
I have been trying to think of something to do for my father, even before he passed away from colorectal cancer on November 10, 2013. Big Norm had truly suffered through a lot of trials and tribulations with his fight over 2 ½ years, and I just felt like I wanted to do something to not only show tribute to the immense influence he had over my life, but to spread the word of this dreadful disease which can be prevented 100%.
Suddenly, it hit me. After researching and studying about the Colon Cancer Alliance (http://ccalliance.org) and its mission, I became inspired. I wanted to help expose more of what this organization was about. Reading personal stories on survival and ultimate succumbing of the disease, as well as noticing the amount of Blue Note tributes for raising funds to donate to the ultimate hope of a cure for colon cancer really moved me.
After emails with representatives of the CCA, including Nicole Sheahan, the Corporate Outreach and Fundraising Director, and hearing very supportive feedback on this, I’ve decided to start a unique fundraising opportunity entitled the “Pennies for Norm” campaign.
What is the “Pennies for Norm”, you ask? Growing up, I always witnessed cups upon cups filled of pennies that my father had carried throughout the years in his pockets. Ultimately, both my mother and father wrapped all of them up and cashed them in. Time after time, the cups would be filled sooner-than-later and the process would repeat itself. Unbeknownst to my parents, I always found it quietly hilarious. However, I found myself falling into those little quirks that were similar to my father.
But instead of cashing out for my own personal benefit, why not put it towards something personal and for a better cause? Thus, this leads to the creation behind the “Pennies for Norm” campaign.
The “Pennies for Norm” is a simple cause: to collect a mass amount of pennies, as well as nickels, dimes, and quarters (for prosperity’s sake), at different sporting and wrestling events, and donate EVERY cent to the Colon Cancer Alliance. The campaign will start on December 14, 2013, which is the last show of the year for American Championship Entertainment at the Wallington Knights of Columbus in Wallington, NJ at “Worlds Collide”. A table will be set up to start this unique campaign to raise funds for research for the CCA, which in turn will help support the funds to help find a cure to colon cancer.
This is a very important idea that I’m really looking to sink my teeth into. The “Pennies for Norm” is also my opportunity to grieve and remember what my father was: a man who thought about everyone else other than himself. Trust me, if I can help provide funds to secure a cure for colon cancer and save someone else’s father for a child, I know it would make my father proud. This is the start.
This topic will be further discussed on the December 11, 2013 edition of the Hardway Podcast on TheJonHarder.com. For more information, media inquiries, and concerns on how to get involved with this campaign, email me at jon@thejonharder.com.
Jon Harder
#PenniesForNorm