Just before October began, I decided to take part in the American Cancer Society's Photo a Day in October Challenge. It's the first time I'd ever taken part in any kind of fundraiser and it's for a cause that's very close to my heart. For the entire month, I’ve been posting one photo a day to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support. And today that challenge came to an end. But the opportunity to raise more funds hasn't...
What’s the Photo-A-Day in October Challenge?
It’s quite simple really. For each day during the month of October, I posted a photo that follows one of the prompts - which are open to interpretation - set out by The American Cancer Society.
I posted the photos to The American Cancer Society's Photo a Day in October Facebook page and my JustGiving page set up through The American Cancer Society (so all donations go straight to them, not me!)
As the days went by, the challenge became more, well challenging especially due to ill-health! But I had to remind myself that it was for a brilliant cause that could benefit so many people so I just had to keep going.
Why I’m Took on This Challenge
The Photo a Day Challenge was a great, fun way to raise both awareness and funds. But behind all the fun was a very serious reason for why took part...
When I first heard about this challenge, I jumped at the chance to participate. But then the doubts set in. I've never really done any kind of fundraising challenge before. Could I really do this initiative proud and raise enough money? Will I be consistent enough to take photos all throughout the month? Furthermore, my photography skills kind of suck - am I really the right person to be taking part in a photography challenge, especially one that's so important? Probably not. So before the challenge even got started, I'd talked myself out of it and figured I'd take part next year.
But the night before the challenge started, I saw a heartbreaking announcement from a friend announcing the loss of a family member to cancer. Many of us have been affected by cancer in some way, whether it's a family member, friend, or our own personal experience. The American Cancer Society works tirelessly to fight this disease; raising awareness as well as funds for life-saving research and providing support to patients and their loved ones. I saw this challenge as a way to do my bit and contribute to a cause that means so much. So after reading the message from my friend who along with the rest of his family are obviously grieving terribly, I decided, at the eleventh hour, that I just had to take part. So I did!
What You Can Do
Even though the Photo a Day officially ended today, there's still ample opportunity for you to make a donation. You can head over to the JustGiving fundraising page and donate. Every cent counts so any donation, big or small, will be gratefully received. Furthermore you could always check out the photos of other participants and donate to their pages. It all goes to The American Cancer Society at the end of the day so it's all good!
If you're not able to make any donations, and we know that not everyone can, then please feel free to share the fundraising page with others. As I've said, It all adds up to something bigger. Moreover, The American Cancer Society runs a whole variety of challenges throughout the year - perhaps there's something you'd like to take part in yourself?
Let’s Make a Difference Together
So thank you all in advance for your support, encouragement, donations, and for being a part of this important cause in any way that you can. Let’s make a difference together - one (hopefully great!) photo at a time.
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