Polish blogger of year 2009, Paula Pruska, became famous in the region for her on-line diary featuring her fight with cancer and won hearts of many readers with her openness in asking for financial support. Due to the nature of her disease (rare type of cancer, which cannot be treated locally) she had to fly all the way to Boston to undergo an operation supported by donations from many, including her readers. She still has cancer cells to fight and remains optimistic taking her readership to entirely new level.
One of those readers, and fellow bloggers, is Natalia Hatalska, well established marketing blogger. Hearing about Paula's story, Natalia decided to donate the laptop she won during the same blogging competition to support Paulas efforts. Using her celebrity status, as well as connections and good marketing thinking Natalia invited three other colleagues to take part in an on-line auction of the laptop (targeting general public) and their own marketing skills in a 4 hour long workshop (targeting companies and wealthier community). Their action, 'Buy Yourself a Blogger' resulted in an impressive amount of money for Paula and her future treatments. Here is what Natalia said to me over the phone:
It might seem like a small story to you, I know. It did change one life, though. I am deeply moved by it and cannot help but wonder how much depends on human thoughtfulness and joy of helping. Sometimes good ideas, suitable tools and means are just there, in front of our eyes. All we need to do is DECIDE to use them for a good cause and ACT. The rest seems to be a piece of cake;)
With all the focus on governments and large NGOs sometimes individuals can make a difference. Especially when they work together.
I think that there is a lot we can learn from individual case studies. Also - some of those show brilliant campaigns when advocating a change or putting pressure on governments to direct their efforts to the right places - I will try to find more examples of those too.
There was a Cambodian story about an Australian on ABC TV this week: < Children Of A Lesser God
It’s also amazing what the blogosphere can do. Great story!
kevin - thank you for pointing out.
Iris - thanks, yes, I like when people take matters in their hands and use their own powers to bring change. I admire them;)
Individual stories, told by those individuals, are always the most powerful way of conveying stories and great to build campaigns around. Nice blog!
Thank you, Ian!
This is life. Perfect combination of people who fight for better or for life. And make it possible.
Indeed. Thank you for reading!