American Association Society

c

My Middle street received two nonprofit pleas yesterday. Only one was addressed to me, so that is the one I will write about…and it wasn’t actually a plea, per se.

I donated to the American Cancer Society during the last days of 2006. So, it was more of a thank you. If you have been reading me from before you will know what the C word means to me. I have nightmares about it, personal conversations with it. In the form of inky black smoke that curls around the organs, cancer invades limb and life and love. That chimney sweep commercial used to send shivers down my spine for that exact reason- black smoke puffing out from the actors as if the disease had overflowed their bodies into the air. Dead men talking.

The interesting thing about ACS is that they included a little blurb about leaving a lasting legacy: I can order a free copy of Dear Loved Ones and learn how to die. In my will I can include the statement, “I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Cancer Society. Inc., Tax ID —, for its general purposes all…of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate…” What an interesting concept, to include a charity in a will. I’m already an organ donor, but there’s a way to do more.

Special recognition:
The American Heart Association asked for a donation yesterday. They sent along the Red Dress sticker and for the first time, ever I’m paying attention to what it means, even though it wasn’t addressed to me. On February 2nd (my birthday- how appropriate!) I should wear red to show my support and help raise awareness about women and cardiovascular disease.  Right on.