Saturday, September 04, 2010

More Bang for the Book Buck

Attention Amazon Shoppers!

I've just learned that we can all do a little more with the purchases we are going to make anyway. So that no one has to read further than they want, here is the "press release" style summary:

  • Who: Anyone shopping on Amazon.
  • When: Every time you shop!
  • What: Support a good cause by linking to Amazon through the NAHHH site below. When you make a purchase, Amazon makes a donation to NAHHH.
  • Where: Go to the Homes that Help and Heal (National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses) website, and follow these directions:
  • How: It's only a few clicks. Once you are on the NAHHH page, click the Amazon logo at the top. You can check out the offerings in the NAHHH Store, but the donation works on anything you buy during that session, not just the books on that page! Click the big portal box at the bottom. As of today, it says "Price Selection Convenience" with a large Amazon arrow. Then shop freely!
  • Why: Well, obviously for the donations. So below is why I care, and why I think you should too.
People who need sophisticated medical care have options for speciality treatment. There are many specialist clinics around the country. More and more patients travel for treatment every year. But where will they stay? A "Hospital Hospitality House" is a place where family and patients can stay when away from home for medical treatment. Instead of a hotel, lodging is free or reduced cost in a home like setting.

Most of us are familiar with Ronald McDonald House which provides housing for children and their family's. There are many more such houses serving other patient constituents, but without the major corporate backing. NAHHH is an association of hospitality houses -- hundreds of them around the country.

So why do I care?

Two years ago, I was involved in a truly serious auto accident when I was run off of the road by a careless driver. I was able to go home pretty quickly, My nephew who was in the car with me was not so lucky. Though he is doing well now, that was not always a sure thing. For the whole story, check out the Sam's Update blog. The story begins with the August 3, 2008 post.

While Sam was receiving treatment, his family stayed at a Hospitality House near to the hospital. The fact that the family was able to be with him 24-7 while he was in was an important part of his recovery. This became an important part of his life and ours. One of his important caretakers was Sam's Aunt Karylinn.

A year after the accident, we knew that Sam was eventually going to be ok. And at that time, Karylinn learned that NAHHH was looking for an executive director. So now we have come full circle, Karylinn is serving as the Executive Director and I am promoting their fund raising. Will you consider it too? If you are going to Amazon anyway, invest a few extra clicks. Remember, go to nahhh.org, click the Amazon logo at the top, then at the NAHHH Store, click the big portal box at the bottom. As of today, it says "Price Selection Convenience" with a large Amazon arrow. Click through and shop away!

Thanks