Making Strides

I'm sure everyone is feeling a bit like they can't turn around in the month of October without seeing pink exploding all over everything! But in case you DIDN'T know… October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Normally I just acknowledge it, feel grateful that my employer arranges for the mobile mammography van to stop on campus in April so I can get that done without fuss and feel even more blessed that cancer isn't up there or anywhere else now!

That changed this year. I've already had two friends suffer and ultimately lose their battles against breast cancer. Debbie was my sister's best friend -- as well as a good friend to me -- and was taken from us far too soon. Karen was a relatively new friend, but just as dear. She was a comfort and someone to commiserate with while I was dealing with my own cancer. But now… now… two more friends are struggling against this disease. It needs to stop.

Fortunately, both caught it early. But I can't even begin to describe what an interruption this is in one's life, even when the prognosis is positive. Amy and Tracy are both full-time moms with other full-time responsibilities to go along with that. I have no doubt both will come through it with grace and humor and seemingly with hardly missing a beat. But I know it won't be easy, and I pray for swift healing and most of all energy. Geeze…it takes so much energy!

So why am I telling you all this? You probably know… I've gotten good at sticking my hand out for donations to fight cancer and this time is no different! This will be the second year I am participating in the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" event. It's a 5k walk/run on Saturday, October 18th. Last year I walked it on my own without any to-do – I walked it in memory of Debbie and Karen as a sort of private pilgrimage. But this year I'm playing a more active role – again it's reared its ugly head and I don't want it ever to do so again!

So you know what to do… if you want to make a donation, my ACS website is listed below. I know with the economy the way it is right now, that may be difficult or impossible, but every little bit helps. As always,prayers and good thoughts are always welcome…for Amy and Tracy… for the Making Strides event's success… and that the cure for breast cancer will be found soon!
Thanks & love,
Lisa.


You can click on the ACS widget on the left side of this page or Click here to visit my personal page. If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY09GreatLakes?px=2920142&pg=personal&fr_id=11667&s_tafId=194006