The holidays are right around the corner and Blake from I Hate Stairs has challenged me to make a list for tomorrow's blog carnival. Instead of the traditional wish list focused on what we'd like for ourselves, I thought I'd list what I wish I could GIVE. There are so many worthy charities that I would love to support. We all have issues that hit especially close to home and I've found this list is a unique representation of what's important to me.
It would be my wish to make the following contributions:
1. In support of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), I would become a chimpanzee guardian. Of course, I'd rather travel to the JGI to make my contribution, but I'm doubtful that the mountains of Africa are very wheelchair accessible.
[Photo caption: Face of a baby chimpanzee.]
2. In the last few months, I've had three people that are close to me impacted with breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen has an excellent reputation as a charity. The Charity Navigator is a great way to check on the efficiency of charitable organizations. Be an smart giver!
3. When I worked as a teacher for a children's cancer, AIDS, and other blood disorders hospital unit, I learned of the amazing work Candlelighters does for children and their families affected by cancer. This organization supplies educational materials to parents and even the school teachers of children diagnosed with cancer for free. They provide support when its most needed and its done in a dignified and 
optimistic way. One of my favorite things in their store are called "Hero beads". Specific beads represent the many different complex and often painful parts of the fight to beat cancer. The one to the right represents each time a child with cancer has an X-ray. There are also beads for hair loss, finger pokes, inpatient admissions, and a number of other treatments. I've seen several children, especially teenagers, that really cherished the tangible representation of their journey. Wouldn't it be cool if other disabilities had a similar representation?
4. I would be honored to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation because I know first-hand of the difference they can make in the lives of people with disabilities. Even more than making a simple monetary contribution, I'd love to host a Challenged Athletes fundraiser in my community. It would education others on the active lives many people with disabilities lead while extending the reach of this worthwhile organization.
5. Because I can't imagine life without my wheels, I would donate to the Free Wheelchair Mission. Here's a video on their work:
6. And finally, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF) has to make my list! OIF has supported me and my family since my birth. They provide accurate information to families soon after they are provided with the news their child will be more fragile than most. OIF does fund important research but I think the social connections they foster are most important. Then again, I'm quite biased since I met my hubby-to-be at one of their events!
What makes an charity important to you? For me, it's not only about WHAT cause the organization supports but also HOW it does it. I understand that it's easier in our community to make money through pity pleas, but that doesn't do the trick for me! What charities make your list of giving?
[Photo caption: Finger holding a coin over several outstretched hands. Image represents the challenging choice of selecting a charity.]
Update: The carnival has begun. Go join in on the fun here!
