Fundraising websites like Causewish are built just for these circumstances – they help rally friends and family together so that one can raise money online. Astonishingly, people have raised hundreds and thousands on websites such as these – especially if the causes go viral.

Online fundraising (which is also known as crowdfunding) is a viable option for if the person who money is being raised for has a fairly strong network of friends and family. They don’t need to have hundreds of friends – just 20 can make a difference if they all pitch in.

Guess the saying ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ is pretty appropriate right now.

One of the reasons why I didn’t take this step is because I simply wasn’t aware of it. In addition, I knew that if I really tried I could afford my medical expenses – a luxury some people don’t have. Although if a friend or loved one of mine did create this on my behalf, I wouldn’t complain! At $30,000 bill (for example) is a lot easier to handle if it’s spread amongst 100 people that know / care about you.

So, if you’re struggling with medical bills consider fundraising to cover the expenses. More ways to meet the cost of extortionate medical costs coming soon…

Guilt for having to tell my family what about the diagnosis and the fact that I may not be with them in the years to come. And it was all my fault.

Two years later and astonishingly I’ve almost fully recovered from the cancer thanks to amazing doctors and my even more amazing friends and family that supported me every step of the way.

However, a burden that still hangs over my head is the cost associated with the treatment and the numerous loans that I’ve had to take out to meet these expenses – it’s not pretty.

When being presented with the hospital bills, to say I was astonished is an understatement.

Gauze = $25

Needles = $200

Antibiotics course = $500

The list goes on and on (and those costs are just from my latest statement!).

All in all, I’ve shelled out more than $50,000 on medical treatment. Even though I had insurance, it didn’t cover everything I needed and some of the things simply weren’t ‘medically necessary’. We really do have it bad in the US.

I’ll be putting together a list of resources soon that should help others meet the crippling costs of health care without having to take out a loan. Stay tuned…

Here are just a few of the common health benefits associated with drinking one glass of red wine a day:

• Reduces Heart-Attack Risk
• Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
• Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Lowers Risk of Stroke
• Cuts Risk of Cataracts
• Cuts Risk of Colon Cancer
• Slows Brain Decline

Each one of these benefits has been scientifically proven. A quick Google search will reveal a ton of evidence to support each one of these claims.

But of course, one needs to remember that it only applies when wine is drunk in moderation i.e. a glass 5 days a week. You should also occasionally take breaks from drinking wine so that it doesn’t become a habit (I’m holding back on using the word ‘addicted!’)

So, now when someone asks you why you’re drinking wine, you have some great points to throw at them!