Who does it really belong to?

I just posted my last “ad” for Getting to the Point, enticing anyone with an Amazon gift card to buy one for themselves or someone they love before the end of the year. I published this collection of autobiographical parables at the beginning of 2012, to raise more money for MMRF cancer research. Thanks to those of you who bought it, we generated close to $1700 to date (including a matching donation from Cisco.)

I originally committed to donating all proceeds only from this year to the cause. I honestly wasn’t sure how many would sell, and didn’t want to commit to forever. But now I am asking myself “Who does this book really belong to?”

The catalyst for publishing was my brother Jeff’s battle with Multiple Myeloma, and it includes an entire chapter about my first fundraising marathon in his honor. It was my first attempt at self-publishing and the hard work was worth it. Not only has it raised money for a good cause, readers have shared that it provided much-needed inspiration for them.

It also became a tool for connection. I treasure the conversations I had with readers and gifters, and I carefully considered my words for every message I signed in person. And now as I consider what to do with the book in 2013, I don’t want to take any profit for myself.

This book does not belong to me. It belongs to my brother Jeff and everyone who is battling for their lives. It belongs to the family members who love and support them. It belongs to anyone who is searching for purpose in their lives… just like me.

So whether this book sells one more copy, or one million more, I will donate the revenue to MMRF. That’s where it really belongs.

• Get it on Lulu.  (Lots of reviews posted here.)
• Get it on Amazon.
• Help by sharing the link with your friends or writing a review. Thank you!