In truth, giving is an experience that is threaded into our daily lives. We give in exchange for eating. We give handshakes, hugs and words of connections. We give presentations, ideas and a helping hand to a neighbor. All the while it might not seem as though giving is happening, but subliminally that is exactly what we are doing. As much as living in community is hard-wired into us, so too is giving.
What about the other side? We like receiving things because we feel connected. It makes us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. I had to figure out how to use both sides of fundraising emotions to raise money for the Davis Phinney Foundation (DPF).
Raising money through the Iron Horse Bicycle Race for Parkinson's disease has flooded the chemistry of fundraising through my day. It has been about telling Russ' story and asking people to support a cause which not only will help Russ, but all the folks and their caregivers here in Durango. Sometimes people feel so small and wonder, how will my $5, $50 or $500 dollars help? I can sincerely say, it will!
I am so proud of this guy and his determination to keep moving. It is NOT easy, yet he preservers. It is important to keep his limbs moving and though getting on and off the bike is a challenge, he does not let that deter him. Once on, he rides with the freedom of 'Little Rusty'.
We live by the rule that life is not all about us. Life is an opportunity to give, serve and think about others. To that end the Davis Phinney Foundation, through donations, supports 3 Parkinson’s exercise classes a week in Durango. In making life not all about us, we have to think how we might help others who are in a different stage of PD. How did we navigate the small good-byes that led to dependance? The DPF walks us through so many of our necessary changes and that means supporting them helps us support others. A win-win wouldn't you say?
Our current 'reach out to serve' goal is raising money for the DPF. They support speakers coming to town to educate. They encourage us with online information. They make those of us dealing with PD (Parkinson’s Disease) feel a sense of comfort that one does not even imagine necessary until facing all the choices and decisions a degenerative disease demands.
Russ can no longer bike on a busy road, but we can do our part for this organization by telling our story. We share bits and pieces of it each time we gather at our monthly PD meetings. I share with other caregivers. We try to gift others with encouragement. Through this foundation, Russ’ 6 year journey with Parkinson’s has placed us in a pattern of continued adjustment. This foundation completely supports our efforts to live the best possible life in a real and honest way. I am not sure how we would be surviving without them.
Neither of us will actually be biking in the Iron Horse Bicycle Class Memorial Day weekend. But we will have raised funds and will be shouting out our encouragements as the bikers pass by our development.
The Iron Horse Link: https://ironhorsebicycleclassic.com
Russ' donation page on Davis Phinney:
http://events.dpf.org/site/TR?px=1132978&fr_id=1154&pg=personal