$216
Raised of $300
Based on 1,080 minutes each worth $0.20
Melissa C
Fundraiser Profile
Why I'm raising awareness....
Many may know I've worked with Head & Neck Cancer survivors and caregivers for the last ten years as an SLP and a researcher at a university hospital, and now as a Patient Resource Navigator for the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance. You may not know, that my inspiration for dedicating my time to this career is because of my mother-in-law, Helen. She is my daughter's namesake and was a wonderful light in this world. She unfortunately passed away from a radiation induced oral sarcoma years ago, but I will never forget the inspiration she gave me to go back to grad school to become an SLP and help people like her. I often wonder if only I had known then what I know now, would she have had more comfort? That's why I make it a part of my daily mantra to help where I can, to share an open heart and the knowledge I have gained.
The progress we've made over this past decade of my career in cancer care is astounding. Now, with ongoing cuts to science and healthcare, and the disbanding of portions of the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, I am afraid that my patients will be left behind. It's why organizations like the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance are so important- the advocacy and resources we provide are needed now more than ever.
Please help me raise funds so we can continue to reach our patients, caregivers and health professionals. Whether it be a gas card to get to treatment, an online support community to act as a sounding board, a peer to talk to when you need a listening ear, a support series for caregivers, webinars, our survivorship symposium, and education about survivorship issues, our small but mighty team continues to face cancer with our patients and caregivers, together.
I pledge to MOVE in the month of April, in honor of Helen's legacy, for ALL of my amazing patients and caregivers, and to RAISE AWARENESS of the effects of Head and Neck Cancer- so that we can continue to improve upon prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship.
I welcome your support by making a donation to my page. Every dollar counts and gets us closer to our goal!
Thanks for your support,
Melissa
Melissa C
1 mo. ago
90
minutes
$0.20
Per minute
$18
Earned
Last day! Spent another hour and a half in the pool today, swimming, yes- but also teaching butterfly! Thank you for the support and inspiration this month. Hoping to keep it going all year!
Melissa C
1 mo. ago
360
minutes
$0.20
Per minute
$72
Earned
I have shared my love for swimming with my neighborhood and started a swim team for ages 4-18. (Go Ospreys!) We're in our 3rd successful year!
As the president of our Swim Team Board, I wear many hats. This week, I got to play "Coach" as all of our actual coaches are finishing up finals week at school. I spent several hours in the pool teaching strokes, hopefully inspiring future generations of swimmers. All with my move goal in mind (and wearing my Move Mode ON suit!)
Melissa C
1 mo. ago
400
minutes
$0.20
Per minute
$80
Earned
So I've been lax on posting my minutes as I've acquired them as I've been traveling the last two weeks- but boy have I racked up the movement! From walking/running around airports, conference centers, cities, beaches, one of the 7 wonders of the world (Chichenitza!) and parks, to endless swimming activities (including carrying my children on my back through an hour long cenoté swim), to dancing and singing with my kids during our vacation- we've gotten in a ton of movement over the past two weeks (I'm probably underestimating)! Coming back to my home pool seems a little underwhelming after all that exciting activity, but it is a welcome comfort. Clearing my mind while rhythmically pulling through the water, breathing deep, always helps to make my day better and my body thanks me. Looking forward to jumping into the last few days of the month!
Melissa C
1 mo. ago
120
minutes
$0.20
Per minute
$24
Earned
Had a long gardening session pulling out a million little weeds, raking and prepping my beds for spring. Even inspired the kids to join me!
Melissa C
2 mo. ago
35
minutes
$0.20
Per minute
$7
Earned
Day 3 of the Move-A-Thon, day 2 of swimming!🏊 (Frigid water means hot chai for hydration!)
Donations 6
Thank you on behalf of Head & Neck Cancer Alliance
Our mission is to provide hope and support to individuals impacted by head and neck cancer, to raise awareness about prevention and early detection, and to advocate for improved patient outcomes.