Running for Sam!

I used to teach a student named Sam. Sam had brain cancer and passed away at age 15 this past August. Our school is teaming up to raise money for the Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation in Sam's memory; the CBTF is hosting a 5k in Chevy Chase MD. It's $30 to register and if you are one of the first 10 to register with team "Clarksburg Coyotes", you will receive a free team tee shirt. Help me support Sam! He was an amazing child that I will never forget! Here is the info:

 http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=2021791

BRCA Article in Fitness Magazine!

Here is the link.  I am not sure if this is the full article.  It seems incomplete to me.  But you can get a sneak peak at several women's stories regarding breast cancer, BRCA, surgery and life afterwards.  Articles like this are a huge step in awareness and empowerment of women and men to make better and informed decisions regarding their personal relationship with cancer and cancer risks.  You may have to create an account to view the article, but it is free.  Enjoy!

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/conditions/breast-cancer/my-battle-with-breast-cancer/?page=1

Giving Thanks

I made it to another birthday. Birthdays are a funny thing these days; I have a new appreciation for each and every one. I look forward to them like milestones. I am so thankful that I will have many birthdays in my life and while I may succumb to other tragedies, I am thankful that cancer is probably won't take any birthdays away from me, my children or my family.

This birthday was particularly amazing! Ray and I had a fantastic date night. We laughed so much and just really had fun together. The kids and I enjoyed P-Ville Day, as usual. Watching them get overjoyed at pony rides, face painting, cowboy hats and hair bows just warms my heart. I am so thankful that I have these amazing beings that I get to watch grow and mature. I am thankful that cancer won't steal away any of their time with me.

My dad also took me out for a shopping day today, just him and me. It was truly an overwhelming gesture of generosity and love. I have minimal clothes that fit, aren't tattered and appropriate with the season. I have even less shoes and belts and other accessories. I just don't have the time or money and with my changing size, I just can't keep up. This was a priceless day, not just for the clothes and shoes, but for the feeling of love and care. He really thought of something that would make my year, not just my day. I am so thankful that I had such great parents and role models to teach me generosity, and kindness to others. It breaks my heart that cancer took away so many years I could have been with my mother. These days are always hard regardless of the time past. But to have such an amazing father to help fill the void is priceless.

I had to smile today as I keep coming out the dressing rooms and requesting smaller sizes. I was wearing a size 2 today! I didn't buy them. I like to sit in my pants :) But I did buy 4s and small shirts. In addition to the overjoy in size shrinkage, I also purchased two new pairs of running shoes just in time for my 10K race next weekend. Bring on those Baltimore hills! I am ready!

Thank you for being loyal readers. I love that I don't have much to write these days. I am thankful for my health and peace of mind in this journey. No news is good news and I am overwhelmed with thanks for no news!

Down to the Wire

The 2012 Race for our Kids is in 2 weeks!!  This race supports childhood cancer treatment and research in Baltimore, MD at the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai.  This will be my first 10K race (so automatic personal record).  My goal is to raise  $250.   If you can and choose to support me and children with childhood cancer, you can pledge HERE.

I can't wait to type out my results.  I am going for a 60 minutes-ish finish.  That's roughly a 9minute 40second mile average.  Its a hilly course, but if there are up hills, there are down hills! 

Tidbit of good news: The plastic surgeon's office called.  The tatooer is in the building! 

September is Ovarian Awareness Month

I honestly believe in the good of "pink" and the breast cancer awareness campaign.  I believe in the fight and the amount of resources and research committed to ending breast cancer because of "pink".  But in my heart, I wish the same attention was brought to all cancers.  Ovarian cancer took my mom's life 3 1/2 years ago.  It does all women and all of mankind justice to educate ourselves and our loved ones and friends about all the cancers that can affect us.  Pink is great.  But so is almost every color of the rainbow and more that represent other cancers.  Teal is for Ovarian cancer. 

September is the month designated for awareness of many types of cancers, including Childhood Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Leukemia & Lymphoma, and Thyroid Cancer.  Pick one and spread the word!

All CancersLavender
Bladder CancerYellow
Brain Cancer Grey
Breast Cancer Pink
Cervical Cancer Teal and White
Childhood Cancer Gold
Colon Cancer Dark Blue
Esophageal Cancer Periwinkle
Eye Cancer Green
Head and Neck Cancer Burgundy and White
Kidney Cancer Orange
Leiomyosarcoma Purple
Leukemia Orange
Liver Cancer Emerald
Lung Cancers White
Lymphoma Lime
Melanoma Black
Mesothelioma Royal Blue
Multiple Myeloma Burgundy
Ovarian Cancer Teal
Pancreatic Cancer Purple
Prostate Cancer Light Blue
Sarcoma/Bone Cancer Yellow
Stomach Cancer Periwinkle
Testicular Cancer Orchid
Thyroid Cancer Teal, Blue, and Pink
Uterine Cancer Peach
Honors Caregivers Plum