Juggling Act

It's been a pretty exhausting few weeks. For lack of better planning, a couple of big events have hit all at the same time. First, we've been working on the scholarship program. And at the same time, trying to spread the word about the Waeger Cup in October. Add onto that a few work trips and trying to handle all of summer activities... yikes!

Since it's the first year that anyone but Dan has been in charge, I have been trying to figure everything out and make sure it goes off without a hitch. I knew a lot about NCCF, but Dan was always very adament about doing things himself because he never wanted to put anything off on me. Our scholarship applications doubled this year. I was so proud that we got a good response because it reminds me that we have a lot of work to do to help these young adult survivors who want to go to school. The need that Dan saw still exists. Of course now I want to raise more money so that we can make a bigger impact!!!! While there is a huge need for research and legislation, the beauty of NCCF is that we give out direct financial support. We know exactly who benefits from our fundraising. We know their names and stories, and can be inspired by their accomplishments. And there are so few organizations that do what we do.

We've just sent out the brochure for the Waeger Cup. I have been a little nervous because Dan wasn't the most organized person so I don't have a great distribution list. And because many people might not give without his name on an email or letter. Dan's story was so powerful. And now we need to tell his story, but also our own with respect to losing a friend, brother or son. I hope people will see that by connecting their story to Dan's, we can grow NCCF. I think we're starting to, but it's tough without Dan guiding us. But whenever I get discouraged, I think about the fact that Dan knew nothing about cancer or being a philanthropist when he was diagnosed. So we can figure it out, too. But it makes me nervous nonetheless. I am also not the best fundraiser. It is not in my nature to ask for help on anything. But, I also know that the biggest reason that people don't give is because they aren't asked!

So I've been running at full capacity. And am nowhere close to where I need to be, which is scary. Because Dan was the one who facilitated all of this last year. And he was on harsh chemo drugs and still trying to work full-time. I wonder how he did it. He just had a quiet drive. He could've asked for help or even scaled back. He could have gone on disability. That was never an option. I used to give him a hard time about not being organized enough. Right now, I wish I could just say how amazing he was. I still feel like I can't keep up with him! When I last wrote that people forgot how sick he was, it was because of what he was able to manage. And he was selfless at a time when most would need help themselves. I just hope if a few of us make just 1/10 the effort he did, we can carry the scholarship program and the golf tournament off.

For more info on the golf tournament, please visit here

PS- Just a sobering thought- I have been trying to clean out the house a little bit as NCCF has taken over. I generally haven't moved too many of Dan's things but I did decide to clean out a few things. I threw out about 30 bags of cough drops.... 30 bags that were stashed in various places. I don't miss that cough. How did he did he deal with it?