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#CancerSucks
Most of you might know by now that in the past 18 months or so, cancer has touched our lives four times!
My husband’s mom–Lynn–died October 24th, 2011 of cancer. If you’ve been following this blog or any of my writing journey, you know that Lynn was very near and dear to my heart. So close that she is the reason I took Lynn as my pen name! Even called her Mom II.
My husband’s childhood friend, Jeremy, lost his mother to cancer in July 2011.
My dear friend, Sandy, was diagnosed with cancer in November 2011 and is fighting hard to beat it.
My Mum (stepmom) was diagnosed with cancer May 2012.
All of this prompted us to start AZ Pain Train. Our first event is Ragbrai (Bike across Iowa). We EXCEEDED our $2,000 goal. Thank you so very much.
But the reason for today’s post is….
I’ve talked in the past about how I believe all things happen for a reason. I fully trust in God’s plan for everything, even the bad stuff that happen. While it’s difficult going through, I always grow during tough times.
My eyes are opened. Revelations are made.
And with all this cancer around me, I wanted to know what I could do to try and help. So, as I mentioned earlier, my sweet hubby and I formed the AZ Pain Train, but I wanted to try and do more.
But what? How?
And then I got to thinking (I know that’s a scary thought sometimes, but hang with me….)
I write a lot. Heck, I’ve penned twenty-six novels. Six are spoken for with CMP, and I’ve not really shopped around many of the others. I’ll be jumping into the self-publishing pool in the near future with some of my novels.
With that said, it’s pretty safe to assume writing is a HUGE part of my life, and I wanted to see how I could use that to help in this fight against cancer.
So, starting today, July 1st, 2012, I will be donating a portion of my proceeds from book sales to the American Cancer Society. That’sall my books, the ones out now and those to come in the future.
I know it’s only a small part in a vast issue, but I figure every bit helps.
QUESTION FOR YOU:
Do you guys have a cause you’ve partnered up with? Something close to your heart that you support? I’d love to hear your story!
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AZ Pain Train Update
Holy Cow you guys!!!
I did a post on June 4th about the AZ Pain Train and you guys answered.
We’ve MET OUR GOAL!!!!
CHECK IT OUT —> Arizona Pain Train ACS Site
But even though we met our goal, you can still donate if you are so inclined. We’d love it!!
Thank you so much!!
My “Mum” (my step mom is from England!) starts her treatment on Monday. It’s called EPOCH Chemotherapy. They’re going to keep her in the hospital while administering the drugs over a five day period.
So keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
And thanks again for helping us meet our goal. The next endurance event for the Arizona Pain Train is the PF Changs Half-Marathon in January 2013, so stay tuned!
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The Arizona Pain Train
Cancer entered our lives on November 26th, 2010 when my mother in law, Lynn, for whom I’m named after, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. Two surgeries and one round of chemo later she died–October 24th, 2011. She was such an inspiration to me, hence my taking her name as my pen name.
Within a month after Lynn died, my dear friend Sandy, was diagnosed with stage four uterine cancer. Two rounds of chemo and one round of radiation later, she’s holding on strong. Such a pillar of faith.
Enter the third time cancer touched my life. My step-mom. Penny has been a part of my family for over sixteen years. She loves my dad with all her heart and helped him step into his faith. She was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma on May 10th, 2012. She was all set to do the Ragbrai ride across Iowa starting July 21st, 2012. That’s about 480 miles across the state of Iowa. But the cancer has left her partially immobile. So…I’m taking her place! I’m going to do the ride for her, and we’re going to raise a TON of money for cancer research and treatment.
Enter American Cancer Society. They’re one of the most reputable organization to help with cancer research and treatment. So, dig deep into your pockets my friends.
Doesn’t matter how big or little the gift. EVERY PENNY COUNTS! I dedicate this ride to all those who have cancer and are facing an up-hill battle. But to you, Lynn, Penny, and Sandy, this is for you!
I’m so excited to do this, yet terrified. I’m not a camper, and each night we’ll be tent-camping.
Any hints?????
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CLICK HERE for our American Cancer Society Page. CLICK HERE for our Facebook Page
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#CancerSucks
Cancer has touched my life yet again. As you might know if you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, my mother-in-law passed away October 24th, 2011 from cancer. Her name was Lynn…and I’m her namesake.
Now, another one of my mothers has been stricken with cancer. B-Cell Lymphoma. Just diagnosed Thursday May 10th, 2012. Penny Mathieu, my dad’s wife of over fifteen years, has run 21 marathons. Climbed mountains such as Kilimanjaro, Rainer, Mt. Blanc. She’s spent her life promoting good health being a nurse in England for many years, then when she came to America with my dad, she worked for the Heart Institute in Minnesota for several years.
And now cancer has rendered this active woman immobile due to some nerve damage to her spine from a tumor that was just discovered last Monday. Sure, now that some of the tumor was removed she might get some of her mobility back–but it’ll take time and much rehab. Add chemo on top of that…she’s got a mountain to climb.
Thank goodness she’s climbed a few, huh? She knows she can do it. She’s in GREAT spirits. She’s a fighter.
Only thing…she was scheduled to ride across Iowa in an annual event called RAGBRAI (CLICK HERE for a link to their site). She obviously can’t ride 480 miles across the state now…
BUT I can!
And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. My hubby was already slated to do the ride with my dad and Penny…so, I’m stepping in for Penny. We’re going to make it a fund-raiser as well. So stay tuned for details.
Please send up thoughts and prayers to Penny and my dad as they navigate the difficult road ahead of them. You guys ROCK!
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This Writer’s Journey…Sandy
Writing is a journey, one I truly love and enjoy, but it can sometimes feel rather lonely. Hour after hour, alone, at the computer, pouring your heart and soul into each word. But I’ve learned I’m not alone, in fact, I’ve been blessed to be in contact with some amazing people, both writers and non-writers.
I want to share a bit of that with you. Each week I’ll be spotlighting someone I’ve come in contact with during my journey. Thanks for stepping along side of me-all of you-during this exciting time!
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Now Sandy isn’t a writer or author, but knowing her has truly enriched my life. She was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer (about a month after my sweet mother in law, Lynn, died of liver cancer). With everything still so raw from Lynn’s death I wasn’t sure how I could handle going through this with my dear friend, Sandy.The picture above is of Sandy receiving one of her chemo treatments. She’s since finished her first round of chemo and is currently in a five-week, five days per week radiation cycle. Once she’s finished with radiation, she’ll do another cycle of chemo.
What has inspired me the most is her attitude through all of this. Such a steadfast faith. She didn’t ask for this journey. Doesn’t really want it, I’m sure. Yet she remains positive. Her smile is simply dazzling, and she’s never short of an encouraging word despite the mountain she’s climbing.
I’m so glad our paths crossed.
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Not Alone…
Do you ever feel like you’re all alone?
That no one understands or has experienced what you are going through?
I can’t even BEGIN to understand what my mother and father-in-law are experiencing right now as they deal with her cancer.
Last Friday, she received the news that her cancer has spread/worsened beyond treatment. There isn’t an option of chemo any longer.
And yes, that was the day my books arrived (see yesterday’s post). So, it was a bitter-sweet day. I was glad to hand her the book so she could read the dedication and see just a tiny sliver of light on that dark day.
Then yesterday, while I was at work, I heard this song by RED–> Not Alone.
And I cried.
Isn’t it interesting how you hear something right when you need to.
Here are the lyrics that really hit home:
I am with you
I will carry you through it all
I won’t leave you
I will catch you when you feel like letting go.
‘Cause you’re not…
You’re not alone!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ODDtLMiGnY]
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Have a great day, everyone. And know this, you are NOT alone!
