I have a post written about stuff going on lately, but after a less than stellar night of sleep (three guesses on why) and having all kinds of internal rage this morning about stupid, meaningless things – I didn’t feel like posting something that sounded so chipper and upbeat. I then considered raging on here – because, who doesn’t love a good rage?
Instead, I decided to get sucked into watching videos from the charity I am running for in October. It started with this one… and it made me SO excited to run for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Chicago.
Then,YouTube sucked me in. I started watching videos about the families. I also started reading about them.
I pulled out the tissues.
I had a good cry.
And I gave myself a reality check and stopped feeling sorry for myself.
The reason I picked this charity is because what it does for families. 7 millions children and families. Yes, 7 MILLION.
In a time of crisis, this charity is there, ready and willing to help in any way they can. They provide shelter, food, and comfort to families when they need it most – without charge. Can we all agree that the last thing you ever need to worry about when you are dealing with a severe illness or prolonged hospital stay is where you’re going to sleep and what you’re going to eat?
The Ronald McDonald houses become homes. The strangers who work there and other who are living there become family. They help people – kids and adults together – realize that they are NEVER alone and there is always a shoulder to cry on and person to vent to (and with).
I can only pray that we will never have to be a RMHC family, but I will do all that I can to raise money for this amazing organization.
So, if you too are having a first world problems kind of Monday – check out these families. Considering their circumstances, they are so full of hope and determination – and gratefulness and love.
http://youtu.be/UM9CW__eRJE
It’s organizations like this that assure me there really are GOOD people out there. This is really such a fantastic charity. If you look up the stats, you can see that 90% of the money donated goes towards intended programs and it is highly ranked for both accountability and transparency. That was also VERY important to me. I didn’t want to raise money for an organization if it was going to end up in someone else’s pockets.
And if you feel so inspired, considering donating to RMHC. Whether it’s through my campaign, somebody else’s campaign, or direct, I don’t really care. It’s all about the kids, man. OR you too could run Chicago!! 26.2 miles is NOTHING compared to what these families have, are, and will continue to go through.
Are you with me on the Crappy Monday Train? Have you ever considered running for charity??
PS – If you wanted to feel good about buying McDonald’s Happy Meals – restaurants donate a penny from every Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal purchase to support RMHC programs and services. Yes, it’ just a penny, and yes it’s McDonald’s, but it can still help you rationalize it.