According to Dr. Gregory Armstrong, a researcher and pediatric oncologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who led the federally funded Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, there are about 450,000 pediatric cancer survivors today. This is not only great news for the hundreds of thousands of children but multiply those children by the number of immediate and extended family, you will quickly see that these little warriors each have their own personal universe.
Your holiday gift to charities that support childhood cancer and blood disorders works as an anchor and a rocket ship. As an anchor, it allows the charity to provide their core offerings. As a rocket ship, it allows them to expand their menu of services to better accommodate their patient's needs.
Consider these five reasons as you contemplate making an end of year gift:
1. THE STAGGERING FACTS
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among U.S. children. In 2015 it was estimated that there would be 10,380 new cases of cancer in children ages 0 to 14 years. The Global initiative reinforces these staggering facts by stating that 200,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year and there are 300,000 children born with red blood cell disorders every single year.
2. BRING HOLIDAY JOY TO ALL
Holidays are a time of joy and happiness for most families, but caring for a sick child is an emotional and financial strain on parents and other family members. They often struggle to provide every day comforts to their children, often there is little or no money left for holiday gift. Your holiday contribution would help alleviate that financial strain and allow the families to have a sense of normalcy in their turbulent lives.
3. MORE THAN MONEY
There are many ways you can help a pediatric cancer and blood disorders charity. You can make a financial contribution, hold a gift card drive, plan an event, donate toys, make an in-kind donation, volunteer, or many employers even offer matching gifts opportunities. The possibilities are endless! Many people have the misconception that helping a charity is only about monetary giving but your time and energy are just as valuable!
4. IT BENEFITS YOU
Not only will you get the joy of giving during the holiday season but you can receive a tax deduction for your holiday gift. Picking an IRS 501c3 organization allows most donations to be deductible under law and at the advice of your tax adviser. The return of giving can be beneficial for all parties involved!
5. THE TRUE MEANING OF THE HOLIDAY
Holiday giving is something your family can do together. The holidays have become so secularized, that the true meaning is often lost in the presents and stress of the holiday. Have your family give a donation in place of a gift or sign up for an event as a way to bring your family together.
Finally, what infuses your giving with deeper meaning? Is it directing a meaningful gift to a foundation in your area? Do you wish to earmark your gift for a specific service? Would you rather give your time? Help send a kid to college? This holiday season, we take off our hats to every single one of the hundreds of thousands of childhood cancer survivors, and the millions of family members who will hold them closely as they celebrate their family traditions together.
