tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802773145608723523.post1292940106824779512..comments2023-08-23T04:37:38.079-07:00Comments on Ideas For Life: To Give or Not to Give! An Essay on Charitable Giving.James Schramhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13102233103748542797noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802773145608723523.post-4550278172939722212011-02-03T08:11:36.865-08:002011-02-03T08:11:36.865-08:00Okay, in clarifying your point, I can see better w...Okay, in clarifying your point, I can see better where you were headed and agree with you there. I just did not want people to turn away from donating to these organizations thinking that nothing comes of it. Thanks for clarifying. You are very well written James. Thanks for the encouragement too.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06529456356512906944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802773145608723523.post-61169524315880917082011-02-02T14:53:32.638-08:002011-02-02T14:53:32.638-08:00Stacey, I thought of you considerably while drafti...Stacey, I thought of you considerably while drafting this essay. There is no doubt LLS donates a considerable amount to researchers working on treatment options for various blood cancers. In fact, the vast majority of these types of foundations/societies work very hard to fund some of the best research institutes and universities. My only contention is that most treatments, cures, and even preventive measures are discovered in our universities by researchers conducting research unrelated to these various diseases. Unfortunately, these researchers receive very little in funding because what they are studying appears insignificant compared to the vast number of researchers working on specific health related issues. For example, research in Evolutionary Biology or Paleontology is just as likely to stumble upon data that is likely to lead to a cure or treatment options, statistically speaking. The difference are these areas receive very little funding. That being said, once these discoveries are made it takes considerable funding to specialist working on evolving this information and making it effective. So, together, our community of Scientist can make change happen. <br />This post stems from a discussion I participated in last year talking about science education and research funding. It is unfortunate that we don't fund more research at all levels and for many different fields of study. I suppose this is not plausible as there is only so much capital to go around, but I'm sure we could do better. Now, Stacey you of all people should start a blog ASAP!! Thanks for the reply!James Schramhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13102233103748542797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802773145608723523.post-51699332269435601752011-02-02T14:41:45.767-08:002011-02-02T14:41:45.767-08:00I would agree with most everything Stacey and you ...I would agree with most everything Stacey and you have posted. People should check out the institutions they are going to donate prior to donating. See how much of the donations actually go to the reason you are donating. Some have very high operational cost and very little actually makes it to the researcher, also be aware many of these organizations give to more than one research area, some cases they give to organizations you don’t want your donations going. Do your home work before giving.<br />I too have a tendency to be more “hands on” volunteer programs such Meals on Wheels or donate some of your time to your local school even if it’s only a few minutes it gives the teachers more time to dedicate to the students instead of making copies and such, if you have pro skills (plumber, electrical), see if there is some volunteer organization that can put them to use. No matter what get involved. You are never too old or too young.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00200981878941274821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4802773145608723523.post-88163229915890361792011-02-02T12:22:53.275-08:002011-02-02T12:22:53.275-08:00I have long thought of starting a blog so you may ...I have long thought of starting a blog so you may just inspire me to follow through one day soon. <br /><br />While I agree on much of what you express here, I also must offer a correction in your argument regarding charitable giving to medical research by using an organization near and dear to me and my family battling an incurable blood cancer for over a decade. My example is one of the "large medical nonprofits" you claim have little or no affect in finding cures or viable life-saving treatments. This is where you and I will differ as some are doing amazing work AND utilize the University system to achieve amazing strides forward. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raises millions to help fund research, advocate for patient rights and educate people about blood cancers. In my 10 years as an advocate, LLS research is directly attributed with the discovery of the drug Gleevec which has saved hundreds of leukemia patients from certain death. Much of LLS research funds are poured into grants to Universities as well as other research facilities in the hopes of finding those cures. In a time of little or no government funding for national programs to find cures to major diseases like cancer, organizations such as LLS are crucial to the equation. Here is a link to the research LLS is funding to prove my point. http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=191582. So, yes, be diligent as to where you send your charitable funds but know there are organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society doing amazing things. My husband's bone marrow transplant is also a product of LLS and other cancer research organizations working on safer and better ways to perform this life-saving procedure.<br /><br />Beyond this point James, I agree wholeheartedly on the need to invest time in one's community through volunteerism and civic engagement. You are right on there.<br /><br />Take care and I look forward to future blogs from you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06529456356512906944noreply@blogger.com