Chapin Family

Thank you to those of you that have donated so far to the Chapin family.  Some of you know that this budding group of people, "A Friend to Friend" was in the works last summer as a large group of people got together and began helping the Cromack family in Westfield, both having been graduates of TFHS.

Our theory was that if everyone donated small amounts of cash, cooked a meal or offered a service they could provide to the family, the family could then focus on getting treatment for their loved one and not on trying to make ends meet.

I know with complete certainty that if I or my spouse was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, our lives would change tremendously and if my spouse was unable to work, well, I can't even think about it.

Another part of the evolving theory (we haven't yet established a foundation of sorts because we ran out of steam last year) was that as a participant in A Friend to Friend, if faced with a similar situation, you could just say, "hey, my family needs help" and you quickly get some immediate cash relief, your own group set up, your needs known to your circle of friends and well, support in your own personal crisis.

It surprises some people that this whole thing works.  But, to people like me, it doesn't surprise us at all.  People are innately good when given the opportunity.  I've received some of the most heartfelt emails and notes over the past couple of years when I started doing this.  People want to help, sometimes they just need to be shown the way.

As you think about people like the Chapins, think about what would matter most to you in this situation.

Imagine that you have three beautiful children, a young, hard working husband, a home.  You are building the life that you dreamed of together.  In between driving kids to school, diapers, laundry, cooking, shopping, etc., you are now driving your husband to chemo treatments.

I can imagine.  Shock.  Denial. Fear.  Helplessness.

Now imagine you have a huge network of Friends.  Huge. 

You don't need to "qualify" for the help.  You don't need to show people your bank statements or answer embarrassing questions as to why you need help.  You just ask and we answer you.

Monday I am hoping to send the Chapins a mortgage payment.  I am asking you for financial help.  If you donate on this site, minus a small paypal "commission", your money will go directly to the Chapins. 

If you can't send cash, cook a meal.  If you live far away, send a card.  Make one.  Share our mission with your friends.  Send the kids a little gift.  Think about what would make your life a little easier in the same situation and just do it.

We are all afraid to step beyond what is comfortable, to do things without being asked.  Consider yourself asked. 

Can you mow a lawn?  Plant some flowers?  Cook?  Babysit? 

Can you add your friends to our group?

Are you a writer?

Do you work in a place that you can sell Friend to Friend bracelets?

Can you do a dress down day at work and donate directly to the family?

What can you add?

Donate directly to the chapins here: