The holiday season is always a stressful but happy time of year where people can celebrate and be with close family and friends. This year, however, has been a significantly different set of circumstances due to the pandemic. Worrying about what presents to get our loved ones is lower on the totem pole of worries right now.
The pandemic has affected almost everyone in a negative way. People have lost their jobs; others have gotten life-threateningly sick. Life has just been challenging for most right now.
The holidays are the time of year for people to get together to lend a helping hand and give back. Since 2020 has been so difficult for most, I wanted to share some charities that are close to my heart. Donating any little bit, you can helps and make a difference in someone else’s life.
ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
St. Jude is a charity that Mr. Stafford and I have supported for many years. The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for catastrophic pediatric diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay. The idea that the family is supported and can just concern themselves with caring for their child is an amazing achievement.
St. Jude has helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent when they first opened their doors in the early 1960s to more than 80 percent today. Their goal is to never stop until no child dies from cancer. I think that is something we can all support.
ASPCA-AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
If you follow my blog, you know we are animal lovers in our family. Including our two daughters, we have had five dogs and three cats over the years. Believe me, and there will be more adoptions coming soon too!
The ASPCA is a national leader in animal rescue and protection, working tirelessly to put an end to animal abuse and neglect. Your donation can fight cruelty and give animals nationwide a second chance at life.
I highly recommend adopting from your local shelter too. There is no better feeling than giving a forever home to an animal in need of love. You’re saving a life, and at the same time gaining a forever best friend.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Breast Cancer is one form of cancer that I can say many of us have been directly or indirectly affected by. Either you might know someone, it runs in your family, or you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I know in my own family, I have had three aunts and my sister who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and dealt with this disease.
Over the years, there have been so many great strides in preventing and finding curable treatments. Getting your annual mammogram is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.
BCRF is recognized as one of the most financially efficient nonprofits in the country. They are the highest-rated breast cancer charity in the U.S. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer. They provide critical funding for cancer research worldwide to fuel advances in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, metastasis, and survivorship.
Right now, I think it is a crucial time for our communities to come together. These three Charities are reputable causes that my family and I have supported over the years. These are among the more popular charities out there, but there are also plenty of local foundations you can support closer to home. All you have to do is do some research and see what you want to support.
Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community, where no topic is off-limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties, and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women and trying to have some fun in the meantime.
Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Real Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford.” Without you, there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!
This is an awesome idea! Love to give back to the community💖