be the change you wish to see in the world.

I am feeling inspired. A few things have inspired me.

First, someone told me that of all the people they knew, they thought I would make the most difference in the world. At first, I was so flattered, then I started getting weekly texts "What did you do this week to change the world?" In anticipation, I would think about the things I did during the week. It was a lot of pressure. At first, it was "um, I tutored some kids? I don't know."

The second thing that inspired me is a book I am reading with my book club. It is called "Half the Sky." It is about women throughout the world. It discusses the how women are treated and what they are doing to change their situation worldwide.

So, here are some things that I have done:

I loaned a woman in El Salvador money to help with her business through a website www.kiva.org You can help men and women throughout the whole world.

I donated blood today. I saved 3 lives!

I crew for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, for the last 4 years and am doing it again this year. I also raise money for the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year, we raised over $5000. Can you imagine what kind of good could be done with that much money?

I signed up to do the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This cause raises money for all kinds of cancers. We are doing it in memory of Jill Holtkamp, my friends, late grandma. I could make a list a mile long of people who I have lost due to cancers of all kinds. This is a great cause (if you want to donate to me you can)!

I am also going to be doing the Miles for Melonoma walk again this year. It is a 5k walk to raise money for Melonoma research. I lost my aunt to this disease. Most people think "Oh, skin cancer, you just get removed and move on." Not always.

We also always do the City of Hope 5k walk. Which raises money for Breast Cancer research, education and treatment for the City of Hope hospital.


I will be looking for other opportunities to make a difference in the world. But really it does not have to be big things. You can make a difference by smiling at someone, by being a friend, or helping a stranger.

I want to challenge everyone to do whatever you can to make a difference in the world. I will continue to post about the things that I do to make a difference.

Will you take the challenge?