Fundraising for Friend?

[sad555]

Currently, I am trying to help my best friend who is battling Lukemia. She was diagnosed two months ago. Since then, she has had 4 blood transfusions and is undergoing Kimotherapy. Unfortunately, the costs are becoming too much. She needs to have at least three more rounds of Kimotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, which she can not afford. Unfortunately, her health insurance is only going to cover 50% of the costs. I have asked some big corporations to contribute by making a donation, but they refuse to make a contribution for just an individual. I have opened up a trust account for her so that their contributions would be tax deductible, but they still won't help. Also, I asked the lukemia society to help by giving her a certain % of money for the people that I get to sign up on her behalf. They told me they wouldn't do that. Do any of you have any advice?

[Phoenix]

First, I'm sorry to hear about your friend's struggle. :(

If you can't raise the money thinking really big, start smaller. Do some local things - car washes, bake sales, yard sales, a backyard fair/carnival for kids, etc. Some of these won't raise a huge amount of money, perhaps, but it will be something. Maybe your community can help. Or a local company that is interested in charity type work (they can maybe at least help with manpower to run an event).

Something that you may try to do, if your friend is willing, is talk to a local radio station, tv station, or newspaper about her story. You can ask if they'll help out in getting the word out for events you're having or if people would like to make a donation. Sad to say, but a lot of media outlets like a human interest story, but it also helps you in your cause.

Hope this helps...Good luck!

[jstall]

These are all good suggestions. You should definitely consider going to the media. If people read the story and see your friend's picture, they'll be more willing to give. Police and fire departments are great, too - They have fundraisers (like chili cook offs) all the time. Rather than going to large corporations, try contacting your local companies, whether big or small -- You might have better luck there. Does your friend or her family belong to a church? Even if she doesn't, a church in your area might be willing to help.