Medical Research is an important sub-category that we all know is there but rarely think about unless the news tells us that there's been a medical "breakthrough."  Through medical research there have been large advancements in the prevention and detection of birth defects, genetic disorders, nerve, muscle and tissue diseases.  And although cancer and heart disease are the main killers of our society, medicine and health care have come a long way in helping people survive the deadly diseases and live a full life.

Health care is the one that we think about the most because it includes hospitals, ambulatory and primary health care, reproductive health care, rehabilitative care, public health and of course, nursing.  These are the health care specialists that are most seen and heard on a daily basis.  Too often we overlook the free clinics and community health centers; we forget about the nursing homes for our parents and grandparents.  Now is the time to remember these essential people that are in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones.

This section is made up of volunteers and medical professionals who aid and work in specialized fields.  These may include but are not limited to special needs for children and adults, birth and genetic defects, cancer, organ diseases, and digestive diseases and disorders.  You will also find bone, nerve, and muscle disease along with any other specifically named diseases that requires a medical professional.  If you know someone that has needed a specialist in one of these areas, then you know how important it is to fund this particular group.

This sub-category is filled with organizations that truly give people a second chance at life.  There are over 15,000 groups that help treat people who have mental illness, fighting substance abuse, addictive disorders, eating disorders or who have contemplated ending their lives.  The hot lines and crisis intervention programs would not be possible without monetary donations.  Counseling and prevention programs are invaluable for all of the disorders in this category but they need your help to continue.