Does it seem like there is a huge fundraiser going on every few weeks? Do you ever wonder how donating actually positively affects people who are suffering from such illnesses? Where does your money really go? What does it mean to raise funds for research? Why is fundraising so important.
For the past 15 years, I have participated in several fundraisers per year for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (now called Crohn's Colitis Canada), and for the past 4 years I have participated in the Power of Movement Fundraiser for Arthritis Research.
Why?
Apart from suffering from these illnesses myself, fundraising is an opportunity to raise awareness as well as funds. The more people that know about a disease, the more people want to help, especially if someone is affected first- or second-hand. Just the simple act of attending a fundraiser can be vitally important. Showing your support in one way or another can make a huge difference in the lives of those who suffer from chronic illness.
For me, funding is essential.
I am allergic to all of the most beneficial medications used to relieve some of the pain caused by Arthritis. There is no cure, there is no universal cause, and for me personally, there are no more options to battle this disease. The type of auto-immune Arthritis that I have been diagnosed with will progressively worsen over time, and since I plan on living for a long time, and because I was diagnosed at age 26, that seems like a daunting few decades for my Arthritis to become even worse. Within four years I went from an energetic, athletic, adventurous young woman to a young woman who often uses a cane and sometimes uses a walker, and in the coming years will eventually wind up using a wheelchair.
That is if no other therapies come on the market. And without funding, there is no money to research potential treatments. Without more treatments, I am out of options. So as for right now, I have to settle into accepting the idea that I will get worse over time.
Arthritis is not picky. It affects millions of people of all ages and walks of life, whether it be yourself or a loved one.
Please consider donating to the Power of Movement 2016.
https://beatarthritis.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=10684&mid=9&pid=2483555#.VjvDiPRtaF8.facebook