Well, gang, I’m feeling especially self-satisfied today. Why? Because, just in time for year-end, I made a donation to my favorite non-profit, The Charlie Foundation for Ketogenic Therapies.
And as we know, giving to charity is a surefire way to make yourself happy.
So to account for this feeling of pride and wellness and overall swell-guy-ness, I must have given a big ol’ chunk of change. How big? $777.03, to be exact.
You may be saying, “What’s up with Big Dave bragging all over about his charitable gift? After all, if there’s one thing I learned in all those interminable hours of Sunday school, it’s that you’re supposed to give in private, not be all flashy about it.”
And you would be right. But the thing is, folks, it’s not my money. It’s yours. See, a year and a half ago, when I finally got up the courage to put myself out there and go begging for people to support my book on indiegogo, I made a commitment: any funds raised beyond the cost of publishing and printing the book would go to the Charlie Foundation.
Back in the early nineties, Jim and Nancy Abrahams’s young son Charlie developed epilepsy. Doctors tried everything — medication after medication, brain surgery… nothing worked. One day, Jim discovered an obscure reference to the ketogenic diet in an old medical textbook. They found a doctor who would help them try it, and Charlie’s seizures went from dozens per day to zero. Jim and Nancy created The Charlie Foundation, which funds research and spreads knowledge about the ketogenic diet and its therapeutic application ever since.
Jim was gracious enough to give his time and energy to helping me write this book. In fact, I can go so far as to say that the book wouldn’t exist if not for his help. It was his appearance on a diet and fitness podcast several years ago that started me down this road. And after I interviewed him last year, Jim sent me countless articles and studies — lots of great material that I was able to draw from in writing the book.
Well, now that the paperback is out (and killing it on Amazon, with 34 five-star reviews!), and the hardcover is in the queue for publication in 2022 (more about this soon — stay tuned!), I can finally make good on my promise. This month, New Degree Press sent me a big ol’ check for the funds that were raised above the cost of publication. You guessed it: $777.03. As I say, your $777.03.
In many cultures, seven is a lucky number. So it’s only fitting that I close this post by saying how lucky I am to have all of you, my readers and supporters. You make it worthwhile, and now your contribution will help some child along on their own journey to using food as medicine.
So thank you. I am humbled by your generosity and overwhelmed with gratitude for all that you are and all that you do.
…And here’s to living large in 2022!
Big Dave