Through the Paula Rosina Santoro Foundation, we have raised more than $70,000 over the past six years to fund the activities of CSRF. This year alone, we raised more than $10,000. It’s been exciting and rewarding, but the premise of the fundraiser, “Bike and Hike with Mike” has run its natural course, especially with Mike on course for college.

We ask others in CSRF to consider doing their own fundraisers to help Cushing’s disease patients and to provide more money for research. While Paula and Michael’s unique story drew the attention of the media, the fact is that most of the people who contributed year after year to the “Bike and Hike” weren’t attracted by the media stories but were, rather, friends, relatives and neighbors who knew us and the twins. Most of the money was raised in small amounts-under $50, typically-and people seemed to appreciate that the fundraiser was held every other year (which also made planning easier for us).

There’s a lot of good fundraising advice on the internet or available through local libraries. Here are just a few ideas. Keep an eye out in your local newspaper for opportunities to fundraise. Go bowling for dollars, miniature golfing, have a bake sale, garage sale, a volley ball game. Check out your local sports teams, theaters, movies, museums and work with them and fundraise. We just participated in the local mall’s special event, selling tickets to an exclusive evening of shopping during the upcoming holiday season.

Take the plunge and try a CSRF fundraiser! All you need to do is ask, people’s generosity will do the rest. You’ll be surprised how many of your friends and relatives want to help, and understand the importance of teaching people more about Cushing’s and its consequences.

John Santoro and Pam Bennett-Santoro
Paula and Michael’s parents