Sometimes the things that need our attention the most are the things that are easily overlooked. I know that I’ve seen plenty of things about Going Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but haven’t really done anything about it. Most of the time my thought process is that it is very sad, but I’m just me. What can I do? I wish that I had the power to do more, I wish I had the power to find a cure. I wish I was able to give unlimited funds to a cause that could find the cure. But sometimes doing something small is better than doing nothing at all. So here I am.
I credit Taylor Swift with being the first person to opening my eyes to childhood cancer. I know, I know, I credit her with just about everything and anything I can. But if I may, let me bring you way back to the beginning of my love affair with her. It all started with a song called Ronan. It changed my life. I immediately looked up anything and everything I could in relation to this song. I found Maya and read her story about the most beautiful little boy I had ever seen. I read her blog until I cried, then I kept on reading. I started following her blog before I followed blogs, before I even had my own. I’ve been reading her blog ever since, and every September I think: I should do something. I know that I’m just me. I know we can’t afford to give all of our money away to this cause. But I also knew that I wanted to do something this year. Anything.
I created this little print, put it in a gold frame, and picked up a bunch of gold candy for my gold-dipped dish. I put it on my desk at work, so that every time someone sneaks their fingers into the candy, I can tell them I’ve gone gold for CCAM. So while that’s not doing much, at least it’s helping to bring some awareness to people that may not have noticed before.
I will be making a donation this month as well, so if you are like me, and wish do do something (anything!), here’s a great foundation you can donate to. It is the foundation Maya started in honor of her son, Ronan. Remember, even if it’s only $5, it is something. Every penny helps, and every penny brings them closer to a cure. I’m challenging every one of you to donate at least $1. You’d spend that one dollar on so many things, why not donate it?
So if I may, let’s all Go Gold. Let’s make September as bright and sparkly as October is pink. Why are we so much more aware of Pink October than Gold September? Why do we wear pink shirts and pink bracelets in October, but nothing in September? Why does the Empire State Building go pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month, but refuses to go gold in September for these poor little babies? Why are we okay with that? Take a stand. Go Gold.
I love this post. I had no idea September was “go gold” month. Your framed print is such a cute way to draw awareness.
Thank you Ashton!!! I want the whole world to know about Going Gold! Guess it has to start somewhere! 🙂
What a beautiful gesture, Shauna. I’ll be chipping in for the cure.
Wow Rob!! Thank you so much! Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh my gosh. Thank you so much for posting this. A dear friend of mine has a daughter who has been fighting childhood leukemia for the last two years. And she’s four. My heart breaks even just writing these words. My family and I are walking for her. With her. At this year’s Bear Necessities Walk. Thank you for bringing light to this.
Wow! I am so sorry Ashley! I hope that she keeps up the fight and she can overcome this. I feel so sad for these little babies that have to go through something that adults sometimes cannot even handle. Our prayers are with your family. <3
Just managed time to pop over to you…..what a brilliant idea, to spread awareness of this via your workplace. [And small donations may not seem much, as you say, but they add up…..].
Glad you had some time to stop by, thank you SO MUCH for all the comments Helen!!! I hope everything is going fabulous for you. 🙂
Challenge accepted ?
You’re the best. 🙂
Thanks for the meaningful post, this is one of the toughest topics for me to read about. I really appreciate you bringing awareness with your post.
I think it’s so hard for most people to read or talk about, which is why the awareness level is so low. I wish we could all stand up together and put up a stronger front. I know it’s not possible right now to put an end to it, but hopefully soon we will be able to. Thanks for reading!