It Takes 2 – at one year.
It was on this date one year ago that we published It Takes 2: Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story. I can’t think of a better way to mark the one-year anniversary of a choice to share a message with the world – than to share a blog about love and hope. The book was written and published for one reason, to tell the true story of my wife and her battle to defeat and to recover from breast cancer. It’s a story I hoped, told from my perspective, which would help others through the same.
It’s all about helping other people, just like yesterday morning. Because of the contributions from nine other people we joined together to serve breakfast for the families currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore. It was a delicious old-style breakfast for the families dealing with children battling illness and physical challenges.
Each day at the House groups come to serve breakfast and dinners, so the families who face these trying times have one less thing to worry about, since most of their days are filled with just that, worry and stress. The goal is to give them a few minutes each day to enjoy a good meal, talk, smile and hope for the best. They call it the House That Love Built for a reason.
I was there to serve breakfast and I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore. The coolest thing about yesterday was the diverse group who volunteered their time and efforts to help make it all come together. It was first and foremost the members of my Mastermind group who wanted to create the opportunity to give back: Mark Pallack, Rob Commodari and Pete Kohlasch.
But when we asked others to join us they were happy to do so – many thanks to Tiffany Pallack, Beth Ritter, Maggi Simms, Jason Plotkin, Jon Bonacci and Nanda Oliveira, who though she couldn’t be there to serve breakfast, joined me on the shopping spree just hours before to purchase the cart full of food for the families at RMH.
It’s heart-warming to share your heart with others who truly need and appreciate your efforts. “Thank you” are the two words heard most often around the House because it’s all about giving, love and appreciation. When a child is sick, so many rise to the occasion to help.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this is the one year anniversary for the book detailing my wife’s battle with breast cancer, which in so many ways pales in comparison to what these families face on a daily basis, and which is why the timing of a visit to RMH seemed so appropriate. Another breast cancer survivor apparently feels the same. Hoda Kotb, from NBC’s Today Show , is also a breast cancer warrior and because of her struggles has chosen to take on the cause of kids with cancer. Hoda was able to convince superstars Sarah Bereilles and Cindy Lauper to join forces to combine their two signature songs and create a new one, Truly Brave, to raise awareness and to raise dollars to fight pediatric cancer.
Take a few minutes to start your weekend by viewing their music video, then realize we are all part of this human experience together:
Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Mark
Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Financial Services
The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.spouses-story.com/)
Mark, As always, your blogs are inspiring, uplifting and provoking. Thanks for being you and making the world a better place.
Thanks Steve.