Myjoey always wanted me to blog. It was one of the pillars he used to build the foundation of Faith Hope and Love Jesus. We actually had back and forth banter around the idea of one. The conversation generally went like this. “Mom I think we should have a blog”. “Okay that sounds great, when do you plan on posting?” “Me and you, will decide as we go.” “But, this is your great idea and you should lead it.” “Of course, I’ll participate.” “I don’t mind leading it but…”
I guess you get the idea. I have not posted on a consistent basis and I admit that. I probably have not because it always resonated as Joey’s baby. He championed it, and created it. I have to remember that he is not here to develop it and that’s where I must step in. So, starting today I will make an effort to use this platform to further our mission and raise the awareness. I also want to focus on a few areas of concern that we as an organization try to address in a meaningful and tangible way. Childhood Cancer Survivorship is one of those areas. The Caregiver’s Journey and Chasing After the Cure are the other two that have fueled my psyche.
Needless to say, these topics also drive my passion to do what I do every day for the mission. Joey and I talked about the needs we saw and what could be done to meet them. We decided that we could address those needs and also benefit ourselves as we walk this path. Those mentioned above were on the original list as something we could help with. The foresight was to tackle the most egregious needs first. This is what you see with the Life Celebrations, college scholarship and the bone marrow donor registration drives. Then FHLJ would follow-up with the new needs pertaining to childhood cancer survivorship and the not so new challenges of caregivers and the cure promise. We knew that no matter the plan, the people that would help us achieve our goals were the key.
Our mission succeeds because of all the volunteers, donors and encouragers that have given of themselves. They give their time, treasure and talent. It is good for my heart to see so many people from all walks of life and backgrounds participate. Their hearts are all tender, gentle and giving. You can feel it from the first email or phone contact. I look forward to bringing their perspective to my post. I enjoy interacting with all my angels (that is what my volunteers are to me). They are moved with who I am and the story I tell. I am grateful to be a motivator of good for everyone I meet. So, get ready to indulge in that aspect along with others of each post you read.
Why FHLJ does what it does is another aspect you will read a lot about. The most compelling motive for ensuring FHLJ moves forward is the children and families we support. The Joeys and Marshas out there are the catalyst. I have often said that finding my purpose in life after what most consider an unfortunate twist of fate as a gift that cannot be quantified. Childhood cancer survivorship is the best part of what is happening in medicine today. Beyond this, we have to put as many tangibles as possible in place to assist each survivor in their daily walk.
Joey is the face of childhood cancer survivorship. I am confident that he would want me to use this platform, his blog, as a mega phone to talk about needs that must be addressed. Now that the premise has been laid regarding the topics I will post on, my hope is that they reach out, over, around, under and through to all that need it. Don’t hold me to just those topics mentioned because I will take liberties on others as the needs arise.
Many blessings.
-Marsha