A little over 2 years ago, I became aware of this horrible world of cancer. Sure, I knew of and had prayed for those with cancer. I gave to organizations that helped fund cancer research and thought I was doing my part. Boy was I wrong. Some of my closest friend's daughter was only 3 years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia. I learned just how hard it is to deal with cancer and the daily, sometimes hourly struggles just to make it through another day as you watch someone you love fight this horrible disease. I watched Kate fight for 2 years and I learned so much from her. I learned that life is precious and not to take the days we have been given for granted. To stop and be silly with my kids (no matter how ridiculous I may think I look!) When she passed away on my birthday, September 5th, I knew I couldn't stop helping. I couldn't turn my back know that I had been there and knew just how hard it was to fight cancer.
Everyone of us can help in one way or another. Whether it's taking canned and snack foods to Brenner's to fill the pantry for those that stay for many days & nights with their kids. Participating and raising money for your local relay for life events. Attending fundraising events for cancer patients. Knitting prayer shawls for cancer patients and delivering them to local hospitals. Taking meals to family members while one parent is at the hospital with their sick child. Providing babysitting services for parents so they can be at the hospital. I could go on, but you get the idea.
So, here's the challenge to all my friends...I know of 2 events that you can participate in to help those fighting cancer. The first is a benefit for my good friend, Suri. She is 5 years old and also fighting leukemia. She has 2 older brothers and her mom & dad. We are hosting a silent auction, bake sale, craft sale at Monkeez Brew on Saturday, November 13th starting at 5:00. There will also be a pancake supper beginning around 8:30 until midnight. If you can't make it that evening, please coming during the day since Monkeez Brew will be donating 10% of their sales from the day to Suri's family. Did I mention there would be live music beginning at 7:00. Perfect night to come out and do some Christmas shopping, enjoy great music and drink hot coffee to warm you up!
The next event is Relay for Life. This will be held on May 20-21, 2011 at Lexington High School. Our team, Kate's Krew, is already working to prepare for this event. If you're interesting in joining our team, please let me know. We were voted as "Most Inspirational" team last year. Wow, what an honor! We creating the team in honor of Kate and walked for her. This year, we are walking in memory of Kate and in honor of all those still fighting.
It's a hard road to walk into this world of cancer, but you wouldn't believe the joy of watching these kids laugh and show you how to truly live each day. Please consider walking this road with me.
No comments:
Post a Comment