I don’t know about you but along with organizing and nutritional cleansing, the new year makes me want to stop spending money! In this Amazon Prime age where we can really buy whatever we want whenever we want and get it delivered to our doorsteps two days later, it’s easy to let your spending get away from you.

So this February, I’m in the process of a financial fast. No shoes (waah!), no home decor (eeek!), nothing but the essentials. Luckily, I love grocery shopping so maybe that will curb my desire to shop. But other than toilet paper and bananas, I’m not spending money on anything for a while.

With one small exception- donations.

I’m really not as big of a shop-a-holic as my financial fast makes me sound. I think most of us learn at some point just how much fun it is to give rather than receive. And whether you give with your time or with your money, it just feels great to contribute to a cause.

I would think most people have a cause that’s near and dear to their hearts. Even if they don’t know of a specific charity affiliated with it, most people could get behind something because let’s face it- we’ve all been affected by something be it a disease, bullying, homelessness, etc.

Well in case you’re looking for a charity to get behind, let me recommend the Ulman Cancer Fund. A leading voice in the young adult cancer movement, The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults works at a grassroots level to support, educate, connect, and empower young adult cancer survivors. And this year, my fabulous cousin Rachel is taking part in their annual 4K for Cancer- a 4,000+ mile charity bicycle ride across the United States to raise money and support communities affected by cancer.

Aside from being a great cousin, Rachel is a senior at Framingham State University and her connection to the cancer community started at a young age.

“When I was younger, I even organized neighborhood lemonade stands to raise money for the American Cancer Society! This interest unfortunately took a new form when my dad was diagnosed.”

We lost my Uncle, Rachel’s Dad in 2011.

This summer, Rachel is traveling with a group of college-aged students on a 70-day, 4,000+ mile bike ride from Baltimore to Seattle.

“Not only will this experience shape who I am and ease my own personal desire to fight against cancer, but I will be helping others along the way. I am so excited and honored to be able to make a difference in the fight against cancer.”

To find out more about the Ulman Cancer Fund, the 4K for Cancer, or to donate to Rachel’s ride, please visit http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/rachel-defronzo/. Remember, no donation is too small because every little bit helps.

I’m so proud of my little cuz and happy to contribute to her ride… even during my financial fast!