--This post was written by Allison M. Rich in the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Development office
The holiday season tends to direct our thoughts toward the subject of giving, be it the giving of holiday gifts, the giving of our time, or giving towards cancer research.
While we, at the Kimmel Cancer Center, celebrate the generosity behind the largest gifts we receive which fund new medical equipment, cutting edge clinical trials, and innovative bench research, the reality is that such a large scale of giving is simply not possible for many of us. In light of such big gifts, it is easy to feel that one person’s $50 donation just doesn’t make much of a dent in cancer research. However, when a community of individuals comes together, the impact of giving is magnified in a way that is truly impactful – and not just in the fiscal sense.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer is not only an opportunity to raise money for the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Sibley Memorial, and Suburban Hospitals – it is an opportunity to be a part of something even bigger. Instead of just writing a personal check for $50, you could amplify your giving by registering to ride and collecting the $2,500 participation donation from friends and family. Or maybe you would rather get your office involved by forming a team that will work together to support not just cancer research, but each other as well. Or perhaps volunteering your time to encourage and assist riders during their 150 mile journey is more your style.
No matter how you might choose to give this holiday season, we look forward to working side by side to magnify our impact and conquer cancer – together.