COMPASSION - Seeing campaigns that need support, that is going to make an impact in the lives of those around us, and personal connection. This can trigger an emotional response
BEING ASKED - People want to know that they are personally invited to contribute
TIME OF THE YEAR - Holidays and the end of the year before tax season are time when donors are motivated to contribute
FEELINGS OF SATISFACTION - Giving provides you with a good feeling. Our bodies are rewarded with dopamine when we help others (yes, that's the happy chemical released by our brain's happy center)
As I reflect on the organization/non-profit that I support and want to share with you today, I will start off with sharing the reasons why I choose to give to this organization.
COMPASSION - Supporting an organization that will make an impact in the lives of people I know is not even close to why I support this one. As a young child, I was taught about this brain condition that I would forever live with, and 1950's technology that would forever be a part of me. As a young child, my parents carefully took note of signs of possible malfunctions. As a young child, CT scans and X-rays became something that I was familiar with. No child should have to get used to have 6-10 X-rays for a Shunt series scan. I am not the only one that has this brain condition, there are children, young adults, adults, and seniors everywhere dealing with situations due to Hydrocephalus. All our stories are different, none are the same.
BEING ASKED - I ask everyone! Consider giving to an organization that is working on finding a cure! We need a cure, we need to move past 1950's technology that was created by a machinist. We need to lower the amount of brain surgeries that happen everyday to individuals of all ages because of hydrocephalus. I am asking anyone to take time to learn about this scary medical term hydrocephalus means. Ask questions, don't just be frightened by a word. I encourage you to feel empowered!
TIME OF THE YEAR - There is never a better time to give to an organization. You can always report your contributions on your tax return, its not just those made in November and December. Brain surgeries are not selective on the time of year or time of the day. Hydrocephalus is the number one reason for brain surgery in children.
FEELINGS OF SATISFACTION - Giving provides you with a good feeling. Knowing that I am supporting an organization that is the largest not for profit aiming to find a cure for hydrocephalus is incredible. Knowing that I am one of many individuals that seek to live our days without worrying about a brain condition that could malfunction at any moment, makes me want to fight harder, advocate stronger, and raise incredible amounts of money.
The HYDROCEPHALUS ASSOCIATION serves as the primary nexus for research on hydrocephalus, a condition defined by an abnormal, excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cavities of the brain. Hydrocephalus affects over 1 million people in the U.S. alone. Approximately 1-2 babies for every 1000 births are born with hydrocephalus, but anyone can get hydrocephalus at any time though a brain injury or infections, among other reasons, or as part of the aging process.
Each fall, as I am preparing to attend a fundraiser WALK for the HYDROCEPHALUS ASSOCIATION walk - I invite friends and family through Facebook and email to support me as I walk to raise awareness and support the Hydrocephalus Association. I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus at 4 weeks and underwent my first brain surgery at 5 weeks of age. Since them I have had five surgeries because of malfunction and adjustment, but I am very fortunate. I have friends may age, younger and older that have had many more surgeries than that! All money raised at the HA Walks fund hydrocephalus research as well as HA programs that provide support, education and awareness.
Finally, I am asking YOU - Give to your passion, give to the organization that you are compassionate about and the one that makes you feel good about giving to them. I also ask you to consider giving $10.00 to an organization that will make an impact in lives of all ages, to mothers and fathers that are hearing the frightening word that their child has been diagnosed with. Your $10.00 will support the children that walk into their classrooms this year feeling that they are different from everyone, the students that are told they cannot play a contact sport because they have a shunt in their body. This $10.00 will make an impact.
How to Give - Elizabeth's Hydrocephalus WALK donation page
More Information about Hydrocephalus - Hydrocephalus Association
