So what is Team Baby Luke? Team Baby Luke is everything you are doing, in your small way to help. Maybe you're praying for Luke, maybe you're sharing Luke's story with others, maybe you're visiting his tired parents in the hospital. Maybe you're his doctor, saving his life, or maybe you're just someone who found this blog and you're reading it on your lunch break. Whatever you're doing to help, thank you.
Team Baby Luke is also a fundraiser. I have started a Run Carla Run Project: Team Baby Luke fundraising page on FirstGiving.com. All donations go to Alex's Lemonade Stand. I know you read that and are now very confused.
What is Alex's Lemonade Stand? It's a charity started that comes from humble beginnings. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $100 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 475 research projects nationally. For more information, go to www.alexslemonade.org.
So let's recount: a 4 year old, a VERY SICK 4 year old, started a charity that has gone on to raise more than $100 million dollars. That is more than inspiring. That is a miracle. And it's proof that one small person can set into motion a tidal wave of love, success, achievement, and hope. That's what we need right now, a tidal wave of hope, a bright light to shine through the darkness and light the way.
And what will I be doing along the way? Running. So much running. I will explain more about the adventure of running in Elba, but let me just say, Elba taught me that you just have to keep going. If you can take one more step, than you can keep going. Don't think about the mountain you have to climb, think about the next tiny step you can take. You can take one more step, can't you? Then take it. And keep taking the next step, and then next, and the next after that.
My next step is to encourage you to check out Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and then my fundraising page (http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/runcarlarunproject/TeamBabyLuke-2). The goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of the year for ALSF. I know, you're thinking, "Carla, that is a lot of money. Maybe temper your expectations." EXCUSE ME?! Did we not just discuss how a 4 year old instigated over $100 million dollars in donations. ONE HUNDRED MILLION! $10,000 a drop in the bucket. Plus I'm sure I'm going to be taking AT LEAST 10,000 steps as I train for my next marathon in...BRAZIL! Also, just to titalate you, I'm going to run a half-marathon in Transylvania. It's called the Dracula half-marathon. THAT TITLE ALONE IS WORTH $10,000.
So, check it out. Check it out on Instagram (https://instagram.com/runcarlarunproject), check it out on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/150453051730323/) and DEFINITELY check it out at FirstGiving (http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/runcarlarunproject/TeamBabyLuke-2). Even if you just read it, that's the first step. Maybe telling people is the second step. And maybe finding your own Baby Luke in your own life and helping them in your own way is the next step. Take whatever steps you can to help whoever you can, whenever you can. I am taking these steps for this little guy. Who are you taking steps for? Go and set out on your journey. I hope to see you along the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment