Tuesday, February 8, 2011

My reason to walk

As many of you know, my Dad was diagnosed with Cancer in October. I was having a hard time dealing with the news, and my neighbor mentioned how she was doing the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk in the area & wanted people to join her. The boys and I decked out in pink & did the 5K. I'd have to say that the boys ended up being our little team mascots, as everyone wanted to take their picture. Terri even had their adorable pink onesies made for them that read "real men wear pink!"
I had a lot of fun, but was focused on making every penny I could, so I could go visit my dad. I finally made it to see my Dad in Arizona last month. My younger sisters drove out from Texas, one stayed with the boys (since Eric had to work) and the other flew with me to Arizona. It was a short trip but we were able to spend some good quality time with him and his family. He is surrounded by 8 pugs that were always entertaining. I learned a little about that area of Arizona he lives in when we visited the Desert Museum and was able to take him to a few Dr. appointments to give his wife a much needed break.

The visit was long enough to spend some good quality time, but far too short. When I got back I signed up to be part of Terri's team, the Cancer Cussin' Cuties. We all wear pink in remembrance of Terri's Mom that lost her battle with Breast Cancer when Terri was still a teenager.

I walk because I want more time. More time to visit with my Dad & his wonderful family. More time to allow my boys to meet & know their grandfather. More time to love.

So, here comes the plug.

We are participating in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life here in Florida. I've already had one of my good friends, Carolyn, sign up for our team, and we are busting our butts with all kinds of fundraisers.
Even though I can't really do the fundraisers with all my bloggy buddies, I wanted to give you the opportunity to donate to our team! My amazing MIL, Annette & SIL, Desiree have already made donations! Every $1 helps, even if that's all you can spare.


We've all been affected, one way or another, by cancer. So, please help join the fight to help the ones we love celebrate more birthdays!

Click here to donate. You can be anonymous or use it to plug your blog/website! I promise a certificate of awesomeness, to include massive cool points, to whoever makes the largest donation!

Thanks,
Mary

7 comments:

Kristina P. said...

That is so cool, Mary! Love the pink hair.

Anonymous said...

Mary....

As I read your blog, tears ran down my face as I reflected back on the day of our very 1st 5K we all did together back in October. I had NO CLUE! Such strength you have.....the courage that you've shown blows my mind. I must say, I commend you and I'm so proud that you are on our Team.

Thank you so VERY much for opening up your heart and sharing something so personal and tender such as this. I honestly feel it's an honor when we are allowed an inside look into the private lives of anyone...especially with circumstances such as these.

Good luck on your journey of raising money for ACS and Relay For Life!

Your CCC Teammate,
Kris

Ellis Family said...

I eliminated that middle of the night feeding by first reducing the amount of formula. Once I got down to 2 or 3 ounces I just switched to giving them 2 or 3 ounces of water instead. I figure they're thirsty, not really hungry. When I did this with Amy she just stopped waking up for water after a while. I know that by this age it's also okay to just stop cold turkey. Instead of a bottle, soothe them with a binky or patting their back, or just let them cry a little.

Jessica said...

Good for you! I'm the team captain for our employee MSABC team. We spend more time at the education table than walking, but it's all good. :)

Cheeseboy said...

Sorry to hear about your dad. Cancer sucks.

I give a lot (well, a lot for me) of money for my sister's "Walk for the Cure" or I'd be totally down to help donate. I assume it's all going to the same place anyway.

Missy said...

This is just so awesome! The Boys are so cute with the Pink hair!

Southern Class said...

MARY: I cannot thank you enough for asking if I would like to help with Relay For Life. Making the designs was properly tedious, (nothing good comes easy), and gave me time to think and reflect on my not so distant loss of my very special Sunny.
The designs are done, the order is in, but this is not the end of it. I am still here for MY "Cancer Cussin' Cuties"!
Go Get em, Girl!