Crowd funding is a new trend that is starting to sweep the nation. It helps to bring not only awareness to causes that are in need but it also raises funds to help research and to develop new treatments and cures or even save a life.
One of the most viral and well-known crowd funding projects is the “Ice Bucket Challenge.” Through social media, this nonprofit organization was able to raise funds and gain awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Using social media people, would challenge their friends to dump a bucket of ice water on their head and donate money to the cause. The cause I would like to talk about is one that lands in our own back yard called “Save Lucas.”
For those of you that attended the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber’s nonprofit conference, you heard how Bridget Policicchio took to the social media airways and set up a GoFundMe account.
Let me fill you in with Lucas’s story before I continue. Lucas’s parents knew from birth that it would be an uphill battle for this little guy, as he was born with end-stage liver disease. His doctors warned his parents that his time was limited; and that without a liver transplant chances of survival were very low. At the age of two, it became apparent to the family that without a transplant he didn’t stand a chance. If there was any hope at all, it was time to take matters into their own hands to help find a liver for their son.
That is where Team Lucas stepped in and took to the airways, billboards and social media. This is where crowd funding can help to raise not only financial help but also awareness. Through the use of all of these channels – social media, news coverage, and outreach – they were able to find a direct donor. Lucas underwent surgery and began the fight of his life.
Since surgery, there have been numerous challenges and turns in the road. He struggled to recover overcoming one obstacle after another, until he was finally well enough to go home where he continues to recover. A place where his parents try to have him live as normal a life as possible. If you follow his Facebook page, he’s turning into a typical two year old.
Crowd funding saved his life. Not only did crowd funding bring about funds, but through social media, awareness of Lucas’ immediate need for organ donation allowed this little boy the chance of life. Websites such as www.gofundme.com have helped to make these miracles happen. The Facebook page Save Lucas currently has over 55,000 followers. While people often look to social media as a way to keep up with friends and family, it can also be used in conjunction with fundraising websites to help spread awareness.
For more information on this little boy’s amazing story and journey of faith, feel free to visit his GoFundMe page, website or follow him on Facebook. We wish the family nothing by health and happiness.
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.