I’ve heard the word “hero” defined as “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” That’s a nice thought because it means that any one person on any given day can be a HERO.

The person who gives blood, learns first aid and CPR or volunteers their time and their skills to help the planet, their fellow man or man’s best friend. It is the person who talks the talk and walks the walk.

So, while I like that definition of hero, I have to say that it isn’t 100-percent accurate. You see, to me, any time anyone gives of themselves -- sharing their time, money, energy and, yes, even their blood and sweat -- they cease to be ordinary.

Speaking of which, I have an extraordinary new friend in my life...a colleague named Tiffany. Tiffany lost her grandmother to breast cancer. To celebrate her grandmother's life, Tiffany has decided to take steps (many, many steps) to help others from this disease. This coming August she is participating in the "The 3-Day," a 60-mile walk over three days to raise money for breast cancer research and treatment.

I'd like to invite you, dear reader, to consider contributing to Tiffany's fundraising campaign. You, too, can be a hero! True, you don't know her. But, then again, she doesn't know the women who will benefit from her contribution either -- that's part of the fun!

Links from this Post

• Support Tiffany's 3-Day Walk
• Give Blood, Give Life - American Red Cross
• Get Trained to Save a Life - American Red Cross
• Volunteer (Volunteers of America) at Your Local Food Bank - Cleveland Food Bank
• Share your time and skills - Habitat for Humanity
• Keep Watch, Take Action, Make Change for the Planet - Ohio Environmental Council
• Offer help and hope to people affected by Alzheimer's - Alzheimer's Association
• Support care for animals - Best Friend's Animal Society (and sanctuary)
• Speak Up for Wildlife - National Wildlife Federation
• Walk for Women - The 3-Day supporting the The Susan G. Komen Foundation

Labels: alzheimers, animals, charity, environment, giving