The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves. -Helen Keller

Volunteer Projects

Allison Czarnecki is the Campaign Coordinator for the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Recently, she learned about a family enduring a most extraordinary situation, and has decided that there's something she can do to help. Following is the story of Bob, Lauren and Hayden Jaffe:

"I have decided to run in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training 2004 Half Marathon this January 18th.

I learned about this run this past August when I volunteered at the NYC triathlon as a Team In Training staff member. We went to the pasta party the night before and I heard countless stories of cancer survivors tell their own personal stories of conquering and defeating a blood cancer. It was awe-inspiring and made me want to do something.

The following week I spoke with Bob Jaffe. He and his wife Lauren and their families were going to participate in The Light The Night Walk in honor of their then 3-month-old daughter Hayden. Hayden was born May 30th, and just three days later was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). Doctors told the Jaffe's their firstborn's prognosis was unknown as so few cases have been reported at such an early age.

Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (also called Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia) is a disease in which too many underdeveloped infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes are found in a child's blood and bone marrow. Over 36,000 Americans are diagnosed with leukemia every year. Of this number, approximately half are diagnosed with ALL or acute myelogenous leukemia. ALL is the most common kind of childhood cancer and accounts for 75% of childhood leukemia cases.

The types of treatment include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation. Imagine a child going through many hospital stays with a possible bone marrow biopsy, spinal tap, chemo, and radiation or other procedures to stop the progression of this disease! I am happy to report that Hayden recently went through her first round of chemotherapy and is doing well. The next three phases will be long and strenuous for her tiny body.

I am running the 13 miles for Hayden and her family. Cancer affects the entire family unit. I will need to raise $3800 for my trip with 25% going towards my entrance fee, airfare, food and lodging. The remaining 75% goes towards patient aid, education and researching blood cancers- Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's and Myeloma. My personal goal is $5000."

Acoustic Outreach is determined to help Allison reach her goal, and we are asking for your help. One of our artists, John Taglieri, is also sponsoring a donation drive to help Allison. All we're asking is for each person that supports AO or John Taglieri to send in $1.00 - together we can all support Allison and the Jaffes. Donations can be made through October 31, 2003 using Paypal, by clicking the button below:

Volunteer

Noun: A person who performs, or offers to perform voluntarily.

Verb: To perform or offer to perform a service of ones own free will.

Volunteering offers a way to explore new roads that you may not get to experience in your day-to-day profession or activities. It is our belief that being a volunteer fills a person with increased self-esteem and a feeling of well-being. It also gives a sense of control in that you get to choose how you wish to focus your energies.

What are the benefits of being a volunteer? There are many. Volunteering offers more than just a sense of personal satisfaction. A short list of benefits include:

Some of our proposed activities include: