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The Most FAQ: Why?
Since the age of 14, people have always asked me, “Why?” Every interview. About once a day by email.
Why did I start Carolyn’s Compassionate Children (CCC)? Why is it such a major part of my life? Why am I so passionate about supporting childhood and young adult cancer survivors? Why would I give up my own childhood for this cause?
For someone who thinks like a researcher, I never know how to answer these questions. I can’t give a million dollar response. After a lot of soul-searching, I’ve realized that the reason isn’t logical. It’s purely emotional. There are no hidden motives. I donate every dollar of spare change I have to my own organization and another organization just as close to my heart, the Chordoma Foundation. I do it because it’s the passion that wakes me up in the morning. I do it to honor the lives of children and friends, who lived a life far too short, and gave more in those years than I could ever hope to give. I do it because any child who lives their life in a hospital fighting for a 5% chance to live should never have to fear that the cost of their survival could mean the poverty of their family — no chance of higher education.
I wrote this post because I wanted to let you know that the art auction for my organization has started on Ebay Giving Works. I was going to insert a graphic image, but I couldn’t. It felt too commercial for something that is so very personal. I didn’t realize how hard this time of the year would be. My best friend, Matt, whom I’ve mentioned many times on here before would be turning 25 next week. I remember his birthday last year so vividly because it was about two weeks before he passed away. It’s fitting that this fundraiser is very personal as it marks such a transition in my life. I am so thankful for the support of the individuals who have given to this auction so wholeheartedly. It is my first auction of any kind and has turned into a truly beautiful event.
On that note, I hope you enjoy the unique collection within this auction fundraiser. The event ends April 24, 2009.
… in memory of matt …
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This entry was posted on Friday, April 17th, 2009 at 12:23 am and is filed under Personal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Oh, Carolyn. This makes me sad, yet also inspired by all that you do. I’m so sorry for your loss, but am excited for the auction & all the good that will come of it! I look forward to being involved with CCC throughout the years.
Carolyn, clearly what you do is a very important part of your life and the lives of so many others. I am sorry for your loss of your friend Matt, but I imagine he would be incredibly grateful for your honoring his memory in such a powerful way.
i just happened upon your blog yesterday and can’t wait to dig deeper, but i just had to comment now. i really don’t know a whole lot about you, but am already in awe of you…and all that you do.
i understand why…and i understand how it’s not fully explainable. i photographed max every week for 4 months, until sadly he passed away to neuroblastom–forever seven. http://mashedpotatoesforbreakfast.blogspot.com/
i’m also greatly involved with two other families battling cancer–an 8 year old battling neuroblastoma and a 36 year old mother of 3, battling adrenal cancer with liver and lung mets.
i’m so sorry to read about the loss of your friend.
i look forward to reading more about you, your work and your foundation. and i’ve already begun a blog post, linking to your site. hoping to launch in next few days.
thank you for all you do.
deb
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
Sarah Hope, you always know just what to say to help me cheer up. Thank you for being such a great friend — less than 2 weeks until we’re done with G1! Are we then G2 or G1.5??!
Twitter: clrsimple2
says:
Definitely don’t want to make you sad! I was having a sad moment and thought about not posting, but decided that people should see that side of me too. We can’t always be happy and just allowing myself to recognize that and to share it on the blog is a big step — a good step!