I am a SPIRIT JUMPER

This week, while doing my usual twittering and giveaway entries, I came across something a little different. Something that, a few weeks back, I had looked at, but did not "check into" because I was afraid. Well, maybe "afraid" isn't the "proper" word for it. I had looked at the blog, saw all the buttons on the side bar and convinced myself that I couldn't help. After all, what most charities need is money for research or for struggling families, you know, we have all seen it and have tried our best to GIVE. With my current situation, I knew it just wasn't possible for me to give.

I'm not sure what made me take a second look at Spirit Jump. I mean, sure, there was a giveaway, but I didn't HAVE to "get involved" with Spirit Jump to enter it, but I went back and looked. This time, I LOOKED!

Now, I know I have communicated with a lot of you through all the social medias and I am sure that some of you have formed opinions about me, as I have you. Some of you tell me how horrible I am.....okay, just kidding on that one, but I get feedback, same as you all do. What I hope you get from me, outside of me being a bit of a character or cut up or sometimes even "sweet", is that I am a very kind-hearted, soft-hearted, caring person. I literally would give my last dollar or the shirt off my back to anyone that I thought needed it more. I tell you this because it breaks my heart NOT to help people.

Back to my story. I know you think I'm drifting, but I am about to tie it in.

Upon LOOKING at Spirit Jump this time, something told me to "Just Do It". Sign up. I had read a little and it looked like maybe I could send a card or e-mail, something simple. I CAN DO THIS! I sent off an e-mail and here is what it said:

Hey, My name is Lagean "GENA" Ellis.

I would like to help you in any way that I can. I don't have much in the way of money, but I have a HUGE heart.

Please, let me know what I can do.

Sincerely,

Gena Ellis

Within a very short time, I received a response back thanking me for joining. They sent me all the information I needed to get started and walked me through the process. It was then that I realized that it was just as simple as sending cards, e-mails, gifts (if I wanted), donations (if I wanted), all those little things that, had I read the whole blog, rather than saying "I CAN'T HELP", I would have seen. I would have known THEN, that what they wanted and truly needed, was for ME, and YOU, to take the time to let someone with cancer or another debilitating disease know that "I AM HERE FOR YOU" and "I WANT TO CHEER YOU UP AND MAKE YOUR DAY BETTER". That's all!

Kindness, Caring, Support, Prayers..........it IS that SIMPLE! Please, won't you join me?


Here is a copy of the information that I received from SPIRIT JUMP.




Welcome To Spirit Jump

Spirit Jump is a program that directly connects the gift giver with a person battling cancer. It was founded in November, 2008 by two young women who have both battled cancer.




Meaghan is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with end stage cancer with a 20% chance of survival in February of 2007. Like many cancer patients she experienced the horrors of chemotherapy, radiation and numerous surgeries. Today Meaghan is CANCER FREE and is thankful for all of the support of her family and friends who stood by her side through her cancer fight.



Stacy is currently fighting Stage IV Melanoma. Diagnosed, October, 2007, Stacy is still undergoing treatment and fighting this horrible battle.



The Mission of Spirit Jump

If you have a shop, artistic abilities or even an extra card in your drawer and you want to give it to a person in need, send us an email that you want to be a Spirit Jumper at spiritjumper@spiritjump.com We will then connect you directly with a person in need, or we can give you a list of names, a brief description of what their particular cancer battle is and you can choose. When the match is made, We’ll give you that persons mailing address and then it’s up to you to send the gift. It’s simple.

If you decide to be a Spirit Jumper you will be overwhelmed with the joy and warmth you feel when giving a gift. Additionally, every Spirit Jumper is welcome to write a post on our website and tell our many readers about your shop, blog or website. You may include links, photos and any information you want to be featured on the site. We encourage you to also include why you decided to donate, who you donated to and maybe even a photo of what you donated. This will be wonderful exposure for your shop, blog, website and you will be lifting someone’s spirit, WIN, WIN!

Want to be a Spirit Jumper just email: spiritjumper@spiritjump.com

Need a spirit jump or know someone who does just email:

needaspiritjump@spiritjump.com


The way it works is easy:

1- You request to be a Jumper & provide us with any blog/site you may have. It does not matter if you do not have any blog or website.

2- We add you to our email distribution list of Jumpers.

3- We add any shop/website/blog you may have to the jumper directory.

4- Then just wait to get an email from Spirit Jump.

5- If you would like a list of suggestions for gifts email us and we will provide you with one. These are only suggestions & by no means the only types of things people enjoy.

6- If you would prefer to just donate an item/s without being added to our mailing list you can send items to Meaghan or Stacy at the following addresses. We will then forward those items on your behalf to various people who are in need of Spirit Jumps.

When You Get an Email From Spirit Jump:

1-When we receive the name of a person who is battling cancer or a debilitating disease & needs a SJ we send out an email to the SJ's.

2-The email is sent BLIND CC so that your email address is always protected and never compromised.

3-In the email you receive we will share a little about the person/people in need. Things like, name, age, type of cancer and sometimes a little about the person likes. Whatever they authorize us to share.

4- If you would like, and are able to, give that person a Jump you simply reply to our email letting us know you want to jump the persons spirits.

5-After getting your email we will reply by sending the mailing address to you.

6- Next you send the card/gift to the address we provided you with. If you could also send a quick emailing letting us know you did send something we would appreciate it.

7-If you would like to send us a picture of what you sent we would be happy to put it on the Spirt Jump website with a link to your shop/blog/website, if you have one. However, this is not necessary so please do not feel obligated to do so.

8-NEVER FEEL OBLIGATED TO REPLY TO OUR REQUESTS FOR JUMPERS! We keep track of who get jumps and make sure each person gets plenty. This way you do not have to feel "guilty" or worry that the person isn't getting something to lift their spirits. We only want you to send Jumps when you can.

9-NOTHING IS TOO SMALL! You can send a simple handmade or store bought card, a book, blanket, movie.....whatever you would like.

10- Many people mention that they are not “crafty” please do not let that discourage you from participating. If you are looking for something to purchase please consider visiting one of the many Spirit Jumpers shops listed on our website under “Jumpers”. The shops with an * next to them will give Spirit Jumpers discounts and send the gift directly to the person needing a jump with a personalized card from you. Just let them know you are part of Spirit Jump and purchasing a gift as a Spirit Jump.

After You Send a Spirit Jump:

1-This is a one time thing, you are not "adopting" the person in need. This is what makes us a little different from the other cancer charities out there that send gifts.

2- You can send one gift or if you want you can send a gift each week. Its really up to you.

3-When we receive updates on the people who have received jumps we will either email you or post it on www.spiritjump.com

4- You do not have to send the gift/card immediately. Take your time and never feel rushed. A spirit jump works no matter what day it is.

If You No Longer Want to Receive E-mails From Us

1- No problem. Just send us an email saying you would like to be removed as a Spirit Jumper. If at a later time you wish to join again just send us an email.

2- Please keep in mind that although you receive emails you are never expected to respond and we only ask you do so when you can. Because of this it is not necessary for you to sign up or be removed unless you really don’t want to get our emails any longer.

3- We understand that it can be upsetting to get emails about so many people who are suffering. But please keep in mind that your small tokens of support really do make a HUGE difference in these peoples lives.

If You Know Someone In Need:

1- If you know someone who is batting cancer, another debilitating disease, struggling to support someone through an illness or has recently lost a loved one please contact us.

2- The only requirement for receiving a Spirit Jump is that the person must agree to it and be comfortable with us sharing their mailing address. Some people will actually get a P.O Box for the purpose of receiving their Spirit Jumps.

3- We only ask the person in need to share whatever information they feel comfortable with. There is no requirement that they allow us to share the type of cancer they have, treatments they are undergoing etc....We only share what the person feels comfortable sharing.

4- Just send us an email spiritjumper@spiritjump.com with Need A Jump in the subject line and we will do everything we can to help.

One Last Requirement:

1- Due to the strict HIPAA regulations we are required to keep a record of the Spirit Jump matches we make between our Jumpers and our Patients. The only additional information we need from you is your contact information - Name, Address, City, State, Zip, and Email, as well as your own personal blog/website/etsy site etc., if you happen to have one.

We really look forward to working with you while we do all we can to support all of the people fighting this terrible disease. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask,

Meaghan & Stacy


A few of the Strong-Hearted, Courageous, Beautiful people they have sponsored:

DESTINY


SAMMIE


JO