I like to be philanthropic - I like to give of my time and money to worthy causes. I like the feeling I get from helping, and from giving back to some organizations that have helped me through my own personal rough times.

When I can combine giving and fandom events, it makes me even happier.

Why should you donate to this cause? Fandom4SAA already did a fabulous job putting together a Facts & Stats page -- go read it, you may learn something new. It is staggeringly shocking to read some of these things in black and white, even though it really shouldn't be considering how many people I can name off the top of my head that fall into these categories.

Why did *I* decide to participate in Fandom4SAA, both as a contributing author and as a monetary donor? Easy: an organization like RAINN helped save my life.

It sounds dramatic, but the truth is, it was. I was desperate and stuck so far in denial, looking for anything to cling to or any way out. I'm lucky that I had a good friend who took me to a pay phone (oh, the days before everyone owned a cellphone *nostalgic*), dropped money in, and dialed for me. Then she sat and waited with me while I talked. When it was time to end the call (my money was gone; minutes used up), and I placed the receiver back on the hook, all I could do was cry. I was empty, but I had hope. I had the truth. I had love.

It doesn't matter who you give your money to, any of the organizations Fandom4SAA has picked are fabulous, and they've picked international organizations as well, allowing worldwide donations.

So if you can, take a minute and donate. $5 isn't much, but it's enough to make an impact. Together, we can make change happen.

On a lighter note, Fandom4SAA has posted a teaser from some of the authors in the compilation. I hope you enjoy the tease, and I hope you enjoy the piece I've decided to contribute, backstory (ahem, yes, "backstory" is what I'm calling it) on Rose/Alice/Emmett from The Trip Home.

Thank you.