Emily’s GOLDEN BIRTHDAY: A Birthday and Survivorship Celebration Benefitting SCCCF!
I received an e-mail from one of our readers, Emily King, on September 1st that read, “I was just reading through the bulletin and had a thought. I would really like to participate in a virtual run/walk this fall. I haven't been able to find any, so I'm wondering if we could do one to benefit SCCCF. It would be great exercise and a way to raise money!”
Of course, I was intrigued by her idea... not only because it could raise a few dollars for SCCCF (especially when so many other fundraising efforts have been thwarted due to COVID-19) but it also reinforces the active lifestyle that “Survive, Thrive & Be Fit” tries to promote for cancer patients and survivors (especially during a time when COVID-19 has reduced the number of those activities)!
Since then Emily and I have been kicking around a few ideas. Despite the limited time to organize and promote a fall event, with Emily’s enthusiasm and the support of her family and friends, I am pleased to announce a VIRTUAL fall fundraising event simply called “Emily’s Golden Birthday!”
You see, on October 26th, Emily will turn 26... and that makes it her “Golden Birthday”! So Emily is inviting her family, her friends and anyone else who is interested to celebrate with her while supporting the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund!
It’s simple. Choose a physical activity that you enjoy and simply commit to doing it in the 26 days leading up to her 26th birthday (October 1st to October 26th)! For example, you could pick one of those days and do 26 push-ups. Or you could commit to doing 26-minutes of any form of exercise every day for 26 days! Maybe you want to go for a 26-minute walk, jog 26 kilometers (about 16 miles) or ride your bike 26 miles either in one day or over the 26 days. You pick the activity and the duration (even if it has nothing to do with the number 26)! Do it on your own or team up with others (while following COVID-19 precautions). Then... DO IT!
After you’ve made the commitment, set the goal or have completed the effort, just register for “Emily’s Golden Birthday” (forms coming soon) and make a donation to SCCCF!
With a minimum donation of $6.76 (26 x 26), you will be eligible for a drawing (a list of prizes will be available by October 1st) and you may submit a photo and comments (birthday wishes to Emily and/or words of support for area cancer patients/survivors or SCCCF) via “Emily’s Golden Birthday” page in the PHOTO section of our website (www.scccf.org/contests)!
Participate at the $26 level and receive a SCCCF-logoed knit hat, beanie, baseball cap, lunch cooler (while supplies last) or comparable incentive item along with five chances in the drawing!
I recently had a chance to talk to Emily about her cancer experience. She shared her story that included her unexpected non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis at the age of 23 followed by a failed course of treatment and then a new approach that has been effective. Along the way, she got engaged and married Mike in August of this year! Watch the next issue of the Local Cancer Community Update to read more about Emily’s story and to find out how you can participate in “Emily’s GOLDEN BIRTHDAY” event!