Hey, everybody,

For several years my family has given and been given donations to causes we each thought the other would be pleased about. For those of us who already have more-than-plenty, it is a lovely tradition.

I heard on the radio the other day a plan that even improves on this: Why not write a letter to your family, stating that you and your family would be happy to celebrate the season with time spent with each other and with love and prayers from those who can't be close. If, however, someone chooses to gift you with a gift of any sort, you would request that they send a gift to OCF in your name, since it is an organization close to your heart, an important part of your recovery, and a beacon of hope and a source of information for all who are victims of Oral Cancer. (Provide the address to make it easier for them!)(Brian, what would be the best address to use for donations?)

You can reciprocate, of course, by letting them know that you would like to do the same for them, by making a donation to a cause important to them, or, if they prefer, you will make a donation to OCF in their names.

Another alternative is to make a donation to OCF in the names of all your gift recipients. You could write them a sweet note on pretty paper, saying that you thank them for their love and support during your recovery from oral cancer, and that since they are likely aware of the important role that OCF has also played in your recovery, you want to make a donation to OCF in their names, so that the website will continue to grow to support others.

XO