Day 29 of 31 - Touch for Hunger!

Day 29 of 31 - Touch for Hunger!

If you have even one minute there’s something you can do to fight malnutrition around the world. By clicking @ the Hunger Site, you can help make a difference in the lives of those suffering from hunger.

Day 11 of 31 - Make a difference with your gifts

Make a difference with your holiday gifts by buying a Mercy Kit. These gifts can help people in need all over the world.

Honoring 9/11

Think there’s nothing you can do to help commemorate the memory of 9/11 in one minute?

Starring: Jack Halaby
Written by: Jessica Arinella & Cassandra Lizaire
Shot by: Cassandra Lizaire
Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks:
Martin Blair and everyone at The 9/11 Healing and Remembrance Program, & Dennis Arinella

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Help At-Risk Youth

While we were working on What You Can Do last year, my father suggested we team up with The Home for Little Wanderers. My father grew up in Boston and though he moved away years ago, he has stayed very involved in the community. The Home for Little Wanderers has been part of the Boston landscape for over 200 years, making it the oldest agency of its kind in the nation, and one of the largest in New England. Their mission is to: ensure the healthy behavioral, emotional, social and educational development of children and families living in at-risk circumstances.

We produced the video below that suggested ways to get your children involved with organizations like this. Today, however, I decided to do another one-minute action featured on their website. The Home for Little Wanderers is involved with the OneCause program. OneCause is an online community that helps you raise money for the participating organization of your choice while shopping at over 750 well-known merchants (from Amazon to Lands’ End).

Even though Father's Day is a few months away, I figured I'd double my gifts by buying a few books for my dad through this program. It's win win. Just click your favorite online store and automatically contribute a percentage of every eligible purchase to The Home.

And OneCause features a variety of organizations, so check them out, look for your favorite organization and give the gift that keeps giving. Visit Onecause.org to find out more information.

Thanks!
Alicia

Help someone fulfill a dream

Meet Allen. He has terminal prostate cancer and his last wish is to have a Hot Air Balloon Ride. Because of The Dream Foundation, he will be able to achieve this wish.

Allen has always described himself as “a person who sets out to achieve his dreams." After receiving the devastating diagnosis of terminal prostate cancer, Allen has realized that he must “seize the day” by achieving one of his final life dreams: “to feel the freedom and enjoy the view from a hot air balloon ride." He would like to take this ride “before his level of function decreases and this goal becomes physically impossible." Allen’s dream will grant him the happiness and hope he needs to continue on with his difficult journey.

My dad is a big fan of Hot Air Balloon rides. We took our first one over Phoenix, AZ when I was thirteen. Since then, he has flown above New Mexico, Utah and Sedona. My dad has jumped out of an airplane, and definitely doesn't shy away from a thrill, but he says that nothing compares with the peace he found while riding in a Hot Air Balloon.

When I came upon Allen's wish, I knew that I wanted to help to make it happen. Through Dream Foundation's Adopt a Dream Program , you can help contribute to someone's dream by making a donation, big or small, donating miles or hotel points.

Please check out this website, and if someone's story speaks to you, consider helping them achieve their dream.

thanks!

Alicia

An Interview With a WYCD Fan

Occasionally, we get emails from fans about different issues and/or organizations that have had an impact on their life. We love these! After all, What You Can Dowas created for the public as a way to encourage all of us to make small changes that can have a big impact. One email that recently came our way was from Chaz Southard. Chaz wanted to let us in on an organization that has had a major effect on his life. The organization is called justadollarplease.org and Chaz is not only a fan of theirs, but is also an active volunteer. Read below to find out more about Chaz and justadollarplease.org. And, as always, we'd like to hear from you - even if it's just to say hello and nice work!

Read our interview with Chaz below:

How did you get involved with justadollarplease.org?

Several years ago I sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) and I looked to the path of hope carved by Christopher Reeve. Christopher Reeve credits a neuroscientist by the name of Dr. Wise Young for opening up the possibilities of a cure. After I learned that Dr. Wise Young is now starting clinical trials in the United States with the goal of curing paralysis I wanted to contribute in any way possible. When I realized that I could offer some of my web design knowledge to contribute to this organization I jumped at the chance.

Why do you think it's an important organization?

Justadollarplease.org is an unique patient driven organization that directly contributes to initiating clinical trials to help cure spinal cord injury. Since ancient times, spinal cord injury has been a permanent condition that results in loss of motor and sensory function. This organization is the synthesis and collaboration between patients and scientists. It is the first organization that I’m aware of that promises that all funds will directly contribute to real life treatments and not basic laboratory science.

What is the importance of clinical trials?

Clinical trials are a critical step to developing treatments. In order for a discovery to receive FDA approval, a clinical trial needs to be conducted in order to provide evidence of safety and efficacy. Legitimate clinical trials also help to change paradigms. It is the most direct way for doctors and insurance companies to provide treatment to patients.

You volunteer for this organization, what has your volunteering experience been like?

As a person living with a spinal cord injury, I find great meaning and hope in volunteering my time and being an active part in creating a solution. It is immensely rewarding to help and be able to take part in changing history. I feel that my involvement is directly helping relieve suffering and is creating hope for those living with injuries.

If someone is inspired to help, what one-minute action can you recommend?

I would recommend reading about the history and mission of justadollarplease.org and contribute one dollar by clicking the “Donate” sign in upper right corner.

Is there anything else that you'd like people to know about this issue?

Every dollar matters. I think there’s a great opportunity here to help eradicate an injury that has plagued human beings since antiquity. People with SCI need support and treatments. No treatments exists. For comparison, nearly 50% of people with cancer have the opportunity to be randomized in clinical trials. This compares with less than 0.1% of people with spinal cord injuries. We need the support and awareness. Since the passing of Christopher Reeve many with this injury are lost and in need of a leader. This organization is part of making Christopher Reeve’s vision a reality.