“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ~John Bunyan

Last month I decided to make a public pledge to donate or volunteer to a different charity on the first Friday of each month – Philanthropy Friday.  I first read about this concept on the blog anotherjennifer and thought it was inspiring.

I’ve worked tirelessly on fundraisers for nonprofits and recently volunteered as a speaker for a health-related company. I advocate for my MS peers whenever asked – some people I've met and others I haven't.  Giving back always makes me feel good and gives me a sense I am doing something beyond myself.

Publicly declaring my intent to give back holds me accountable and creates awareness about a charity and its needs, allowing readers of An Empowered Spirit to learn and be inspired to pay it forward.  Consider donating or volunteering.  It doesn't matter the size or the cost - a check for $5, donating canned goods, or volunteering at a soup kitchen -  all are appreciated.

The true art is in the giving.  Helping another person (or animal) in a time of need is also a path toward helping yourself.

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." ~Sir Winston Churchill

This month’s charity is The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. PCAN announced yesterday that President Obama signed The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act into law.  This law will help to further research into Pancreatic Cancer’s low survival rate and work to provide early detection methods and better treatment options.  Nearly 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer this year, and more than 37,000 will die from this deadly disease. (Source: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).

Read more about the new law and the critical and groundbreaking work of The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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DISCLAIMER:  Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained, and my posts are journalistic and not instead of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from using this blog or any data or links provided.