A New Year, A New You!

A New year.... it feels like a blank slate. It feels good, yet uncomfortable in some ways. I am proud of what I accomplished in 2010 and although it was not an easy year by any means, I feel good about the person I have come to be.

I have never really set New Year's resolutions before and I'm not sure I want to call my 2011 thoughts resolutions, but I guess if I don't I'm not commited to them and the list is long. Most of my resolutions are around just being a better person and paying it forward. I want to live more in the moment and have faith that everything is for a reason. I want to challenge myself with new things.

Last year I kept a log of my walking, running and general exercise. I tracked hours and miles. It was fun and challenging to be sure there weren't to many days that went by where I did nothing. It really helped keep me motivated the entire year - which is definitely a first! This year I have also created a log and simply want to surpass what I did in 2010. I have read so many articles about exercise and the evidence showing that it lowers your chance of a recurrence for breast cancer. I want to be sure I am always doing everything in my power to prevent this disease from ever returning to my body. I'm building my armour - by diet and exercise and thoughts.... and also by doing what my doctor tells me and taking the med they tell me to take.

I am so looking forward to this year's 3 Day walk. We have 18 Princesses officially signed up and a few more that have committed, but just not signed up yet. It is AWESOME!!! These women are beyond fantastic. It is a great group with a lot of heart and spirit and we are ready to take on the world. We are looking for effective ways to fundraise - as that is the important piece of this whole thing. It is difficult hitting family and friends - especially year after year. I am hoping to find ways to get businesses involved in our cause and find a win-win scenario. I have been blessed already by the support of many businesses for my 2011 walk and am so thankful. Any ideas and thoughts that anyone has would be so welcomed!! We also have a few people that have volunteered their time and talents to help our fundraising efforts. They don't want to walk, but want to be involved in the cause and we are so grateful. Our first task is to find a hall to hold our May 2011 Silent Auction and Dance. I think we have outgrown the Lafayette Club, unfortunately. They were so kind to donate the hall to us, it made for an effective fundraiser.

My teammate Sherri Ziomek and I will both be involved in a few of the Get Started meetings for Komen. If you are thinking of doing the walk this year, attending one of these meetings is a great way to learn about the event and what is involved if you decide to sign up. If you would like more information, please let me know. The meetings are in January and February.

What are your resolutions this year? Take a step and be more than you thought you could ever be and then take a moment to Pay it Forward.
Wishing you well in 2011!!!

Blessings!
Patty

Define yourself through Stregth and Perseverance - not your difficulties!

We drove to N. Oxford, MA last night to drop Katie off at the Clara Barton diabetes camp, which has become an annual event for us. This is her 3rd year going there on a fall weekend they call, Wacky Weekend. This is a camp for children with Juvenille Diabetes to get together and relax, play, learn more about their disease and also to learn that they are not the only ones suffering from it. I think that remembering that you are not the only child is the best part of camp - a camp where having an insulin pump is almost required and where everyone needs to test their blood sugars every few hours. Where they can take a time out for a low or high blood sugar and not feel isolated, as each camper there knows what those things feel like and you aren't considered to be interrupting the activity at hand.

I know this weekend each year has helped me a lot. As it also reminds me that we aren't isolated in what we deal with as a family. A weekend, where as a mother, I get a break from diabetes..... and if you don't deal with it --- I can assure you that it is a 24/7 battle. A weekend off, I must admit, although I worry about her, it feels like a mini vacation.

Then I realize she doesn't get that vacation.... ever. It is 24/7. It makes me so sad.

That being said - we are grateful. Juvenile diabetes is manageable. Yes, there are long term complications, but we manage daily and Katie is HEALTHY! There are much worse things than that. I look to Katie as an example. She is the definition of strength and resiliency. She has never let her struggles impact her - her grades at school never slipped and if your blood sugar is high, it is impossible to concentrate or take a test. But somehow she does. She wears her pump and doesn't hide it - she is who she is. She never looks for an exception or a break. She has never backed off physical activities that can make the blood sugar go low. She just ran her first 5k and is currently playing on a travel basketball team. Watching Katie train for the 5k was the most inspiring thing I have ever witnessed. Now... I am not saying that she didn't complain, because she did --- BUT who doesn't complain when they are running?! I know I do constantly. As Katie trained almost every single training run involved a low or an asthma attack or both. Yet she would treat, wait and then GO! I know a lot of runs, I think most of us would have used that as an excuse to not complete the distance planned. Katie completed every training run!

Katie is the example of not letting a struggle define you and it has certainly made her a much stronger person. I think she will be a better person for having this disease and I think we should all look to not let our struggles define us and learn how to rise above. I guess that old saying what doesn't kill you makes you STRONGER!!!

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. ~William James

Blessings!
Patty

Taking a moment to be grateful and an update on 2011 Tough Warrior Priness Team

TEAM TOUGH WARRRIOR PRINCESS 2011 is Forming! We had our first 2011 team meeting to begin preparing for fundraising and being ready for the 60 miles. It was very touching. We have 17 registered members thus far, and more that are very interested in joining. It is stunning to me the good that comes out of each person we add to the team. We also have people volunteering who just want to work behind the scenes to help us fundraise or help us with ideas and networking. It is humbling. It seems like absolute magic in action some days. Each person brings something new and teaches the group something different. We are working on lots of fundraising ideas and also a website. There is lots to do!

I would also like to take a moment to mention a wonderful event if you are local to the Amesbury area. It is the 2nd Annual "A Charitable Christmas"
Get your Christmas shopping started while supporting many different charities. 100% of all proceeds are donated and there are some wonderful crafters and vendors attending. There will also be raffles, music and h'ors d'oeuvres! The event is being held on Saturday, November 20th at 3 Palis Drive in Salisbury from Noon to 7 p.m hosted by Danielle Dahn. Please come check it out if you can!

In preparation for Thanksgiving I am spending some time reflecting on what I am grateful for and my gratitude always comes back to the people in my life - not just the obvious people such as my family and closest friends, but ALL of the people who touch my life.

There are certain people that come into our lives that really make an impact. Sometimes one interaction can alter the course of your life or change your belief systems and have you going in a whole new direction. It is interesting, too, the way people seem to pop into and out of our lives. I truly believe that each interaction serves a purpose and everyone around you is there for a reason.

When you touch someone's life, you may never know the impact or the chain reaction of impacts that it may have.

I challenge you to try to touch someone's life today in a positive way. You may be having the worst day or have a lot of problems in front of you, but know that you can make a difference to someone else - there is a lot of power in that. Once you have taken on the challenge and touched someone however small - please leave a comment here and see how collectively we are changing the world!

Blessings!

No Words.....

"Walk Like a Princess"

So happy with the New Balance documentary on the Tough Warrior Princess team telling our Story. Thank you, New Balance, Marketing Drive, Element Productions and the TWPs!

Staying Strong and looking Ahead... and holding on to Memories....

As most of you know, our family is going through a difficult time with the passing of Mike's mom, Roberta Mellon on September 15th. Thank you to everyone for the love and support. Cancer SUCKS! That is all I can say. We love you and will miss you, Bobbie.

Since my last post...

Went for my first follow up checkup with my oncologist at Dana Farber since ending treatment earlier this year. It was strange being back as someone just being followed, but not being treated. Scary thoughts tried to come up, but I reassured and rationalized with myself. I am healthy and cancer free. There is no evidence to the contrary.

I looked around at all of the other women young and old that were in the midst of it all. You could tell the ones that were there for initial consults by the paperwork they were filling out and the one's going for scans and the ones there to meet with their oncologist and go for treatment. I looked around at the support systems they brought... - the husbands, the friends, the family - each dealing with it in their own way. So many people go through that center in one day - just on the breast cancer floor -- it is unbelievable.

I sat there looking out the window of the 9th floor of the building with all of these thoughts running through my head. I was looking at the new Dana Farber building that they have been in the midst of building since I started going there. I have watched that building be built from it's foundation. Each appointment I had, some new phase of the building project was being started. I saw all of the inner beams of the building as the cranes lifted them and put them in place. On the main beams in neon paint are names painted big enough that you can see them from a ways away. I believe they are the names of children affected by and being treated at the Dana. I had the opportunity one day last winter to sign a beam in memory of my mother. The beams are all but covered up now. Now you can see the workers inside the building working in the stairwells and all over the building. I believe the building is slated to open in 2011. The Longwood Medical area in Boston seems to be thriving - it is so sad - the construction of new wings and new buildings to accommodate growing numbers of patients. Cancer patients. It is hard to believe how far that building has come in what seems like such a short time -- I feel the same way about myself and my journey. I am now more put together than I have ever been, I am strong, I have a bigger capacity to give of myself and I see a bright future ahead.

Are you wondering what is up with the Tough Warrior Princesses? We are having a reunion tomorrow (Sept. 19th) at Vicky's house. Although some of us see each other all of the time, there are others I haven't seen since our walk. I can't wait to feel the magic of what happens with the 10 of us get together. Good times!

We are working on the Oct. 1st "Pink Carpet Premiere" party to be held at the Lafayette Club at 7:00 p.m. in Amesbury. We have learned that our documentary is now complete and has been sent off to New Balance. There is a 10 minute film which will be posted on YouTube (will post the link once we have it) and used at Komen events for which New Balance is a sponsor. There is also a 90 second teaser film for New Balance Retail Stores and a 30 second spot in the works as well. They will be released on Oct. 1st and the Tough Warrior Princesses will be seeing it for the first time at the party! We hope that you are able to come join in the celebration of a beautiful journey with us. Please bring your friends. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door, as we are already fundraising for our 2011 60 Mile / 3 Day walk. We are hearing that our friends from the advertising agency, Marketing Drive will be there along with representatives from New Balance, YouTube and possibly Element Productions. The people that created this are truly spectacular and we hope to remain friends for a long time.

We are running a 5k as the Tough Warrior Prinesses on Sept. 25th in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Boston. We have all been training and have a lot of first time runners. It has been so much fun watching friends and family that had never run before take on this challenge and I can't wait to witness them conquer it. I have a new respect and love for each of you. Determination and a goal - you can do anything! If anyone is interested in joining the team and running or walking with us that day, please let me know. The more the merrier!!

The next day, Sept. 26th is Katie's walk for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Katie has raised over $1,000 towards her cause this year and we are so proud of her!!! If you ever want to see someone with strength and determination look no further than Katie. She is my HERO. Since the day she was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes 2 1/2 years ago, she has been dedicated to the cause. So far in these 2 1/2 years she has raised $8,500. She deals with constant blood sugar checks, highs, lows - nurses, doctors and parents who sometimes suffocate her. She handles it all with grace and rarely complains.

I will post another blog update soon letting you know how we fared at our Reunion, the 5k Race and the Juvenile Diabetes walk. And... to remind you again on the Pink Carpet Premiere.

Thank you for all the love and support!!

 

The Last 20 Miles and Beyond.....

Waking up Day #3, I opened my eyes and thought - wow - I really slept good. It felt good to finally be rested and what a difference it made. I also slowly did inventory to see if each of my body parts could move and how sore they might be -- nothing hurt! Even my feet, upon standing, felt fine. We all got up early ate a quick breakfast and packed our bags, packed up our tents and headed out. The team was all feeling pretty good and up to the last 20 miles! The film crew was back and we were so happy to see them and have them along for our last day.

Walking that last day was bittersweet - I truly didn't want it to end, but it was hot and we all wanted to get to the finish line.

The most awesome moment of the last day was arriving at one of the cheering stations and seeing all of our supporters and signs. It was so good to see friends who had come in to stand in the heat and cheer for us. It was very emotional. It gave us the energy to keep on trucking. At the last mile, Alexa and Dylan, our Youth Corp. members got released and were told they could walk with us to the finish line.

As we arrived near the finish line Alexa and Dylan held our Tough Warrior Princess banner that had been signed by hundreds of our family and friends. As we got to the end and I saw people who had come in to support us, it was awesome. We had done 60 miles - 10 of us - together. But it was about so much more than 60 miles and really about so much more than breast cancer. I dare say it was a learning experience like none of us could have even imagined. We crossed the finish line and went into the gymnasium of UMass Boston and.... you guessed it.... DANCED!!!! The music was great and we just felt as though we had accomplished so much and really needed a release. Yes, the Tough Warrior Princesses all jumped on the stage and started a dance party. It was hot and we were tired, but you never would have known it.

Our last interview with the film crew as a team was sad. I think the question for each one of us was something like what have you learned through this experience. We each stood there as a team and gave our answers. It was our last moment together as the 2010 Tough Warrior Princess team. We also got a picture taken as a team with some of the crew members from Element Productions and Marketing Drive. Follow this link to see the press release and picture from Element Productions. http://elementproductions.com/blog/paul-canney-walks-with-susan-g-komen/
It was an honor and a pleasure to get to know each of these people and have them on the journey with us. Look for the short film release in October. You can be sure I will post an update with a link to it.   There is even talk of a premiere party....  How funny!

As soon as that was over we were divided up for the walk's closing ceremonies. Survivors and walkers walk in seperately during the closing. Sherri was back to her duties of carrying the flag and the other team members went to file in as walkers. Tina, Maurine and I got to be together as Survivors. We were held backstage, as a few of the survivors got to enter into the ceremonies from over the main stage. What a honor to be standing amongst a group of survivors. It was the perfect ending to 3 Days. Special thanks to my family members and my friends who were there - it truly means the world to me. Saying goodbye to everyone at the end of the walk was really hard.

I am slowly learning that life can be difficult, but you have to make do with what you have been dealt be grateful for it and do something positive with it.

I recently started up a running program following the Couch to 5K plan. Most of the Princesses and lots of others have committed to running the Race for the Cure 5k in Boston in September. We have brand new runners and runners just looking to get a workout and increase their 5k speeds. It's a great group! Lots of our children have also started running as a result and that is AWESOME! We run at 6:00 on Tuesdays at the Amesbury High School track and all are welcome.

Enjoy the last days of summer and thanks for following my journey. More to come! I have signed up for the 2011 walk and plan to keep on blogging. Please feel free to share this blog and comment!!