Before I give you Gin and Topics, I want to talk to you about my friend Jennifer Stauss Windrum.

At least a year ago (if not longer), she began her quest to build a non-profit to support lung cancer research.

You see, her mom – who has never smoked a day in her life – has lung cancer and to say it’s been an eye-opening experience for Jennifer and her family is putting it mildly.

She created “SMAC! Sock Monkeys Against Cancer,” a gang of philanthropic monkeys who provide tangible love and support to those battling cancer.

SMAC! was inspired by her mom’s journey and what it has been like to have her 1,200 miles away, making it impossible for her to be with her at doctor’s appointments, during chemo, and even just sitting at her bedside while she slept. (more…)