One of the benefits to fundraising is the amount of creativity and fun you can have with it. You can do something you’ve always wished to do but never had a reason or purpose to do it. Like Matt (see blog below) who has chosen to dance around the world, on all seven continents and 48 different countries to raise money for laptops in Rwanda. Or you can get back into shape by preparing to run a marathon while simultaneously raising money for cancer. The more creative you are, the more attention you’ll receive, which will ultimately increase your funds!

A recent trend I’ve seen lately is the “walking, running or cycling across America” phenomenon. About a month ago, we stumbled upon a firstgiving.com page of a 72-year-old man from Seattle, Washington walking cross-country to raise awareness and funds for Huntington’s disease. Since then I’ve discovered several people, going for separate reasons, each motivated by different things. And their respective journeys have been amazing.

Ted Schneck has decided to ride his bike cross-country in honor of his dog and others’ with cancer. His Wonderdog, Marty, died about a year ago after an eighteen month battle with cancer. While he was able to finance Marty’s medical expenses, he realizes that many are not as fortunate. In efforts to help dog owners find the medical care they need, he is fundraising for Giving Globally. Donating certain amounts will get your dog on the Map of Heroes map. He started his journey on the coast of Oregon on May 25th with his right toe in the Pacific Ocean and is determined to end with his left toe in the Atlantic Ocean. A 4,281 mile trek in 82 days is ambitious.

Also starting from Delaware, is Ron Kessler who has decided to walk cross-country, again, to honor his friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer and was recently told it has metastasized to her bones and her lung last summer. He started in Delaware on March 1st and is surely making his way to California, hopefully, by Labor Day. You can check his progress and find his exact location here.

All these extraordinary people need help. Not only in raising funds, which you can do at their respective pages, but awareness. They are devoting months of their lives to raising awareness for these causes that they care so much about. With the help of the worldwide web you can track their progress as well as support them financially. These fundraisers would appreciate any support—whether it’s waving hello if they stop by your town or offering a warm, dry place to sleep as it is a vital part of their journey.