When we were in Kampala back in February, we visited an AIDS hospital that is funded in part by Compassion. After a short information session about the work the hospital does, our guide (his name was Damon, and he was seventeen different kinds of BONAFIDE AWESOME) escorted us to a lovely outdoor cafeteria so we could visit with some of the hospital staff.
Shaw-awn and I sat next to one of the hospital’s doctors, and after a few minutes of pleasantries, I asked him if it was frustrating to be a physician in Uganda. Much to my surprise, his eyes filled with tears. And he nodded.
“It’s tough,” he said, “because our children die from preventable diseases. AIDS is preventable. Malaria is preventable. But our people don’t have access to medicine. They don’t have access to mosquito nets. Mosquito nets are so inexpensive, and they can save children’s lives. But there aren’t enough to go around.”
I looked at Shaun, then looked at Spence, and I said, “Is there something we can do about that? Is there something Compassion can do about that?”
“Absolutely,” Spence said. “We’re working on something right now.”
And that something is called Bite Back.
This Friday, April 25, is World Malaria Day. And through the Bite Back campaign, people can give a one-time donation of $10 and provide a mosquito net for a child - or a family, if they’re all sleeping in the same place - who otherwise would have no protection from this completely preventable disease. That $10 will also provide education and treatment for people who are already sick with malaria.
My sweet friend Anne has challenged her readers to donate 50 nets in 50 hours. And I’m totally going to follow her lead here at BooMama: The Blawg. Remember, this is a one-time donation, not a long-term commitment.
So here’s how you can help.
Click here to donate $10 that will provide a mosquito net for a child (you can donate more than that if you feel led). Each net lasts three years, so for $3.33 a year - less than a penny a day - you can save a child’s life.
And if you just can’t spare $10 right now but still want to help, then link to this post from your blog. Help to get the word out and encourage your readers to give. Here’s the banner code.
Here’s a smaller button if you’d rather have that for your sidebar.
And whether you donate or you link, please come back here and leave a comment so that I can thank you on behalf of the sweet children you’re helping. All you have to say is “I’m in.”
However, you’re certainly welcome to say more than that. Because, after all, I’m not very strong with the brevity.
50 nets in 50 hours. WE CAN TOTALLY DO THIS.
I’ll close comments at 9 pm central Friday night.
Thanks so much, y’all.
Comments are now closed - thank you SO MUCH!
sarah says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Melene says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Anna says:
I’m in! What a wonderful challenge.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Roberta says:
I’m in!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Sue says:
I’m in. What a difference such a small amount can make.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Butterbean says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:57 pm
transplanting me says:
i linked to boomama, hope it helps. and i so want to be witty and funny so boomama will like me. but i don’t have time for that. so, i’m gonna pull out the big guns - i’m not sure why, but it’s really important that boomama like me - and i think maybe the love boomama has for compassion might translate or transfer or trans-something into like for the spouse of a compassion employee. and i’m sure i’ve scared you.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Kim says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Wendy Darling says:
I linked to you, Boo Mama. I will be praying that it helps, and that they get all the nets they need. :-)
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:17 pm
amanda says:
Im in!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
kate says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Sarah says:
We’re in over here. Thank you for opening our eyes to Compassion. My kidlets picked out two children to sponsor and they’ve been praying for them faithfully.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Sophie says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Chelle' says:
I’m all in Sophie.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Dee says:
I donated five. Do you know how we can make sure that our sponsored Compassion children have nets?
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Jennie says:
I’m in
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Susan says:
I’m definitely in! Thank you for making it so easy for us to support such a wonderful endeavor!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Noochymama says:
i’m going to haiti in 2 weeks and i’m going to post this on my blog for everyone to see as they check in on our haiti trip. thanks for the tip! (i’m in) :)
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:26 pm
DeeAnn says:
I’m in — 5 nets worth!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Amanda Y. says:
I’m in. Thanks for making us aware of this.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
PajamaMama says:
Hey Boo, I linked you and Bite Back on my blog…
J
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Emily says:
Done!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Christy says:
I’m in for both! I already made my donation and posted.
It amazes me how so little to us can make such a big difference to others.
Blessings.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Mindy says:
I put the link on my blog too!
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Megan(FriedOkra) says:
I put up the button tonight, will donate tomorrow when I’m closer to my purse. Incidentally the button gets cut-off on my Blogger sidebar (right side). It says, “Bite Bacl,” but I think the point is still made. Thought you might want to shrink the button a little in case it’s doing that for others.
Which is to say:
“I’m i”
M
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Jodi says:
Done! I also posted the banner in my sidebar, and wrote a post directing people over here.
Thanks so much for spreading the word on this!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Julie says:
I’m in times 5. Adding the link to my blog too.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Carolyn says:
I am in for two nets. The least I could do. Thank you for keeping this kind of thing out there for us to see!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Shelley says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Melanie says:
In!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Leslie says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
SEAS says:
I’m in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Ellen says:
Oh, I am so in!
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Ian Durias says:
Hello from Portland, Oregon! I work for Compassion so thanks for the tout! You know about the Malaria Intervention Webcast tomorrow, yeah?
http://blog.compassion.com/malaria-intervention-webcast/
Take care and thanks again!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Stephanie says:
I’m in, linked, and got my first letter from my second sponsored child yesterday!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Amanda says:
I linked to you!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Diane J. says:
I’m in! Posted and linked, my friend. ;-)
April 24th, 2008 at 12:42 am
kelli says:
Linked up and done!
April 24th, 2008 at 4:23 am
Amy says:
I’m in - for three!
Thanks for the opportunity.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Brea says:
I’m in and I linked back over here. Thanks for making us all aware of this!
April 24th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Mary B says:
I’m in! I’ll attempt to link :)
April 24th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Kathie says:
I’m in
April 24th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Molly says:
I’m in!! Thanks for this great opportunity!
April 24th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Emily says:
I’m in. And there’s a link on my blog, too.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Tisha says:
I’m in! Thanks for doing this, you rock! :)
April 24th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Missy says:
I’m in. And I don’t think you’re going to need 50 hours…
April 24th, 2008 at 7:55 am
K-Mama says:
I’M IN!!
April 24th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Elizabeth says:
I’m in, and I posted the link and your banner on my blog as well. Thanks!!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Sara says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:05 am
Auds at Barking Mad says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Sheila says:
I am in and I also linked to it myself!! Thanks for the info!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:32 am
suzanne says:
I’m in…..and let us know what you NET, pun intended!!! ;)
April 24th, 2008 at 8:33 am
seussgirl says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Cindy says:
Linked!!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Beth says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Happy Mommy says:
I linked and I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Michelle says:
I’m in for 5 nets. Thanks so much for letting us know!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:08 am
debbie d. says:
BooMama…50 in 50 hours? Honestly, where’s the faith?! where’s the challenge?! I think the BooMama readers are going to rise above and beyond the challenge and knock your socks off…I just bought six.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:08 am
KGW says:
In for 3!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Faith says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Kathy says:
I’m in for two!! Thanks for all you are doing for these children.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Amy in Idaho says:
In for 5!!
Thanks for making it easy for us to get involved!!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:27 am
BooMama says:
Okay. Maybe I underestimated. IMAGINE THAT. We’re already at 77 by my very rough calculations. So let’s shoot for 100. And when we hit that we’ll shoot for more. I’m all about protecting some young’uns from some ’skeeters.
And thank y’all - SO, SO MUCH.
I’m going to go cry now.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Cristy says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Susanne says:
Linking and giving! What a great thing.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Cindy says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Beth says:
Best money I’ve spent all week! Thanks for bringing this dire need to our attention. God bless!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Jennifer says:
I’ve never commented before, but I love your blog…and I’M IN! =)
April 24th, 2008 at 10:49 am
donna says:
I put the link up…Hope you double what you’re asking!!!
Donna
April 24th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Fran says:
This is ridiculous easy! I’m on it Boo!
Thanks for spreading the word!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Leslie Ruth says:
I’m in! And I’m hoping some of my blog readers will be too…
Thanks for making us aware!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:15 am
TM says:
I’m in!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Lindsay says:
I’m in! And I’ve challenged my friends to give $10 also. If they can’t give, I’ve asked them to at least forward the project on to others as their way of contributing. Thanks for bring this opportunity to my attention!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Linda says:
Hey Sophie,
This is my first time to post, but I’ve been lurking for awhile. How can you not get involved in something so great like this? I’m in for 2 nets!
Linda
April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Amanda says:
I’m in to for 5! Best money I have spent all week. Feels so good.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am
kelli says:
Hey!
Put Living in Grace readers down for 11 so far! Woohoo!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Sarah W. says:
I’m in for one net!! Wow, this is really cool. Sometimes I think the problem seems too big to tackle, but having something this practical is just awesome. Thanks, Boomama!!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Beth B. says:
I’m in. Thanks for the information and for the chance to help.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Kim says:
i’m in, and i also added the link to my blog. thanks for making us aware of this!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Jenny from VA says:
Totally in!
April 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Heather Bady says:
I’m in for 3.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Domestic Engineer In Training says:
I’m in.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Jamie says:
I am all over this! I purchased some nets and did a post myself, linking to you.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Jill @ LiveLaugh Blog says:
I’m in.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Kelly @ Love Well says:
I am so linking to this.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Shannon H says:
I’m in.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Kari says:
I.AM.TOTALLY.IN.FOR.SURE!!! :)
April 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Lydia says:
I’m in too!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Julie says:
I’m in!
Julie
April 24th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Stacy says:
I’m in for 3!
Thank you for keeping us aware of these kinds of opportunities to help the little nippers.
April 24th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Carol says:
Just did it! : )
April 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
MemeGRL says:
Sorry I forgot to post yesterday…I’m in. Thanks for the link and the great idea!
April 24th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
BridgeMom says:
We are in. My hubby got malaria when he served as a missionary to Tanzania for almost 2 years. We understand the intensity of this disease. Thank you for promoting this!
April 24th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
We are THAT family says:
I’m in and I put it up on my site too. ‘Cause you know Satan created mosquitos. They are evil just like him.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
PJ says:
I’m in. Did I miss it?? Where do we pay the $10..
April 24th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
megan says:
i’m in - threw you and the Bite Back button on my sidebar. great work you do here.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Valerie says:
Yup. Linked on my blog. Love this. Can’t wait to see how many nets are bought.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Kasey Ewing says:
I added it to my site. Hope it helps!
Kasey
April 24th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
SaraG says:
i’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
candkmomma says:
I’m in X5!
Bless your heart BooMama!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Jennifer Casey says:
I’m in!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Happy Geek says:
Got one!
Thanks for the info!
Linking to it!
April 24th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Steph T. says:
I am in!!!! Yea! My contribution makes #103…Woo Hooo….you doubled your 50 in 50! I’m so proud of you and your readers! :)
April 24th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Kim says:
Absolutely I will donate and I have also posted about it as well as put it in my side bar
I would do almost anything for children and this is such a wonderful cheap way to save lives!!
Blessings,
Kim
April 25th, 2008 at 7:53 am
chaotic joy says:
This is so exciting. I just did a post for you today at my place.
April 25th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Paige says:
I think it’s wonderful, how you are helping spread the word of how badly these kids need our help. I just bought my net!
And by the way, how can Shawn be two syllables? I’ve tried, and I just can’t seem to figure out how you do that.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Becca says:
I’m definitely in :-) and I’m in China on a business trip and CNN Asia just had a special on Malaria as the next “crisis” (like AIDS) that needs widespread attention . . . just thought you’d like to know you’re doing your part to advert a crisis!
April 25th, 2008 at 9:07 am
ellebell says:
I’m a make-up junkie. More specifically a Bare Escentuals make-up junkie. More specifically a “ohmygosh -it’s a Today’s Special Vvalue on QVC & I HAVE to have it!” make-up junkie. As I got ready to mindlessly order my Bare Escentuals kit today, I was strongly pulled to forego such a silly purchase and, instead, put the same amount of money toward mosquito nets. Afterwards, I prayed that God would specifically protect the recipients of those nets. Best decision I’ve made all day, BooMama. ;-] Thanks for this post.
April 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Cindy-Still His Girl says:
I’m in, I linked, and I pretty much plagiarized you. :)
April 25th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Jodi says:
I’m in - I linked up on 2 of my blogs, so I hope that garners some donations!
April 25th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Liza's Eyeview says:
I’m in:
http://www.lizas-eyeview.com/2008/04/did-someone-say-mosquito-net.html
April 25th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Liza's Eyeview says:
http://www.lizas-eyeview.com/2008/04/did-someone-say-mosquito-net.html
April 25th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Jamie Baker says:
I put the button on my site and we just donated. Thanks!
April 25th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Meagan Brown says:
I’m in. And I too just plagarized and cut and paste your description of Bite Back. It was just too easy not to. Thanks!
April 25th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Amy loves Bud says:
Oh yes! Blogged about it at Give It Away.
Thank you!
April 25th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Liza's Eyeview says:
I’m in.
In my first post I had a wrong link, I apologize. Corrected now.
April 25th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Jai says:
I’m in!
April 25th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Teri says:
Thanks for posting this! I have been gone and haven’t been to the Compassion site for a while. I would have missed it without you.
I’m in for 10!!!
April 25th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Sarah M says:
I’m in! My high school english class donated 6 nets!
April 25th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Wendy says:
Count me in for two!
April 25th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Julie says:
I’m in!
April 25th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Ashleigh (Heart and Home) says:
Okay, it’s after 9pm Friday night, but the comments are still open, so I’m sliding in at the last second. In all my clicking over here last night, I forgot to comment on this entry. Although, clearly, you hit over 50 nets in 50 hours. Woohoo!!
April 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm