November is Awareness Month!
November is Awareness Month!
Awareness Month starts today, and this is a special time to focus on the reason for our work and the impact we have on the world. The statistics of stomach cancer are still shocking, and while we have made progress since 2015, there is still so much more to do!
5th most common cancer worldwide
Over 1 million new cases annually
0.24% of the National Cancer Institute’s research budget goes toward the disease
I hear the stories of those touched by stomach cancer every day, I receive notes of what Project Periwinkle means to people around the world, I see the need for research through the doctors, researchers, organizational leaders and families I talk with, and I see, read, and hear the unimaginable affects this disease has had on others. What we are doing matters, what you have done that allows our mission to continue makes a difference, and while progress may be slow, there are strides taken that are bringing all of us forward, even if just a step at a time.
Future Outlook
As I wrote in our end of the year letter last month, we are not invincible to the pandemic. Our values and operating model make it easier to overcome the challenges we are facing, but that doesn’t eliminate the need for continued financial sustainability or the risk of threats toward our organization. Simply put, while we have a strategic plan and resources to sustain ourselves through the foreseeable future, without continued revenue, our mission does not continue and move forward. That means no more research funding or awareness and educational programs.
We are fortunate we do not have payroll obligations, and our budget is a balanced one with a conservative approach with how we conduct ourselves and the operational side of our organization. That separates us from the rest. But there are still people who are counting on us and what we do. There are still patients, families and friends who rely on what we offer the world and the hope we bring to all those touched by stomach cancer. There are still research programs that are in need of support. There is still a disease that continues to touch countless people around the world every single day. Cancer doesn’t stop, and neither will we.
These are the things that drive our focus and our commitment into the future and for a better world. I am still confident we will overcome, and while the way we do business may change, the commitment to our mission will never fade. For me, and on a personal note, I feel the impact of what we are doing and I started this foundation because of how cancer touched my family. My hope, even back then, was to help people and contribute to change in a way that would shake up how nonprofits did it. My dream was to help people, even if just one person. It is clear we have surpassed that dream countless times over, but it has also opened my eyes to all the work there is left to do.
Any support you can give means a tremendous amount, whether a like or share on social media, or a financial gift. Everything counts! To those who have already given, a huge thank you!!
In case you missed it, you can read our end of the letter on our website blog.
With Hope,
Ben J. Broghammer, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors
November Challenge
All participants will receive a Project Periwinkle “Making Our World Cancer Free” sticker, regardless of if a donation is made.
As we recognize November’s Awareness Month for stomach cancer, and as our world works to overcome the tremendous challenges we have been experiencing this year, we want to not only bring attention to the disease we are working to end, but also the amazing power of the human spirit that overcomes challenges and tough obstacles. This month, challenge yourself to do something you want to accomplish, something that pushes you, and something that you think will make you a better person. This can be everything from a running challenge, trying a new fitness class, reading a new book, cooking a new recipe, doing an act of kindness for someone, to anything in between.
You can choose to register your challenge, or not. Tie your goal to a fundraising effort or donation you make, or not. This month is about bringing awareness to stomach cancer and also taking 30 days to better yourself and do something that challenges YOU.
Feedback Survey
We want to hear your thoughts! Through 11/30, provide your feedback by filling out our end of the year survey, and be entered to into a special drawing for a $20 gift card to our online store, which is being generously donated by an anonymous donor. Your time and opinion matters, thank you for your participation!
End of Year Giving
If you have already made a donation, THANK YOU! Our work can only continue because of the financial support we receive. We are doing all we can to make every dollar in our budget go further, but our values don’t separate us from the need for financial sustainability. Generosity and support means more research funding, wider education and awareness programs, and a step toward a cure for cancer.
Monthly Donor Program
Starting at $1/month, joining our Monthly Donor Program is an opportunity to contribute to sustaining our work! Because we are 100% volunteer based, every dollar you give goes further is turning our dream of finding a cure for stomach cancer into a reality.