DONATE A RAFFLE TICKET--FLORIDA TRIP--42'FLAT SCREEN--SUPPORT YOUR SURVIVOR, DETAILS AT HTTP://WWW.BEHINDTHEPINKRIBBON.INFO
Hello Friends,
I received an email requesting information about the Support Your Survivor Program.
Normally, I would refer them to the website, but its being worked on. So here it is.
Basically, it's a nationwide group of small faith based organizations, stores and support groups that assist low income women with prosthetics. Awhile back I had the unpleasant experience of having to wear a breast prosthesis. Yes, yours truly is admitting that I had to haul around a weight about the size of a 5lb sack of potatoes. It wasn't easy and always painful! I had deep dents in my shoulders from the holster and red lines irritating the surgical site. On top of it all, the holsters came only in two colors and looked like military vests. They were bulky and very uncomfortable. Needless to say, reconstructive surgery couldn't come fast enough!
Over the years I meet several women who experienced the same issues. We needed options and style. It took some work, but eventually Support Your Survivor materialized. We offer products made by cancer survivors for a small donation. We are small now but someday we hope to be like Walmart. Just kidding, a survivor can dream. OK?
This year is an exciting one for us! Already we have a raffle donated by special supporters and we have a couple of events scheduled for the fall. I will keep you posted on the activities of the Program on the website newsletter, which at this moment is being developed.
One of the events is a health fair. These are my favorite because I can get all the info at one stop. I can speak to other survivors and get free food! And yours truly does love her free food! By the way, if you are near Nanny Barnes's house, stop by for the best lemon pound cake ever!!
I hope to see many of you there!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Meeting New People On The Journey
How are you?
It isn’t enough to just walk by someone and nod a greeting. Both of you keep going totally obvious to the opportunity of meeting someone new. I am not saying that everyone you encounter on daily basis is ok, you have to rely on your own moral compass for that, but every now and then stop and say hello, how are you doing?
On an average day I may speak to over 50 or so people, the exception being my seminars. And I have come to the conclusion that most people are lost too. Just like me. Since we aren’t privy to the good Lord’s plans, we just wander around life. In the way the Indians circled the wagons.
I think we need to stop a moment and look at the people that cross our path. For example, the other day I met an engaging older lady at the gift shop. She had an affectionate manner about her, but professional as well. We struck up a conversation that lasted a good half hour. We talked as if we were old dear friends. When I left the gift shop I reflected that if I done what I normally do and just nod and walk by I would not have had a pleasant morning and a reminder that we are all in this life together.
So I challenge you, dear friends, to say hello more often, smile every day and try to remember that just one nice thing you do could make someone’s day brighter.
Have a Great Day!!!!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
When Cancer Comes A Callin’
Hello Friends,
What had begun as a few research articles have turned into a new book. As if I don’t have enough to do, the good Lord has seen fit to give me more to write about. It marks a cumulative journey of sorts. My new book, due out 2011 will usher a new page in my life. It is about families, cancer and crisis.
Usually, when a family is in this state the normal thing to do is retreat. We don't want to be caught in their sorrow and drama. But not yours truly !! From the moment of diagnosis, I have been drawn to families in crisis mode. I feel something in my heart to reach out and help. I DEEPLY feel that every family deserves a chance to live and grow beyond the diagnosis. So awhile back, I started to journalize their lives. I tried to understand why there is a noticeable lack of compassion when cancer comes a callin’. True, some people don’t know what to say to the family and can’t really offer words of encouragement or help. I sympathize. But it also makes me mad. How hard is it?
I am blessed this time to talk to some of the most interesting people. We hear about movie stars and other prominent people making it through cancer diagnosis all day long. And that is a good thing. But what about us ordinary folk?
Make no mistake, cancer diagnosis is frightening, no matter what stage or form it comes. And money does make a difference in the quality of care and home recovery. I have seen people struggle in shelters with an IV bag dragging behind them as they push their cart of meager possessions. And I have seen rich people leave the cancer hospital in private helicopters. Their IV bags tucked away in designer carts.
This book is about ordinary people with cancer. The average Joe you pass by. How do they make ends meet ?….. How do they deal with diagnosis, treatments, insurance, work, and the bills….spouses, kids, dogs, cats,..and the mailman…oh.. hell, just life in general when CANCER COMES A CALLING!
got you thinking….huh
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