I know that it’s not fair to generalize the human population, but I’d like to make a general statement. Everyone has something they care about. Whether its a cause (environmental, political, et al.) or a charity in the form of a personal relationship or an organization that shares your values.

Whatever it is that you believe in, fight for or donate towards, we wanted to share a few of the charities that are personal to us and why they mean so much to each of us.

ALS Association: Socrates got the call December, 2016, that he was needed back home for an urgent family reunion. There was no explanation other than that he should be there in person to receive the news with family. When all members of the family got together in the room, it was announced that one of their own had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). To say that ALS is a devastating diagnosis is an understatement. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord by destroying the motor neurons. When the motor neurons no longer function, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. Everyone’s lives changed that day, but especially their sister’s. Today, we are still fighting with her, for her and for all those who have ALS.

Usher Syndrome Society: In 2012, I was given the news that I had a genetic condition called Usher Syndrome that was causing me to lose my vision through the peripheral. Upon discovering this new condition that was intertwined with my very existence, I was connected to another Usher person whom I’ve come to call my Ushtie (my best friend with Usher). Together she and I decided to join forces with the Usher Syndrome Society, a non-profit that uses the arts, educational events, and collaboration to raise awareness and funds for treatments and a cure for Usher syndrome. We hope to one day stop the progression that is robbing us of our vision but also * fingers-crossed * reverse what we’ve already lost.

Hearing Health Foundation: Growing up with hearing loss my entire life, wearing hearing aids, using the FM system and taking speech therapy sessions, all contributed to making me the person I am today. Never straying far from an organization that supports Hearing Health, I found my solution in the Hearing Health Foundation (HHF). I’m honored to be a Board Member of one of the best organizations that supports the prevention and cure to hearing loss and tinnitus through groundbreaking research. As the largest non-profit funder to both hearing and balance research in the U.S., HHF continues to be a leader in driving new innovations and treatments for people with hearing loss, tinnitus and other hearing disorders.

Mazatlán Animal Rescue: “Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” Growing up, Socrates and I always knew that dogs were part of the family. It was only fitting that we could align ourselves with such an incredible organization that aims to rescue, spay and neuter, and adopt out all the abandoned dogs of Mazatlán. When our sanctuary of 200+ dogs dwindles down to 0, we’ll know that we have accomplished the greatest thing in the world for each of the dogs who were placed in their forever homes. It’s our attempt to save them all and all it takes is a little bit of help and a lot of love. If you want to read more about how to help, check out our Community page here.