Blood cancers and a call for inspiration.

A few years ago, I had a discussion with an oncologist at Stanford who explained to me that cancer is truly a chronic illness. She said that after an experience with cancer, whether it was your battle or your best friend’s, it becomes a part of the fabric of who you are — for better or for worse. I’ve yet to meet one person who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way and I’ve been thinking about that conversation quite a bit lately. I’d like to reflect upon the for better, here goes...

We recently launched an OpenIDEO challenge around blood cancers and how we might compel more people around the world to register for bone marrow donation. For me, it seems simple enough — you can order a kit via BeTheMatch.org, attend a drive, or set up your own initiative. The process is as easy as having your cheek swabbed — that’s right, no blood. Yet, there still aren’t nearly enough donors in the registry — particularly for people of South Asian and African-American descent.

So what can you do to help, right now? Aside from the above, you can log-on to OpenIDEO and upload an inspiration. Be sure to check out Jennifer Aaker and the 100K Cheeks’ video made especially for the challenge. We’re seeking everything from compelling campaigns to donation experiences of any kind — and the broader we go, the more we’ll have to inspire us.

I can’t wait to see what you can come up with — and I can’t thank you enough, in advance, for your contributions for the better.

Mrs. Clean

I come from a long line of women who are hyper-obsessive about cleaning (just ask my brothers and/or fiancé) — so I get excited about the very intimation of a housecleaner. Regardless, my sister* sent this along and I thought it was such an incredible cause that I had to share: cleaningforareason.org

If you know a woman currently undergoing chemotherapy in the United States, Cleaning for A Reason will provide free housecleaning (once a month for 4 months) while she is in treatment. I don’t know about you, but the one helpful thing someone can do for me when I’m sick is make my living space comfortable. I just feel better when my surroundings are organized and freshly cleaned.

Cleaning for A Reason serves the entire U.S. and currently has 547 partners. Check them out and pass their info along — think of how much it could help someone you know with enough on their plate already.

*thanks Shannon!