Dusting off the blog for a shameless ask.....

A blog post to do nothing but ask for $$$.  But, I wouldn't ask if I didn't believe. 

I am walking in May in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This 39 mile walk supports many institutions to fund various research initiatives including programs at Mass General, Dana Farber, Beth Israel and Harvard Medical School.  One of the research trials I personally find most interesting is a grant they have given to Tuft's University to study the link between environmental chemicals and breast cells.  They also donate money to community outreach to help those who can't afford treatment and to programs to help survivors. 

Why am I walking and what drives me to swallow my pride and ask for help???  In two letters -- MO!!!  I need to find a way to honor my friend Maurine, who impacted me beyond what I could ever describe.  I also want to do something to remember a beautiful little 9 year old girl named Emma, a 29 year old friend, Bridget, and my mom and Mike's mom and many others that I have witnessed be diagnosed with any type of cancer in the past few years.

But let me try to tell you about Mo, in case you didn't know her.  It was 4 years ago that I met Maurine.  I was just completing my breast cancer treatments at the time and Mo, well, she was dealing with a breast cancer recurrence and losing her hair for the second - but not the last time. It was fate that I met the woman who would change me forever.  The world has since lost, but will NEVER FORGET Maurine.  We walked together in the Komen 3Day to support breast cancer research.  It was magical and we walked again the next year and the year after that.  Many of you supported me then and I am so very thankful for that. There is a video done by New Balance documenting our walk first walk together that I will forever be grateful for. Please watch and get to know my friend Mo.  You won't easily forget her.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi4HVW35t6Y

Now that you know a bit more about Mo - I can attest to the fact that she was awesome.  First - she was a light.  Her light shined wherever she went.  She was always happy and positive no matter what her circumstance and her circumstance really was never very good from the day I met her.  She always had a way with words and she was one of the funniest woman I have ever met.  No, I'll give the the title of the funniest.  She should have been a comedian.  She was a gift to me and so many - especially my children. They both say she became mom #2 to them and I have watched their pain at her passing.  We talk about her often.   You never really thought of Mo as sick, even though, deep down you knew she was very, very sick.  Her smil0e, one-liners and attitude carried her so far and she touched so many people. There literally is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her in some way. I watched her fight and smile and touch others until the very end.  Her giving is what touched me the most.  She gave 200% of herself to so many causes and so many people.  If we could all be half of what Mo taught the world to be....

I also choose to walk for personal and selfish reasons --  to ensure the future of my two daughters, who now have a line of breast cancer in their family and for my own future.  Because of my work with the Tough Warrior Princesses, I witness on a regular basis, the pain and struggles of those diagnosed with breast and other types of cancer.  It is heart-wrenching when you are surrounded by it on a regular basis.  There is so much need that comes with a diagnosis, all of which could be fulfilled with a cure.

I need to raise $1800 in the next 8 weeks and I find it appropriate that I am saying yes to this journey - even though I am a planner and need to do things MONTHS in advance.  Mo taught me to do things on a dime and not worry about the outcome.   She taught me people first.  When there was a need, she never said "no" or "I can't".  She simply organized the next fundraiser and somehow got the impossible done.  Period.   I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Mo wants us to do this to help contribute to the research that may one day find the cure. 

Therefore, I ask for your help.  If you would like to donate, please go to:  My Avon Walk Page.


On another note:  There is still time to sign up for the Triathlon for the YWCA and Tough Warrior Princesses.  It is being held next weekend on March 23rd at the YWCA in Newburyport.  This is a triathlon for every BODY.  No worries if you aren't an athlete --- heck - I can't even swim.  I plan to dog paddle across the pool.  If you want to sign up or want more information go to our registration page.  It is a good way to practice for other events or just come out and be active for the day.  Teams are welcome too! 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your consideration. 


Blessings,
Patty

Create a Personal Challenge for yourself

As winter approaches I always seem to struggle.  All of my commitment to diet and exercise has started to wane, as it seems to every year at this time.  I think I'm using this blog to pump myself up and get myself back to 'me.'

Last month, I completed my first half marathon. I felt I needed to do this to continue to challenge myself and because God has given me a body that is able to - so why not?!   Think you can't do this?  I can assure you - you CAN!!!  I simply followed a 3 times per week training plan and started from step #1.  My goal was simply to finish and I did.  It was tough, but doable.  I never plan to run a marathon, but I do plan to do the 13.1 distance again. What I learned through this challenge is that pushing through the barriers in your mind can truly set you free.  Our minds truly can limit what we do and change how we are feeling.  Running, because every step is hard for me, helps me to get inside my mind and challenge my beliefs and what is possible.  It is parallel to challenges you face in life and how you choose to perceive them.  It also reminded me how people in your life make all the difference.  I had an AWESOME cheering section of friends and family that popped up all along the route.  The encouragement and love they shared, especially near the end when it got really tough for me, was phenomenal.  What a difference they made - I can say if they weren't there my perception of that run would have changed 100%.  Just like in life, it is the people you surround yourself with and the love that gets you through.  Remember, just one word or one act of kindness can entirely change someone's journey.

The Tough Warrior Princesses are also trying to promote the lifestyle approach to doing what is in your control to prevent cancer.  We are working to partner with business in fitness and health.  We are currently working with the YWCA of Newburyport to plan a triathlon.  The difference with this triathlon is that it will be doable for all -- you swim in the pool at the YWCA at your pace -- you swim for a time limit - not a distance.  You swim your distance - your way.  Some might make a 1/2 mile or more -- I know I will dog paddle my way across the pool.  Same with the bike - we will use stationary bikes.  Then we will use the Newburyport Rail Trail for the run/walk portion.  Start thinking about challenging yourself to do this.  More details to follow in the coming months.  TRY our TRI!!!

Please, please vote!!!!  The Anna Jacques hospital is opening the Gerrish Breast Center and in promoting the new endeavor, they have entered a national video contest.  If they win the video contest, The Tough Warrior Princesses will be awarded the $25,000 prize to further our mission of helping women with cancer.  Please go to http://www.pinkglovedance.com/videos/2013-video-contest/anna-jaques-hospital/ and watch and VOTE Now.  Share with your friends and vote every day until November 8th.


TWP have a lot going on.  If you haven't seen our newsletter with event highlights.  Please click here!  We need you to join the army.  One small act that you take can really help us.  Whether it is hitting share on Facebook, liking our Tough Warrior Princess page, driving a patient to treatment, delivering a meal or sending a card.  We post our needs on our Facebook page, please join us there.  Upcoming events include a craft fair with wine, Dining for Dollars at the Longhorn Steakhouse and Emma's Pen Pal Adventure. The newsletter contains all of the details.

So, now I ask you.  What is your next Personal Challenge?  Is it to spend more time on yourself, take a walk every day, eat better, run a 5k. etc.   I need my next challenge.  Anyone have any ideas?

Blessings!

Patty