Paying it forWard

It is refreshing to hear that many young people do good for others. Chronicle reader Paulette Criscione, founder of Cancer of Many Colors and a survivor herself, emailed us the following. It was written by Rebecca Stoyk of Students In Action. Rebecca lost her mother to brain cancer. She is using her grief, Paulette wrote, to pay it forward along with the other SIA students to local cancer patients.

Our Students in Action service and leadership group at Lexington High decided one of our focuses would be on helping cancer patients and their families. We found Cancer of Many Colors and knew it would be perfect. We loved that the money stayed in our community and helped those who are dealing with this disease. We arranged several events throughout the school year, including selling unity chain links, offering a Valentine’s Day babysitting service, and hosting a 2K18 Basketball bracket and video game tournament, all to raise money for Cancer of Many Colors. In total, we were fortunate to have been able to donate $1,200 to CMC. It was such a rewarding experience to know that you are giving back, especially to a part of our community that really needs it. My mother passed away from brain cancer when I was still in elementary school. We had no organization like CMC where I grew up. It was great to know that I was helping families find relief that wasn’t available to my family.

A great teacher

I always enjoy Michael Aun’s columns in the Lexington County Chronicle. A recent one brought back memories of all the postcards he sent to our class when his sons Cory and Jason were in 4th grade. They were a great teaching tool and the students always appreciated hearing from him. I kept those cards for years as they were a good tool to use as we studied the United States. I have enjoyed keeping up with them and Michael and his wife Christine.

Jane Harrison, Lexington

Make a dfference

Harvard University researchers tracked top MBA graduates for more than 20 years. They found one trait in common about those who enjoyed great success. Those with written plans were successful. Those who didn’t worked for those who did. To succeed we need:

• Vision, and detailed plans.

• The capital to reach profitability.

• To work with skill and determination. Those who don’t are doomed to failure.

From ‘Your Life’s Great Purpose’