Asked to support Relay for Life...sensitive issue

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skigirl1689

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My aunt passed away last year from cancer, and I’ve lost three uncles and two grandparents from it as well. My aunt and uncles were quite young, which makes it tougher in some ways.

My aunt’s daughter, my cousin, has been involved in Relay for Life since she started college and for the past two years has asked for donations. I did donate last year, but since then have learned the American Cancer Society supports embryonic stem cell research (I think, correct me if I am wrong).

I need to do more research on this, but would it be a good idea to tell my cousin why I cannot donate to her cause, if I don’t? It’s more of a sensitive issue since her mom died and all. My cousin is Catholic so she should understand, but perhaps not. We are about the same age, so it’s not like she would view me as an old-fashioned parental figure.

What would you do?
 
I used to volunteer with Relay for Life every year, until I found out just how much of their donations go to paying their top officials. Frankly, I would rather donate my time and money directly to the closest cancer research facility. I don’t like having my hard work and generosity exploited to line the pockets of rich execs.
 
BlueEyedLady said:
I used to volunteer with Relay for Life every year, until I found out just how much of their donations go to paying their top officials. Frankly, I would rather donate my time and money directly to the closest cancer research facility. I don’t like having my hard work and generosity exploited to line the pockets of rich execs.
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You inspired me to check Charity Navigator. ACS gets only 2 stars out of 4. They are marked down for the financial records. I am sure there are more efficient ways to fight cancer than a group such as this.
 
Correct, you should refrain from donating.

Whether or not you give a reason is up to you.

It is only a sensitive issue if you make it one. My grandmother had MS, and I refrain from the numerous MS fundraisers my relatives participate in. If they ask, I tell them. If not, then I just say that it isn’t in my budget.
 
Z1Z2 said:
You inspired me to check Charity Navigator. ACS gets only 2 stars out of 4. They are marked down for the financial records. I am sure there are more efficient ways to fight cancer than a group such as this.
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Charities like that make me very angry. I’ve devoted a lot of time and energy to various causes, and let me tell you it is so difficult to get people to help out. So many people are reluctant to give of their time and resources and finding out that well known “charities” are little more than organized fraud does not make it easier to convince people to help.
 
1ke said:
Correct, you should refrain from donating.

Whether or not you give a reason is up to you.

It is only a sensitive issue if you make it one. My grandmother had MS, and I refrain from the numerous MS fundraisers my relatives participate in. If they ask, I tell them. If not, then I just say that it isn’t in my budget.
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That’s a good point…I think she just sent it to everyone.

I’d rather donate, if I have the means to, to a ministry or an org that helped me personally as a child and I personally know the directors and know where the funds go. I guess it just made me feel different this time around.
 
American Life League is a good pro-life resource for major charities.
American Life League:
The American Cancer Society is not considered a pro-life organization for the following reasons:
  1. Support for human embryonic stem cell research
  2. Grant funding at facilities known prominently for human embryonic stem cell research
  3. Grant funding for morally questionable research
  4. Grant funding to Planned Parenthood
  5. Referrals to Planned Parenthood as a health information/education resource
  6. Donations to the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong Global Cancer Campaign (see entry for LiveStrong)
  7. Failure to acknowledge the link between previously induced abortion and risk for breast cancer
  8. Suggested fertility options including IVF, embryo freezing, egg/sperm donation and surrogacy
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there are also way’s to get a stemcell without killing a baby…
 
samuel_d said:
there are also way’s to get a stemcell without killing a baby…
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You are right, and additionally, much more successful therapies come from regular stem cell therapy than embryonic.

It is also important to differentiate between the two, which doesn’t happen in some articles I read in the secular press 😦
 
summer1900 said:
So, could you please tell me why a certain diocese that I will not mention here doesn’t take a stand against this issue? Allows the Relay for Life in the churches in the diocese?
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Maybe you should bring this to the attention of the Bishop.
 
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