If you have been reading up on my friend, Phil, who happens to be battling Multiple Myeloma. Then you know that I am committed to helping him and I am also making a commitment to help others like him. For several months now, I have been contemplating whether or not to start a foundation, that will help people diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and their families by making it easier on them with day to day struggles.
We all know that there are dozen of foundations for just about every type of cancer that is strictly set up for funding research to not only find the cure, but to also find new treatments that are proven to help fight the disease. These foundations are vital and are very important. However, there are little to no resources for people who have a need because of the disease they have been dealt with leaves them financially broken or destitute.
As I have mentioned previously, Phil was in desperate need of a lift chair. I am happy to say that he does in fact have his chair, and from what I have been told it is being put to good use. Let me just give you a run down on how he spent his days prior to receiving this chair. Due to the fact that the disease attacks bone marrow, his hips and shoulders are now plagued with dead bone. Which is extremely painful and makes it very difficult to stand, sit, and walk for very long periods of time. Most days he would just lay in bed because the sofa was too hard and painful to get in and out of. He will eventually have surgery for hip and shoulder replacements and the chair will indeed be useful to him. For now it makes it easier for him to spend time with his family instead of just laying in bed all the time. I had the privilege to see him enjoying the comfort of his chair while chatting with his wife, Jen, via skype. You have no idea how seeing him enjoying his chair made me realize that the money that was raised for this purpose was instrumental in solidifying my decision.
There are others that need this very thing. Insurances do not cover such necessities even with a doctors order, which Phil did have. There are others that also need help with making a mortgage payment, utility payment, gas for going back and forth to the doctors, groceries, etc... A non profit organization would open so many doors for these people. Give them breathing room and all around make it easier to cope.
I have entered a contest sponsored by MomCentral that will be open for the public to vote for the top five contestants to be able to receive $2000.00 in grant money to use for whatever they want. My submission was based on my non profit organization. The voting will start on March 1st. I am hoping that anyone that reads this will take the time and visit the site and vote for me. I will post a reminder on February 28th with the link.
Let me just say that with or without the grant, I will do whatever it takes to make The Phil Kenderes Multiple Myeloma Legacy Foundation a reality. If you want to contribute to this need, please feel free to donate here and rest assured that it will go to a much needed cause.
6 comments:
Hi Mindy, David over at workingwithme.com asked me if I would post this on my blog to help you promote your efforts to win the contest and in turn, help out a fellow Myeloma Warrior.
I wish you, Phil and his family, all the best in many areas, but most pressing, the opportunity for you to win the contest. Please do get the particulars out for everyone and leave a comment on my blog post if you wish to direct everyone.
Good luck!
Best,
Lori Puente
www.loripuente.com
PS I will send out on the Myeloma List Serv as well.
Lori Puente: I do not know what to say other than thank you so very much to you and Dave from the bottom of my heart. I will get all the info as fast as I can.
I read this to Phil (while sitting in his chair), and he is so very touched and amazed at the thought of someone wanting to help him battle this disease. Your an amazing friend, more like family than you will ever know, and PS: you know your not suppose to make Phil cry before noon. Thank you.
Lori, My husband also has MM & he deals with extreme pain everyday.I think it is great what u r doing for Phil. You r right there is not enough done for people dibilitaded with this disease. I will cast my vote on March 1st to help your cause & I hope others from the cool list do as well.
Lori, Thank you for helping Phil! I too know how horrible this cancer is. My husband who is only 44 & has been dealing with the pain of this cancer for the last 7 years.We know first hand the lack of help available for people who can no longer work or even run & play with their children because of this disease.It is great you r helping Phil. My husband & I will b caasting our votes on the 1st of March! I hope everyone on the list will do the same. It is great to share our experiences on the list but even better if we help someone too!
Jen: I have always wanted a purpose in life... I believe that helping others in need has always been mine. Just never realized it fully until now. I may have the desire to put this all together but the strength, wisdom and perserverance comes from God. There is a reason that this is going to take off and why you and Phil will be a part of it.
As far as Phil getting all weepy, that is just a conformation that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing. :0)
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