A “What The…” Moment

To date, only 5 people have ventured to give. A total of RM7,500 (US$2.15K). That’s only 10% of our goal.

Wow! Or rather, OUCH.

I’m actually not sure why this effort has not received more support.

Is it the ongoing global economic crisis? (That’s a tough one to comment on)
Is it that cancer is less relevant? (Can’t be, as 1 in 3 people will have some form or other of cancer by 2020).
Or is the political situation (particularly in Malaysia where we live) captivating everyone’s attention that they do not feel as moved to contribute to a cause like this. (Malaysians, like me, are jaded)

Or as mentioned by TY, perhaps it is simply too difficult to transfer money to an account. (Should I set up the PayPal Donation thingy?)

Or maybe it is because there are skeptics who believe we can’t possibly do this. (To people in this category, I say, wait and see the results in 3 months time!)

Whatever the case may be, I am honestly thinking of giving up this public call for funds and go the publisher route, which would not be ideal at all.

Let me outline the reasons why I would rather NOT do so:

1. Publishers are in the business of producing and selling books for a profit. We intend NOT to profit from this. (Proceeds will be donated)

2. Publishers will extensively edit and ensure a book is “commercially viable” – I am writing from the heart and will share all the deepest, darkest fears and experiences, to ensure you know what it means to be a caregiver, so you can indeed be the BEST caregiver you can.

3. Publishers want to control the distribution – we intend to have the book freely available in cancer clinics throughout Malaysia (apart from the quantities that are sold, proceeds of which will be donated)
I must accord appreciation to those who have pointed me to printers and those who have offered to print this book for cheaper than I mentioned – I assure you we will explore all opportunities and get back to each and everyone of you.

However, our goal remains the same. RM75,000 (US$21.5K). If we find a cheaper alternative, we will then print more books so as to give more copies away freely. We will stay the course.

Who might naturally be interested in giving?

I would imagine the first group of people would be those who know us personally. Family friends of ours. Jennifer’s friends (and she had so many). Friends from church.

The second group would be people whose lives have been or are touched by cancer. In particular someone who has cared for someone with terminal disease. Or a survivor who understands how difficult the journey can be.

The third group might be corporations or institutions that would benefit from being a part of this cause. Perhaps as a form of CSR, or perhaps they are looking to partner with us to promote better care giving.

I need your help in indentifying who might be interested and perhaps being our “agent” in reaching out to your respective circles. For our friends, please get together with other friends and come together to help. For those who may not know us, please read our blogs, FB page and get to know us – perhaps that might help build some greater level of comfort and encourage you to give.

For those who might know corporations who would be interested in talking to us, please do drop me a note.

My dear friends, I appeal to you to help us do this!

For the few who have so generously contributed, both Junior and I are thankful. For those who are hesitant, please do give what you can and share in our mission. I must accord my thanks to See Chyn and Aik Loon for being so very generous and having the distinction of being the top donors to this cause. Aik Loon recently lost his mum to cancer as well, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family...

Warmest love, choicest blessing!

2 Michaels