At YouCaring, we find ourselves inspired everyday by the courage and kindness that people exhibit on our platform, whether it’s helping others heal wounds, give hope, or transform lives through personal crowdfunding. As we head into this season of giving, here are ten personal fundraisers that are guaranteed to move you too. And this #GivingTuesday, donors and organizers alike can participate in our Give Back program here.
A 150-year-old convent in Peekskill, New York, is in need of some major repairs. The floor is in danger of collapsing, there’s water damage, and there are four broken broilers. Total costs are estimated at $350,000. The sisters turned to crowdfunding and have already raised over $120,000.
After her engagement to Leon Feingold, Yuan Wang was diagnosed with hyper-aggressive stage four, terminal metastatic cancer. Yuan and Leon got married and pledged to start a charity for community volunteers called The Church of Good Deeds. Their fundraiser for medical bills continues to receive donations from generous people helping Yuan fight her battle.
3. #LiveLikeSusie Memorial Fund for Lung Cancer Research
Susie Klein had a contagious passion for life. Sadly, in May 2016, she passed away after fighting lung cancer for nine months. Her son, Adam, created a fundraiser in her memory for lung cancer research. He went on to compete on Season 33 of Survivor, which was always a dream for Adam and his mother. He has already raised over $30,000 and plans to keep up the momentum.
4. Puppy Arlo Dragged by a Truck Need Emergency Care
Six month old puppy, Arlo, was tied to truck that took off, dragging him down a dirt road until his collar broke which freed him. The Houston K-911 Rescue created a fundraiser to help pay for Arlo’s vet bills. Arlo sustained severe injuries, with both bone and muscle exposed from the torn skin.
5. Support Officer Arn Salao and His Family
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) has launched a fundraiser for Senior Patrol Officer Arn Salao, who was ambushed and shot four times in November of 2016. Luckily, Arn survived the tragic event. As he starts his long road to recovery, the APD asks the community to help support him and his family by donating to his fundraiser.
6. Bring Nora Grace & Gabriella Home
With eight biological children and two adopted from Ethiopia, John and Tina Wilson have now brought home two more: Nora Grace and Gabriella, both from China. Nora Grace had been dropped on a Social Welfare Office doorstep in China, wrapped in a blanket. She needs craniofacial surgery and will be treated at Duke University Hospital.
7. Finley’s miracle surgery to get her dancing legs
Meet Finley, aka Fifi, a 3-year-old little girl with Cerebral Palsy who needed a life-changing procedure to get her “dancing legs” back. A viral “Dare to Dance” campaign was started on her behalf, and there have now been over 150 videos, including this great one with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Her family has raised over $60,000 in donations.
8. Let’s Help Lauren Beat Breast Cancer
A new mother of twins, Lauren Carman, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, yet stays positive through it all. Her immediate plans involved months of chemotherapy followed by a mastectomy. Lauren was told she would be unable to continue working as a teacher during treatment, adding financial stress. A good friend of the family created a fundraiser to help them stay on their feet while dealing with costly medical bills.
9. Born As One Soon to be Two!
Erika and Eva beat the odds the day they were born. They are conjoined twins and face a 30 percent chance of one or both not surviving their life changing surgery. So far, their family has raised over $4,000 and are hopeful to reach their goal with the love and support of their community.
10. Husband & Wife Kidney Transplant Fund
James Spraggins is a jazz musician, and his wife Tracy is a special ed teacher. She has been dealing with Lupus since age six, and last year needed a kidney transplant. It turned out James was a match, so he decided to donate his kidney to his wife.
