A Charity That You Should Know About: Kidz1stFund

One of the primary reasons why people may not know about non-profit organizations or local charities is because of a lack of awareness and  information regarding those causes. Today, I invite you to read about a  charity that is closer to us, the Florida State University community, than we may think: Kidz1stFund. In my opinion, charities and fundraising campaigns are either too good at social media and spreading the word, or simply bad at it; there is no in between. So, this is my attempt to try and collaborate with raising awareness for a local cuase.

Kidz1stFund is an organization that helps raise awareness and research funds to find a cure for Fanconi Anemia. Now, you may be wondering, what is Fanconi Anemia? Why am I saying it is close to us, to our community? Why may this be a charity that may concern us? What would YOU gain out of joining the fight to find a cure for this disease?

Well, first off, you would gain the satisfaction that comes with doing something for someone else; you will learn to appreciate what you have and understand that there are more important things in life than gaining recognition for the things you do. On the other hand, this charity should concern you because it was started by our dearest Seminoles Football Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher. As a member of the Florida State University community, there are many relevant and popular causes and charities that we encounter around campus year round (charities such as Relay4Life or Dance Marathon) either through their marketing and advertising strategies, word of mouth, fundraising events, or other activities. But, today I am trying to advocate for a cause that doesn’t have as much awareness around campus as either of the charities just mentioned, but it should be as important as those: Kidz1stFund is seeking your help.

Now, in terms of what exactly is Fanconi Anemia: it is a very rare blood disease that can lead to bone marrow failure and/or cancer. It is a genetic disease that occurs equally in both males and females, and all ethnic groups. As it develops, it can affect not only the blood stream but also other major systems and organs of the body such as the kidney, the heart, and the auditory system. And, although not every person develops physical evidence of the disease, many of them experience a variety of issues from shortness and abnormalities in their limbs, to light and dark pigmentation of the skin. This condition may not appear to be evident when the victim is still a baby, but as a genetic condition, it develops as the individual grows, leading to undesired and in many cases unexpected outcomes.

To tell you a little bit more about this charity and what it does for Faconi Anemia, it helps gather the necessary funds to further the research of finding a cure. Currently, the only treatment method there is, is a bone marrow transplant. But, with the recent heightened awareness and increasing fundraising campaigns, researches at the University of Minnesota have been able to advance in the findings.

Coach Fisher started this charity along with his wife, Candi Fisher, because they wanted to find a cure for this rare blood disease. They wanted to help their own son who’s a victim of the disease and thousands of other families who are fighting along the way. So, what better way to show that we care about our Seminoles, about our community, and about other people, than joining the cause and helping to raise awareness and gather funds to further the research in finding a cure.

Jimbo Fisher and his son, Ethan Fisher

This charity started only four years ago (2011) and it, along with other fundraising organizations fighting for Fanconi Anemia, have managed to gather a good amount of funds for research to find a cure. Notice that I said a “good” amount, that is because I believe that with your help, we can turn that “good” into a “great” amount.

Today, I invite you to donate and/or spread the word about this cause. You will be helping, not only Jimbo Fisher’s son , Ethan Fisher, but also thousands of families who are putting their faith in research opportunities to find the cure for their loved ones. You can donate money, spread the word and help educate the public, purchase merchandise, volunteer for a fundraising event, or become a bone marrow donor. Just remember that whatever you decide to do is going to help someone who needs the cure, or someone who is trying to find the cure for a really special person. Go to http://www.kidz1stfund.com/join-the-fight and join the fight (or at least share to spread the word, someone out here might be willing to help). #IFightFanconi