Cannon 2008 Combined Federal Campaign kicks-off Published Oct. 15, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Raymond Gobberg 27th Special Operations Wing Publlc Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 2008 Combined Federal Campaign season is underway, following its official launch here Oct. 16. The CFC, which began in the early 1960s, is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, and there are more than 300 CFC campaigns throughout the world to help raise millions of dollars each year, said Capt. Jason Wallace, wing project officer for the 2008 CFC at Cannon. Pledges made by federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human-service benefits throughout the world, he said. According to the CFC's Web site, the campaign promotes and supports philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. Captain Wallace knows firsthand how much the donations raised by the CFC contribute to individuals or families in need. "In 1996 my mother was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer," said Captain Wallace. "The doctors gave her a 10-15 percent chance of survival over the next year." From the initial diagnosis, the doctors at the American Cancer Society provided her with intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment, sending the cancer into remission, he said. As the cancer resurfaced, members of the ACS were at the Wallace family's side and coordinated an experimental bone marrow transplant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. The transplant was a success and the cancer again entered remission. "At the time, since the procedure was experimental, our insurance company would not pay the $400,000 bill," said Captain Wallace. "But the ACS fought this and eventually our insurance company paid for the entire bone marrow transplant." Despite the efforts of the ACS and their team of doctors, the cancer returned again, this time proving to be fatal. However, the ACS continued to provide for every need of the Wallace family. "In 2000, when the doctors gave my mother a few months to live, I was at the Air Force Academy in my first year," said Captain Wallace. "The ACS worked with the Academy to let me fly home regularly to Pennsylvania to be with the family and help to take care of her." "I was able to tell her my last goodbye and how much I loved her because the American Cancer Society kept her on life support until I got home from the Academy," he said. "I am forever thankful for that opportunity." This is just one example of how donations to the CFC can have a significant impact. Faced with literally hundreds of donation options, some Airmen might feel overwhelmed when considering contribution to the CFC, said Col. Timothy Leahy, 27th Special Operations Wing commander. Offering his advice, Colonel Leahy highlighted two charities in particular that positively affect the Cannon community. "The Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Friends of Cannon Families both directly benefit our Airmen and their families here at Cannon," he said. "They are among many excellent donation options available under the CFC." During the 2007 CFC, Cannon shattered its established fundraising goal of $40,000, finishing with $79,900 raised, Captain Wallace said. "With just over 2,500 personnel, we doubled our projection," he said. "That is why, for this year's campaign, we have increased our fundraising goal to $50,000." "Our goals for the 2008 CFC are to obtain 100 percent contact of Cannon personnel, meet or exceed our established goal and promote a successful campaign on behalf of the 27th Special Operations Wing," Captain Wallace said. The CFC runs from Oct. 16 until Nov. 26. If you have any questions regarding the CFC, contact Capt. Jason Wallace, 784 -1873, Capt. David Duncan, 784-4491, or Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Shelley, 784-4513. Additionally, each squadron should have its own CFC representative who can field questions.