The 29-Day Giving Challenge is a a pay-it-forward type of social network created by Multiple Sclerosis sufferer Cami Walker. The goal of this network is to change lives, one gift at a time.
Feeling desperate and hopeless after spending eight days in the hospital related to Multiple Sclerosis, 35-year-old Cami Walker, decided to take an odd “prescription” from an African medicine woman. The remedy? Give away one thing each day for 29 days.
“I thought the suggestion was crazy at first, but decided it wasn’t going to hurt me to try it. Things couldn’t get much worse,” said Walker. “I was shocked by how quickly things turned around for me. By day 14, I was able to walk without my cane and many of my MS symptoms subsided. I was able to start working part-time again by day 29.”
Now, several months and many daily gifts later, Walker says she is still improving. Walker was so inspired by the changes in her health and other areas of her life that she decided to turn the 29-Day Giving Challenge into a worldwide giving movement. Today 29Gifts.org has givers taking part from all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.
Many of Walker’s fellow givers are dealing with serious health challenges, including various forms of cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, post-polio syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. And many are reporting positive changes in their conditions.
Givers commit to the Challenge by signing up on a social networking website where they can share stories in personal blogs and meet other givers. Their gifts can be anything: time, money, things, or kind words. Over 1,200 inspiring giving stories have been posted on the community site at www.29Gifts.org.
“Giving is a way to focus on what’s right with me instead of what’s wrong,” said Walker. “The simple addition of giving mindfully to another person each day has improved my state of mind and had a positive impact on my health–far more than any medication I take. I’m experiencing fewer MS symptoms and when problems do flare up I cope better with them.”
I recently joined this network and I look forward to starting my 29-day challenge today! There are currently 713 members but Cami has a goal of inspiring and reaching 2,000 members by September 29, 2008. Imagine how many people can be touched by this social network revolution?
To join the network or to find out more information about the 29-Day Giving Challenge please go to: www.29gifts.org.
Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio.
Happy 4th of July and Thank You Military for Your Sacrifices
To most people the 4th of July is a day off from work, a chance to go to the beach, have a picnic or barbeque with friends and then top the evening off with some fireworks and a few beers.
Yet, I must urge everyone to take a few minutes to reflect on all those men and women who have served our country and who are currently serving in our military. Please remember all the sacrifices they have made.
I can’t even remember the last time my husband, a Naval Aviator, was home for the 4th of July holiday. A few times his absence was due to his deployment schedule and other times because of “workups,” where they’re training for deployment. Many birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and special occasions missed for the protection of our country and our friends overseas.
On his second deployment he even missed the first seven and a half months of our son’s first year. Many of our son’s “firsts” were captured on 30-second clips of video so I could send via email out to the boat where my husband yearned for more and more moments of his newborn son’s life.
Now that my husband is on “shore duty” I know he won’t deploy in the next few years. But I’m reminded daily of our independence just about every morning at exactly 8 a.m. I hear the “sound of freedom” as my husband calls it. The rattling of my house and the roar of F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets firing up their engines to start the day’s training exercises.
I’m happy to say this 4th of July we will be spending time together as a family enjoying the holiday and joyfully awaiting the birth of our second son.
Thank you to the men and women of the military, we wave our flags proudly because of you. And to all, happy 4th of July, please stay safe!
Elaine of Her Big Idea Blog and Social Network has an Internet Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio and writes for Posh Mama Online Magazine and Social Network every Tuesday.
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