July 23, 2020
Supporting a cause bigger than yourself…
Cancer: a serious disease caused by cells that are not normal and can spread to one or many parts of the body. This is the diagnosis that roughly 1.8 million Americans will receive each year. Many of you have a friend or family member that has received this diagnosis, perhaps even yourself. Hearing the statement ‘You have cancer’ may give rise to many questions; What does this mean? Will I survive? What will my treatment be like? Will I lose my hair? How will I pay for my medical bills?
My family found ourselves asking these questions when I was just 9 years old. My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. Just over a year after my mother’s first diagnosis, she went into remission. But as soon as things were starting to look brighter, my father passed away from lung cancer just a few months later.
I have since made it my purpose to support the philanthropic efforts of organizations that focus on cancer, and this is how I was introduced to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Throughout my time at Ball State University, I was heavily involved on campus through student organizations that supported St. Jude. It is a children’s research hospital in Memphis, Tennessee that treats pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases. As an aunt, I am very moved by their mission to support children. The most phenomenal fact about St. Jude is that no family ever receives a bill. How could there be such a magical place that treats and saves the innocent lives of children without their families ever receiving a bill for travel, housing, food, or treatment? I was hooked.
St. Jude has a straightforward mission that is very easy to support. Finding Cures and Saving Children©. This mission easily aligns with BCforward’s core values. BCforward is a philanthropic and family-oriented company. We are passionate about giving back to our employees and the communities in which they live and work. We know that cancer impacts so many people, including many of our employees and their families. We believe that no family should ever hear the dreaded words ‘Your child has cancer’. BCforward shows our support throughsponsoring and participating in the Indianapolis St. Jude Walk/Run. I find myself so fortunate to work for a company that not only supports an organization that I care so deeply about, but an array of other charitable causes.
Through volunteering and working alongside numerous nonprofits, I have found a passion for giving back. I believe that I, and others, can help by promoting the work that organizations, like St. Jude, are doing. We can impact so many lives by simply volunteering our time, fundraising for a cause, or giving a donation – no matter how big or small. I hope that everyone can find a cause they are as passionate about, as I am about St. Jude. A sense of purpose and fulfillment comes with finding a cause you care deeply about. Since BCforward started supporting St. Jude four years ago, more and more employees every year have adopted this cause as their own through participating in the Walk/Run and through their fundraising efforts. As a cause near and dear to my heart, I am proud to be a small part in a much bigger mission and to work for a company with the same core beliefs as my own. A belief that“No child should die in the dawn of life.” – Danny Thomas
Sincerely,
Joy Targgart
Chief of Staff
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/supporting-cause-bigger-than-yourself-joy-targgart/
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay. More than 70 years ago, Danny Thomas was a young entertainer with a baby on the way. Work wasn’t easy to come by, and his despair grew. He turned to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes, and vowed: “Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.” That prayer marked a pivotal moment. In 1962, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened in front of a crowd of 9,000 in Memphis, Tenn. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Find out how you can get involved in your community today!
