Is it possible for one idea or action to change the world?

I often share the story of the grandfather and grandson walking on the beach, and the grandfather stops every now and then to throw a starfish back into the water… I’m sure you’ve heard it—the moral is, “no, I can’t save them all, but I can save a few… and that’s O.K.” If you think about it, the world can be as close as the people that enter your life every day, and “No” you can’t help everyone, but you can help some, and that’s O.K.

Today, I went to FairRidge Jewelers with a friend, and in conversation, the owner Nick asks me if I know his cousin Sal, from Sal's Pizza in WNY. I tell him yes/ kind of… I’ll need to start from the beginning:

A few days ago I received an email about a little boy named Max who is 6 years old and has become ill with ALD (Adrenoleukodystrophy), a very serious illness. My friend, who knows the family personally, explained how the medical expenses are exorbitant and not all are covered by the insurance, and how there was a fund set up for anyone who felt moved to help.

Needless to say, I felt moved to help. I offered to do a
fundraiser to raise much needed money to help with the medical bills (a coin
toss on B'line Avenue and a Canister Campaign to all the local merchants)... the
idea was that I would organize it, my company My Internet Doorman would
donate the canisters, and the youth group I coordinate at Holy Redeemer
Parish in W.N.Y. would be the manpower to work it.

Turns out that Max is Nick’s grand-nephew; it’s a small world—isn’t it?

Think you can't make a difference? Too young, too old, not enough time, don't know what to do, need help yourself? Wrong-- rent the video "Pay It Forward" (PG13 by Warner Bros. Pictures, Starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joes Osment) and see how one idea carried out can change the world!

Mr. M - My Internet Doorman

Interested in helping Max and his family?

Checks can be made to "Massimo Against ALD, Inc. " a non-profit fund
Mail to:
Sal's Pizzeria, 6127 Bergenline Ave.
West New York, NJ 07093-2203
Att: Uncle Dominic Renaudo.

The local police are running their first fund raiser...
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
The Park Avenue Bar and Grill
3417 Park Ave. Union City, NJ 6 pm-10 pm.
donations are $50 with all proceeds going directly to the cause.
For info on this event, contact Deputy Chief Joe Blaettler 973-725-9677,
Officer Gene Knabner 732-604-1574, or Karina of State Farm 201-865-6650.