Are you volunteering yet? No? What the heck!? Maybe you’re struggling to find a cause. How do people like you find themselves doing good?
I’ll be straight – I haven’t always been this into the whole volunteer scene. It took a motivating cause to get me moving. That motivating cause was, and still is, the American Liver Foundation (ALF). It started with my participation in a few fundraising walks and races and, this year, it’s going to bring me across the Boston Marathon finish line.
Why livers? To paraphrase myself, it’s a story that’s old news to my friends and family, but an everyday reminder that miracles happen.
My uncle Bob has a lot going for him. He’s got a killer sense of humor. He keeps his lawn impeccable. He’s a role model. He’s worked with kids battling substance abuse. Hands down, he’s the most talented athlete ever to come out of this family. He is both a loving and obedient husband to his beautiful (and patient!) wife.
Oh, and Bob’s also a survivor of liver disease.
Liver disease doesn’t define who Bob is, but it certainly has changed who he is. That’s because Bob is one of the lucky few to receive a second chance at life, and he’s living it to the fullest.
Waiting for word of Bob’s transplant, worrying about the procedure, watching him struggle and, now, survive… that’s why livers are my cause. Without ALF’s work, our family would be missing a very important person. Bob is a daily inspiration, but who knows where he’d be now without ALF. That’s why I’m running the 2011 Boston Marathon with ALF’s Run for Research® Team.
If you love livers, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities happening now!
A Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-Your-Chance Volunteer Event:
- April 18th - BAA Boston Marathon® Water Stop: come cheer on (me!… and) thousands of runners! ALF’s team hosts a Wellesley water stop from 8am-1pm. Sign up in time and you’ll receive an official volunteer jacket – but spots go fast! Contact Jen Fluder [email protected] PRONTO.
Some upcoming volunteer events (to participate, contact Lauren Gainor [email protected]):
- February 12 - Love Your Liver Long Run: join ALF for one of the most exciting long runs of the season where runners (like me!) dress in their most festive Valentine’s gear! ALF needs volunteers for water stops, sweeper cars, and bag trucks beginning at 9:00am
- March 26 - Long Run: the last long run before marathon Monday, this is a crucial training tool for the team! Over 50 volunteers are needed at a variety of locations beginning at 7:45am
- April 17 - Salute to the Team Brunch: one of the most inspiring events of the season, celebrate those who have worked tirelessly to train and fundraise! ALF needs dedicated volunteers who can work at various registration and check-in stations. Volunteers are expected to arrive by 8:15am at the Westin Copley Place Hotel, and each volunteer is allowed to bring one guest free of charge to the brunch
- April 18 - Boston Marathon: On race day, they need a handful of assertive volunteers who will work our shower and massage check-in stations. Volunteers should arrive at the Westin Copley Place Hotel by 12:30pm
- Anytime! - Office Volunteers: always welcome!
What’s your motivating cause?
Great cause. Both my father and father in law died of liver cancer. It is a horrible disease.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ONEin3 Boston and Meg, Meg. Meg said: RT @ONEin3: BOOM! @mreils brings us her Uncle Bob and how his story motivates her. http://ht.ly/3H5Lt [...]