It seems that recently a lot of people I know are involved in events and/or fundraising activities related to cancer. The more I talk to people, the more I realize that everyone knows someone or unfortunately has lost someone due to cancer. I never really thought about it so much in my entire life.
About a year before our wedding, Bri’s grandpa from Florida passed away from brain cancer. I know it was hard on him, and we were on vacation when we received the news. As we were planning our wedding, it was sad that such a special person in Bri’s life would not be there to celebrate. As we were going crazy trying to perfect every little wedding detail, we decided to forgo giving out favors and instead we made a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of Grandpa. Since then we’ve seen my dad through prostate cancer and my aunt fight breast cancer. Sadly, this disease is all around us. Fortunately, there are so many great people all around that are committed to this cause and are doing their part to help support it. Here’s just a few things going on…
My boss was recently selected by our local Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) to compete for “Woman of the Year.” She is approaching the end of a 10 week competition against a handful of other women to see who can raise the most money. I sort of joined her team, but haven’t had time to do much. She’s held some pretty fun events and raised almost $11,000 so far. Her last event is a happy hour Friday night, May 13 – a sort of reunion party celebrating an old Wilmington restaurant that one of my other coworkers used to own. I have included the flyer below and if you live near Wilmington or just want to get out of the house for a fun night, feel free to stop by.
Oscar's Reunion
My best friend Amy is also embarking on a campaign to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Amy’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with small cell cancer last November. So, at the end of this month, Amy and her husband Steve are running a race in Boulder, Colorado in honor of Steve’s mom and her heroic journey. Amy put it perfectly on her blog…”We can’t cure cancer. But we can run a race to raise money to help the people who *can* cure cancer.” Good luck Amy, Steve, and Susan!
I’ll be stopping at Coldstone Creamery on my way home from work Thursday and if you live near me, you should too. Why? Well, aside from the fact that I LOVE ice cream, Jessica and her friends are scooping ice cream for a cause. She’s participating in Relay for Life and 20% of tonight’s sales (must present this voucher) will be donated to her efforts for the American Cancer Society.
Our Aunt Patti and Uncle Mike in Michigan are also participating in Relay for Life. They have chosen me as their inspiration this year. I don’t have their info to post here, but I’m still supporting them 100 percent.
Finally, Bri and I are doing our part. I jumped in at the last-minute and joined “A Shore Cure” to walk the Revlon EIF Walk for Women’s Cancers almost 2 weeks ago. Also, next Friday night (May 20), we’ll be volunteering at the Wilmington Blue Rocks game with the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. I think we’ll be working concessions. Who doesn’t a love a good baseball game? So come out and join us at the “Save Second Base” Night with the Wilmington Blue Rocks!
Wow, that’s a lot of stuff going on. May must be fundraising month or something. Actually May is mammogram month. So, remind all the special women in your life to schedule their annual mammogram. Ok, that’s enough plugging for one post. Hopefully, anyone who’s reading this will be inspired to get out and support some of these activities.
Brave & Bubbly 
Once again, you have amazed me–We are all supposed to be supporting you, and yet you are supporting every one else! Have a great time working concessions at the ball game. We used to do that to raise money for the boys’ Cub Scout Troop–it was a blast!!
Thanks Aunt Patti – Everyone has been great at supporting me, but I feel its very important to me to try and help/support others in my life. I only wish I had more time, energy, & funds to do more 🙂
Thanks for the shout-out, Lexi! Before last fall, I knew logically how devastatingly widespread cancer is. But now that not just one, but two of our loved ones are coping with it, I know what that it MEANS that everyone knows someone who’s struggled with it. I’m so proud of you for all you do to personally raise awareness about, funds for, and hell against cancer!