Cancer Challenge 2009 Deep Thoughts

So, Blake and I have become involved again with the Cancer Challenge fund raising effort through Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and this year it holds even more special meaning for me.

Last year, we helped raise money for brain tumor research and it was an amazing experience. We were able to tour the Comprehensive Cancer Center and meet doctors, we learned about cancer-treating procedures and what research they would be involved in specifically.

This year was a little different, but it got me thinking in a new way. You see, this year we are raising money for lung cancer research. And this year, we simply met with other members of our team and were educated on the statistics associated with lung cancer. I was amazed at the lack of funding for this devastating disease. This is how our Cancer Challenge web site states it, “Due in part to the stigma associated with smoking and the low survival rate, lung cancer has historically held limited appeal for patient advocacy. In turn, funding for lung cancer research continues to lag behind other diseases both in terms of total dollar amount and amount per patient afflicted.” www.wfucancerchallenge.org

Wow. The “stigma associated with smoking.” Basically, they are saying that as a society, we have decided that because people have a choice to begin or continue smoking that they are somehow less worthy of advocacy when they become afflicted with lung cancer. That hit me deep.

This may seem a bit of a stretch to you, but hang with me here. What if God had said “due to your decision to begin and continue sinning, you are not worthy of my forgiveness.” That would mean no Jesus, no grace, no heaven. Let’s be honest, we would be ruined.

Thankfully, He didn’t. Thankfully, rather than leaving us behind, he sent his son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin. And we didn’t even make any promises that we would stop sinning!!! “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

So, in the same way that Christ demonstrates his love and grace towards us, we should demonstrate that same love and grace towards each other. To me, the opportunity to impact lung cancer research, even in a tiny way, is giving me an opportunity to do that.

If you are involved in a philanthropic effort (whether it is volunteer, fund-raising, or both) I want to take a moment to say thanks. Your choice to give of yourself is a demonstration of Christ’s love to others.

If you would like to give to this cause, please visit our website and donate today! Blake and I are trying to raise $5000 as a couple and we could use your help! No gift is too small. www.wfucancerchallenge.org

Thank you for reading this and allowing me to share my heart with you.

We love you! Sara Kate