Please Stand Up

I was honored to be a guest of the Primetime Emmy Awards a few weeks ago. This experience was a first, quite possibly the last, but one that opened my eyes just a little wider. No, not because the audience was comprised of A-Listers, producers, writers, visionaries and the who's who of television, but because of the recipient of the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award, Mr. George Clooney. I was never close enough to be in awe of his appearance, this can be done from a distance, nor to have the priceless opportunity to shake his hand in pure admiration.

This man has conducted himself as all of those as fortunate as he should. He devotes his time and resources to give aid, give hope and build awareness for those less fortunate. His words hit me like a ton of bricks. He was humble, gracious and once again paid homage to his quest. As someone who would love to have the ability to devote my days and life to help those who are without, I share a bond with Mr. Clooney. He asked his fans, friends and colleagues to create a way in which we never stop thinking of or assisting those who are so desperately in need. Yes, there are events. Yes, there are charities to donate to. Yes, we unite when a natural disaster strikes. The problem is the lack of consistency. I know a constant reminder of those dying of starvation, cancer, lack of water, malaria...is not an escape we long for with the myriad of problems we allow to enter our minds. Imagine a day when this reminder makes your worries seem trivial. A day when we are made aware we are the ones who are blessed. We're alive.

Today marked another event touched by Mr. Clooney that made my eyes widen and head shake. I shake my head at my own self-pity, my own trivial self-proclaimed problems. Broadcast in 195 countries, millions tuned in to watch the Stand Up To Cancer telethon. Hundreds of journalists, entertainers and athletes united under one roof to plea for assistance in the quest to further cancer research now. A tear-wrenching plea from Patrick Swayze was just one provoking moment in the hour long event. With facts scrolling across the screen it became quite clear, cancer can be related to each and everyone of us. Sixty people die from cancer every hour in the United States. Without much thought at least one victim comes to mind. Without a cure, more victims will fill your thoughts. This single event raised over $100 million dollars in 2008. Imagine how much could come off a weekly reminder....



As a global society we have been doused with epic disasters dating back thousands of years. These catastrophes have taken lives and still, to this day effect those who live in the remains. The past fifteen years alone have left North Korea damaged by floods, 12 South Asian Nations shook and washed away by an earthquake and tsunami, West Africa hit with an outbreak, New Orleans abandoned by Hurricane Katrina and most recently the earthquake in Haiti. Lives cut short and devastation claiming conquest do not allow for Sunday afternoon walks in the park or late night beer runs. After we help today, tomorrow is a new chance to show care.

It is estimated that Malaria takes between 2 and 5 million lives each year.

There are so many ways we all can help. Sure, we are all not in a position to donate in dollars and cents, but we all have the power to build awareness, devote time and create a way in which each and everyday we are made aware just how meaningful our troubles truly are. Together we can fight back. Fight against cancer, disease, mother nature, poverty. United we can stand.