Feel Good Friday - Causes You Care About 🥰

[Amanda Barber]

It's *finally* Feel Good Friday, Community!

For today, I'd love to hear about the causes you care about. In October, in the U.S., it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This particular cancer has impacted many people I am close to in recent years. (Friendly reminder to schedule your mammogram, ladies!)

I also regularly support the efforts of the Alzheimer's Association, Versiti Blood Centers (with regular blood donations), our local mental health organizations, and United Way.

What are some causes you care about and how do you support those causes? 

[Joe Montibello _he_him_]

One that I'm really connected to is hereditary cancer syndromes. Lynch syndrome affects 1 in 300 Americans, but it's not widely known. The syndrome greatly increases your likelihood of having cancer in your lifetime, especially colorectal and endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer in women under 50 is a "sentinel cancer," meaning that if you fall in that category you should be tested for Lynch Syndrome. Anyone who has this syndrome has a 50% chance of passing it on to any children they may have. Diagnosis requires genetic testing, and if you have Lynch Syndrome, you'll probably need colonoscopies annually along with other regular monitoring for signs of cancer throughout your life. My wife is a cancer survivor and patient advocate, and we're doing the Jimmy Fund walk this weekend in support of Team Lynch Syndrome.

[Barbara Szczesniak]

@Joe Montibello _he_him_ I was one of the people who were unaware of Lynch syndrome. Thank you for the information you have provided.

[Amanda Barber]

Wow, thanks for sharing this information, @Joe Montibello _he_him_! I had never heard of this. 

[Barbara Szczesniak]

Thanks for this topic, @Amanda Barber. It gives me a good feeling to think about supporting causes important to me.

I care about those who are unable to provide for themselves and their families. I regularly go through my clothes and shoes and donate them to local charities. I try to find ones where they just give them to people in need, rather than selling them in stores. For example, battered women's shelters are generally happy to get clothing, shoes, toiletries, towels and bedding, toys for children, and so on.

We also regularly donate to our local food pantry. When we can, we purchase items specifically to donate or contribute the free item from buy-1-get-one-free promotions.

[Amanda Barber]

Great causes and great suggestions for how people can get involved in their own communities, @Barbara Szczesniak - thanks, as always, for chiming in!