Heartfelt gratitude

I believe in what we are doing with all of my heart.

I support anything that will help rid our world of breast cancer (any cancer, for that matter).

I believe a cure is on it's way.

I'm proud to be part of the solution.

But I hate fundraising.

I'm sorry to say it out loud, but it's true. I feel icky inside every time I post another message begging for money - even though it goes to such an amazing cause. I've done it so often at this point that I'm sure most of my Facebook friends have hidden me and those who haven't are two seconds away from pushing that button.

I am more comfortable working for the money I raise. Garage sales, lemonade stands, portrait sessions - anything but flat out asking for cash. But, so far, the begging is what has made the difference. My garage sale raised $122. My lemonade stand raised $12 (rainy day), and my portraits have raised $50. But between training, school and, well, breathing, there just isn't enough time.

I've seen it written a hundred times now - the fundraising is the hardest part of this challenge - and it truly, truly is. This is a scary time to ask people for money. The economy is yucky and most of my friends are in school living on loans.

But I keep doing it, no matter what it does to my insides, because when I see another friend has donated it warms my heart and my faith is renewed. Because I love calling my boyfriend to tell him about the latest person who showed they care about what his mother has endured.

Because I believe in what we are doing with all my heart.

And I believe in my friends.