Kristin MeeksIf you have ever met Ginger McConnell, you could not forget her. Her love of life radiates into everything she does.
It would not come as a surprise to anyone that this two time cancer survivor, was thinking of others as she was in the mince of fighting her second battle. Ginger is the founder of Firefly – A Spark of Hope, which was born after her own spark of hope, a benefit in her honor. She left that benefit not only thankful for all those that came together to support her, but also for how others needed their own spark, their own support team to give them hope when they are down, possibly at the lowest point in their lives.
“Cancer is an unknown world. There are so many new and scary things that overwhelm you – physically, emotionally and financially. With all of the new burdens that go along with a cancer diagnosis, patients still have to deal with the day-to-day stresses of life. My goal is the help lessen that stress,” Ginger explains.
With all of the new burdens that go along with a cancer diagnosis, patients still have to deal with the day-to-day stresses of life.
This added stress is something no one that has heard this diagnosis should have to worry about, but they do. This is where Ginger, as I proclaim her a nonprofit-preneur, assessed the needs of a community and took the steps to create a resource that delivers.
Still in its infancy, Firefly-A Spark of Hope, is gaining momentum. The board of directors are being gathered, the by laws are taking shape, the appropriate forms have been filled out and most importantly the packaging for corporate good is being lined up.
Without the support of corporations whether they are able to donate a little or a lot, nonprofits like this one could not succeed. You would be hard pressed to find an organization where one of its very own were not directly affected by cancer. Ginger and her team will be calling on these fine folks soon so that they can push forward with their mission to provide hope to cancer patients in Wood, Washington and surrounding counties by easing their financial burden so they can focus on what really matters – winning their fight against cancer. Individual donations are accepted as well.
It says so much about this community when I can just mention Firefly and our mission, and they are eager to know how they can help.
“I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that Firefly has already received,” she says. “It’s sad to say but a huge number of people in this area know the toll that cancer can take on a person. It says so much about this community when I can just mention Firefly and our mission, and they are eager to know how they can help.”
Firefly may not be 100 percent ready to accept its first application but they are committed to kicking it off this summer. Created to give cancer patients and their families some relief from the financial worries that they are facing, Firefly expects to provide financial support for individuals who are battling cancer and need help with household expenses. These expenses can include, but are not limited to: rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, medical bills, prescription costs, medical equipment and travel expenses. You can follow their journey to accepting applications on their Facebook page.
To learn more about Ginger and Firefly-A Spark of Hope please visit the website. And most importantly share this information with those in need in the Mid-Ohio Valley.