Pink Pause

I'm pausing in my Philippines trip posts today...  

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  (I wrote about what that means to me here.)  This topic is very close to my heart.  My Mom had an eight year battle with breast cancer.  That battle ended 21 years ago today.  She was only 58.  I was thinking about Mom this week.  She would have loved hearing about our trip.

Mom is the inspiration behind many of my posts.  Her Bible has been the source of encouragement to me for many years.  The one aspect of our lives that is different is our approach to health.  Mom's motto was "no news is good news."  She tended to bury her head in the sand until something major happened.  I believe it's important to have regular check ups.  As of today, I am healthy and I want to stay that way.

Through the years, I've jumped on my pink soapbox more than once.  But it's not just cancer awareness that we need to pause for.  Healthy hearts, lungs, minds and bones are important as well.

I don't focus on my health because I want to fit in a certain size dress.  I focus because I want to continue being involved in God's kingdom.  Mom was an amazing teacher.  She taught both Sunday school and at the Christian school.  She was incredible with children.  When her cancer returned, she was only 54 years old - younger than I am today.  I often wonder how many more children she could have influenced if she had taken better care of herself.

In honor of my Mom, I ask my readers to take a little time today.  Take inventory of your health.  Are you healthy?  Keep it up!  Need to make some changes?  It's not too late!  God created our bodies to do amazing things, it's our job to keep them healthy so we can do great things for Him!

Twenty Years

I have been blogging for over ten years.  One of the greatest inspirations for this blog is Mom's Bible.  I have used it many, many times.  A fitting quote for today is:

Only those who are assured of an Eternal life can be happy here and now.
- Mom's Bible

It was 20 years ago today that Mom escaped the pain and sorrows of this world.  For more than eight years she battled cancer with grace, dignity, and humor.  She loved God and looked forward to the day she would meet Him face to face, but many times during her battle with cancer she would say, "I don't want to leave my family."  She loved us so much, we were what kept her fighting.

She was an excellent example of someone who wrote her hurts in the sand and engraved her blessings in stone...

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything,wrote in the sand:

"Today my best friend slapped me in the face."

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one, who had been slapped, got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:

"Today my best friend saved my life."

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Learn to write your hurts in the sand, and to carve your benefits in stone.
~ Author Unknown

I can only imagine how much she would have enjoyed blogging.  Her "Friday Foodie" posts would have been 90% chocolate recipes.  She would have shared her "diet hymns" such as "Slimming Down, Down, Down." She would have had stories about the many children she babysat and taught through the years.  She would have shared her love for her family.  And I'm sure she would have shared the many quotes from her Bible that I have been privileged to share.

Twenty years later, I still believe the Final Score:

Mom - 1, Cancer - O

What Breast Cancer Awareness Looks Like to Me

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month - the month of pink ribbons.  They're everywhere, from candy to t-shirts, from NFL players to coffee mugs.  I don't need to see pink to be aware of this disease.  Here's what it looks like to me:

A stunning diagnosis, followed by faith:

Grandma, carrying on, reading to her grandchildren:

Good reports after hard days:

 Mother of the Bride, 13 months after her diagnosis:

She also made our wedding cake:

A smirk while wearing "Another Bad Hair Day" hat:

A note taped in her Bible that came with flowers from Rod when she finished chemo:

Hair that grew back:

And a faith that grew stronger:

No pink ribbons here, but a flood of memories.  Sixteen years ago today, Mom finished the fight with courage and faith.  And I still believe the final score - Mom (and God) 1, Cancer 0!

Jumping on My Pink Soapbox!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I haven't been in any stores yet this month (it's only the second!) but I'm sure there are an abundance of pink items for sale.  Manolo Blahnik has a pink satin, Swarovski encrusted buckle, 4 inch heel for a mere $990.  20% of the proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Alliance.  

This is a startling number:

The National Football League has their "Crucial Catch" campaign, with players wearing bits of pink on their shoes and jerseys.  The NFL, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is focused on the importance of annual screenings, especially for women who are 40 and older.

Will buying pink M&Ms and Hershey kisses bring about a cure for cancer?  No, but the more awareness, the more women will be screened early and hopefully avoid long term damage to their health.

I don't remember my Mom ever wearing a pink ribbon!  Her battle lasted eight years and I have often wondered if early detection could have changed our lives.  She had her first mammogram at age 50, which was the recommended age at that time.  Cancer was already present, a lump that could not have been detected with a self exam.  If she had started getting mammograms at age 40, would it have been found two or three years earlier?  We will never know. 

My annual mammogram is in a couple of weeks.  When is yours???

Yes, We Did Finish the Race!

Read all about it HERE!!

Race for the Cure

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know Breast Cancer Awareness is a cause close to my heart.  Combine that with my love for running, add in new runner, Caroline,and participating in the Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure turned into a no brainer!  The race will take place on October 20th, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Many charity events, whether running, walking, or cycling, require participants to raise very large amounts of money.  Usually $2,500 to $3,500.  As much as I would love to see that kind of money raised, my fundraising goal is just $100.  I already have a pledge for $50, so I'm half way there. 

When I was training for my marathon, several asked if I needed sponsors.  I did not at that time, but I do now!  So if you would like to donate, please go to my donation page here.  No amount is too small (or big!)

Of course, more important than fundraising is taking care of ourselves.  Get that exam you've been putting off.  Schedule that doctor appointment you know you've been avoiding.  Preventive care is extremely important.  It is not considered selfish to take care of your health!

Off my soapbox, for now!

July 3 ~ Best Part of Your Day

Oh look!  A package!   I've been waiting all day for this! What could it be??

I love getting stuff in the mail (or via UPS or FedEx), but this one is very special.  It's my newest cycling/running jersey.

But it's not just any jersey.  This is the Women's Courage jersey, created in partnership with Susan G. Komen to put an end to breast cancer.  I'll be wearing it for a special event - the Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure on October 20th.

This is the only race I'll do this year that includes fund raising, so I want to let all my blog readers in on it.  Any donation is appreciated.  None of the donations cover the cost of me racing, I've already paid the registration fee.  Of course this is a cause near and dear to my heart, my fundraising page says this:

It's More than a 5K

I recently completed my first full marathon.  26.2 miles.  It was tough, but I did it.  So why would I sign up to run a 5K?  Just a short 3.1 miles?

On April 27, 1990, I turned 26 years old.  On that same day, my Mom, Norma Fultz, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She fought an 8 1/2 year battle with grace and dignity, determination and a smile. 

Crossing the finish line of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with a smile will be in memory of Mom and in honor of the many who are currently in the fight.

One more picture... the back of the jersey.

Creating More Birthdays

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from my sister, Kim.  The subject was "I've joined the movement to create more birthdays."  Kim will be participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life this Saturday.  You can read all about her reason for doing this here.

April is a month of birthdays.  I have many friends who were born in April.  Kim and I will both celebrate our birthdays next week.  It was on my 26th birthday that Mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and she would only celebrate 8 more birthdays.

I've had several ask if I need sponsors for my marathon.  Sponsors are not required, but if you would like to do a little something, please make a donation on Kim's page (she did not ask me to do this.)  Because celebrating more birthdays is a wonderful thing!

But If Not

'No shortcuts.' For me, that means don't skip any hills, and don't take an easier route. It's harder at first, but I can tell I'm getting stronger.
~ Runner's World Challenger Matthew Palmer

I've been wanting to share this quote for quite some time.  After Sunday night's message, I decided now was the time!

Brother Brown preached from Daniel chapter 3.  It's an old, familiar story of the three Hebrew children who refused to bow down to the image of gold.  When they were questioned by king Nebuchadnezzar, they were "not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." (verses 16-18)

There are things in life we would all like to avoid.  If we could take shortcuts around our trials, we would.  I believe there are things that God does spare us, but there are somethings we must go through.

Would we still be telling the story if king Nebuchadnezzar had backed down and told the Hebrew children, "Okay, I'll let you get away with not bowing to my image."  God allowed them to be thrown in the fire to show just how great He is.  He was in the fire with them and they came out without a single hair singed and no smell of smoke on them!

I'm not praying for any trials to come my way, I'd like to skip through my days, but if not, I will keep my hand in His and know that He is walking through the fire with me.

As I picked up Mom's Bible, looking for a suitable quote to close this post, I saw this:

4-27-90 - Black day for me - but God is in charge. Cancer is not too hard for my God.

Whatever you're facing today, you can rest assured that God is in charge, nothing is too hard for Him.

Book Review - My Emily

I've recently become acquainted with a website that lists free Kindle books on a daily basis.  The books they list are all Christian themed and usually free for only a day.  I've downloaded several that look interesting and I'm not worried if I like them or not since they are free.  If they don't strike my fancy, I won't feel the need to finish them.

My most recent find was "My Emily" - about Emily Patterson who was born with Down Syndrome. Written by her father, Matt, it is very touching.  When Emily was two years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia and the pain they experienced just broke my heart.  I was bawling while eating my lunch, so beware ~ you may want to read this in a private place!

Note: A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will help families with special needs children, those who are battling pediatric cancers, as well as parents grieving the loss of a little one. 

Attention All Ladies!

To any male readers: go ahead and read this, I promise there is nothing here to embarrass you! Go ahead and forward this to the ladies in your life, too.

I received a flyer this week from our local hospital promoting National Women's Health Week. It talked about how airplane safety demonstrations instruct that in the event of an emergency, passengers should put on their own oxygen masks before helping someone else. Health advocates are encouraging women to care of their families by making their own health a priority.

May 8-14, 2011 is:

I have had conversations with friends who do not know what tests they need and when. This interactive chart will help you. You can also click on Print a Screening Chart and take it with you the next time you go to the doctor.


It is not selfish to take care of your health! Your children will not suffer if you spend 30 minutes walking each day. Take them with you! Teach them to eat right by doing it yourself.

Look, I'll be 50 in just a little over 3 years. That is how old Mom was when she was diagnosed with cancer. I know she didn't get all the checkups she should have. I do NOT love going to the doctor, but annual visits are much better than weekly checkups. Yes, this is my soapbox and I will step on it from time to time...


So are you going to take care of your health or not??

Friday Foodie - Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a topic very close to my heart since Mom's cancer originated as breast cancer before spreading. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation was inspired by a young woman who died of breast cancer. Since its inception in 1982, it has invested nearly $1.5 billion in the fight against breast cancer in the world.


So while you're enjoying Fall, open a can of Pink Ribbon soup...


Or stop at your nearby Panera Bread for a Pink Ribbon bagel...


Or just enjoy some pink M&Ms!


And don't neglect your regular check-ups! If you're over 40 and have been avoiding having a mammogram, don't rejoice because of the new guidelines that say you can wait until you're 50. Mom had her first mammogram at 50 and cancer was found immediately. Do NOT take your health for granted. A few minutes of discomfort are nothing compared to months of chemo.

Okay, off my pink soapbox now...

Mind Over Matter

20 years ago Mom wrote this in her Bible:

4-27-90 - Black day for me - but God is in charge. Cancer is not too hard for my God.

I can't believe it has been 20 years. Not exactly an anniversary I want to celebrate, but it's been on my mind for the past few days. It's unreal how a single diagnosis can change your life. I celebrated my 26th birthday that day and wondered how many more I would get to celebrate with my wonderful Mother.

How to describe the fear... the doubts... the uncertainties... the absolute terror... the numbness and shock that followed our family in those days. Surgery was scheduled immediately. Mastectomy - what a harsh word.

BUT, on that dark day, Mom chose to trust God. She chose to enter the fight and not just throw up her hands in despair. Yes she was afraid, she was in pain, she was sick, but she would always say, "I can't give up." She was amazing and strong and her sense of humor would shine through when you least expected it.

Written in another place in her Bible:
My philosophy is
Mind Over Matter

If you don't mind,
it doesn't matter...

But, I do mind and
It does matter!

I sure am missing her today.

Cleaning for a Reason

My aunt forwarded this information to me and I wanted to pass it along.

Cleaning for a Reason is a housecleaning service that cleans houses for women with cancer at no charge. I remember well how exhausted Mom would be after a round of chemo and this service would have been a great blessing to her. If you know anyone currently undergoing chemo (for any type of cancer), please feel free to pass this on.

Powerful in Pink

Throughout the month of October, NFL games will feature players, coaches and referees wearing pink game apparel to raise awareness for breast cancer. Their campaign, "A Crucial Catch", in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is focused on the importance of annual screenings, especially for women who are over the age of 40.
Here are a few shots from Sunday's games:

There aren't many people on earth more physically powerful than NFL players.


The average weight for a player is 245 pounds...

with many weighing 300 pounds or more.


Yet they are wearing PINK to show their support

All apparel worn at games by players and coaches and special K-balls and pink coins will be auctioned off at NFL Auction...

with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and team charities.

In football a "crucial catch" can mean the difference between a win or a loss.

In life a "crucial catch" can mean seeing many more birthdays. So what are waiting for? Schedule that appointment today! You know you've been avoiding it...

Oops... just fell off my PINK soapbox...