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“I speak about cancer. I ride my bike. I do these things because I want to change the story. I want a different ending.”
In 2008, Patrick Sullivan lost his young son Finn to an extremely rare form of cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. A few months later, he was approached by two close friends: “They told me about this fundraising bike ride to Seattle, the Ride to Conquer Cancer. They wanted to put a team in it – and do it in honour of Finn. That was the start of Team Finn.”
Every member of Team Finn is inspired by a little boy who lived every moment of his short life to the fullest. Their distinctive pink jerseys read “Run. Jump. Bounce. Dance. Sing. Love. Smile. Ride,” words that celebrate Finn’s approach to every day.
Finn showed how to live life with courage and joy, and his example has helped Team Finn achieve extraordinary success in raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation. In just three years, they have raised over $1 million to support cancer research. As Finn’s father says, “Doctors couldn’t change Finn’s story. ‘Incurable’ was his ending. If I could change that for somebody else, then every moment of time is worth it.”
Read Patrick Sullivan's Story
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“I speak about cancer. I ride my bike. I do these things because I want to change the story. I want a different ending.”
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Ways to Promote Your Fundraising Page
Fundraising is easy and is made even easier by using some of the great online tools available on the BC Cancer Foundation website.
There is an old saying that "people give to people," and it's true. Successful fundraising depends on your dedication and commitment to helping raise funds for others and on the degree that you personalize your fundraising communications.
Cancer is something that touches everyone and although people know that their donations will help with discoveries that will provide new hope for cancer patients everywhere, your friends, family and co-workers are making donations because you are asking.
Tips to maximize your fundraising
- Make a donation to yourself – People are encouraged to see that you are not only asking but that you are also giving.
- Load up your address book – No doubt you have email addresses of hundreds of contacts. Think of your co-workers, friends and family, team or club members, other business or personal associates including customers and suppliers, online discussion groups, your doctor, dentist, lawyer and accountant. Don't assume that any of these people won't support you; cancer touches many people’s lives.
- Ask for support – Don't be shy! Raising funds over the internet is easier than you may think. If you have a hard time asking, this makes it easy.
- Do you have a personal story you can include? Use it. Put it on your personal page and invite people to visit and read more or see a photo.
- Send a follow-up email – Email can easily be overlooked, so it is wise to send a follow-up email allowing a week between emails to those who have not responsed. And try to add some new information in each email that is sent.
- Give thanks – Be sure to say "thank you" to all supporters. The more you can personalize this the better. Let your donors know what role they played in the big picture. When the event is complete, let them know how much was raised!
- Keep people in the loop – Even after you have stopped making requests for support, keep those who have supported you, and even those who have not responded with a donation, in the loop. Keep them on your email list and send them progress updates and any announcements regarding achievements or event results.