What I’ve learned? Cancer redefines your sense of hope, and yet, it’s hope that keeps us going.
That’s why Giving Tuesday isn’t just another day on the calendar. It’s a lifeline for cancer survivors like me, and for all those trying to survive themselves and find strength. It’s a day to showcase human generosity and community support. And it’s a day to pay it forward for every survivor you know, and for those that you don’t in your community.
Here’s how you can make the most out of this year’s Giving Tuesday.
What’s Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a global movement dedicated to giving back to our family, friends, and communities. It’s celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Think of it as the antidote to Black Friday and Cyber Monday’s consumer craze. Instead of ringing in the holidays with—you guessed it—more consumerism, Giving Tuesday invites people worldwide to pause, reflect, and give—not just money, but time, kindness, and energy to causes that matter deeply to them.
To learn more about Giving Tuesday, please visit givingtuesday.org
How Did Giving Tuesday Start?
Giving Tuesday began with a simple yet powerful idea in 2011, sparked by my friend, Carlo Lorenzo Garcia—the theater’s producing director. He had a single, bold thought that caught fire across the nation: What if, after all the Cyber Monday deals, people took a moment to give back? What if generosity became part of the holiday rhythm?
A year later, this idea officially launched as Giving Tuesday, thanks to a partnership between the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation. It was a massive, united call to action, inspiring people to think beyond shopping and remember the power of giving.
In its first year alone, Giving Tuesday brought together 2,500 organizations and raised $10 million. And it didn’t stop there. The movement has grown exponentially each year, with over $380 million raised in 2018 alone. Today, organizations from over 70 countries join in.
We’re proud to support Giving Tuesday and contribute to the reminder that, in a world obsessed with getting, there’s incredible power in giving back.
How You Can Make a Difference
Participating in Giving Tuesday doesn’t require grand gestures or deep pockets. Here are a few ways you can be part of this incredible movement:
- Donate to causes like Beyond Basic Needs. Every dollar you donate creates and donates a chemo care kit to a cancer warrior. Our kits are filled with essentials like gentle lotions, cozy hats, and other comforting touches that remind cancer warriors someone’s thinking of them. They bring a small but powerful sense of relief and comfort during one of life’s most challenging journeys, delivering one clear message to warriors: You’re not alone in this fight—and you never will be.
- Volunteer your time or skills. Whether it’s helping to assemble resources, spreading awareness, or simply being present for someone going through a tough time, your time is one of the most powerful forms of donations you can offer.
- Raise Awareness for Giving Tuesday. This way to give back is the simplest of all. You can make an impact just by sharing the message of Giving Tuesday on social media, with friends and family, or in your workplace. By spreading the word, you’re helping to reach even more people who can lend their support.
Cancer is a brutal journey, but on Giving Tuesday, we have the chance to bring comfort and dignity to those in the fight. Join us in supporting Beyond Basic Needs this Giving Tuesday, and spread the word about the ways your friends and family can make a change in the world we share.
