The Pink Crusader remains knee-deep in pink ribbon, tissue paper and party favors galore! Please excuse the mess until we've had time to tidy up for next week's column and final countdown to the Launch Party and official debut of The Faces behind Breast Cancer.
"Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen."
-Leonardo Da Vinci
While the Pink Crusader tends to her party list and headcount, good friend and fellow survivor Cheryl Donlin, has graciously taken on the role of contributing writer for this week's post. Enjoy!
Cheryl Writes:
“Never do Nothing”
These words are part of a headline in an article I read in the Houston Chronicle recently. The article is about how visits and contacts from friends of someone with a long-term, serious illness tend to drop off over time. It’s a natural phenomenon and happens for lots of reasons: it makes people uncomfortable to see their friends sick; they’re reluctant to intrude; they don’t see what good their visits do, it won’t change anything; they move away; they get busy with their own lives and priorities get re-ordered. All of this is true.
What is also true is that none of that matters when someone is really ill for a long time. Visits, calls, cards, letters, whatever, are not intrusions; they are connections to the good times and to good memories. They bespeak life.
This realization hit the author of the column when her own mother became seriously ill. Friends came at first, when the situation was new and critical, but in the way of things, they began coming less and less and, finally, not at all. As if the need was less as time passed.
In the author’s story, only one of her mother’s friends stayed in touch over the long haul, visiting once every other year or so, and the impact was always the same. No matter how long it had been since the previous contact, the visit mattered – it made her mother happy. So happy that she talked about it to anyone who would listen, for weeks afterward.
This got me thinking about all the times I haven’t done something, when I’ve held back, waited for the right time, dithered, and let precious opportunities pass unrealized – when I’ve done nothing. When I do nothing, even for what I think are the best of reasons, I am in truth stepping back and removing myself from the current of life. At the very least, it’s a careless thing to do. I’m thinking about my mom, now.
She died of liver cancer over a period of months. She lived right here in town, and I saw her often, called her often; but not often enough. In retrospect, I wonder what was I thinking? And the best I can come up with is that I thought I had more time with her. I thought she would always be there, whenever I needed her, whenever I felt I could step out of my day-to-day schedule to make time for her. In putting other things first, I not only missed moments in time with her, but chances to let her know how much I loved her and how special she was to me. And, just maybe, chances to make her feel a little better for a while, to distract her from her pain.
As a breast cancer survivor, I now know better. Like the author of the Chronicle column, it has come home to me how important the little things are: the visit, the phone call, the card or the flowers – the physical proof that you are thinking about a sick friend, that you care about them. It’s important to your friends and to their families.
So, today I am making a pledge to myself and to my friends, I will try very hard to “Never do nothing” again. I will act on the thought, make the visit, pick up the phone, send the e-mail, give the hug, and in every way I can let all those I am fortunate enough to have in my life know how much I care, especially when they are sick, when they need a lift, when I can do something that might bring a smile to a tired face.
What’s the worst that can happen? After I leave, they can look at their significant other, their roomie, or their nurse and say, “What was that all about?!?” and have a new story to tell the next visitor, about the crazy lady with the potted plant and the compulsion to hug everybody!
For myself, I will have lived another day to the fullest, with nothing to regret later and with joy in my heart for having reached out and shared a moment with someone I care about. Isn’t that what life is for? All those moments when we do something, not nothing.
Article by Beverly Beckham (Boston Globe), entitled “A lesson learned: Never do nothing,” published Saturday, August 4, 2007, in the Houston Chronicle
Personal Note: We wish to thank Cheryl, as always, for her thoughtful and thought-provoking essay...Words we should take to heart.
Cheryl will be one of the guest speakers at the Launch Party on August 26th, and we are delighted to have her on the program.
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SURVIVOR UPDATE:
From Penny Andrea:
Hi,
I am sending this along because a friend of mine, with whom I did water aerobics for years, has had a recurrence of her cancer and needs your prayers (in whatever form you choose). Please be thinking of Janice, a really wonderful lady with a fabulous sense of humor...
Thanks,
Penny
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FYI:
BCERA Update from the National Breast Cancer Coalition
NBCC continues our hard work to pass the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research ActBCERA - S.579 and H.R.1157.) Despite 67 cosponsors in the Senate and 252 cosponsors in the House, BCERA is now bogged down in the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee. Sen. Tom Coburn, (R-OK), who stalled our efforts last year, continues to oppose BCERA; now a member of the HELP Committee, he has introduced 14 amendments to S.579. But this has only served to redouble our efforts. We are working with Senate staff around the clock, and we will use every avenue and opportunity to get BCERA passed. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) publicly committed to passing BCERA. When BCERA finally is law, all these years of effort will have been well worth it.
Source: Reprinted from the NBCC Newsletter, Call to Action, August 2007.
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DAILY REMINDER:
"Fund Free Mammograms"
Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm
and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271
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UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
Tour de Pink Volunteers Needed!
Please join us to help stuff 1500 packets for Tour de Pink 2007
Come for the entire day or for an hour! Any help you can give us would be appreciated! Children 12 years and older please!
What: Tour de Pink 2007 Packet Stuffing
When: Saturday, August 11th, 2007, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Prosperity Bank Building, 55 Waugh Drive, 9th Floor Parking TBA. Please let us know if you can help at the packet stuffing and/or are interested in other Tour de Pink volunteer opportunities at info@pinkribbons.org or 713.524.PINK(7465)
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40
2nd Monday of each month, @ 5:45
August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12,
December 10
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose
713-660-6675.
SOS SUPPORT GROUP NO-HOST DINNER
The last no-host dinner of the summer will be on Tuesday, August 14 @ 6:30 p.m,at a new restaurant located at the First Colony Mall in Sugar Land. The Black Walnut Cafe is located in The Courtyard next to ALDO shoes and Coldwater Creek.
Please RSVP by Sunday, August 12 by 5 p.m.
by calling Marsha @ 281 431 0700 or
email at marshayeager@yahoo.com
Y-ME SHARERING NETWORK TELECONFERENCE
Clinical Trials: What's in it for Me?
Speaker: Hyman B. Muss, M. D., Medical Oncologist
Professor of Medicine, University of Vermont & Vermont Cancer Center
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 7:00 - 8:00 pm CDT
Register now at 1-800-221-2141 or visit
www.y-me.org/sharering
THE ROSEBUDS POTLUCK PICNIC
The 2nd Rosebuds Potluck Picnic will be on Saturday, August 18th. Rosebuds, spouses/significant others, family members and children are welcome. It is at the Forrester Pond Condominium clubhouse at 3928 West Alabama. From Hwy 59 go North on Weslayan and turn left on West Alabama. From 610 West go East on Westheimer, turn right on Weslayan and then right on West Alabama. We will begin gathering at 1:00 pm (with appetizers). Lunch will be served at 1:30 p.m. We will have access to the pool (without a lifeguard) for those that want to swim.Some fun activities and games are also being planned.
Contact Barbara Giordanelli at 281-980-7975 or mjgiordanelli@alltel.net
if you will attend and/or for more information. We need to know how many will attend and what you plan to bring. If you prefer, you can donate money for the paper goods and beverages.Our 1st Picnic, several years ago, was well attended and it was nice meeting Rosebuds’ family members. We look forward to seeing you.
ROSEBUDS MEETINGS
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month 5:45 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 21 SEPTEMBER 4 & 18
www.RosebudsSupport.org
We look forward to seeing you!
2007 SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE HOUSTON SURVIVOR PARTY
August 22, 6-8pm at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
111 North Post Oak Lane
Special Guest: Dorothy Weston Gibbons, Chief Executive Officer, The Rose
Open to Breast Cancer Survivors only, RSVP by August 10th
For additional information visit www.komen-houston.org
ROSEBUDS II MEETINGS
(For those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence
and/or metastasis) The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month 5:45 - 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 23 SEPTEMBER 13 & 27
www.RosebudsSupport.org
CANCERCARE TELEPHONE EDUCATION WORKSHOP
Caring for Your Heart During Adjuvant Treatment for Breast Cancer
Friday, August 24, 2007, 1:30 to 2:30pm EST
Speakers: Ruth Oratz, M.D., The Women's Oncology & Wellness Program
Harold J. Burstein, M.D., PhD Medical Oncology/Solid Tumor Oncology
Douglas B. Sawyer, M.D., PhD Director, Cardiology Fellowship Program,
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Patricia Spicer, MSW, Breast Cancer Program Coordinator, CancerCare
For more information, call CancerCare at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
Or register online at www.cancercare.org
CREATING BALANCE in EVERYDAY LIFE WORKSHOP
Trotter Family YMCA Women's Series welcomes Elizabeth Irvine, BSN in her workshop...Yoga, Breathing and Relaxation. This gentle hatha style of yoga emphasizes focused attention on body awareness and breathing. Practicing in this way allows one to tap into their own body's innate response. Finishing with relaxation brings the opportunity to deeply rest, "undo" and renew. Pen and Paper- Tools for Expressing the Self. Tapping into creative self- expression through tools of mandalas and journaling. Learning these simple techniques give you tools for self-awareness that last long after the session is over.
Saturday August 25th, 9 am - 12 pm
Trotter Family YMCA, 1331 Augusta Drive, Houston, TX 77057
Cost: $20 YMCA members $30 for non members.
Child Watch is available for ages 6 weeks to 8 years
Register Now at the YMCA. ymcahouston.org
"THE FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER" LAUNCH PARTY
and fund raiser for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Sunday August 26, at 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
Keynote Speaker: Patricia Jennings, Breast Cancer Advocate
Come early at 12:30 for Silent Auction and Vendor Bizarre
Houston Marriott Westchase, By invitation only.
Read blog posts for weekly updates or visit the web site to pre-order books. www.pinkcrusader.org
LEARNING to LIVE with METASTATIC BREAST CANCER
You Are Invited to a Screening of:
The Beautiful 8 - Learning to Live with Metastatic Breast Cancer
A Video by the Young Survival Coalition
Sponsored by the Beth Sanders Moore Young Breast Cancer Survivors' Program and the Young Survival Coalition Houston Affiliate
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m
Location: Cancer Prevention Building
1155 Herman Pressler, 8th floor, rooms 7 & 8
Parking: (Validated) Park in Mays Clinic Building, 1220 Holcombe Blvd.
Entrance #5 on Bertner (between Holcombe and Pressler)
Space limited! RSVP by August 23, 2007
bsmp@mdanderson.org or call Anita Broxson, M.S.N., R.N.
BSMP Program Director, 713-792-8208
www.mdanderson.org/youngbreastsurvivor
LIVING FULLY WITH AND BEYOND CANCER
M.D. Anderson Network's 19th Annual Patient and Caregiver Conference
September 6-8 2007 Registration begins June 11
Marriott Westchase - Houston, Texas
For more info call 1-800-345-6324 or visit www.mdanderson.org/patientconference
TOUR DE PINK 2007, Pink Ribbons Project, www.tourdepink.org
Please join us on September 9th at Prairie View A&M University for our third annual Tour de Pink - the only Texas bike ride solely benefiting breast cancer.
We offer 12, 23, 47, 63, 80 and 100 mile routes for cyclists of all levels! A post-ride festival will feature artists and entertainment from the Houston and Prairie View communities for cyclists, volunteers and their families. Form a team, join a team or participate as an individual! Not able to ride or make it out to the event? Register as a VIRTUAL RIDER, fundraise for the cause and reap all the benefits of the participants!
This is reminder that each participant is required to raise a $75 pledge in addition to their registration fee. You can donate to your favorite cyclist online now! Text PINK to 78247 to receive Tour de Pink updates on your cell phone! For more information on Pink Ribbons Project, visit www.pinkribbons.org
THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of HOUSTON Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building,6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview) at 7:00pm. The 2007 dates are September 18 and November 20th. For further information call 281-546-6438.
CANCERCARE MEDICAL UPDATE on METASTATIC BREAST CANCER
Telephone Education Workshop
Thursday, September 20, 2007, 3-4pm EST
Speakers: Joyce O'Shaughnessy, M.D., Co-Director Breast Cancer Research Program Baylor-Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Texas Oncology
Patricia Spicer, MSW, Breast Cancer Program Coordinator, Cancer Care
For more information, call CancerCare at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
Or register online at www.cancercare.org
2007 SUSAN G. KOMEN HOUSTON RACE FOR THE CURE
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Houston Affiliate
Saturday, October 6, 2007 Sam Houston Park- Downtown
Race Day Schedule
7:45 a.m. Opening Ceremonies & Memorial Birds
8:00 a.m. Family Walk and Kids K by ConocoPhillips
8:15 a.m. 5K Coed Timed Competitive Run
8:25 a.m. 5K Coed Non-Competitive Run
8:35 a.m. 5K Coed Walk
9:15 a.m. Runners' Awards Ceremony
10:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony and Survivor Celebration
For more Information: Phone: (713) 783-9188 Fax: (713) 783-9187 http://www.komen-houston.org email: info@komen-houston.org
2007 BREAST HEALTH SUMMIT
The 2007 Breast Health Summit will be held on October 18, 2007 at the United Way in Houston. Please pass this information on to others who may be interested. Additional information will be sent out later by both e-mail and postal mail. If your mailing address has changed, please be sure to forward the updated information to Pat Dames at pdames@the-rose.org
The Rose
12700 North Featherwood
Houston, TX 77034
281-464-5150
Fax 281-484-7083
www.the-rose.org
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk
Saturday, October 20, 2007 Registration 8:00 am
Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston Walk begins at 9:00 am
For more information visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline
Email: strides_houston@cancer.org Phone: 1-877-606-WALK
CAP HOLIDAY CARD SALES at MAYS CLINIC
Volunteer Services and The Children's Art Project (CAP) collaborate to better the lives of patients at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. For more than twenty-five years volunteers have assisted with Card Sales. Proceeds benefit M. D. Anderson's Pediatric and Adult Patient Programs. Volunteer Services is asking for volunteer assistance with the upcoming 2007 CAP - Holiday Card Sale at the Mays Clinic. Please contact Cindy Shursen, Program Coordinator - Volunteer Services, if you are available to assist during the below sale days / times.
Dates: November 5th -16th
Times frame: 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Contact: Cindy Shursen
Phone: 713-745-0266
Email: cshursen@mdanderson.org
"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your comments, stories, poems, and events. Posts are updated every Sunday. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com.
"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it"
- Sydney J. Harris
Until next week stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing, with a
Margarita in one hand and the remote control in the other!
Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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