Please note: There is no specific order to these posts. I have at least 5 drafts started, so when I finish one it gets posted. Haha…

Funding for childhood cancer research is a cause our family will always support. Actually, pretty much anything having to do with the health and well-being of a child will always be at the top of our list. This isn’t to say other causes aren’t important, but after you’ve been affected personally by something, everything you’ve personally seen and/or experienced, ends up holding a special place in your heart.

We started our childhood cancer journey in March of 2014. Since then, we’ve participated in multiple St. Jude fundraising events not only because we feel thankful for the care our son has received, but also because we’ve met too many families receiving the devastating news of little to no chance of survival. Even in 2016, there is still a desperate need for more research.

Realizing not everyone is as personally invested in childhood cancer research as we are, fundraising can feel awkward and difficult. This is where the next type of friend comes in…

EVERYONE NEEDS A CINDY.

Cindy and my husband attended the same college. I first met Cindy when my husband (boyfriend, at the time) and I went on a double date with she and my husband’s college roommate.  If we fast forward a few years, though, Cindy actually ended up marrying a great guy I went to high school with.  I remember the day she told me the exciting news they were moving to a new house which meant her children would attend the same school as my children. I remember thinking, “What a small world.”  But, these days, I find myself thinking, “Thank you, God, for introducing me to Cindy so many years ago.”

She’s from the boot heel of Missouri, which means she speaks with a sweet southern accent.  She also possesses that southern-style hospitality.  Similar to a Disney princess, Cindy genuinely radiates grace, beauty and kindness wherever she goes. I think anyone who knows her would agree!  She is a blessing to so many people.

Even before our son was diagnosed and sent to St. Jude, Cindy had coordinated some fundraisers for St. Jude at her church.  However, since our family started fundraising, Cindy has always been on board to help.  I’ve never had to really ask, she just jumped in.  If we have a walk team, she is signed up and so is her oldest daughter. If we have a concession stand, she and her daughter help sell goodies. If we’re selling t-shirts, she orders a shirt.  Cindy consistently makes the effort to participate in any fundraising we do and I don’t just mean monetarily. She’s been one of our biggest cheerleaders when it comes to team fundraising and her friendship and support mean the world to me.

Some may think we talk about and fundraise for St. Jude too much, but Cindy serves as a constant reminder that I don’t need to assume everyone feels bothered by fundraisers–many just want to help and become involved with a cause.

No family wants to be a cancer family. But, based on personal experience, fighting for the cause through awareness and fundraising is one avenue we have to “making sense” of why we’ve had to travel this road in the first place.  I promise you that families who are fighting for a cause, need some “Cindy’s” in their life. Whether she knows it or not, my Cindy has felt like one of our family’s biggest cheerleaders. When you have active participation and constant support from friends like her, it makes you feel invincible in your awareness and fundraising efforts.

If you think you’re a “Cindy” and not sure what to do for a friend traveling a rough road, simply follow our Cindy’s example: Jump on board with fundraising efforts or organize your own effort in honor of their child. Participate in the walk, concession stand, t-shirt sale and be present to cheer the family on.

Good night, my friends! Laura