ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT
1. NO MONEY. DoSomething.org never asks teens for money or to fundraise themselves. "Our programs are always free, so teens can save their babysitting money," Melanie says.
2. NO CARS. Teens can participate in our campaigns from school, the mall, their home—all the places where they already spend time.
3. NO ADULTS. Teens do not need permission slips or an adult adviser to participate in DoSomething.org programs. "We trust teens to lead today," Melanie says.
In addition to the general rules that make the organization a good fit for young adult participants, teens with a connection to cancer will be especially interested in a campaign currently under way at DoSomething. org. In October 2011, DoSomething.org partnered with DKMS and Be The Match to launch the Give A Spit About Cancer campaign, in which more than 1,200 college campuses signed up to host bone marrow donor registration drives. Students interested in becoming donors simply agree to get a cheek swab and, in so doing, can potentially save a life. Melanie says the campaign is going extremely well, and DoSomething.org anticipates registering close to 20,000 new 18- to 24-year-old donors as part of the campaign.
LOCKS OF LOVE
locksoflove.org or (561) 833-7332 Adults who face hair loss related to cancer treatment know how difficult that experience can be—and how helpful it can be to have the option to wear a wig or head covering. The experience of medical hair loss is also tough on kids, ofen leading to self-esteem issues and a loss of normalcy that can be devastating. Locks of Love is a public nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces created from donated hair to financially disadvantaged youth under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Making a donation of hair to Locks of Love provides kids with an opportunity to help other kids in the United States and Canada in a very personal and meaningful way.
Mission "Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence, and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need."
Why It Works for Kids Lauren Kukkamaa, communications director at Locks of Love, says, "Hair donation gives people of all ages the opportunity to help a child in need, making Locks of Love truly a charity where children have the opportunity to give back no matter how young. The donations and support we receive further our efforts to help children living with the daily trials of medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Continuing awareness of Locks of Love's efforts will assist us in reaching more and more families and improving the day-to-day lives of these children."
cfthrive.com
summer 2012 | cancer fighters thrive 7