No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. – Charles Dickens

One of the first things I did when Limitless365 was created was to jot down a list of accomplishments that really meant a lot to me. The list was dubbed “THE LIMITLESS LIST.”

Creative, I know 🙂

Anyhow, it’s been a couple of years now and I’ve slowly been crossing things off of that list. In all honesty I was sure by this time I would have everything on that list crossed off but I don’t and I’m ok with that. I just haven’t made some of those things a priority.

However, today that changes a bit. Today I get to announce one of the more important projects I wrote down on the Limitless List. The announcement of The Ultimate Recycling Project.

I’ve come to find that the Limitless community is kind, enthusiastic about living, and stoked about helping others out.

It has always been a personal goal of mine to raise money for a charity I was really pumped about but unfortunately up until now I’ve never made much of an effort to turn that goal into a reality.

I’m not really sure why not. Maybe I just wasn’t making it a priority, had a hard time finding something I really connected with, or maybe I was just making excuses.

About a year ago as this community started growing, you all started to email, tell me about your dreams, goals, success stories, accomplishments, and ups and downs. Then something really cool happened.

I got frick’n motivated! So thank you. A big virtual high-five and hug to you all.

ABOUT THE ULTIMATE RECYCLING PROJECT

The story behind URP

I was at work the day I got the call. The voice on the other line was broken and incoherent. The words were muffled by rapid breathing and tears. I could only make out every other word or so but the message was clear.

“Josh is gone… Josh is gone.”

It’s my sister on the other line and Josh is my cousin. She goes on but it’s still hard to make out the words over her broken voice and inability to hold back emotion. She hangs up and I call my mother.

Josh Medoff left this world at 5am on July 28th, 2011.

Josh worked at an in-patient mental health facility – where he transported patients, cleaned up after residents, and made sure they were safe. Josh was then promoted to a management position and coordinated the care of clients placed in mental health group homes. His last job was in case management, he was responsible for finding a group home, nursing home, or home health support to assist clients with multiple health issues live as independently as possible.

Josh’s love for music inspired him to play his guitar for the college daycare where he worked while going to school. Josh also worked part time and volunteered for the Maryland Federation of the Blind. One of Josh’s last acts of kindness was as a volunteer with an organization helping a former co-worker make major repairs on his home.

Of course his greatest act of kindness was signing up to be an organ donor.

Josh’s mother had a particularly tough time with his passing but she found strength then and still finds strength in knowing that Josh still lives on as a result of his commitment to preserving the life of others. Josh was a registered organ and tissue donor and though Josh’s physical presence may no longer be with us his spirit is alive and well with others.

The URP Mission

The late Steve Jobs referred to death as the greatest single invention of life and remembering it is the single most important tool in helping you make those big choices in life – Fear, external expectations, and pride pass in the face of death – It is then that we truly begin to live.

Mission 1:
It is the mission of The Ultimate Recycling Project to motivate individuals, organizations, and communities to give those that are face to face with death an opportunity to fulfill all the dreams and passions that are at risk of being taken away.

The only way to do this is to increase the number of registered organ, eye, and tissue donors nationwide. We view this not as a job but as a responsibility. Currently the supply does not meet the demand and it is our aim with the help of our sponsors to change this, immediately.

Mission 2:
Although there is no costs associated with being an organ donor the costs of being an individual that is receiving a transplant can put families in extreme financial burden. It is our goal to raise $5,000 in order to help alleviate some of the financial strain that is placed on the families and individuals. These funds will go to UCLA Medical Center Transplant Center and specifically the Justin Lowe foundation to help support the UCLA Tiverton House game room so that patients, children, and family members can enjoy there stay.

It takes a collective effort from passionate and selfless individuals

The group at The URP always talked a big game about viewing this world as something bigger then us all and being the type of people that would make a difference. Isn’t it a little funny how it takes something tragic to finally light that fire under our a**. We view this is our opportunity but it can not be done alone.

The very small act of becoming a registered donor empowers you to be a person that can save up to as many as eight lives (1)

As of October 20th, 2012 at 5:53pm est there are more than 116,000 persons on the transplant waiting list and 18 of those people each day will not be with us.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

So far the URP has already raised $500 and it hasn’t even been announced to the public yet. So for all of you that have donated already thanks a million!

**If you’re interested in contributing to the Ultimate Recycling Project (I will be forever indebted to you) you can do so in a few ways:**

Donation: Donations are excepted through WePay.com. You are able to contribute directly to the URP by visiting this link. $10, $20, and $100 donation options are available. You can also specify your own amount. Any donation $10 or greater will receive a shnazzy bracelet (just a heads up I’m only one man so I will be mailing them out every Saturday).
Registering as a donor: If cash is tight no worries at all. If you are not an organ donor already think about registering to become one. You can read all about the benefits, what to expect, and what being an organ donor means right here.
Purchasing a Limitless365 Manifesto: For the next week all profits from the Limitless365 Manifesto poster will go towards The URP.
Spreading the word: If the previous three don’t float your boat but you’d still like to contribute in some way simply sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter, in an email, or verbally would be of great benefit. (You can also just click those neat little share buttons on the left)
Emailing me if you have any questions: Still not sure? Feel free to contact me regarding any question you have regarding The URP and what it’s all about.

THERE IS A REAL NEED FOR ORGAN DONATION

The UPG has everything you could want to know about understanding organ donation right here.

Although there have been advances in medical technology and donation, the demand for organ, eye and tissue donation still vastly exceeds the number of donors. For more information, read the summary below or create a detailed data report on the UNOS Web site.

More than 114,000 men, women and children currently need life-saving organ transplants.
Every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list.
An average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant.
In 2011, there were 8,127 deceased organ donors and 6,017 living organ donors resulting in 28,535 organ transplants.
Last year, more than 42,000 grafts were made available for transplant by eye banks within the United States.
According to research, 98% of all adults have heard about organ donation and 86% have heard of tissue donation.
90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO READ THIS

Just wanted to take a send and say thank you for reading this. I know you live a busy life and have other more pressing issues and responsibilities but the fact that you took a few minutes out of your day means a great deal to me, The Ultimate Recycling Project, and the rest of the Limitless365 community.

I know my request is asking you to give something; a charitable donation, registering as an organ donor, or taking time to spread the word. You may not see how this benefits you personally but please know that it is benefiting many others that are in need of your help.

So instead spending a few bucks on your normal cup of coffee this week please think about donating those funds to The URP or another cause you are passionate about.
Instead of spending time checking Facebook or following up on those emails tonight give a thought to registering as an organ donor. If that’s not your thing maybe making an appointment to donate blood or to research another cool non-profit like this one.

Just as a reminder:

Are there any organizations that you are excited about? Please share in the comments below as I’d love to check them out and return the favor by donating or getting involved.

Live limitless and for today recycle,

Justin

###

Help me cross off one of my Limitless List items: The Ultimate Recycling Project