The purpose of my "Charity of the Month" posts is not for me to ask you to donate (although, that would be quite generous of you) but to bring attention to these groups while providing high-level information on the charity or organization. In addition, I will give a little background as to why I chose them.
The first charity I chose is The Coco Foundation, in honor of Coco Lazaridis.
Their mission statement:
"The Coco Foundation was founded in 2010 with the goal of providing resources and support to individuals, families, and friends impacted by pediatric cancer. Furthermore, the organization seeks to achieve three primary objectives:
The Coco Foundation was founded by Coco’s mother, Ali Lazaridis, and a group of highly qualified board members who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation and success of the foundation on a daily basis. Learn more about the foundation’s Board of Directors." -- The Coco Foundation
- To help fund clinical research aimed at improved diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer
- To raise awareness about pediatric cancers and the important role of cord blood, bone marrow, and blood product donation in cancer treatment
- To provide personalized support and information for children and their families while dealing with pediatric cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and related expenses
Meet Coco:
"Coco Lazaridis was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) at age three months in November 2009. After intensive chemotherapy treatments and a successful cord blood transplant, she has been at home in remission for over seven months."
The reason I chose this charity is because little Miss Coco Lazaridis is the niece of one of my wonderful friends I had in high school. Besides my relationship with her Aunt, my family and her family have some history together. Because we all know each other, helping out this charity meant more to me and was a no brain-er. It is not an everyday where you get to meet those who will benefit greatly from a charity you donate to. I can be 100% sure that my contribution is actually going to be helping someone I personally know and all others who are affected by something as horrible as pediatric cancer.
Unfortunately, I have not had the privilege to meet Miss Coco in person as of yet. At her first annual walk, she was not well enough to attend but at the previous LLS "Light the Night" walk, my sister had the pleasure of meeting her. From afar, I can see how darn cute she was but could also see that she has fought quite the battle. Seeing her walk around was a huge blessing as just weeks before the walk she was still at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) which was her home for many months of her young life. Essentially that is where she grew up. With obviously the work of the medical staff but with all the love and support of her family, friends and followers (Coco's Angels), Coco can now start to live a semi-normal kind of life and live a long and prosperous life as well.
If you wish to contribute to The Coco Foundation, you can do so by clicking HERE or you can also donate by mail at:
The Coco Foundation PO Box 375 Bethlehem, PA 18016-0375
If you are in the LV, you could also register to walk in the "Miles for Coco" annual walk on May 28, 2011 or participate in the Tee Time for Coco golf tournament on October 1, 2011.
If nothing else, please keep little Miss Coco in your thoughts and prayers!
Also, I am still looking for suggestions for other charities or organizations that I can donate to. Please send me a message with the charity or organization name and a little information on it. Please help me complete this task!
Very well written article. These organizations should be lauded for their continuous efforts in making the world a better place. It's amazing that there are still many people who are selflessly willing to help others and make a difference in their lives.
ReplyDelete