Improving The Quality Of Life Of Cancer Patients

Image source: acco.org

Cancer patients all over the world are facing one of the most difficult realities that any human being can undergo. It is obvious enough that they have to go through a dark path that only leads to permanent separation.

The greatest gift we can give them is the happiness that they will be able to enjoy with whatever remains in their time, especially with children. When it comes to improving the quality of life of young patients, there are many ways that able people can help.

A simple show-and-tell on a random day at the hospital ward can bring a huge amount of cheer on the faces of children. Come in as a clown or a mascot, and this will bring the house down.

Children love delicious food and colorful candies, and so feeding programs have been quite a popular means of significantly improving their lives.

Image source: america.cgtn.com

Donations of toys have come a long way in making the children forget about their loneliness, even just for a while.

These are simple acts that able people can do, and yet it seems that there are not enough of them to go around. People need to be made more aware of the things that they can do to make a cancer-stricken child happy. There are truly so many ways in which we all can help.

The Canadian Progress Club, a charitable organization where Jay Blackmore is a member in the City of Regina, provides sponsorship to certain causes aimed at improving the lives of its recipients. It also holds a summer camp for children who have been afflicted with cancer. For more on the causes he supports, visit this page.

Community Service Activities For Companies Of Every Size

Businesses exist primarily to address the needs of many. Giving back to the community should be part of the company culture. Here are some ideas for those who are planning on organizing events to help their community:

Image source: Keymedia.com

Send teams that will spend time to volunteer

Volunteering at charity organizations or community centers can be part of a company’s community efforts. Though employees can be given paid time off, it would be better to send teams so that they’d fully be immersed in the experience together. Not only will it raise awareness of what is happening in the community, but it will also strengthen camaraderie between team members.

Partner with nonprofit organizations or government initiatives

The best way to make an impact in a community would be to partner with other sectors. When it comes to community service, getting allies is always a good idea. Corporate firms partnering with nonprofit and government firms will allow them to reach more communities. This will also allow them to come up with specific efforts that will target the needs of the people.

Raise funds through sporting events Sporting events are a great way to gather people. Aside from those involved with the company, partners and acquaintances can contribute their resources while having a fun time doing physical activities. Mini marathons and basketball matches are some popular activities people can participate in.

Image source: Lifetimedaily.com

Whatever the size, businesses can start getting involved in efforts that will uplift the lives of many in their community. There are a wide-range of activities to choose from, all it takes is careful planning and participation from people.

Jay Blackmore is the COO of Park Capital Management in Saskatchewan, Canada. Subscribe to this Twitter page for similar updates.

A Caring Guide For Parents Who Have Terminally-ill Children

Parents of children with cancer need to know that they are not alone. There are helpful resources to assist them during this challenging time. Foremost in concern should be the health and welfare of the child, along with the stability of the family. Local initiatives have listed helpful suggestions for coping:

Image Source: cnn.com

Be honest: Parents want to protect their children at all cost – but this should not be done by deliberately encouraging ignorance in the part of the child. Children need to know what is happening to them and how this is affecting their entire family. Be honest with the child. Death is a scary subject but talking about it can be cathartic for both the child and the parents. There are no hard or fast rules about this; parents should determine when and how they speak to their child about this. Regardless, the talk should take place as soon and as directly as possible.

Adjust to their needs: The child’s psychosocial and physical needs should not take a backseat amid the health struggles. As the cancer progresses, such needs will change. Parents are encouraged to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the family’s daily life. This includes allowing the child to attend school, letting him or her play, and building and maintaining friendships. Children need to feel that their illness is not who they are but a part of their body they simply live with.

Image Source: ummchealth.com

Find support: Parents need to take care of themselves too. It is not natural for parents to outlive their children and many marriages dissolve after the death of a child. Apart from preparing their child for death, parents should also prepare themselves for this eventuality. Seeking counseling is recommended.

It is never easy to care for a terminally-ill child. However, with the proper techniques and coping mechanisms, parents will find themselves learning to live their life as best they can.

Jay Blackmore of the Canadian Progress Club is passionate about helping children with cancer. His advocacy includes providing support for parents and caregivers. Learn more when you follow this blog.

Camp Circle O' Friends: Bringing Hope To Children And Families

Cancer is a devastating illness that can take its toll on families. And when the patients are young children, aside from suffering the pain that comes with cancer, many have less of a chance to be the children they ought to be because the illness makes them more fragile. But even kids with cancer should have time to play and enjoy themselves, according to Ann Schulman, an oncology nurse and visionary of Camp Circle O' Friends.

And that is the very reason Camp Circle O' Friends has been around since 1987 - to provide children with cancer, as well as their brothers and sisters, the chance to experience the fun of a summer camp. With kids at camp, parents can get a well-deserved break to recuperate without having to worry that their children aren't well cared for.

Image source: campcircleoffriends.com

Located along the shores of Last Mountain Lake's Arlington Beach, the camp is a safe place where the children whose lives have been affected by cancer can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities like crafting, sports, sing-a-longs, and variety shows. It's also a great place to commune with nature where kids can forget their worries and just enjoy the outdoors.

That said, to make sure that the children are in good condition, especially those who have cancer, Camp Circle O' Friends has a dedicated medical team who have the skills to attend to the campers' medical needs. Additionally, lots of volunteers serve as camp staff to help out in ensuring that the camp experience is safe and fun.

Image source: reginaprogress.com

Camp Circle O' Friends aims to be a respite for families touched by cancer so that members can enjoy themselves and experience some moments of normalcy amidst the challenges of cancer.

Jay Blackmore is a committed member of the Canadian Progress Club which holds Camp Circle O' Friends every summer for children afflicted with cancer. Subscribe to this blog for articles on volunteerism and community development.

Heartwarming Stories From Athletes Who Joined The Special Olympics

Image source: Cbs.com

The Special Olympics is a grand sporting event for over thousands of athletes around the world who have intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome. Participants can exhibit their athletic prowess in 25 events such as triathlon, speed skating, football, and judo. Just like every sporting spectacle, it is a place for inspiring stories. Here are some of the Special Olympics’ most inspiring athletes:

Tim Harris: President Barack Obama’s encourager

At a White House event, President Obama gave a shout-out to the multi-talented athlete. The basketball, volleyball, poly hockey, and track and field player is also an entrepreneur. Upon hearing his name, Tim went up the stage and hugged the president. The president commended that just like everyone else, he also needed a hug from a great guy like Tim.

Chelsea Werner: The gymnast who would not give up

As a child, Chelsea had low muscle tone and was immobile until she was four. Gymnastics became a way to strengthen her body. When she decided to compete, she was usually placed at the bottom. Even worse, the Special Olympics Committee of Northern California closed down its gymnastics program. This meant training on her own for 16 hours a week before she began winning national titles and dominating her solo event at the Special Olympics.

Jamaal Charles: An American football legend in the making

Image source: Dailymail.co.uk

The Kansas City Chiefs running back discovered his talent when he joined the Special Olympics at age 10. Suffering from a learning disability, he proved people that he could go the distance by participating at a track and field event that gave him his first gold medal. His time at the Special Olympics gave him confidence and encouraged him to pursue what he’s excellent in.

The Special Olympics is an example that disabilities are not a hindrance to success. These inspiring people are continuing to change the world with their passion and dedication.

Jay Blackmore is the COO of Park Capital Management. As a philanthropist, he is also invested in making the community a better place through the Regina Canada Progress Club, which supports the Special Olympics. Follow Twitter account for similar updates.

Two Surprising Benefits Of Charitable Giving

Image Source: theresearchery.com

There is more to charitable giving than helping people. This is the most important reason one should volunteer one’s time or resources; however, researchers have found some other surprising benefits to charitable giving. Two of them are listed below.

The relationship between taxes and charity: Many corporations have a philanthropic arm. The various charities that they donate to are dependent on the long- and short-term goals of the executives. There is also a tax benefit to giving. Government offices encourage more companies to donate to charity by providing tax benefits. This is a win-win situation for enterprises; not only are they helping other people but are also effectively augmenting their revenue stream as well. Furthermore, charity giving boosts marketing activities of the company. Recipients of these funds usually provide free advertising for the company.

Image Source: business2community.com

Donors are happier and healthier: Perhaps this is not so surprising, but the extent of overall wellness has never been fully appreciated. Those who continually (and sincerely) donate to charity report higher feelings of contentment and satisfaction in life. In turn, they are more engaged in their families and other interpersonal relationships. The simple act of giving impacts a small community through a single individual.

These benefits should encourage both individuals and companies to spend more time in their local charities. It is extending help to the community, which also has personal benefits. More research is necessary, but authors of these studies conclude that altruism is a powerful characteristic and improves mental and emotional health.

Jay Blackmore believes in helping his community, being part of several charitable organizations. More on charitable giving here.

Interesting facts about Bicycles for Humanity

Bicycles are probably the most popular and practical vehicles in the world. They are simple machines and cost nothing more than human will and effort to run. Bicycles can transport people and objects farther, faster. This is what the organization Bicycles for Humanity (B4H) understands. And this is the focal point of their drive. 

Image source: adventuretravelnews.com

Bicycles for Humanity knows that in parts of the world hit by poverty, people usually carry their necessities, such as sacks of rice and containers of water, on their backs, and children often walk kilometers to school. B4H realizes that providing all these people with bicycles can significantly change their lives. 

B4H aims to distribute bicycles to developing countries such as Karamoja, Uganda, South Africa, and Namibia. But not only does B4H distribute bicycles, the organization also teaches people in these countries the necessary skills and strategies on creating and managing bike programs. The aim of these programs is to optimize the use of bicycles. 

More than 50 chapters have been set up in eight countries over the past 12 years by B4H members. Today, around 200 Bicycle Empowerment Centers exist in more than 10 countries. Over the past decade, over 120,000 bicycles have been given to people who need them, and hundreds upon hundreds of individuals have been trained to run community bicycle initiatives. 

Image source: lakesuperiorartgallery.com

Jay Blackmore is part of the Canadian Progress Club in the city of Regina. He is also the president of the Saskatchewan chapter for Bicycles for Humanity. Learn more about Jay Blackmore and his community-improvement projects by visiting this website.