Taking Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis

Philanthropy: goodwill to fellow members of the human race; especially active effort to promote human welfare. (Webster’s Dictionary)

This has to be one of the hardest ideas for some to grasp. I even struggle with it. What does it look like? How do you decide where to give or serve? I guess I shouldn’t put it that way because for many people this comes naturally. Giving. Maybe you think you can’t give because you’re barely making ends meet in your own home. But, this word, Philanthropy, means so much more than writing a check, it’s giving of your time, your energy. That’s what I’m learning. Not because you have to… because you want to. I’m completely guilty of being bad at this myself. It’s so easy to get “busy” and somehow your days become booked up with birthday parties, gatherings, play dates and errands. But somewhere in the midst of that craziness there’s something so gratifying knowing that you are doing something so wonderful for someone else. For something bigger than yourself.

Every year our family has made a commitment to raise money and awareness and walk alongside others to spread the word about Cystic Fibrosis in hopes that one day there will be a cure. Cystic Fibrosis is such a horrible, dehibilitating disease and once you’re diagnosed, there is no cure. Can you even imagine? The thought of one of my children having that diagnosis brings tears to my eyes. I was so excited because this year our team of 2 families raised almost $1,700 for CF. Crazy!!! Last year we barely made our $1,000 goal. God is good!! We had such a great day and it was so fun to hear Miss K tell people she was walking for Cystic Fibrosis as we passed people along the way.

I’d love to hear what kinds of ways that you are giving back to your community.