I lost my mom to lung cancer. My mom lived a very clean life, she never drank, never smoked, was never around smokers or smoke-filled environments—she didn’t even eat sweets or fatty foods. There are ads about the connection between smoking and lung cancer and that is important to know. But there’s not much out there that says nonsmokers get lung cancer. This is a disease that anyone can get; it’s the number one cancer killer and it urgently needs more research and attention. But that all-important research needs funding ... and that’s where we can all pitch in and help.
Losing my mom was devastating—she was my best friend. Any special occasions like holidays, birthdays, and really life in general will never be the same again. Lots of things lost a lot of meaning. I have a birthday coming up and thought it would be a good platform for a fundraiser. I could commemorate and celebrate my mom and her life—while raising money for lung cancer research that will contribute toward saving other lives. This is my way of attempting to restore some purpose and meaning again. Hence the hashtag #makeitmeansomething.
With my fundraiser, I wanted to incorporate my background as a Television Producer/Director. I’ve been working in the entertainment industry for over 20 years (gulp!). My experience, passion for creating content and storytelling was a skillset available to me so it was natural for me to incorporate those elements. Fundraising efforts usually come from personal experiences—and those stories and voices need to be heard and shared … storytelling is what I do—except this time, it was my story.
I couldn’t be happier with my choice in working with LUNGevity. From the initial conversation to every email, to every idea I have pitched—all of it has been met with kindness, enthusiasm and tremendous support.
Family and friends are everything to me—the people and the moments shared are what make life worthwhile. My mom was my best friend and the best person I have ever known—I miss her terribly. So I'm doing this fundraiser not only to honor my mother and to help others but to remind the federal government that behind all of those staggering statistics on lung cancer are people … mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, husbands, wives—loved ones who are devastated by this disease—and we have to do all we can to fast-track research so we can better treat this disease. We all have to step up and help. I’d love for everyone to help. I’d love for you to view my video and see how I’m making it mean something.