SPF for SPF

I'm going to try to do my part to support my first cause by Saving Pennies For SPF, the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation.

The goal of the Penny Campaign is to collect one million pennies -- $10,000.00. I'm coming into the game at the final stretch (they will be announcing this year's total at the 2007 Annual National Conference in April), but better late then never.

I'll have a jar on my desk and at my house, and I'm obviously encouraging everyone else to do the same. Contact me or the foundation to make your contribution... my coworkers and friends can swing by and drop some pennies in my jar.

I'm overwhelmed

The support of my friends, as usual, has been amazing. You know who you are, and I hope you know how much it means to me.

I had to write this post to say THANK YOU, on behalf of my family, the Merz... and me. It's less about the money and more about the love.

A friend in need, is a friend...

Indeed, a good family friend of mine was recently diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, which has spread to his liver. Since a small stomach pain sent Dave Merz to the doctor less than a month ago, it has been a scary whirlwind for his very close-knit family.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths; it is silent, usually untreatable, and almost always fatal. Insurance will cover 80% of the medical expenses, but mortgage payments, groceries, and the daily cost of living for a family of 5 will be very tough without Dave. In the words of Dave's cousin, Carmen:

Dave and Lyla, the proud parents of a son age 20, daughter age 17, and identical twin boys who will turn 10 in May, were a little hesitant when approached about the cousins asking for donations, because they didn't want people to think they themselves were asking. I told them they are not asking, people are giving. There's a big difference.

I'll add one more point: Every dollar helps. I'm sending 10 of my own and, for the time being, all donations to All My Causes will be sent to Dave and his family.

So, how can you help?

1. Make a direct, tax deductible donation by sending a check to St. Anthony Church, with "Dave Merz" in the subject line. Send checks to:

Carmen Sauer
620 1/2 South Pearl Street
Columbus, Ohio 43206-1017

2. Donate to All My Causes through PayPal (the link is on my homepage), and I'll forward it on to St. Anthony's.