If you've sat in front of a TV lately, then you may have seen the Public Service Announcement for the ONE Campaign. It's a campaign to get Americans to lend their voices and to bring awareness and hopefully change in the fight against global AIDS , extreme poverty, and education, to name a few of the many causes. If you scroll down a bit and look to the left, I have posted two banners in support of the ONE campaign. If you'd like to learn more and see what your voice can do, click on either banner and it will take you to the website. There's a Take Action check list of things we as Americans can do to become fully involved in the ONE Campaign:

1. Sign The Declaration ( lending your voice to the fight...an electronic signature) *CHECK*

2. Email Your Friends (once you've signed the declaration, it'll give you the option to pass it along to your friends) *CHECK*

3. Wear The Wristband (white wristband w/ the word "ONE" on it, ala Lance Armstrong's yellow one (which I also have) you may order it online) *CHECK*

4. Get Local (Get involved in the ONE campaign in your community) *Currently looking into projects here in Florida and in Texas, so when I move I can just jump right in*

5. Host A Banner (Add an ad banner for the ONE Campaign to your website) *CHECK x's 2*

I know we all feel like there isn't enough time in the day as it is, but I bet if we skipped something we deem as a necessity, i.e. a hair/nail appt. or if we didn't indulge in a trip to the movies, we could find the time to contribute to this cause. To any cause really. It's about prioritizing and making a commitment and sticking to it. There are so many people in need and so much that can be done. Educating those around us is the first step. Most people will sit back and think their voice or opinions won't make a difference. Here's something that says otherwise...

I first heard the name, Kassandra Okvath, while watching an episode of the abc show Extreme Makeovers: Home Edition. What made this episode more special than the others was that Kassandra, an 8 year old who's battled cancer, is the one who made the video. Only, she wasn't asking for her home to be made over. In the video she sent to the show's producers, Kassandra's simple, selfless request was that she wished that the children struggling with illness at the University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona -- where she has been receiving treatment -- might be given something very special. She asked if the walls of the hospital could be painted for sick kids because, as she said, "Sometimes that's the last things they see." Throughout the show while a crew was working at the hospital, a secret crew was redoing her very own home. It would be a surprise to her and her family. Also in the episode was background information on Kassandra and her fight against cancer and what she's been doing to help other children. She created the Love Comes First Foundation. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Her heart, and mission, is to enhance the quality of life for children fighting cancer.
Kassandra was diagnosed with High-Risk Stage III Neuroblastoma, a deadly form of cancer. Throughout her treatment, Kassandra has hand-crafted her beaded necklaces. Kassandra assigned meanings to specific beads to symbolize love, courage, the cure for cancer, and growth and transformation. The beads became a way for a young girl to work through very difficult circumstances. She crafted her Butterfly necklace as a tribute to Hanna, her friend and neighbor at the children's hospital, after she lost her battle with cancer. With her cancer in remission, Kassandra wants to offer her signature pieces to others, dedicating the money to benefit other children with cancer. Kassandra's has received about 25,000 requests for the beaded jewelry so far, and can make about four a day on her own. Her local church has opened the doors of its community center, Mon.-Fri. from 1pm-5pm, inviting the public to join in the necklace-making. Beads Galore International Inc. in Tempe donated $25,000 in beads to Kassandra and said it hopes to eventually sell some of the jewelry as well. I can't remember the name, but a local jewelry store also decided to lend a hand in helping Kassandra's fight against cancer. They've offered to display and sell her beaded jewelry in their store. All proceeds going to her foundation, of course.
If an 8-year old can make four beads per day, imagine what can be done on a weekend when the community gets involved...