Each of us can make a difference in the world and there are lot of ways that we can make that happen. Today, I want to share one librarian's path to doing some good for others as expressed in her own words. Kate Follen is a former law librarian with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts. She has since gone on to start her own research consulting business, Monroe Information Services, where she specializes in legal, business and prospect research. Kate loves her new career, but still holds the interests and struggles of the government librarian near and dear to her heart.
Pictured are Erin Donovan (L) and Kate Follen (R) at Heartbreak Hill, 2008 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
Read on...
How many times have you heard a discussion about an unfortunate situation in which the final statement is something to the effect of, “Oh well, what can you do?” This is meant to be a rhetorical question. The idea is that there is nothing we can do. So, let’s not even discuss it anymore.
Well, last weekend 7500 people decided to tackle the question, “What can you do?” The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk was held on Sunday, September 21st. It was approximately 55 degrees when I arrived at the starting point with my friends. Cancer had reared its ugly head in all of our lives. I lost my wonderful sister-in-law to liver cancer and my grandfather to lung cancer. My grandmother is struggling with colon cancer at this very moment. My friend’s sister just recovered from breast cancer. This morbid list goes on and on. We are all prepared to walk the historic route of the Boston Marathon to honor those lost and help those who are still with us.
It was a beautiful day and the momentum of the event kept us going for more miles than I am used to. However, around the 22nd mile, my energy started to fade and my legs started to feel very heavy. In my discomfort, I thought about how my sister-in-law must have felt during her chemo. I thought about losing my hair, or worse, my breasts. At that point, I did not think,“Oh well, what can I do?” Instead, I thought about the money we were raising and was encouraged. If the minor discomfort I am experiencing right now can help even one person avoid the pain of cancer, it is absolutely worth it.
The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised over $51 million in the past 19 years. This year was the 20th Anniversary of the event and it is projected that we raised $7.2 million. So, the next time someone says, “Oh well, what can you do?” - don’t just sigh and change the subject. Try to think of an answer. We are not incapable of helping to change the way things are.
Marie, this is a great article! I would like to share information about a project a group of us started this year. We are working towards making, buying, and/or receiving used blankets to give to local Washington, DC-area charities. Our goal is to have 365 blankets by mid-November. See http://dcblankets.ning.com . Karen
Posted by: Karen Huffman | October 03, 2008 at 07:56 PM