningful and rewarding things in my life. Hardly ever do I commit to something and feel the way I do today.
My story
This morning I got into my car, fastened my seat belt, started the engine, and did what I always do before leaving the driveway for work – turned on the country radio station. One of my favorite songs from my most favorite country singer came on. First I thought; maybe a bit sad to start the day, but before you know it I found myself drowned deep in the lyrics signing along.
The song was coming to the end as I merged onto the freeway. I was still thinking about the lyrics and how it gets me every time that I heard the announcer, “Become a partner in hope today to help end childhood cancer.”
I realized it was about that time of the year again that the local country radio does the become-a-partner-in-hope campaign to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So, I continued to listen.
They played a series of stories from children who survived cancer and how much they wanted to give back, from parents who lost their children to cancer yet they wanted to dedicate the rest of their lives helping others, and from the hospital staff who pride themselves in helping find a cure for cancer. They all had one thing in common; sad beginnings but hopeful endings!
Next came on a mother who told a heart-wrenching story about her daughter’s diagnosis. “My daughter was a normal, happy kid. One day she was playing in the yard where all of sudden she collapsed. We rushed her to the hospital. They ran a bunch of tests and diagnosed her with…” she cried.
Right then that terrifying feeling of uncertainty, the fear, the fact that she could be any of us stuck me. The feeling was quite different this time, much deeper than the last time I’d listened to similar stories.
I realized it had hit me harder this time because my wife and I had just had our own baby for the first time. Something I had never felt before until she was born; that inexpressible love, the sweet and precious touch of the baby. She’s only six months old. What if this happens to my…?! I felt terrified thinking about it. I could never handle it.
As I listened to the rest of the stories I recalled telling myself last year, I should probably donate some money. I asked my self, what’s been stopping you? Where does the second thought come from? Is it too good to be true? Is it easier to just ignore it? I was not sure.
“At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, no family receives a bill for treatment, treatment, travel, housing or food — because all they should worry about is helping their child live,” reminded me the radio host. “Many families come to St. Jude thinking it’s like any other hospital. Because of our supporters, families never receive a bill,” he continued.
What a noble cause, an amazing act of love. I want to be a part of this. I want to be a partner in hope, I told myself. I decided to make a pledge. So, as soon as I reached my work I called St. Jude’s hospital and made a pledge for a small monthly donation.
I still don’t know exactly why I did it. Maybe I am terrified that this could happen to my children. Maybe I am hoping if I make a pledge it will immune my family, or maybe it feels good just to be a part of a great cause. Whatever it is it makes me feel good. It gives me hope, and most importantly it reminds me how lucky I am to have a healthy, happy family.
If I can do it you can do it. PLEASE JOIN ME IN BECOMING A PARTNER IN HOPE TODAY >>
Anyways, this is my story, I would love to hear yours. Please submit a comment below and let me know. It would mean a world to me to know you made a donation after reading this.
Thank you!
As a Chief Security Officer (CSO), he prides himself on keeping Diabetic Outlet pest and rodent free, as well as giving each customer a warm welcoming “meow” at the door. He can be feisty at times, as a CSO must be, but if you know him well you also know it’s only a facade.
When he is confident security is tight, he occasionally blogs to fans, but honestly what he loves the most is a good refreshing nap.