Pennies for Cancer

Paying Forward
1 in 3 North Americans will get Cancer. This is a very high probability that you and/or your loved ones will face this disease in one of its many forms. Monies donated towards research in finding a cure are never lost or wasted. While there is no "magic pill" as of yet, day-by-day, treatments and success rates of cancer survival increase as scientists discover new, more tactful ways at eradicating this disease. Your contribution now is a head-start towards achieving the treatment of tomorrow, today.

In loving memory of Penny Edwards (September 29, 1957 - October 24, 2006) and in her words:

I, Penny Edwards, was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer on June 14, 2005. I was given 3–6 months to live without treatment, and 12–14 months to live with treatment. Chemotherapy treatment was completed on September 30, 2005. Since I began this journey of living with Cancer, my focus has been to try and help others that are facing this awful disease, in my own small way, while I am able. I began posting on a newsgroup for cancer support. This was where I met Annie Baggett, whose son was diagnosed with leukemia. After a number of e-mails & one day of frantic ideas and planning, Annie and I formed the idea of Pennies for Cancer, and I’m so proud to be a part of this. This is how, long after I'm gone, I could do my part in the fight for cancer funding. I believe every penny counts in the fight against this disease, and it is my dream that my grandchildren will not have to know the ugly face of Cancer. Together, we, around the world, can make a difference, one penny at a time. Click here for a more detailed version of Penny's story and related links.

My name is Annie Baggett. On the 6th day of March 2006, Steven Kirkwood, my son, was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia at the age of 22. That day forever changed our lives. There is no way that I could even begin to imagine how he felt. I know how I felt; my world was shattered. This was Cancer. Steven started taking 400mg of Gleevec once a day, 4 days after being diagnosed. We learned that he had a really good chance at a pretty normal life. One of constant monitoring, careful living and continuous medication -- a really good chance of surviving this cancer. I think Penny’s grace and tenacity with her cancer is amazing, and Steven’s attitude towards beating this disease, tremendous. With attitudes like this in them, how can I do anything other than my very best to Pay Forward, to make a difference, and to honour the strengths of everyone dealing with cancer? It is largely because of donations from others to research and development of cancer and treatments, that Steven is able to have a future, that he is able to lead a full life and that we can have the amount of hope that we do have. Let's all give this type of hope to those with cancer and their families. Click here for a more detailed version of Annie's story and related links.