Writing for the Cure

Below, Jacqueline Nalls describes her incredibly successful “Write for the Cure” campaign to raise funds for BCAN.

My name is Jacqueline Nalls. I wrote my inspirational story on this website after I beat bladder cancer in June, 2009.  Since then I’ve been volunteering with BCAN and in October I took on the “Write for the Cure” campaign. I wrote my personal story and sent it to 38 of my family members and friends. I had no idea how it would turn out but I raised over $1,000 for BCAN.

Out of the 38 people I sent my letter to, I got donations from 22 people, including my OB/GYN who found my cancer. Most of the people I wrote knew my story and had helped me on my bladder cancer journey, but others knew very little.

Some acknowledged the letter but weren’t able to contribute, others called and told me what a great story it was and said I could count on them for their support. Still, there were others I had to follow-up with to ask if they received my letter.  I chose people who I thought would make a donation, so I didn’t write to those who were unemployed. But I learned you just can’t determine who will and who won’t donate.  If I had to do it again, I would write to everyone I know, and leave the rest up to God, just like I did when I beat cancer.

After I received all of the donations, I sent each person who had donated a personal thank you note and enclosed a yellow “bladder cancer” ribbon that I made by hand.

I also found other ways to collect donations for BCAN.  I have three best girlfriends who get together and go out to dinner for each other’s birthdays. This year for my November birthday I decided to do dinner with a twist. We usually pick a restaurant to go to, but this time I decided to host a dinner party for them. I asked them what they would like to have for dinner and I sent out formal invitations with one request.  Instead of a gift, I asked them to make a donation to BCAN in my honor. We had the best time; I enjoyed cooking for them and didn’t mind giving up my treat for BCAN.

In January, 2010 a cousin called to tell me an amazing story. Because of my “Write for the Cure” letter she decided to see her doctor and tell him about the cancer running in our family. She had some tests done and a tumor was found on or near her kidney. She’s so grateful it was caught early and credits me with helping save her life. She’s going to have surgery soon and I know she’ll be a survivor just like me. “Writing for the Cure” had a wonderful effect on me and those I’ve shared it with. If it helps save just one precious life, it was worth all the effort.