Local Inspiration

It made my morning to hear about a local man walking in his late wife's honor to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer.  He has walked miles with thousands more miles to go.  I wish I could join him on his crusade as it is my own.

You can read all about this amazing man here:
Man Walks to Raise Cancer Awareness

My challenge to all of my faithful readers and passer-byers: Do something this month to raise awareness.  Paint your nails teal, dye your hair, post  and share "silent symptoms" on FaceBook, join a race/walk, or donate to a charity the works for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. 

On March 1st  2009 my mother passed away from Ovarian Cancer.  I too want to honor her, her fight, and her impact on myself and this world.  Do something NOW.

Help Me!!

Friends: I'm trying to secure activities and entertainment for the Clarksburg Relay for Life May 18th. If you are a consultant, in a band or sell a skill (face painting, henna, massage) please message me ASAP! The American Cancer Society offers great incentives for in kind donations. Thanks!

Radio Spots- Relay For Life Radiothon

Here are the radio spot I did for Key 103 and 106.9 The Eagle for the Relay for Life Frederick County Radiothon!  Have a listen if you missed it live. 

I am so glad I did this despite being insanely nervous.  If even one person hears about BRCA and decides to get tested, or is motivated to advance their screening or have surgery, I have accomplished something.  #wontstopfighting

Bittersweet 4th Anniversary

This day is always a hard day for me.  I always want to share something profound yet I rarely can find the words to explain the significance of this day.  Four years ago, just after midnight, my mother succumbed to ovarian cancer and left this Earth. 

Growing up I couldn't appreciate my mother and the sacrifices she made.  I didn't understand the vast accomplishments she achieved and the strength she possessed.  I couldn't see how she was molding me to follow in her footsteps and those of other powerful, strong, independent women that came before us.  I couldn't see how all she wanted was for me to grasp the opportunities the other woman worked so hard to give to me.  My mother is the epitome of strength and courage.  I didn't appreciate the effort and energy she put into being a mother until I was a mother and she was almost gone.

There are so many times throughout the day I reach for the phone to call her, only to stop and realize that I can't.  All the questions mothers have, all the accomplishments and baby brags, all the venting and advice falls on ears in Heaven.  The days that hurt the most are the days I know she would be overjoyed to be present.  The days her grandson's were birthed, the days her granddaughters started Kindergarten.  The days her children graduated. 

At the end of everyday I wonder if I did something that I would be proud to share with my mother, and that she is proud of looking down on me.  I live for so many people.  I live for my children and my husband.  I live for my work and my involvement in cancer awareness and advocacy.  But I also live in a constant state of striving to make my mother proud.  It's infinite because she isn't here to tell me anymore, so I keep working each day to be a strong and powerful woman like she was.

Like all music there is a multitude of meanings.  This particular song always makes me think of my mother and the emotions I feel now that she is not longer with us.  There is a line in this song that states, "I held your hand through all of these years, but you still have all of me."  I feel like even though I was the caregiver, I was supposed to be the strong one, the one that held her up for all those years that she was sick, in reality, she was holding me up, and still does. 

This world is will never reach the potential it could without my mother in it.  It can't reach the potential it could without all souls lost to cancer and other premature death.  I will not stop fighting until I know that the people I love are safe from, at the very least, cancer.

Joanne Mehos Elliott 11/29/50-3/1/09

Four Years Ago Today....

I walked into my parent's house and my life changed forever.  Four years ago today, my mother lived her last moments. 

I was supposed to meet an old friend for coffee, but before I did that I wanted to drop off some groceries at my parents house.  My mom had been very sick for a couple months at this point and was unable to shop or do anything beyond necessities for survival.  She slept almost all day and wasn't eating.  My dad was by her side every minute.  My brother was coming to visit with his baby and I knew my mom would want food for them in the house.  When I walked in, however, I knew that this was the end. 

At first I left after unpacking the groceries to meet my friend.  I didn't want to admit that this was her last day with us.  But I knew in my heart that I needed to turn around.  I needed to be there with my mom.  I called my friend almost hysterical to tell her I wasn't going to make it for coffee. 

Four year ago today I spent that last day with my mother by her bedside.  I read her the newspaper and a People magazine.  I held her hand and tried to comfort her.  I assured her that my brother was on the way and she would get to see her granddaughters. 

I was so scared.  I knew this was the day, but I didn't want to accept it.  I knew these were the last words, the last touches, and the last opportunities we would have to be together.  But in my mind, I was fighting those certainties. 

I left before my mother actually passed away.  I told her I loved her and that I would be back at dawn the next day.  Sometimes I regret not being there, and other times I know that I couldn't have handled it.  But I also wonder if my mom was disappointed that I wasn't strong enough to stay. 

Four years ago today my life changed forever.  I lost my mother to Ovarian Cancer.

Relay for Life Radiothon

The Relay for Life of Frederick County does an annual radiothon with 106.9 The Eagle.  This year, as a very small and insignificant part of the committee, I was asked to come by and share my story on the radio! 

February 28th, tune in.  I'll be at Frederick Memorial Hospital talking live on the air (I think).  I'll try to get a more definite time, but I am thinking early evening after work. 

Please please please donate to ACS.  Its so important that we remain more persistent in our pursuit for a cure.  Donate here, or anywhere you feel called to do so. 

http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY13SA?team_id=1327014&pg=team&fr_id=53218

Genetic Testing for Children

This is a huge debate.  Should parents test their children for known genetic markers for various illnesses?  Should I test my two children, ages 5 and 3, for BRCA?  Is it beneficial to know sooner rather than later?  Is it taking away a person's rights to do with their body what they choose to test someone to young to make their own choice? 

TIME magazine debates this very topic in their latest issue.  Article- Click Here You will have to create a free account to read beyond the first couple paragraphs.

Genetic tests available include: Alzheimer's, Colon Cancer, Diabetes, Breast Cancer, Autism, Obesity and Early On-Set Alzheimer's. 

Would you test your child? 

We, Ray and I, chose not to test our children and stand firm behind that decision.  Here is our reasoning, it's not beneficial.  If one of our children has the BRCA mutation, the consequences will appear most likely much later in life, at least well after 18.  And if, in the rare event, they were diagnosed with a cancer related to the mutation before 18, we would not, and I would argue no doctor, would do prophylactic surgery or any preventative measures on a child under the age of 18.  I have actually hear of women under the age of 30 being turned down for prophylactic surgery.  Because of this, and secondarily, we believe in a woman's and man's right to choose and make decisions for their own body, we have opted not to test.  Rather, we will explain their risks and leave the decision in their hands when the time is right.  To each their own, as there are compelling arguments on all sides of this debate.  This is just own choice for our family and our circumstances.