There is so much truth in the saying, "No man is an island." We are all dependent on each other in more ways than one. A farmer who grows crops for profit and for feeding his family depends on consumers who purchase his produce. An engineer who builds the tallest buildings depend on steel workers to provide him with the trusses he needs to complete his project. Children depend on their parents for love, guidance and sustenance, while parents depend on their children to help them fulfill their role in child rearing. Trivial facts but come to think of it, we are really depend on each other to survive.
In this modern world, we tend to be preoccupied with our needs and wants. It seems that we are living to make a living. This sometimes results to indifference towards our brothers in need. This is a sad reality that we see everyday.
Have you ever experienced being hopeless, helpless and fearful of what lies ahead? That feeling where you thought you'd never see another tomorrow? I have.
Let me tell you my story.
Years and years ago, my parents had purchased a nice piece of property in the outskirts of the city. It was a nice parcel of land, located on an incline, like a small hill. It was here where my parents planned to build their dream house. My mom was running a small catering business and we had some savings in the bank. We were not rich people. I would say we just had a little more than some families do.
It was the gloomiest day of my life when my dad announced that he has lung cancer. He was a doctor himself, which made it more difficult to convince him to seek treatment. We felt like we were struck by lightning. We had to adjust our lifestyle and let go of the things that we usually did together as a family. No more out of town vacations, no more Sunday restaurant dinners, no more new clothes and new shoes for some time. My dad's operation and treatment were more important than anything else.
My mom had to stop working to attend to my father's needs. We had no other option but to sell the land to pay for hospital costs. With our family's savings slowly dwindling away, we were starting to lose hope. I had a sibling in college, another in high school and still another sibling in grade school. It pained me to see my dad wasting away on his hospital bed, my poor siblings whose future is now uncertain, and my mom who stormed heaven with her prayers, crying every night.
Eventually, my dad succumbed to his illness. Whatever we had left was spent for his funeral service. The first few weeks were the most difficult. We decided to leave the house we were renting and save the money we pay for the rent. My mom mustered all her strength and asked her in-laws if we could stay with them until we were back on our feet again. It was against her principles because she knows that her in-laws did not approve of her when my dad married her.
Sometimes, in the strangest way, #unexpected joy and help comes your way. Not a little, but an outpouring of love and concern. My grandparents, great aunts and uncles took us in with open arms! They offered to have the old guest house remodeled so that we could have a place to stay. Cousins and uncles from the provinces came over and offered their services to rebuild the house. Soon enough, we had a little place we could call "home" once more.
My mom started from scratch and revived her small catering business. Her friends and relatives offered their help too. Some giving financial assistance, others offering their services for free. In a little over a year, we were back on our feet again. Little did we know that all we needed to do is simple - ASK.
No one can be so heartless to turn his/her back on a person who is ill, asking for financial assistance for the treatment of their disease. There are terminal patients who ask nothing else but to have their favorite dish, or go visit a place that brings them so much happy memories. Simple desires, simple wishes.
All we need to do is to ASK... then you come to the question - "Ask who?"
In an effort to alleviate the pain of suffering, a group of young adults came together and created
GiveForward, a medical fundraising campaign to help make life a little easier for patients with cancer and other life-threatening or debilitating illness and/or injury. They help raise funds to cover medical expenses by moving people. Their innovative strategy of information dissemination through social media maximizes the effort a hundred fold.
The program is simple. All that is needed is to create a fundraiser campaign with GiveForward, and share your story on social media. You will be assigned a personal coach to achieve your goal. It is social mobilization at its best. As of this day, GiveForward has already helped raise $107,737,000 towards medical expenses!
I wish there was something like this when my dad was sick. No regrets though. I can still do my part to help those in need. I joined GiveForward's Ambassador Program. I will make a difference in this world. With the help of friends and family, I know I will.You can too!
Don't just sit and watch your loved one suffer from an illness. Do your part. Get Moving. Share #unexpectedjoy. GiveForward. You'll be surprised at how many caring hearts are out there.
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Luke 11:9)
This is a sponsored post. I have been compensated for my time. I feel fulfilled to reach out to caring individuals through this article.
For full disclosure, click here.
.jpg)
