Death is inevitable. Yes I know it is a strange way to start a post, but it’s the easiest way for me to say it I suppose. There is something about death that has been swirling around in my mind for awhile now. Well that and cancer, because lets face it – Cancer SUCKS! So I think we can agree with both things – Death is inevitable, and Cancer SUCKS!
So now that I have your attention, I ask that you continue reading, but I do ask for some forgiveness for everything to make sense as I am about to jump around before I bring it all together.
I have raised money towards three efforts/causes so far in 2014.
1. Homelessness
2. Frannie’s Fanny Packs (FFP)
3. HIV/AIDS
I’ve learned something very important through fundraising for these three causes, and that is people willingly give money to causes and efforts they can relate to, but to those causes that don’t hit home, or don’t make sense they are so much easier to pass by. I’ve noticed that more so with FFP than any of the other two causes. My guess is that people don’t take the time to read what Frannie’s Fanny Packs are about (I don’t fully blame them). How it helps those battling Pancreatic Cancer find a bit of normalcy, but more importantly dignity during their battle with this evil disease. You see there is a less than 15% survival rate for those diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. I can easily name off 5 people (mixture of celebrities and those I know personally) who have died as a result of this particular form of cancer, and yet I can only name ONE survivor (a personal friend).
Part of the treatment for this form of cancer requires a chemo drug to be administered slowly over a course of time. Most people when receiving chemo sit in a room while the drug is pumped into their port. For pancreatic cancer patients the pouch of chemo is attached to them for a matter of days as it is administered so slowly. Cancer has already changed their life drastically, but this creates discomfort and even more of an oddity when going out in public. For those with hair loss as a result of chemo, perhaps they can wear a wig if they choose, or a hat, bandana, etc. This pouch is not easy to hide, unless it is stored in a Fanny Pack. Frannie’s sister found her a bit of a fancy pack for her to wear, so not only was it purposeful, but it was a bit stylish, and as fellow patients at Brittonfield saw what Frannie was wearing they began requesting them as well. So you may be thinking, what’s the point…why can’t family members just go out and buy these cancer patients a fanny pack? My answer to this is simple…LEGACY. We all die at some point, it is inevitable. For many it is thought to be too soon. For Frannie Borland, it was far too soon. She left behind a husband and three children, six siblings, and many other family members and friends, but she also left behind something else that is important. Her legacy as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, co-worker, etc. She remains in the hearts of many, but why not allow her to live in the hearts of strangers? Of those who are battling the same disease she did. Of those who will fight the same way she did. You see Frannie’s legacy lives on in each one of these fanny packs that is passed on to cancer patients, whether in Central New York, or down in New York City, or wherever they may be passed on to. It provides comfort to those who receive them, not just in providing dignity, but comfort in knowing someone was there before them, fighting the same fight.
Frannie’s Fanny Packs may not be a cause or effort that many are familiar with, which means it is up to me to spread the word about what it is. FFP isn’t just about a fanny pack, it’s about keeping Frannie’s memory and legacy alive. I ask that you consider making a donation in support of Frannie’s Fanny Packs. Each fanny pack costs roughly $20 as it is embroidered with “Frannie’s Fanny Packs” on it, and a 4-leaf clover in honor of her Irish heritage. It has been my goal since the beginning of this cause to raise $1,000. I am just over $400 away from this mark and I would love to reach this goal by September 6, 2014 when I run the ARC Half Marathon in Syracuse, NY.
Thank you all for reading this far, and most importantly thank you all for your support. If you have questions, suggestions, or just comments you can feel free to email me at runnin4areason@yahoo.com.
