When You Feel Ignored And Did Something About It!

This is the continuation of Juanita's article When You Feel Ignored! in which she talks about advocating for lung cancer awareness at work.

So, I shared with you all about my unit not supporting me for wanting to do an event/fundraiser for lung cancer research. I also shared how upset and hurt I was, but one of my consultant sisters told me “let’s do it, I’ll help you” and we put our thinking hats on and went to work.

Since it was mid-November, we only had about 2 weeks to prepare for this event. I asked 2 other ladies that I’m close with if they would help and then said YES. Sadly, one of them lost 3 family members to lung cancer, so she was so happy to help and be a part of this event.

Coming together and getting to work

We picked November 30th and we all got to work. Since the breast cancer event was bingo-style, we went with Loteria-style and we named Loteria for Lungs! Loteria is a traditional game of chance, similar to bingo, but using images on a deck of cards instead of numbered ping pong balls. Every image has a name and an assigned number, but the number is usually ignored. Each player has at least one tabla, a board with a randomly created 4 x 4 grid of pictures with their corresponding name and number. Players choose a tabla to play with, from a variety of previously created tablas, each with a different selection of images.

The event/fundraiser was a success! I had about 57 people that joined the event group. We raised $275 and it was donated to ALK Positive, Inc for research! I was thankful for the four gals that helped me put this event together last minute and for all their ideas, suggestions, and input.

We need more lung cancer awareness

I wanted to share with you all that I did post the event in our unit group in hopes to get more involved and donations, but no one stepped up. As the event got closer a couple of ladies reached out, but at this point, I really didn’t need them. But I did accept their help.

It’s hurtful that many of the ladies went above and beyond to help for the breast cancer event/fundraiser and not for my lung cancer event. When I posted the event/fundraiser I only got maybe 5 likes and no comments, but it’s ok I lifted my head up high and moved forward. Now I know there’s a lot of work to be done and I will continue to do my very best to help make a change. I plan to do it again next November and hope to make it bigger, better and raise more money.

My lesson...nothing is impossible

The lesson learned here is nothing is impossible, even if it's a last-minute thing. I put this event together last minute with the help of 4 amazing ladies and did what I had to do and it was a hit!

My fellow lung cancer sisters and brothers, remember don’t ever give up, don’t take no for an answer, be persistent, and most importantly don’t ever let someone make you feel bad for not helping or supporting. Because there are many out there that are willing to step up and these women did just that for me!