Become A Partner In Hope

Today I became a partner in hope!

Ever feel like you did something that made you feel fulfilled? Something truly rewarding? I’ll tell you, I have just committed to something that made feel ecstatic.

This morning I got into my car, started the engine, and did what I always do before leaving the driveway for work, and that is to turn on the country radio station. As I am cruising down the road one of my favorite songs came on. First I thought; maybe a bit sad to start the day, but before you know it I found myself signing along.

The song was coming to the end when I merged onto the freeway. I was still thinking about the lyrics that I heard the host say, “Become a partner in hope today to help end childhood cancer.”

I realized it was about that time of the year again that the local country radio did the “become-a-partner-in-hope” campaign to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So, I continued to listen.

They played a series of stories from children who survived cancer and how much they wanted to give back. They interviewed parents who’d lost their children to cancer, yet all they wanted to do was to dedicate the rest of their lives helping other children and parents in their fight. And there were hospital staff who prided themselves in helping find a cure for the childhood cancer. They all had one thing in common; sad beginnings but hopeful endings!

Next came on a mother who told a gut-wrenching story about her daughter’s diagnosis. “My daughter was a normal, happy kid. One day she was playing in the yard where all of sudden she collapsed. We rushed her to the hospital. They ran a bunch of tests and diagnosed her with…,” she cried.

Right then that terrifying feeling of uncertainty, the fear, the fact that she could be any of us struck me. The feeling was quite different this time; much deeper than the last time I’d listened to St. Jude stories. I realized it had hit me harder this time because my wife and I had just had our own baby for the first time. Something I had never felt before until she was born; that inexpressible love, the sweet and precious touch of the baby. She’s only six months old. What if this happens to my…?! I felt terrified thinking about it. I could never handle it.

As I listened to the rest of the stories I remembered thinking, I should probably donate some money. I asked my self, what’s stopping you? Where does the second thought come from? Is it too good to be true? Is it easier to just ignore it? I was not sure.

“At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, no family receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all they should worry about is helping their child live,” reminded listeners the radio host. “Many families come to St. Jude thinking it’s like any other hospital. Because of our supporters, families never receive a bill,” he continued.

What a noble cause, an amazing act of love. I want to be a part of this. I want to be a partner in hope, I told myself. I decided to make a pledge. So, as soon as I got to my office I called St. Jude’s hospital and made a pledge for a small monthly donation.

I still don’t know exactly why I felt the way I felt. Maybe I am terrified that this could happen to my children. Maybe I am hoping if I make a pledge it will immune my family, or maybe it just feels good to be part of a great cause. Whatever it is it feels different. It gives me hope, and most importantly it reminds me how lucky I am to have a healthy family.

If I can do it you can do it. PLEASE JOIN ME IN BECOMING A PARTNER IN HOPE TODAY >>

Anyways, this is my story, I would love to hear yours. Please submit a comment below and let me know. It would mean a world to me to know you made a donation after reading this.

Thank you!