I Just Need One Minute of Your Time...

Remember when you were young and made a bunch of mistakes, errors in judgment, etc.?  Usually, we chalk those up to learning experiences.  Well, think for a moment - what if a quick error in judgment led to a life-changing circumstance?  Meet Al.  That's exactly what happened to him.  One mistake made in a moment of youthful laughter and fun landed Al in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic.  

I met Al about 10 years ago.  He is kind.  He has an infectious laugh.  He has a hug for everyone he meets.  And he's never felt sorry for himself.  Every year, his family holds an annual pig roast as a fundraising event to help alleviate Al's medical bills.  Throughout the year, the family also has card tournaments to help with the costs.  So needless to say, I was surprised when this fundraising campaign popped up on my Facebook page the other day.

I've looked at a ton of online fundraisers and the most common line is, "I don't normally ask for help."  I can attest that this is 100% true in this case.  This family has never asked for help.  I honestly thought they were raising enough money through various fundraisers.  Unfortunately, insurance only covers a portion of Al's medical needs; and the costs keep rising.

Now it's my turn to say, "I don't normally ask for help."  I worked in the non-profit sector for 8 years.  I'm a pro at asking people for money.  It was my job - and I got burnt out.  I left that world a long time ago.  However, I believe in Al and his family so much, that I'm once again asking all of you for your help.

Al has been approved for a new wheelchair and while his insurance will cover some of the cost, he still has to find a way to come up with $10,000-$15,000.  He also needs a new van with a hydraulic lift.  It's his only mode of transportation to get to work.  If he can't work, he loses his job.  If he loses his job, he loses his insurance.  

So on behalf of Al and his wonderful family, I'm asking you to please donate.  A $5 donation goes a long way.  I get 10,000 visitors per week on my website.  If 5,000 of you donate $5, that's $25,000!  We can do this but we have to work together. I will kick it off with a $25 donation.  I will also offer two $50 gift cards for Amazon as prizes.  At the end of the campaign, two generous people who donate (no matter the amount) will win a $50 Amazon gift card each.  Think about it:  donate $5 today and in a month, just in time for Christmas, you could win a $50 Amazon gift card!  

Who's ready to donate?
http://www.gofundme.com/frpwqk

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