The Advocacy Why

This year has been pleasantly busy and I say that as with everything going on with this virus, politics, and everything else, well, it’s good to let the mind go other places. Last week I had a meeting that so subtly went in another direction and made me think...what is it that people see in me when I confirm my advocacy?

If you don’t know of me yet, well, I lost my mother to lung cancer in 2010 at the new age of 62. I’ve been on a strong train of wanting to do something. I joined affiliations, stepped into fundraising that rightfully led to my own foundation Mae’s Breath.

Well, upon that meeting I mentioned, I discussed that on that weekend I had a virtual board meeting for the year's calendar with the organization. In a bat of an eye, I was met with “Oh you’re still doing your organization?” I know it wasn’t a dig, but weeks later I’m still thinking about the question, and why the person would think otherwise.

It’s not a game

My starting a nonprofit 501 (C) 3 was not for profit or any other reason than bringing attention to lung cancer, and being a voice for a loved one I truly miss even now typing this. If you only knew what I’ve gone through and my family getting this up and running: it’s a special calling when you go down this route as this is a business in putting the word out continuously.

My first inkling of wanting to do anything was to be a voice at the hospital my mother had her care. As there were some things I did not like and wanted to do something to make it known that I didn’t like some of the things she had to go through, some I’ve written briefly about, so automatically the vow of advocacy came into play all in her name.

Again we linked with other affiliations to making a go of starting our own entity where I would speak of my mother and my foundation, it wasn’t with another attachment to it. So the idea of the lengthy paperwork and difficult work forming a 501 (C) 3 and just the whole process of basically starting this like a business took a lot of gut and attentiveness. This is not a game.

Why advocacy

Well, these types of businesses have different reasoning how and why they are formed. I know why mines came to being and what I wanted to do. It’s all about the community and that of which my mother was involved in. I knew there were other people in similar situations, and having and showing this form of advocacy meant showing a face of commitment. Though we’re small our hearts and obligation is so in the right place, and that is providing a face and a story behind the face.

So when this individual made the comment and not realizing that I (we) were invested, it just irked me a bit. This is why so many need to speak up if they can when it involves advocacy in this area, as people tend to forget, while many more are, do become affected. This is in my blood until I close my eyes for good. I hope the plight of activism will continue without me, but while I’m still bouncing around, I’m in it for the long run.

The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile...when you feel like it.

Looking to connect with other caregivers advocating for a loved one with lung cancer?