Posted by Stamper_WI on 6/26/06 11:54am
Msg #128526

Fund raising difference's

Having had faced near total financial devastation from illnness's in my family, I can understand the points of nearly everyone that has posted on this subject. We did fund raisers for the American Cancer Society for years. And never saw the help locally. The money and assistance was all somewhere else. The girls father (my ex) died of stomache cancer in 2003.
When my brother was diagnosed with "bone cancer" he lived in an area that was 2 hrs and often closed mountain passes from any treatment and it was hard for him to get himself there. He was financially destitute and living in a camper parked in his freinds driveway, dependent on SS disability barely making his insurance payments. But he would not ask or accept for help from us unless he had a proactive help in raising the money. One family member even offered him a free apartment to live in and he declined. He was a blues musician and played with a lot of blues bands. Freinds wanted to help and came up with an idea. They made a CD featuring his work and sold it. When he died, there was enough left to pay for his cremation. His insurance had reached the 1 mill cap.

My daughter also did this to help pay for her medical bills.

My point is people want to help in a way that is most valuable and most personal to the affected person they know. Giving is receiving. Slyvia is a valued member of this forum. She contributes in a positive way to this forum. She did not ask for this help, but beacuse Brenda knows her and more specific details of her, she saw an opportunity to help Sylvia. I am only sorry Sylvia felt she had to explain the details of her situation....and that her situation is open to discussion. What was done for Sylvia was amazing don't minimalize it or be so quick to slam it. Slyvia, you are well regarded.

When I am asked to give to these mega fundraisers, I usually will...a small amount. I tend to donate more to those fundraisers of affected locally and who I know because I know from experience what personal financial and emotional devastation a serious or terminal illness is.

The people of Sparta, WI used to do big fundraisers for the American Cancer Society and realized that there was a need for area people that was not being met. This is what you are all talking about in this forum. Take a look at the mission statement of SAC's below, (you'll have to copy and paste.). The money they raise stays in the area and helps maintain the patients quality of life so that they and their families can focus on the healing and not worry about day to day expenses. This is what the people who helped Sylvia were doing.

http://www.sacsonline.org/Mission/mission.html