“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

As we wind down 2012, I sit reflecting on the year and how far we have come in the last 12 months. I found this quote by Gandhi and couldn’t help but wonder, did I “shake the world” enough in 2012? Did you?

Last week, I had the opportunity to watch someone’s life change forever and even though it wasn’t me who made it happen, I felt all the same butterfly-inducing anticipation. When Steve Weddle – (Co-Founder of our crowd funding platform Volunteer Forever) saw our – #Delhi2013 – You Can Feel Like Oprah For A Day post, he emailed me right away.

In Steven’s words: I’m glad to see this post because I think the timing of it is quite fortuitous! I actually just earned enough United miles for a free round trip ticket from LA to Delhi. I’m honoured that you invited me to join the #Delhi2013 Dozen in India, but as I think about it more and more, I think it’s more appropriate that I donate my miles to one of the survivors than go on the trip myself. Your trip is about healing and we need to find a way to get all 12 survivors to Delhi.

As I read those words, the screen blurred and my throat tightened with tears. I knew how much this gift would mean and when Steve chose mother-of-four Melanie, I asked him to email her so he could share the good news himself.

In Melanie’s words: When I opened my email it took a while for it to soak in. Only after I had shared the news with a few people and witnessed their reaction did it really register that “OMG, I am really going to India!” Then I became completely giddy. I am so honored that Steve chose to donate his miles to me. It is such a gift to have this opportunity to heal. No words, just sheer astonishment and happiness.  I can’t wait to pay it forward in India.

Here’s How You Can Create Sheer Astonishment & Happiness For Someone:

We have 6 more survivors who need flights to India. You can be part of changing their lives forever and creating a positive ripple effect that just might shake the world. Please spread the word on Facebook and Twitter and help in one of two ways:

• Scroll up and make a donation of ANY amount. *All U.S.A. donors will get a tax receipt through Phase One – The Road To Curing Cancer, our fiscal sponsor.
• Donate frequent flier miles or airline points. Although each airline carrier or miles program has slightly different requirements, a one way flight from North America to India is approximately 40-50k miles/points on carriers like United, British Airways, and Aeroplan. Will you take a few minutes today to see if you have enough miles to cover one leg of the journey for a survivor? If you have questions, click here to email me. 

Brenda – Traveling from Austin, TX I’m a person that likes a challenge, so I set my goals high. Little did I know at 23, 26, 42 and 45 my goal would be to beat cancer. I am one of the lucky ones and I don’t take that for granted, so I keep pushing and look for ways to give back and help others in need. Dream straight ahead!

Chris – Traveling from Ottawa, ONT. You’ve survived cancer. Now what? That’s a question I’ve asked myself many times. Have I finished writing my cancer story or is there more to come? I’m an Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor trying to navigate the “now what” waters of life after cancer while doing what I can to help others and bring about positive change. It’s time to start ‘A Fresh Chapter’.

Deirdre – Traveling from Seattle, WA. There are not enough hours in a day. Delights: laughter, camaraderie, elephants, trees, facing down my fear. Now, same number of hours in a day but I use them differently. Cancer-as-Teacher insisted on that. Here we stand, my beloved Indian oncologist and I, having walked together to this moment. When one of us moves forward, we all move forward.

Joanne – Traveling from Edmonton, AB. Not much scares me, as I have rode my motorcycle thousands of miles and overcome the fear and panic surrounding my breast cancer. However, going to India brings emotions of fear and excitement! Facing my fears and opening myself to experience whatever this trip brings, will help me move beyond the label of a cancer patient and begin living again.

Katie – Traveling from Ottawa, ONT I’ve been an overachiever my whole life so getting breast cancer at 26 years old kept me true to who I am. Cancer may have taken my breast but I won’t let it take my spirit. Although I feel like a bit of a cancer ass-kicker, I do feel a little lost; I just keep coming back to ‘now what?’.

Lina – Traveling from Vancouver, BC – On October 14, 2008, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with Grade III breast cancer.  My tumor was almost 10 cm but giving up was not an option for me. My experience has given me the profound desire to reach out to others. To be able to hold the hand of a woman, halfway across the world, and assure her that she is not alone in her struggles would be healing for both of us.  India will be an eye-opening epic adventure and I am absolutely grateful for this opportunity. This is my second chance at life, at love and at happiness.  This Fresh Chapter, my new beginning, is going to be the climax of the story of my life.  Next stop…India!

Thank You

Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. Your support IS changing lives and shaking the world. As Gandhi also said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Thank you for joining us in doing just that.