In the spirit of the holiday season, how can cancer survivors give back to others? You may have just finished cancer treatment and are looking forward to getting your life back on track. Contributing to a charitable holiday drive may be the last thing on your mind as a new survivor.
Fighting the war on cancer
As you settled into your survivorship, you’ll begin to realize that fighting the war on cancer is a mission that all of us must take on, regardless of whether we are a survivor or a friend or family member of a cancer patient. Cancer affects us all. First time volunteers can easily get involved with their local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Start with a small donation this year and graduate to giving an annual donation in the years to come. Every small donation adds up to providing resources and services to new cancer patients and those experiencing a reoccurrence. If you are short on money this season, then ask how you can volunteer your time in lieu of donations.
A perfect opportunity to give back
“Family, friends rally around Carlsbad, New Mexico teen with ovarian cancer”
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer this year at the age of 16 took Ashley Trujillo and her family by surprise. Ashley, daughter of Tony and Rosie Trujillo, is a junior at Carlsbad High School. She is a competitive cheerleader, who had been preparing for competition and a Cavegirl softball player. She's active in all she does, loves school and is a hard worker. Her future plans are to become a nurse and help others.
Ashley has no insurance coverage. Insurance or not, they were told not to wait on treatment because the type of cancer she has is aggressive and growing. Ashley has had surgery to remove a 5 inch tumor, her left ovary and left fallopian tube. Last week, she began her nine weeks of aggressive chemotherapy treatments.
How you can help
• An account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank for Ashley Trujillo, 16, who has ovarian cancer. The account was set up to help defray medical costs and travel expenses to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The account is listed as "Dorinda Martinez for Ashley Trujillo." The account number is 2811089909.
• Two raffles are scheduled as fundraisers. All proceeds go toward Ashley Trujillo's medical expenses.
• No. 1: Three cases of a favorite beverage. Tickets cost a $1. The drawing will take place just before Thanksgiving and the winner will win three cases of his or her favorite beverage and an ice chest. Call one of the phone numbers below.
• No. 2: A 1,500-pound steer. Tickets cost $20. The drawing will take place Nov. 30. Processing of the steer is included. Call one of the phone numbers below.
• Contacts for any of the above mentioned fundraising efforts are Dorinda Martinez, 575-361-0275; Rosie Trujillo, 575-200-9513; Maria Trujillo, 575-725-5913; or Amanda Melendez, 575-200-9507.
A side note about The Who: Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have supported Teenage Cancer Trust for many years in the U.K. and it is their long-range goal to establish Teen Cancer America programs in strategic locations across the United States. A fund has been established and administrated by UCLA to cover expenses of the launch of Teen Cancer America. The first unit was opened in the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in November 2012. One dollar from every ticket sold on The Who’s current North American Tour is being donated to Teen Cancer America.
(Photo credits: www.thewho.com)
A side note about The Who: Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have supported Teenage Cancer Trust for many years in the U.K. and it is their long-range goal to establish Teen Cancer America programs in strategic locations across the United States. A fund has been established and administrated by UCLA to cover expenses of the launch of Teen Cancer America. The first unit was opened in the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in November 2012. One dollar from every ticket sold on The Who’s current North American Tour is being donated to Teen Cancer America.
(Photo credits: www.thewho.com)
