It’s easy to get caught up in materialistic desires, yearning to get the latest video game or lusting after the newest sports car, but there are so many things that are more important than those largely inconsequential wants. This is why I am a firm believer in giving to charity, whether it be a local organization that helps to feed the homeless or donating to your alma mater to help further the education of future generations.
As you may or may not already know, the entire month of October is being dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness. While the focus is on breast cancer, this month also presents a great opportunity to raise awareness (and research funds) for all kinds of different cancers.
One of the biggest campaigns this month is the Pink for October movement. This started with a pink ribbon, but has since expanded into so much more. You may have noted all the NFL players, coaches and staff wearing pink gloves, shoes, caps, wristbands, and more during yesterday’s games.
Here are some quick stats about cancer in Canada (2009):
- Approximately 81,700 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cancer
- Approximately 89,300 Canadian men will be diagnosed with cancer
- On average, 1,450 Canadians will die of cancer every week.
- The risk of cancer increases with age, but cancer can occur at all ages.
- An estimated 1 out of every 4 Canadians are expected to die from cancer.
- 40% of Canadian women and 45% of men will develop cancer during their lifetimes.
A friend of mine, with whom I went to school for eight years, lost her fight with cancer several years ago. She is still dearly missed, especially since she was such a positive and cheerful person right up to the end. She had a great attitude. With some more advances in research, she may have been saved.
While I prefer to donate to the BC Cancer Foundation, you can alternatively give to the Canadian Cancer Society or any number of other cancer research agencies all around the world. I am not directly affiliated with either organization, but I do recognize the importance of funding this valuable research.
I am legally blind in my right eye, and diabetic so I understand that giving is important. Even if I only have a dollar I will give it.
Wanted to add a fact of my own about diabetes:
There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.
the list of fact just make me shocked… i didn’t know there are lot of people got this things inside their body…