Ambivalent

I think that we all have given enough - but they (ACS, KOMEN, etc) count on us fundraising because we are the face of cancer and survivorship.  So we feel like we should do more.  But really we should do what we want.

I do have a komen team every year and I raise a fair amount of money - most stays local in our case - I also am glad that they send a report on where that money goes locally each year so I feel like I know what I am fundraising for. 

I also do occaisionally donate to American Cancer Society but always directly to Hope House (which was formerly Gildas) because I know what happens with those funds too.

And I directly work with and volunteer with survivors because I can see what a difference it makes in each person's life.

I have never gone to a single relay for life as a survivor.  I don't raise tens of thousands of dollars for avon or revlon 3 day walks, or livestrong.  I may some day but right now I am working on my little corner of the world and that is ok because that is what I believe is fixable, improvable.  I just don't think me walking for 3 days and raising a ton of money (which I could probaqbly do) will be the cure - maybe I am wrong.

And as far as sympathy - girl, you have had your hands full BUT I have never seen anyone handle themselves and their situations, some not nearly as tough as yours have been with as much grace and dignity.  So I don't give you my sympathy, I give you my awe.  You inspire me (and others I am sure) to do more with each day, to get more out of each day, and to see the positive in most situations. 

I'm with you...I guess I'm still new at all this, not even a year yet.  After the shock of my dx wore off I was ready to get all things bubblegum pink & wave my flag but not so much anymore.  Maybe I'm entering in a new phase of this journey or something and if I'm having a paranoia day, I don't want anything to do with any of it at all.  I'm all mixed up right now, maybe as time goes I'll be a Rosie the Rivetor again.  Before I do I'd like those same questions answered.

I understand also. I have done many fundraisers, am the main person at my work (small business) that when anybody is in need I take up the collections, go get what the family needs and donate a little more than the others. Well, here I am, haven't worked in a month and a half due to my emotional problems dealing with this cancer and only one person from work has done anything to help me. On top of that, I was informed that they were all doing the Susan Komen walk and were bragging about how much money everyone was donating. Well, don't get me wrong, I appreciate that, but here I am, trying to decide if I am going to have to sell my vehicle, which I won't get much money for because it needs some work and has over 100,000 miles on it, so my husband and I will have to share a car. I am going back to work this week, very part time, kinda got the emotions under control. I am on my feet with physical work, so it won't be easy. I also wonder where all the money goes, I am hoping the majority goes to research like they say, but there is definately a need for financial support for those going through this. I think of all the single women that are going though this and and wonder how they get through it. If the worse I have to do is sell a car.... well that is not so bad!

Sorry to rant on your post, but you brought up an interesting point.

Hi spunkygirl, I first wanted to say I am so sorry you are in the place that you are right now this journey, experience or what ever you want to call it is so hard and frustrating and irritating...I am not into pink and I do not think Breast cancer is a big pink ribbon.... I do believe in the American Cancer Society they have helped me like no other group, I called Komen no one answered the phone I never got to speak to anyone.....I do want to tell you the money for the ACS is very well used and not only for research. I got rides from cab companies or volunteers at no cost to me to any Dr. appointments I needed to go to if I could not get a ride etc... never had to pay a dime or worry about how I was going to get there or get home, you get 21 free rides per ACS calender year. I got my prosthetics, bra and some wigs I also could call them 24 hrs a day and talk to someone , at one point I was going to quit chemo and they transferred me to an oncologist and she gave me great facts and advise. They gave me so much info and I have passed it on to people who don't really know what to do and not just for breast cancer. I have hated every day of this breast cancer nightmare... but the ACS is awesome and they have helped me tremendously.

Honey, you have so much on your plate.  Don't feel like you have to do more!  I'm also very ambivalent about fundraisers.  I did one RFL, had fun and played the cancer card to extreme to raise money.  Did it once, don't feel the need to do it again.  SGK?  have never had an interest in doing the 3 day and I am a bit cynical about that organization.  Maybe unfounded, but there ya go.  I sometimes resent the fact that because I've had breast cancer I get invited to all these SGK 3 day fundraisers.  And no...I don't donate.  Sorry...cancer put me in the poor house so I've donated plenty, thanks   So, don't feel like you're the only one that ambivalent.

You are amazing.  Amazingly amazing.  Don't forget that.  Cuz I'm always right.  

Yep, a November birthday for me.