Paying it Forward

SelenaWolf

During treatment, I made a decision that I'd like to "... give back ..." in some way.  I mean, I was extremely lucky given that my mammograms didn't pick up my cancer and, yet, I still found it in "early stage" through a self exam.  I feel like I've been given a second chance.  However, I don't want to get involved in breast cancer awareness.  I know, that - having "been there" - I would be a good advocate, but ... it's still just a little too raw right now.

So, I've been delving into various charities, wondering what would appeal.  Homelessness?  Literacy?  Teen mentoring?  Children at risk?  School breakfast programmes?  Has anyone else experienced this need to "... pay it forward..."?

Luah

Definitely. I'm starting in as an adult literacy tutor this spring. Literacy has been a pet issue of mine for some time (I have an English degree and make my living in communications), but I've never felt motivated enough to actually step up and do anything about it. After cancer, I did. 

barsco1963

Absolutely - I have always been a big fan of paying it forward. I have had such terrific support from my family, friends and co-workers that I have been doing a lot of thinking about how I can go about paying it forward. There are so many opportunities out there, all of them very worthwhile. For now I am not committing to any one cause, but just making myself available to friends and family who need assistance with anything from childcare to helping with flowerbeds to making a meal for a neighbour.

My thoughts are also leading me more towards education of bc and metastatic bc. Before my dx I was very naive as to what bc is and can be. Unfortunately it didn't take me long to learn all about it. I am not sure at this point as to how I am going to go about it, but have some ideas - writing local papers, fundraising specifically for MBC etc.