Her Big Idea Blog

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.