RAISING AWARENESS - Why It Ultimately Is Better Than Just Raising Funds

As we hold the "Blogging for Blood Cancer" event, I urge you all to think about the real importance of awareness. Four years ago at this time, I was just learning about little Allie Scott and her battle with Leukemia. It is through Jenny and Allie’s battle that I learned of the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and their incredible mission: "to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families." As I sat reading of Allie's battle, what could a mom in NJ do to help this little one?

• Could I walk 2 miles? Yes!
• Could I send an e-mail or letter to friends, coworkers, and family? Yes!!!
• Could literally every single dollar I and my Friends of Heroes team members raised make a difference? Yes, lots of dollars have added up to over $960,000.
• Would I have ever gotten involved if one single person, Jenny, had not made me aware? Absolutely not!!!!

I think that many of the people who have walked as part of Friends of Heroes (formerly Friends of Allie) over the past four years can say pretty much the same thing. I’ve come into contact with so many people who tell me they have heard of Allie and her story either directly from Jenny or through others sharing it.

I personally have been able to raise only about $5,000 during the four years I've walked. Believe me when I say I am not a big time fundraiser but by working on events like this and being involved in Friends of Heroes has allowed me to raise a significant amount of awareness that is worth way more the that $5,000.

As you participate in this blogging event, please remember how important raising awareness is and how easy it is to do something so important.

• Does it cost you anything? No. You can do it online or even get many of your supplies from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and/or your local chapter.
• Can you tell the story of an honored hero and share why this organization is so important? Who would not want to share these amazing children with others?
• Can you hand out a brochure or write a blog post? Can you tell others about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the importance of cancer research? Can you help get the word out to cancer patients of the services that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers? Not too hard but ok it does take a little effort ;)
• Where can we do it? Anywhere from your front step to your local grocery store to a restaurant to a community fair to YOUR BLOG.

Please won't you help us raise awareness for this important cause?