Working Together to Make a Difference on Giving Tuesday

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving back, and a day that encourages us all to do more good in the world. This Giving Tuesday, we are celebrating those who work against all odds to help others in their time of need. 

As a global movement, Giving Tuesday unites people all over the world by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another. We are also giving thanks to our friends and donors who make possible our CDC Foundation mission to advance the work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. 

In recognition of the global fight against threats to health and in honor of those who persevere against tremendous odds, our President and CEO Dr. Judy Monroe and her family are sharing an original song by her daughter, Kelley Elle, and making possible a music video to all CDC Foundation’s friends, supporters and partners. Against All Odds encourages us to work together to overcome the health challenges we face every day. The song is also dedicated to the memory of Judy’s mother, Kelley’s grandmother, who passed away this year, in honor of her spirit that never faltered even in times of adversity and health issues.  

Against All Odds is also for all CDC staff who are on the frontlines—those who are tackling the greatest health threats of our time.  And it’s for our partners and donors who rise up to meet significant health needs across the globe. 

Giving Tuesday connects diverse individuals, communities and organizations around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate and encourage charitable giving. Your gift will support our collaborative work with CDC to save and improve lives in America and around the world. 

In the United States, Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, immediately following the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Entering its eighth year, Giving Tuesday was created by the 92nd Street Y—a cultural center in New York City that has been bringing people together around the values of service and giving back since 1874.

On this Giving Tuesday, I hope you will think of those in your life who have shaped you—your friends, family, colleagues—and give back in their honor or memory . When you make a donation, you can send an e-card to those who you are honoring. And, you can share the song and video with your friends and family to inspire them as well. By giving to the CDC Foundation on Giving Tuesday, you can make a positive difference in people’s lives around the world. 

We hope this message inspires you to join us and to continue to collaborate on tough health issues—our movement to make a difference in this world. Working together, we can win against all odds.



Photo of Elizabeth Patrick
Elizabeth Patrick is the senior director of advancement services for the CDC Foundation.