Cells for Cells

Recycle Cell Phones to Help Families Battling Cancer

Cells for Cells

Cells for Cells to Award $1000 in April’s Medical Bill Makeover

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Cells for Cells wants to help pay your medical bills. So, this month, (April 2009) Cells for Cells is awarding $1000 to a deserving and inspirational family that is battling cancer or has battled cancer.

Here are the details:

  1. Email your story about battling cancer to jason(dot)cellsforcells(at)gmail(dot)com. Submit your story by email to mystory@cellsforcells.com
  2. The subject line must be One Million Cells: My Story
  3. Your story can be your own, your family member or friend’s
  4. Your story must include your current situation and how you encourage others that are battling cancer. Include how you have remained strong, optimistic, and positive.
  5. You must follow The One Million Cells Story on twitter @jasonclements. If you would like, follow the One Million Cells Story on twitter @cellsforcells
  6. You must recycle at least one cell phone w/ Cells for Cells
  7. If you have less than 10 phones to recycle – you foot the shipping bill ***SEE NOTE BELOW
  8. If you have more than 10 phones to recycle – Cells for Cells will foot the shipping bill
  9. The deadline is 12:00pm (noon, central time) on Tuesday April 28th, 2009
  10. We will announce the winner on Thursday April 30th, 2009

Request your free FedEx label here


MOST IMPORTANTLY Spread the word. The more cell phones Cells for Cells recycles, the more families we will help.

Cells for Cells will choose one family as the winner of this giveaway. If Cells for Cells chooses your story, we will contact you via email or phone. Please include your phone number in your email. We will write the check directly to the individual (until our legal team tells us to do it another way). That way, you can apply the $1000 to your medical bills or associated costs as you see necessary. [Medical Bills and costs can be: doctor’s bill, pharmacy bill, mortgage payment, gas for your car, flowers for a loved one, etc.]

***Shipping notes
Shipping about 10 phones will cost you between $5 – $10 dollars via the post office. To avoid this, let your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. know that you are participating in this giveaway. Have them help you get more than 10 phones and then request a FREE shipping label.

***Other notes
By participating, you give Cells for Cells permission to use your story to promote Cells for Cells, Recycling, Cancer Patient advocacy, etc. You may need to provide other info as required by our legal team.

Extreme Medical Bill Makeover Winner: Dawn and Jeff Wooten

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Cells for Cells announces the winner our it’s first Extreme Medical Bill Makeover giveaway.

Dawn and Jeff Wooten of Wichita, Kansas will receive a check from Cells for Cells for $500 to spend as they need as they battle cancer and will receive $500 in services/consulting from Your Wellness Connection in Shawnee, Kansas.

Congratulations!

Here’s their story:

On October 4, 2006 my husband Jeff was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cells). What was so shocking about this, besides getting a cancer diagnosis, is that he was only 37 years old. This is a cancer that is most common in people over the age of 65. At the time of his diagnosis, we were living our dream in Alaska. We owned a small business and had decided that it was a good time for me to go to college full time. Because we owned our own business, we didn’t have any health insurance, but we were both young and healthy and weren’t all that concerned about it.

Living in Alaska has its perks; however, state-of-the-art cancer treatment wasn’t one of them. On October 18, 2006 we were on a plane heading back to Wichita, KS so we could be near family and meet with some doctors here. They told us that Jeff’s bone marrow was 80% cancer and there was no way we were going back home. With the help of our friends, we sold our house and put our belongings in storage. We moved in with Jeff’s parents and got to work fighting this disease.

Over the course of the past two and a half years, Jeff has participated in clinical trials, undergone two heavy rounds of chemotherapy, and had two stem cell transplants. It was almost a year into his treatment before we found an insurance company who was willing to insure him. It wasn’t cheap, but was something we desperately needed.

This cancer diagnosis changed every aspect of our lives. Suddenly we found our priorities changing. Things that used to seem so important just weren’t anymore. We decided to stop saying “some day we want to do this” or “someday we want to go there” and we started taking small weekend trips just to get away from it all and spend time together. We didn’t know how much time we had left together so we just started making memories.

We had so many people reach out to us and want to help us, and I soon realized how much I wanted to help other people as well. I involved myself with the American Cancer Society and sat on the committee to help plan the Cattleman’s Ball. We started going to support group meetings at a local organization called Victory in the Valley. I volunteered some time working in their office and it wasn’t long before I was asked to head the support group meetings. Unfortunately, our small group started to fall apart so we no longer meet. I am still the contact person for all new myeloma patients and family members if they would like to talk to someone who understands what they are going through. I also learned of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and contacted them. I was amazed at how much they do to help people with blood cancers in our communities. I signed our family up as a team to help raise money for Light the Night. In 2007, Team Wooten raised almost $7,500 for LLS. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was and how grateful I felt to all those who supported us. I continue to stay involved with Light the Night, even though we haven’t come close to that number again!

We just celebrated Jeff’s 40th birthday this past weekend (his birthday is March 3rd). Two and a half years ago we were told that we might only have six more months together. In one week we have his one year post-transplant doctor appointment and are crossing our fingers that we hear the words “Congratulations, you are still in remission!” In honor of this milestone, I have decided to cut and donate my hair to help give another woman her confidence back.

We look at everyone we meet so differently now. You can’t tell just by looking at us that we struggle with this thing every day. There is no cure for Jeff’s cancer. We know it’s going to come back. We just don’t know when and that is always with us. All we can do is be kind to one another, smile at a stranger, and give back whenever we can.

That is our story. I don’t know if this is what you are looking for or not, but I still wanted to share it with you. Thank you for taking the time to read it.

Sincerely,

Dawn Wooten

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If helping families devastated by medical bills is worthwhile to you, please join us in this historical endeavor by recycling your cell phones with Cells for Cells.

Most importantly, if you know a deserving family, battling cancer, who desperately needs help paying medical bills (perhaps it’s your family or a co-worker’s), please put them in touch with Cells for Cells.

Your Wellness Connection has added $500 in services to March’s Giveaway

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(Photo credit: ibeginz)

Kansas City’s own wellness super-guru and founder of Your Wellness Connection (YWC), Dr. Michelle Robin has added $500 in services to the Cells for Cells March giveaway.

That means that our first Extreme Medical Bill Makeover winner will receive $500 cash and $500 in YWC services (either on-site in Shawnee, Kansas or consulting via telephone).

Thank you, Dr. Robin for inspiring us to be WELL!

Organic Climbing: Green = Long Lasting, High Quality Products

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I always enjoy running into companies that have a wider view of what it means to be green. In the case of Josh Helke’s Organic Climbing, green doesn’t just mean reusing scraps of fabric (which they do) or powering their shop by wind energy (which they do) or promoting cell phone recycling (which they also do); but it means loving what you do and creating a product that will outlast the competition.

Jason: Organic Climbing – how did you come up with the name?

Josh: My wife is a Geologist. We were doing research near Price UT and I decided on the trip I wanted a better bouldering pad. We talked about starting our own company and making all pads one-of-a-kind by reusing our cutting scraps. We decided that they would all be organic-one-of-a-kind-artistic pieces.

Jason: How did you get your start with your company? Are you an entrepreneur or were you driven by your artistic/creative upbringing?

Josh: Creativity is in our family. My mother and younger brother are ceramist. I have designed and shaped hundreds of [climbing] holds for companies around the industry. I’ve designed gear. I’ve route set for over a decade and established over 700 first ascents. So, I have always been looking for some creative outlet. Once I started organic, I knew I could stop looking. I love what I do every day 100 percent. And I get to chat with awesome people around the world!

Jason: Has it been easy since the beginning of the biz or have there been tough times?

Josh: It has never been easy. When I started, I had never really used industrial sewing machines so when they would break (always at the worst times late at night) I would freak out. Then, as we grew, there was the how-to-hire-employees, train those employees, and be a boss man. Every step of the way is a new challenge; but, like in climbing, it is what keeps it fun and fresh.

Jason: What makes you happy to go to work everyday?

Josh: Knowing that I am creating pieces of gear that will make someone smile when the open them on the other end of shipping and be psyched for years to come. There is also something so cool about going on a trip (like I did this last weekend to the South east) and meeting customers face to face, getting an idea for new gear and getting right back to the shop and sewing up some prototypes. I get to create the gear people want with my 2 hands. It is soooo coool!!!

Jason: You’ve been climbing since you were 10. What are your favorite climbing / outdoor memories as a kid?

Josh: The many years my little brother and I spent exploring all across Minnesota and Wisconsin, developing awesome new sport and boulder lines. Also, the first year I moved out to Laramie WY, before I started Organic, Andy Rather, my wife Liz and I, would climb every day, averaging 5 new problems each. It was so awesome to have a fresh canvas in front of us to explore and climb.

Jason: Tell me about how you are green.

Josh: All of of our pads use a new soy foam open-cell as well as a non-PVC-closed-cell foam. We also reuse all of the cutting scraps in our shop to form the one-of-a-kind stripes you see on all of our gear! We also focus on building all our gear to the highest quality possible to be sure it lasts for ages. Our shop is also powered by 100 percent Wyoming wind energy!

Jason: I love that fact that you build equipment that lasts. Tell me about the environmental impact of your products.

Josh: We do have to ship our products and many of the materials we use in them, however we do our best to minimize our footprint by buying our foam and fabrics from USA suppliers and not outsourcing any of our products.

Jason: For climbers and boulderers that want to upgrade to Organic, what should we do with our old crash pads?

Josh: I tell people that there are so many kids clubs that can use them if they are in ok condition. You can keep them under your own climbing wall. Or, you can donate them to a local animal shelter to use for dog beds.

Jason: How are you spreading the word about taking care and being a good steward of our precious climbing areas?

Josh: We sponsor many many crag clean ups and we are very aware of who are local steward of areas and do our best to return support to those individuals. I try to travel to many of the major areas each year and we work with many grass-roots, local organizations through raffles, comps, etc. to help raise money for their projects.

Jason: What other climbing / outdoor companies do you like that support the environment?

Josh: I think FiveTen’s recycled rubber is really cool and forward thinking.

Honestly, I feel like many outdoor gear companies ride the green wave but are doing fairly little. I can rant on this for ages, but it is simple: make a bomber product, not one that falls apart, That way, you are doing the best thing possible by minimizing consumption. Why make it if it is not going to last??!!!

Jason: What’s your take on pad stashing?

Josh: I am not a fan, the game is to climb and carry your gear!

Jason: Favorite place to climb?

Josh: South eastern sandstone followed by my Minnesota homeland

Jason: Most rewarding line?

Josh: First ascent of Analog V9 Vedauwoo WY and First Ascent of Tugging Softly 5.13 Vedauwoo WY

Jason: Favorite shoes?

Josh: Currently Five Ten 5X, best all around shoe I have ever worn!

Jason: What cell phone do you use?

Josh: LC Chocolate

Jason: Do you have a favorite personal electronic gadget?

Josh: I like my Macbook and iPod

Jason: What is your take on the highballs that climbers are sending today – like Jorgeson’s Ambrosia – 45 feet up and others (some language on the Mirando video)?

Josh: It is the future of the sport for sure, and I am psyched to see people taking it to the next level!

Jason: How many Organic pads does it take to be safe (I mean little risk of injury) at 45 feet?

Josh: Pads can only do so much, if you have a well skilled spotter you can do amazing things and live to tell about it!!

Jason: Any tips for staying safe while bouldering?

Josh: Spot each other, spotting is so important, also watch your pad placements!

Jason: You guys doing anything different for your biz in this 2009 economy?

Josh: I am focusing on getting out more and showing people the quality of our pads first hand and talking to my customers and climbing with them in person. Face to face interaction is what we are about!

Jason: I love your YouTube video. At 1:45 you show the differences of Organic’s foam to other foams. That is quite a visual. You say that it is a proprietary product. Can you elaborate?

Josh: I can tell you that is is expensive but well worth it, and it is also eco sensitive : )

Jason: How long does it take for me to get my custom pad?

Josh: Pads can range from 2 days – 3 weeks depending on how difficult the custom design is and if you need it for a trip etc. I am always happy to help out a fellow climber : )

Jason: Last words?

Josh: Thanks to Cells for Cells and I would encourage people to check out the great service they provide and contribute!

Barkley: Advertising, Battling Cancer, and Recycling with Cells for Cells

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Based in Kansas City, Barkley is a full-service advertising and marketing communications firm with some very well-known clients.

I am excited that I got the chance to talk to Kelly Francis, Technology Liaison Director for Barkley about advertising, battling cancer, and recycling.

Jason: Hi Kelly, let’s talk about advertising. What is your favorite TV commercial of all time and why?

Kelly: This is a tough one to answer. I loved the Bud Light “Wassup”series a few years ago. It coined a catch phrase that still gets used. The more recent Bud Light “Dude” series is equally good. Apparently I like beer commercials…which is interesting because I don’t like beer. : )

Jason: What is your favorite product that Barkley created the ad/marketing for?

Kelly: The Two Guys Sonic commercials, of course. People either love them or hate them…either way, they are being talked about. Which of course is still good publicity either way.

Jason: Here is one of my favorites:

Jason: What should small or medium sized companies be doing with their advertising / marketing in this economy?

Kelly: As the old adage says, “Advertising pays.” While budgets are being cut in just about every area of every company, it is still smart to keep your name/product out there. People are fickle and too easily forget if not reminded often of your product or services.

Jason: How easy is it to use a firm like Barkley?

Kelly: I’d be happy to put anyone in touch with our New Business department and let them take the lead there. Being in IT, we’re a little sheltered as to how it all comes together regarding obtaining new prospects and business.

Jason: What do you see for business in general for 2009?

Kelly: We, like most everyone else, are tightening our belts. Business is steady, but a down economy affects everyone. Not that it’s all doom and gloom though. This should be an opportunity for everyone to take stock of what is important and where changes can be made that would benefit everyone.

Jason: Fighting cancer seems to be a huge deal at Barkley. You are big supporters of Susan G. Komen. How did that start?

Kelly: Barkley was the first ad agency to brand a cause for Lee National Denim Days 12 years ago which benefited breast cancer awareness. The Susan G. Komen Foundation followed shortly thereafter because of being linked to LNDD.

Jason: How do you encourage other industries to get behind the fight against cancer?

Kelly: Our PR Department is instrumental in our Cause Branding efforts. A lot of companies want to be known for more than just the product they product or service they offer. They want to leave a legacy of giving as well, and we help them find their niche.

Jason: Kelly, I know that there are tons of cell phone recycling programs – why is Barkley promoting Cells for Cells?

Kelly: Two reasons: I like to use local companies whenever possible …whether I am purchasing items or donating to a worthy cause; and this truly is a worthy cause that I don’t think gets as much attention as some of the more well known and advertised organizations.

Jason: What recycling do you do at Barkley?

Kelly: We currently recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum cans, cell phones, electronic equipment (like computer monitors, printers, small electronics, TVs, etc.), and we are in the process of starting a program to recycle ink jet cartridges and alkaline/lithium batteries.

Jason: How long has recycling been a part of Barkley’s culture?

Kelly: It’s really grown in the last couple of years since we moved into our current building. We have implemented a lot of “green” processes besides just recycling. We also promote double-sided printing to save paper and use recycled paper products and utensils in our break rooms.

Jason: What do your hear your employees saying about recycling in the workplace?

Kelly: We offer an equipment recycle program twice a year to our employees allowing them to bring in whatever electronic items they have stored in their ba
sements or garage to be recycled or properly disposed. It’s been a very popular program.

Jason: How do you think you are positioned to best spread the word about recycling?

Kelly: My role as Technology Liaison Director is about communication. I am known as “The Link” between IT and the users, so I have the opportunity to spread the word effectively via posters in common areas, training sessions, department meetings, and of course via email.

Jason: On a bigger scale, what is Barkley doing to promote smarter recycling?

Kelly: We actually have a “Green” committee here called “Planet Fresh” that sends out tips for being greener and reducing our carbon footprint. Articles are published in our weekly newsletter that goes out to all employees with things everyone can do to live greener.

Jason: Have you or are you working on any major ad/marketing specific to recycling?

Kelly: Only internally with information that goes out to our employees with new processes we are putting into place, like the new ink jet and battery recycle programs that will be starting soon.

Jason: Do you see the other ad/marketing firms following your lead and participating in recycling programs?

Kelly: I’d certainly like to think so!

Jason: How do you encourage other industries to get behind recycling?

Kelly: I think just by being responsible citizens in general sets a good example. When we are in meetings with people from outside our agency, we encourage folks to put cans/paper/plastic/etc. in our recycle bins. We print 2-sided presentations or in Handout form which puts several slides on one page to reduce paper usage, or even better, we present via the web (no need to print at all!). Every little bit helps.

Jason: What is an easy recycling tip that you want to share?

Kelly: Junk mail is recyclable. You don’t even need to open it…just put it in the bin.

Jason: What is your favorite cell phone advertisement?

Kelly: Hmmm…I’d have to say the one with Ozzy Ozbourne talking and you can’t understand him, so he sends a text message…it’s just overall funny.

Jason: What cell phone do you currently use?

Kelly: I have an AT&T Blackberry Pearl 8100. It’s a couple of years old, fits nicely in my pocket and still works great. If it ain’t broke…well, you know the rest.

Jason: Last words?

Kelly: I like to look at everything as possibly either being recyclable or reusable. When you have something in your hand ready to toss in the trash, stop and think: do I really want this to be in a landfill.