Caramba!

Making the World a Better Place; Support Cancer Warriors today! April 23, 2007

I’m not like some of my friends who have really dedicated their lives to make the world a better place. I have some friends who joined the JVP (Jesuit Volunteers Philippines) – they actually spent a year of their lives in far-flung areas. I have friends who consciously chose NGOs over money-making corporations. I may not be like them, but I still have that urge to make the world a better place, somehow, in my own little way. Don’t we all have that urge?

I used to volunteer a lot and join outreach projects – that was my little way of helping out. At that time I was able to give some of my time. I lost that somehow, but still tried to maintain something, in the form of yearly donations to Mads’ baby, Jesus Loves The Little Children Foundation. Not enough, I know, but it’s still something.

And now I’m really happy because I’ve thought of a mini-project for me and my officemates. As a background, I really do believe in the messages of the Lance Armstrong Foundation – that knowledge is power, and attitude is everything. That we should all LIVESTRONG. It’s a bit disappointing that they’re not expanding to other countries, but at least their message continues to inspire many people, even those outside the United States. Just recently I ordered the Livestrong Survivorship notebook and gave it to my friend, who has a brother fighting cancer. It’s something he can refer to, and draw strength from somehow. I believe in the LAF’s thrust – research. I believe that this will go a long way, and will benefit many people, even those from other countries.

Sometime last year, I was inspired by an ETC ad about the Cancer Warriors. It’s a local foundation, founded by a fellow Atenean, who’s a cancer survivor. His name is James Auste, and after surviving brain cancer he vowed to dedicate his life to fighting cancer. That’s how the Cancer Warriors Foundation was born. I’ve been a member of the mailing list for several months now. I’ve been wanting to join activities, which unfortunately almost always fall on weekdays. I really do want to help, and just last weekend, I was inspired to text my Globe friends and ask them if they were interested in “adopting” a Cancer Warrior child. James posts lists of children with cancer with their required medicines and treatments, with all the rates. Most of the cancers are curable, except that the families cannot afford the necessary medicines and treatments.

And so the barkada adoption idea was born. I’ve contacted James already, hopefully we can work together on more ideas and projects. Talk to your barkada, your officemates, and if this is something you’d like to do, send me a message so we can discuss it offline.

Don’t you think that world will be a better place if you can save the life of even just one child? That would really be awesome!