Hello-o-o-o-o-o and welcome to the Pink Crusader blog spot! Here's a big hug to go with your cute little umbrella drink. Sorry to be shouting, but we're competing with the noisy sizzle of the backyard barb-b-que along with the loud book buzz from the community at large. Grab some taco dip and find a sunny spot by the pool. We're about to replay the highlights of last week's Launch Party and fund raising event for The Faces behind Breast Cancer, benefiting M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
"You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land, there is no other life but this."- Henry David Thoreau
Greetings this lazy Labor Day weekend! You may have noticed that The Pink Crusader was missing in action last week. We plead guilty, but only to catching-up on a few lost z-z-z-z-z's. We have since recovered from the Launch Party and public debut of The Faces behind Breast Cancer, and would like to share some of the highlights and photos with you now.
On Sunday afternoon,August 26, 2007, 260 combined participants and guests, 8 vendors and 1 major sponsor, came together at the Houston Marriott Westchase to celebrate the arrival of The Faces behind Breast Cancer. Amazingly, nearly all of the book's 80 participants were in attendance, in addition to the author (hello), photographer (Jack Opatrany) and make-up artist (Athena Laster). It was a touching display of support and solidarity at this family-friendly gathering, following nearly one and a half years of planning, preparation and completion.
Numero Uno son, Dalip S. Sethi, officiated the program as Master of Ceremonies, making his parents proud to be....well, his parents! The program began with the Opening Prayer and inspirational remarks by Dr. George H. Perkins, Radiation Oncologist at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, and contributor to The Faces behind Breast Cancer. Dr. Perkins shared some thoughtful comments about doctor-patient dynamics and how it plays a role in the recovery process. He also passed along his personal perspective of the book. This was followed by a lovely sit-down brunch.
Next up, the audience was treated to personal testimonies from the program's three engaging and enthusiastic speakers: Cheryl P. Donlin, breast cancer survivor and Board Member Pink Ribbons Project, in motion against breast cancer; Doug Ustick, attorney and male breast cancer survivor; and keynote speaker, Patty Jennings, Executive Director, New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool, breast cancer survivor, advocate, mother of 5 and wife of Senator Tim Jennings (New Mexico).
Individually, each speaker captured the essence of their unique cancer journey and offered words of hope and encouragement to others. Collectively they conveyed the importance of emotional healing as well as physical healing, and how the support of family and loved ones can have a positive impact on the overall process.
Following the speakers, our program line-up took a different turn with the presentation of a Tribute Video. The emotional video montage by friend Blane Smith of WABC-New York, honored all of the book participants and was dedicated in loving memory to Juli Gardner and Julie Maas, two participants who passed away prior to publication. It was especially touching to have Juli's husband Russ Gardner in attendance along with sons Zachary and Miles and daughter Jessica, who also appears in the book.
The program then changed directions once again with a lively and spirited performance by the M. D. Anderson Celebration Singers, conducted by Michael M. Richardson, MT-BC, Musical Therapist at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The final number involved audience participation which is always fun.
The Closing Remarks were given by yours truly (hello again), and included a fabulous announcement from Susan Steitzer, Vice President and General Manger of the North American division of Cellcosmet of Cellap Switzerland, our major sponsor. Ms. Steitzer announced that her company, in conjunction with specified locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, will sponsor a multi-city book tour of The Faces Behind Breast Cancer. The tour will begin the first week of October and include events in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newport Beach, New York City, Chevy Chase MD, Tyson Corner VA, and Mexico City. Details will soon be posted on the website at www.pinkcrusader.org with updates in future blog posts.
Please note: Book participants are invited to appear at these events and wherever possible. Dallas Event - Oct. 11 Houston Event Oct. 12
The afternoon program came to a conclusion with a book-signing opportunity featuring the author, photographer and available participants. FYI: Additional books can be purchased via the website at www.pinkcrusader.org.
On a personal note, the Pink Crusader must once again extend a heartfelt word of thanks to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE who took the leap of faith and committed to this project from its inception. We remain grateful for all the trust, love and support directed toward the book. In the end, we hope you are satisfied and pleased to be associated with the finished product.
We also hope that you enjoyed the party and walked away with many happy memories of the day's events. Special thanks to the management and staff of the Marriott Westchase for taking such good care of family, friends and guests during their 3-day stay, along with an additional word of thanks to Cellcosmet of Cellap Switzerland for providing the generous gift bags of skin care products (retail value $150 each)to all in attendance. And, for those of you who asked, my trendy, hot pink "Lymphe-DIVA" compression sleeves were provided by be~LIE~ve Breast Care boutique. To inquire about these medically approved garmets as well as other specialty items, call the shop at 713.843.7714 or visit the website at www.OPAmBoutique.com.
SIDE NOTE:be~LIE~ve Breast Care boutique will sponsor a book-signing event on September 27th and invite all book participants to come and autograph books at that time. Details TBA.
We also thank members of the press (Houston Chronicle, Houston Magazine and Fort Bend Focus) for taking the time to cover our Launch Party. Here is the link to the article which ran in Monday's edition of the Houston Chronicle.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5084992.html
And finally, to my father (a.k.a. Papa Bear), late mother, family and friends (many of whom traveled great distances to partake in the celebration and many of whom were with us in spirit), we can only say, "God is Good. We are surely humbled by the many blessings."
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WEEKLY CONTRIBUTION
This week's written contribution comes from good friend and fellow survivor,
Cheryl P. Donlin.
Cheryl writes:
Scarred for Life?
or
My Body, My Hero
Treatment for breast cancer can be brutal. It is an intense physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenge. It changes us in ways we can’t imagine.
After my left-breast mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction surgeries were completed, and my body was healing, I began really looking at my changed body in the mirror. My first reaction was amazement.I was amazed at what my body could take and still have the strength to heal and to function.
At the same time, while intensely interested, I felt a clinical detachment – keenly observing how the surgeon had done his thing. I noted the neat seams at the surgery site and the expert piecing together of skin from my abdomen to my new breast, filling in the circle where my aureole and nipple used to be.(In a former life,I’d done a lot of hand-sewing,so I could appreciate a smooth seam when I saw one.)
Oddly enough, since I was a very private person, I found myself showing it – my new breast – to my daughter and sister as if it were not a part of me at all, but something other. Where, oh where, had my modesty gone?!?
Thus began the building of a new post-surgery relationship with my body. Things as simple as wearing normal clothes presented some challenges. Without a nipple on the left, wearing t-shirts and light clothing created a mismatched pattern: a smooth circle on the left and a nipple bump on the right. An imbalance that might fly in contemporary art, but that seemed to disconcert many people I interacted with
day-to-day.
At first, I tried subterfuge, using a gauze pad over my nipple to fake a smooth appearance that was, at least, a match to the left breast. But that felt fake and was a lot of trouble. Besides, philosophically, it was troublesome: why was I altering the unaltered, unremade me? For whom? So, I abandoned the camouflage approach and, throwing caution to the winds, adopted a viewer beware attitude that seems to be working for me.
The more I interacted with my beat-up, post-surgery body, the more I began to feel a real tenderness for it that I had not felt for my pre-surgery body. Before surgery, I only saw what was wrong with my body. What an idiot I was.
After surgery, I see the amazing resiliency of this physical vessel of my spirit and mind; its strength, beauty and preciousness. I no longer see what I once would have so misguidedly deemed as wrong with it; I see only its tenacity, integrity and indomitability. My only concern for my body now is that it be as healthy as it can be. I can say with absolute honesty that I am more comfortable with my body than I have ever been. Perhaps it is because the traditional standard of bodily perfection that we as women are held up to in this society (so meaninglessly and artificially) no longer has a hold over me. I now find bodily beauty in other manifested images of self.
For example, I am still intrigued by the beautiful circle on my left breast. The thought crosses my mind how odd it is that a symbol of wholeness – the circle – replaces the part of me that was removed and that technically made me un-whole. The circle image also evokes a sense of coming full circle, of the circle of life, of returning again and again to the place of origin. It evokes containment (within the circle) and a sense of protection (from what is outside the circle). It suggests the earth we live on, the sun and the moon, seeds and eggs. All are very powerful images and thoughts – almost prayers in themselves.
I thank my body for all it’s been through and for all it allows me to still do every day. I honor my body for its sacrifice so that I might continue.
It’s been two years since my surgeries and I still feel like a visitor in my changed body. Perhaps, in time, I’ll feel fully integrated again, but it doesn’t really seem to matter. I am happy as I am. I never forget what a gift this physical body is and I strive to use it well and for good each and every day I inhabit it.
Copyright August 20, 2007
PERSONAL NOTE: The Pink Crusader remains grateful to Cheryl for her reflective, sensitive and wonderfully written contributions. We encourage our readers to pass along their favorable comments to Cheryl at cdonlin@tejaslabs.net or thepinkcrusader1@aol.com .
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SURVIVOR UPDATES:
Good News from Penny!
This past Monday I went back to my oncologist. I took a friend along for moral support. While waiting, I got myself worked up into a dither, worrying about whether the results of my HER2 status would be positive or negative. The status would dictate my needing additional chemo or not.
I asked the doc what my status was, and he said it was still not in my chart, so he left the room to check the computer. The five minutes that he was gone seemed like an eternity. When he came back and announced that both sides were definitely HER2 negative, I nearly passed out from utter relief!! That means no further chemo of any kind (unless there is a recurrence), no radiation, and I just need to tough out the coming years taking the Arimidex daily. Hey, I hope I can handle that! Hugs from, Penny
Personal Note: Hooray for Penny! This is the type of news we could use more of! Thanks for sharing!
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FYI
From Rosemary Barr:
Please join this FLY THE FLAG campaign and PLEASE forward this email
immediately to everyone in your address book asking them to also forward
it. We have less than 2 weeks and counting to get the word out all across
this great land and into every community in the United States of America
If you forward this email to least 11 people and each of those people
do the same...you get the idea.
THE PROGRAM IS THIS:
On Tuesday, September 11th, 2007, an American flag should be displayed
outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States.
Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on
this anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of
those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved
ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at
home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in
American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood
shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but
disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it
shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American
flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over
terrorism of all kinds.
Action Plan: So, here's what we need you to do...
(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Take a
moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11/01 and let those sentiments
guide you.
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11.
Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't,
then at least make it a priority on this day. Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America
Also From Rosemary Barr & Ann Nette Pearce:
Just went to www.mbcnetwork.org and registered for the November Conference on metastatic breast cancer at MDACC. Remembered we could register in September and it's September! - Rosemary
When you enter the security code be sure and capitalize the letters.
Thanks for the reminder, I had it scheduled to register later this month, but I did it now. Love ya, Ann Nette
From Rosemary Herron:
If you have sisters tell them about this study! - Rosemary
Is breast cancer caused by something women come in contact with at work,at home, in their communities or in the personal products they use? That's what the Sister Study is trying to answer. The Sister Study needs 50,000 women whose sisters had breast cancer, to enroll now, to help discover the environmental and genetic causes of breast cancer. Conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the Sister Study is committed to enrolling a diverse population of women to ensure the results represent and benefit all women. For more information visit www.estudiodehermanas.org Call toll-free 1-877-4SISTER.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing call 1-866-TTY-4SIS.
From Cheryl P. Donlin:
Josie! Hopefully, you won't see this e-mail for days and days, as you take some time to recover from your glorious sprint to the book project finish line! But, when you do have some time again, check this out: www.lhj.com/faces
This is a Ladies Home Journal link to a breast cancer photo "gallery" of pictures of survivors. The photos have been sent in by loved ones and friends in honor of the struggle these women are engaged in, along with a note about why the survivor is loved and how she is coping. The photo and the text should be e-mailed to: lhj.breastcancer@meredith.com, using the subject line: Breast cancer.
What a wonderful way for all those who could not be part of your beautiful book project (and/or who were inspired by it!) to honor the brave women in their lives who are battling breast cancer.
Work. Create. Grow. Give. Cheryl
From Karen Funk:
Hello All! I just received an email from Tim Bell, the (Susan G. Komen)
Survivor Party photographer, with the details for viewing photos online.....
Website: www.eventpix.com
Event name: Survivors07
Password: Celebrate
Date available: 9/03/07
All the best!! Karen Funk
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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"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
Note: GROW AWARENESS & HELP SAVE LIVES!
If we receive 4.5 million clicks in September, our premier
sponsor will fund an additional 100 FREE MAMMOGRAMS.
Please click daily!
DAILY REMINDER #2
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at
http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html
You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to
eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit www.breastcancerfund.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!
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.
SEPTEMBER 4 & 18
www.RosebudsSupport.org
We look forward to seeing you!
LIVING FULLY WITH AND BEYOND CANCER
M.D. Anderson Network's 19th Annual Patient and Caregiver Conference
September 6-8 2007
Marriott Westchase - Houston, Texas
For more info call 1-800-345-6324 or visit www.mdanderson.org/patientconference
PURIFICATION HEALING WATER CEREMONY
The month of September is perfect for slowing down, reflection and going
within to gain insight on your growth, change and healing that you have
experienced so far this year. It is also a month to begin your process of
"letting go" and deep purification of self.
Water is the element of Fall and is a feminine element... and has always
been known and used for it's powerful purification and healing abilities.
Saturday, September 8th
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Lucia's Garden, 2216 Portsmouth Street, Houston, Texas 77098
Fee $30+4material fee. Aromatherapy, light snack, & beverage included
To register, call Lucia's Garden at 713-523-6494
WOMEN ONLY - Facilitated by Victoria
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
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40
2nd Monday of each month, @ 5:45
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 (Survivors Offering Support)
2nd Tuesday of each month, Holy Cross Church in New Territory
The SOS Suport Group will reconvene for the first meeting of the new
season on September 11, from 7-9 pm. Newcomers from the Fort Bend
area are welcome to attend.
Directions to the Church: From the corner intersection of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59: Continue South on Hwy 59. Exit at Grand Parkway-Texas 99. You will go by an H.E.B. grocery store on the right as you turn right at a traffic light to get on the Grand Parkway. Proceed to the next traffic light (River Park Drive). Turn left. You will be facing the church. Go through the next intersection (traffic light at Texas 99) and park in the church parking lot. The address is 5653 West River Park Drive. If coming from New Territory: Go to the intersection of New Territory Blvd. and Texas 99. Turn South on to Texas 99. River Park Drive is one intersection (traffic light) past New Territory Blvd. Turn right at that intersection. If coming from 90A: Turn at intersection of 90A and Texas 99 (Grand Parkway). Go South on Grand Parkway, passing Sand Hill Blvd. and New Territory Blvd. Next intersection is River Park Drive. Turn right. Church is right there.
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.
SEPTEMBER 13 & 27
www.RosebudsSupport.org
THE WISDOM OF WIT
An artistic portrayal of Life, Relationships & the Human Spirit
Tuesday, September 18
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Cancer Prevention Building, 8th Floor Conference Center
5:30 pm Check-In
6:00 pm Program & Discussion
Register by e-mail or Call: 713-745-0549
Visit: www.mdanderson.org/publiceducation
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
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER NETWORK
Finally, a national independent advocacy group of and for people with
metastatic breast cancer, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN). To
join and for information about this network visit www.MBCNetwork.org
Your membership in MBCN makes you a part of an important first step toward
bringing a new voice, a proactive voice, to the breast cancer community.
It is absolutely committed to you and makes the following pledge:
• We will honor your life by working together to fight for the development
of treatments that extend life as the search for the cure continues.
• We will protect your privacy and will never share your name or e-mail
address with any person or group.
• We will keep you informed of what we are doing to promote the concerns
of people living with advanced breast cancer.
Let our voices be heard!
November 17 - 18, 2007 Metastatic Breast Cancer Network 2nd Annual
National Conference, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Sponsored by Dr. Gabriel Hortobagyi, Chairman of the Department of Breast
Medical Oncology. Registration will open in September on the MBCN web
site www.MBCNetwork.org MBCN’s 1st annual conference in 2006 was at
Sloan-Kettering in New York and was a great success with about 300
attendees.
"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your comments, stories, poems, and events and photographs!Posts are updated every Sunday. Please send your written contributions to thepinkcrusader1@aol.com.
"The small force that it takes to launch a boat into the stream should not be confused with the force of the stream that carries it along: but this confusion appears in nearly all biographies."- Friedrich Nietzsche
Until next week stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing to September's song.
Love, Josie
The Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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43 comments:
Dear Cancer Girl,
Bubbles had a most delightful time
seeing you and the cancerettes at the party last week.
You owe me an autograph.
Love, Peace and grooving to the sounds in my head.
Miss Bubble d meister
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures with me! My gosh, you look fantastic!!!! And so do Mimi and Rosie! I am forwarding the pictures to my sister Anne in Florida. I think she will enjoy seeing Rosie. Let me know if a picture of Gloria and Pete turns up!!!
Happy Holiday!
Linda
Do you know yet when you will be in LA, and where you
will do the book signing at? I have a friend who is
possibly interested.
I hope you are doing well. I've gotten many
compliments about your book from the people I've shown
it to.
Cindy
Talk to you soon. I really miss you already. New York is looking better & better each day!!
Love You!
Patty
I can’t believe it was a week ago I was down there! I finally got my suitcase put away last night.
How are you feeling? I hope you have a nice weekend.
Love, Gloria
We had a great time. The book is fabulous. It brought my mom to tears when she saw it. I have already bought 4 copies. I will be buying more. Thank you for everything.
Lots of love,
Wendy
Josie -
I cannot express to you the emotions I have for this beautiful work you have created.... The book truly captures so many feelings of our journey we all share... I am so honored to be a part of your book!
I was very pleased with the photos you picked! I especially like the smile one - it was a great surprise! It shows my determination to not let cancer get the best of me! My life goes on!!!
I enjoyed meeting your family and friends! What a great support group you have!!!
I hate what brought us together but I am so glad we have been brought together! You are incredible... Plus with surgery... treatments...
Keep me updated on your book tour! Take care of yourself!
Your friend,
Molly
(P.S. Stay tuned for our CD party news!!)
You have accomplished an incredible thing, Josie. By your sheer determination, you're telling the life stories of so many people. - D
I think it was JFK who said: Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
Adios, Pedro
Congratulations, Josie!!!! It was an unbelievably fabulous event!
My hat is off to you for a fantastic job pulling not only the book together and the event, but all that is now happening with it!!
I am delighted that I was able to change my schedule to be there… wonderful memories were made that day!
Dorothy
Dear Josie,
Sunday afternoon was an affirmation of why I love my job. The book launch was an enriching experience for all, and I am so glad I could be a tiny part of it. You must be exhausted but very, very happy.
Thanks again for a wonderful afternoon. And best of luck as you prepare for
the book tour!
Warmly,
Sarah
Hi There,
Congratulations on a job well done!!!!!!!!!!
It was very humbling to see the strength and courage of all these people. From an outsider looking in it was amazing to see the looks of pride, and the “glow” that radiated in their faces. I was very proud to be a part of it and to say I was your sister.
No matter what happens going forward, such as the press, wether you get the large media coverage or whatever……you should know that your book made a large statement for everyone and you accomplished what you had set out to do in the beginning.
Love You,
Cindy
What a successful book launch! Congrats!
Everyone I show my book to is so impressed!!
Thanks for including me.
Judy Bloss
Josie - Thank you for letting us be a part of your vision and creating such a beautiful book!
Stephanie
Great job!
You did well Josie! Great job at putting the whole thing together!
All in all everything went well. Very cool about the signing's at the department stores, I hope to make most of those!! Let me know the schedule. Hope your up for it!
- Jack
Hey Josie!
The party was GREAT!!
Congrats! - Athena
Hi Josie
I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the afternoon and how proud I am to know such a wonderful person such as you.
I bought the book and I want your autograph but I don't have a pink pen.......I hope you have one.
-Emelia
Josie,
Congratulations on a successful dream come true! I'm sure you know, but the book launch was in the business section of the Chronicle! So happy for you and the awareness it brings to fighting BC!
Have a great day! Mary
JOSIE!!! WOW!!!
what an amazing book launch party!!! you did an absolutely incredible job!!!!
thank you so much for allowing us to be a part and witness to such an unforgettable sunday afternoon!!!! i am so thankful for all you have done and i am so excited about all of the amazing things you will do!!! i know this success will continue for you for a very long time!!! you are such an inspiration!!!
~all my very best
~~kimberly
Great turn out for your book party and what a beautiful book.
Thanks,
Janet Hoagland MD
Josie,
What can I say? You outdid yourself yesterday. The speakers were fabulous,the video had people physically sobbing, the turnout was tremendous and best of all, everyone went home feeling better than they did when they
arrived. You truly turned what could be a very negatative experience into a positive, hopeful, meaningful day. It goes without saying that the book was
a phenomenal hit. I am so glad that you had so many friends and family members there. You truly served all the participants so well. It was a day that they'll never forget.
Now. . .I hope you are resting
Big, big hug,
DeDe
I thought everything went beautifully - you should be very proud!!
Laura
Congratulations
You are truly an inspiration.
Emma
Josie,
I just wanted to tell you what a great event you presented. I was in awe of what you have done. The event was amazing. The book and the photographs are fantastic. (I have to say that I have never had better pictures taken of me--thanks for the CD with all of them.) I have several people whom I've shown the book to who are already asking where they can get copies. The video was moving. I can't wait to hear how your book tour develops!
Thanks so much for including me in the project.
Doug
I am so proud of you and just can't wait to see you on TV - somewhere!
Love and blessings,
Rosemary
Josie!
I am so pleased and proud and happy for you that I just sat down and cried.
You are a force of nature in your own gentle, inspired and persistent way. Nay-sayers have no power against you. Enjoy this auspicious beginning, for I'm sure there are many more wonderful and powerful things to come from this project and from you in the future.
Proud and grateful to be your friend.
Cheryl
Josie, the whole event was completely enjoyable and inspiring. I pray that God will continue to bless you with love and only good. Remember to take time for yourself Josie and get some well deserved rest!! Let's please stay in touch dear friend....
Hugs,
Karen Funk
Hi Josie,
I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye but I had a flight to catch.
I just wanted to congratulate you on a most successful book launch. Everything was wonderful. It was extremely touching hearing the speakers ,seeing the video that you had put together and the music.
I loved meeting your beautiful family,you are surrounded by love.
I will call you later this week to discuss more details about the book signing event.
Warm regards,
Susan
Thanks so much for your hardwork and dedication to your calling!
Alive in His Word,
Destini Shrout-Jordan
Josie,
First I just want to tell you how wonderful the Launch party was. I enjoyed it immensely. I'm so pleased and happy your idea has just taken off. I wish you many wonderful travels as you sign endless copies:)
It's been a wonderful experience.
Take care and relax and enjoy your family!!!
Susan
Oh my God, you've made us famous! Thanks for including us in the photos on your page.
Love and hugs----Amy
Hey Big C,
Just a brief note to thank you for your warmth and hospitality during our short stay in Houston. Amy and I had a great time with you, your sisters, Joe, Gloria, and your numerous other friends. We resatarted old friendships and began some new ones, all the while supporting you in your efforts to raise money and see the real faces and stories of people that have breast cancer. You are to be commended on your effort and your tireless energy putting this event together. You know how very special you have been to me since we were children, you are even more special now for the love and compassion you show others through your example. I consider myself very lucky to have and love a dear cousin (more like a sister) like you. Our memories will last a lifetime from this event, I'm so happy we were able to attend.
Get some rest, take care of yourself, and we shall see you soon. Love you Josie!
Frank
Hello Cousin:
I've been trying to wind down since we left Houston and find myself still thinking about our time there and how wonderful it was. I have been talking nonstop about the launch of the book and showing it to whoever shows an interest, which is many (even guys!).
Thank you is not enough for all you shared with us last weekend - and if we ever can do anything for you, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are so very proud of you, and you should be too of yourself. What you are doing is raising awareness about something that we "assume" people know about but forget, or don't show interest in because they have not yet been touched by it in some way.
Houston is wonderful and meeting your friends was very special - and just emphasized to me more the special person you are and how many lives you have touched - do you realize how amazing you are?
God is watching over you along with your beautiful mother and my equally beautiful mother-in-law. And we pray for you always - because truly God has meant this important mission to be yours, and you bear it well and do it proud. With much love - Amy
Josie,
I just wanted to let you know how moving and enjoyable the gala was. I was so happy to finally get to meet you and your family. I hope that we can get together another time perhaps under more relaxed circumstances. Thanks again for sharing this beautiful event with us. Keep in touch.
Debra
I am sorry that I did not get to chat with you at the event on Sunday. I could not stay the whole time but did stay for most of it and thought it was a huge success. I saw the write up in the Chronicle as well so congrats to you for all your hard work and a job well done!
I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, wishing you all the success you deserve with the book and the message it sends.
Take care,
Tiffany Halik
Carpe Diem Productions
Josie
It sounds like your event was fantastic! I’m so sorry that I had to miss it, but I’m so happy for you that everything was such a success! Congratulations! I hope that you are putting your feet up and taking a well deserved breather!
Take care of yourself and let me know where I can pick up my book!
Thanks much,
Janet -
Dear Josie,
Are you having post-partum blues? Exhausted? Ready for book tour?
I'm still in awe of your achievement!
Barbara
Hello Josie!
Congratulations on getting your book completed. What an inspiring piece of work! Thank you for sharing it with me.
We will need to keep in touch and please let me know when you are in town so we can perhaps meet sometime again.
Sincerely,
Wendy Gotschall, RN MSN
Josie,
Being a part of "The Faces Behind Breast Cancer" has been a fun and enriching experience. Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Margaret Baker
Hey Josie,
Thanks for posting our picture on the blogspot, the autograph hounds should be out soon! It is hard to believe a week already has gone by since the launch, as I already miss you, Gloria, and on and on. We had such a good time together, I guess I didn't want it to end. Stay strong, stay the course, get some rest, and enjoy that Texas BBQ by the pool! Love ya, Frank
Great article this week! Just love the pictures!!!
Patty
Dear Miss Cancer Girl,
Holy Mackinoly..You have a case of Cancerous Popularis..you have more comments than I have pills. Everyone likes you like they like Sally Fields.
You r 2 groovy for words
Peace
Bubbles
Dearest Josie,
I am so proud of you! Thank you for being an inspiration to all of
the family. It was great being in Houston last weekend. We enjoyed meeting your friends and participants. They are an amazing group. Looking forward to your September trip home.
Love,
Mimi
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