Just 99 cents. It doesn't seem like much. Not much at all.
EXCEPT WHEN YOU GET A MATCHING DONOR!!
That's right! For today only, any donations made between 10am and 10pm my SUPER-DUPER AWESOME anonymous donor will MATCH (up to $100). That means we could EASILY raise $200 in one day!!
But, I wanted to know... what's up with the 10am to 10pm guideline?
"I was 10 years old when I first learned what cancer was. I didn't get it. I mean, I was told my aunt was sick, very sick - but she didn't look sick. She looked, well, normal, at least to me. But people were acting different. It was that difference that I felt but couldn't understand. Until later.
I remember going to her house and being scared of what she looked like. She looked so scary. Her skin looked like a ghost and it was all wrinkly because she was so skinny. She looked like an old, old woman - except I knew she wasn't because she was a lot younger than my mom. But I was only 10 and I was just scared of what I saw.
My aunt used to do cartwheels in the lawn and roll down hills. Now her arms shook and she always had wadded up tissues that she pressed to her eyes because she cried all the time. I am ashamed to say I avoided her. I wouldn't give her hugs or even want to look at her. I try to forgive myself because I was only a child, but it's hard for me now, as an adult, to know that I wouldn't give her that love she craved at the end of her way too short life.
I was 10 years old when I went to my first funeral. It was my aunt's.
I wish I could do more. Matching only $100 doesn't seem like very much. But together, with help from your readers, maybe we can raise $200 today. I'd like to do this for my aunt."
Personally, I can't imagine how a child can wrap their heads around cancer. It's too big for just grown-ups. But it got me thinking about all the moms and dads and aunts and uncles and grandparents who are fighting their way through cancer while having to look into the scared eyes of a child. All those children afraid and confused, not really understanding what's going on around them. It breaks my heart to pieces. Too many pieces...
Ways to donate:
(1.) Directly at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life site.
(2.) On the right hand side of this blog on a little button that says PAYPAL.
(3.) In person. I'll be more than happy to see you!
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2012 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
What difference can we possibly make?
My grandparents lived in the woods. The driveway was long and winding, the crunch of the gravel beneath the wheels of a car welcoming visitors. A modest house surrounded by trees. Lots and lots of trees.
There would come a time when the trees, as they are known to do, would drop their leaves. All of them. Leaving my grandparents surrounded by thick blankets of oak leaves. As children we would trudge through the yard, leaves up to our knees, happily crunching and kicking our way around.
Inevitably, my grandmother would want to rake the lawn. Rake it. As in, physically remove gazillions of leaves from (what looked like to me) thousands of trees. Impossible. Absolutely, positively, impossible.
Then the caravan of cars would make its way up the drive. Aunts, uncles, cousins.... one by one exiting their cars to grab the rakes and tarps and garbage bags from the trunks.
I remember thinking the same exact thoughts every season, as I stood surveying the impossible task set before us:
1. This is too big of a job for just us.
2. What difference can we possibly make?
Then we would begin. We would all rake, little kids would scoop leaves in garbage cans, strong uncles would pull overflowing tarps to the burn pile, the aunts and big kids raking in a long line across the yard. It would seem to me we'd work all morning long and nothing would have been accomplished. We'd eat sandwiches with our earthy smelling hands, noses sniffling, palms pulsating where blisters would surely appear. And I'd look out over the yard still filled with way too many leaves and think, what a joke. We've barely made a dent in this.
Then the grown-ups would declare our break time over. And we'd continue.
Rake. Pick up. Move. Dump. Burn. Rake. Pick up. Move. Dump. Burn. Rake. Pick up. Move. Dump. Burn.
But then.... then we'd get to this point somehow, without really knowing when or how --- this point where suddenly, there were less leaves and more visible grass. Smooth, healthy grass thanking us for our hard work. And, sure, there might have been a ton of leaves left to rake up, but we were here: making a difference. And it would dawn on me: there is no job too big for us. As long as we all chip in a little to help. Together we can actually make a pretty big difference after all.
My grandfather passed away in the modest home in the woods. From cancer. I can't forget the image I have of him lying way too still on the couch, facing the big windows that looked out over the woods and down to the creek that flowed peacefully below. I know how much he would have rather been raking up those leaves with us.
My grandfather taught us that many hands make light work. That we were put on this planet to help one another and that's just the way it should be. And I think he was right.
Please donate just 99 cents (many hands make light work) to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
To donate, please use this direct link or the PayPal button on the right side of this blog post.
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2012 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.
There would come a time when the trees, as they are known to do, would drop their leaves. All of them. Leaving my grandparents surrounded by thick blankets of oak leaves. As children we would trudge through the yard, leaves up to our knees, happily crunching and kicking our way around.
Inevitably, my grandmother would want to rake the lawn. Rake it. As in, physically remove gazillions of leaves from (what looked like to me) thousands of trees. Impossible. Absolutely, positively, impossible.
Then the caravan of cars would make its way up the drive. Aunts, uncles, cousins.... one by one exiting their cars to grab the rakes and tarps and garbage bags from the trunks.
I remember thinking the same exact thoughts every season, as I stood surveying the impossible task set before us:
1. This is too big of a job for just us.
2. What difference can we possibly make?
Then we would begin. We would all rake, little kids would scoop leaves in garbage cans, strong uncles would pull overflowing tarps to the burn pile, the aunts and big kids raking in a long line across the yard. It would seem to me we'd work all morning long and nothing would have been accomplished. We'd eat sandwiches with our earthy smelling hands, noses sniffling, palms pulsating where blisters would surely appear. And I'd look out over the yard still filled with way too many leaves and think, what a joke. We've barely made a dent in this.
Then the grown-ups would declare our break time over. And we'd continue.
Rake. Pick up. Move. Dump. Burn. Rake. Pick up. Move. Dump. Burn. Rake. Pick up. Move. Dump. Burn.
But then.... then we'd get to this point somehow, without really knowing when or how --- this point where suddenly, there were less leaves and more visible grass. Smooth, healthy grass thanking us for our hard work. And, sure, there might have been a ton of leaves left to rake up, but we were here: making a difference. And it would dawn on me: there is no job too big for us. As long as we all chip in a little to help. Together we can actually make a pretty big difference after all.
My grandfather passed away in the modest home in the woods. From cancer. I can't forget the image I have of him lying way too still on the couch, facing the big windows that looked out over the woods and down to the creek that flowed peacefully below. I know how much he would have rather been raking up those leaves with us.
My grandfather taught us that many hands make light work. That we were put on this planet to help one another and that's just the way it should be. And I think he was right.
Please donate just 99 cents (many hands make light work) to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
To donate, please use this direct link or the PayPal button on the right side of this blog post.
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2012 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Something to Think About
Yesterday, while you were running late, speeding through town, cursing the fact that you couldn't stop to grab a Starbucks, I was handed a business card with the name of an oncologist.
Last night, while you were trying on your third outfit, annoyed that you had nothing good to wear, I was calling my mother to tell her I had cancer.
While you were laughing with your friends and ordering another glass of wine and telling everyone how absolutely amazing the grilled salmon is, I was wrapped in my husband's arms, sobbing.
*
While you were trying on swimsuits and complaining about the size of your thighs, I was trying on my new mastecomy breast form and praying the cancer would stay away.
While you were complaining about how the girl in the salon gave you a bad haircut, I was trying to figure out a way to wrap a scarf around my head in a way that didn't scream cancer victim.
While you were whining about how tan you used to be this same time last year, I was throwing on a sweatshirt to make sure no one would stare at my permanent IV port. I just want to be normal again.
*
Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes.
There is no sure way to prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it: stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, use sunscreen, eat healthy.
And support cancer research.
Consider donating just 99 cents.... if every person in your family, in your neighborhood, at your church, at your school --- would donate just 99 cents... we'd be that much closer to eliminating cancer.
Please consider donating JUST 99 CENTS. (This link will take you directly to my Relay for Life page; otherwise there's a handy-dandy PayPal button on the right hand side of this blog.)
Last night, while you were trying on your third outfit, annoyed that you had nothing good to wear, I was calling my mother to tell her I had cancer.
While you were laughing with your friends and ordering another glass of wine and telling everyone how absolutely amazing the grilled salmon is, I was wrapped in my husband's arms, sobbing.
*
While you were trying on swimsuits and complaining about the size of your thighs, I was trying on my new mastecomy breast form and praying the cancer would stay away.
While you were complaining about how the girl in the salon gave you a bad haircut, I was trying to figure out a way to wrap a scarf around my head in a way that didn't scream cancer victim.
While you were whining about how tan you used to be this same time last year, I was throwing on a sweatshirt to make sure no one would stare at my permanent IV port. I just want to be normal again.
*
Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes.
There is no sure way to prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it: stop smoking, limit alcohol intake, use sunscreen, eat healthy.
And support cancer research.
Consider donating just 99 cents.... if every person in your family, in your neighborhood, at your church, at your school --- would donate just 99 cents... we'd be that much closer to eliminating cancer.
Please consider donating JUST 99 CENTS. (This link will take you directly to my Relay for Life page; otherwise there's a handy-dandy PayPal button on the right hand side of this blog.)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Kick Cancer Day
Some days are cancer days. Days it seems everyone you know is being diagnosed with cancer. Days when those battling cancer seem to be losing their grip. Days when you want to crawl into bed, pull the covers over your head and hope to God you never hear the word cancer again.
You can't seem to get the images of hairless children and scared parents out of your head. You don't want to read about how one mommy has created these amazing memory books so that her children can remember her when she's gone.
Then there are Kick Cancer Days. Those are the days you vow to knock cancer back into its place. Those are the days you're full of strength and energy and even a little bit of anger because how dare you interupt our lives. You go running from room to room, stopping every person you see to tell them together we can do this! Together we make make a difference! Together we are unstoppable!
Today is a Kick Cancer Day.
I was thinking about how there are 129 descendents of my grandfather, Henry Sterken. My grandpa died of cancer. And if each relative donated just 99 cents....
I was thinking about all the people lined up along the lakeshore to watch the fireworks display last Saturday night. All those people. Hundreds of them. If they all donated just 99 cents....
But I have to start with one. One donation. Just 99 cents....
I attempted to create a donation page for anyone wishing to donate. (I'm sure hoping I did it correctly.) It's supposed to be linked right up with the Relay for Life team and should be a cinch to donate to. There's also the little PayPal button on the right hand side of this page if you'd like to go that route.
You can't seem to get the images of hairless children and scared parents out of your head. You don't want to read about how one mommy has created these amazing memory books so that her children can remember her when she's gone.
Then there are Kick Cancer Days. Those are the days you vow to knock cancer back into its place. Those are the days you're full of strength and energy and even a little bit of anger because how dare you interupt our lives. You go running from room to room, stopping every person you see to tell them together we can do this! Together we make make a difference! Together we are unstoppable!
Today is a Kick Cancer Day.
I was thinking about how there are 129 descendents of my grandfather, Henry Sterken. My grandpa died of cancer. And if each relative donated just 99 cents....
I was thinking about all the people lined up along the lakeshore to watch the fireworks display last Saturday night. All those people. Hundreds of them. If they all donated just 99 cents....
But I have to start with one. One donation. Just 99 cents....
I attempted to create a donation page for anyone wishing to donate. (I'm sure hoping I did it correctly.) It's supposed to be linked right up with the Relay for Life team and should be a cinch to donate to. There's also the little PayPal button on the right hand side of this page if you'd like to go that route.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Dr. Gordon Klatt: This one's for you!
Once upon a time there was a boy from Tacoma, Washington named Gordon. Maybe his family and friends called him Gordy or Little G or Bubba... maybe not. Anyway, Gordon grew up to be a doctor which is pretty awesome and a profession that any mother and father would be proud of. His patients know him as the colorectal surgeon Dr. Gordon Klatt. The world knows him as the founder of the Relay for Life.
Dr. Klatt had seen a lot of cancer in his office and he was growing frustrated. In May of 1985 Dr. Klatt decided to raise some money for the American Cancer Society. He thought about all the things he could do -- a bake sale, a car wash, maybe hold a rummage sale. But he loved his patients and he wanted to something that really honored him. He had to do something more...
So, he decided to walk.
For 24 straight hours he would walk and he would let friends walk or run with him for 30 minutes if they donated $25. Which they did. A lot of them did. And he raised $27,000. And walked 83 miles.
He could have stopped there, but he didn't. Because he knew there was more to be done. So he thought of how he could get more people involved and more people to do what he did. That's why today the overnight Relay for Life has spread to 21 countries. Countries, people. Twenty one of them.
Dr. Gordon Klatt had made a huge difference in the world of cancer! Not only through his medical practice but also through monetary donatations and the educational awareness the Relay for Life provides.
And then, in a sad twist of irony, the kind that makes you choke back tears and swallow down hard, Dr. Gordon Klatt was diagnosed with cancer.
The doctor becomes the patient.
And cancer proves to us once again she picks whoever she damn well pleases.
Dr. Klatt won't give up fighting. According to the June 5, 2012, Puget Sound Business Journal, he planned on walking at that Friday's Relay for Life for however long he could (given that he's currently undergoing chemotherapy). He's scheduled for surgery within a couple weeks and he'll be tackling his cancer head on, just like he's tackled all his patients' cancers.
Dr. Klatt, this one's for you!
Dr. Klatt had seen a lot of cancer in his office and he was growing frustrated. In May of 1985 Dr. Klatt decided to raise some money for the American Cancer Society. He thought about all the things he could do -- a bake sale, a car wash, maybe hold a rummage sale. But he loved his patients and he wanted to something that really honored him. He had to do something more...
So, he decided to walk.
For 24 straight hours he would walk and he would let friends walk or run with him for 30 minutes if they donated $25. Which they did. A lot of them did. And he raised $27,000. And walked 83 miles.
He could have stopped there, but he didn't. Because he knew there was more to be done. So he thought of how he could get more people involved and more people to do what he did. That's why today the overnight Relay for Life has spread to 21 countries. Countries, people. Twenty one of them.
Dr. Gordon Klatt had made a huge difference in the world of cancer! Not only through his medical practice but also through monetary donatations and the educational awareness the Relay for Life provides.
And then, in a sad twist of irony, the kind that makes you choke back tears and swallow down hard, Dr. Gordon Klatt was diagnosed with cancer.
The doctor becomes the patient.
And cancer proves to us once again she picks whoever she damn well pleases.
Dr. Klatt won't give up fighting. According to the June 5, 2012, Puget Sound Business Journal, he planned on walking at that Friday's Relay for Life for however long he could (given that he's currently undergoing chemotherapy). He's scheduled for surgery within a couple weeks and he'll be tackling his cancer head on, just like he's tackled all his patients' cancers.
Dr. Klatt, this one's for you!
 |
| Dr. Gordon Klatt: Relay For Life founder and 2012 Keynote Speaker Photo by Rodika Tollefson |
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
It's easiest to start with a first step.
I'll admit that when I was asked to do the just 99 cents blog again this year to raise money for the American Cancer Society I wasn't too sure. I mean, last year was awesome! But I hadn't planned anything. I had no preconceived notions. It just came about as a random thought... if each one of my Facebook friends would donate just 99 cents...
And I would want them to fight. Every single day. I would want them to get up and keep going... no matter how unsure the outcome would be. I would want them to face the day head on, be strong, and not give up ... because sitting back and doing nothing is not the answer.
Because if all 646 of my Facebook Friends would donate just 99 cents we would make a difference. I promise to collect every piece of spare change I can find and donate it to finding a cure for cancer. And I really hope and pray that you'll help me.
To donate, please use the donate button on the right side of this blog post.
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2012 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.
that way the burden would be shared...
that way a couple people wouldn't feel all the pressure...
that way a lot of small actions would make one big effect...
that way I wouldn't have to trudge door-to-door begging for a donation...
And it worked. More people than I ever imagined donated 99 cents, or a dollar, or five. Before I knew it I had a total of $727 to donate to the Walworth County Cloggers Relay For Life Team.
But then they wanted me to do it again. And I got nervous. What if it was just a fluke? What if people were tired of donating? It seems every time we turn around we're being asked to give to one worthy cause or another. And the fact is, they are all worthy. What if no one donates anything? What if this fails? What if I fail?
And then I thought what the hell is wrong with me?
And then I thought what the hell is wrong with me?
Of course I have to try. Of course I have to fight. Of course I have to keep going strong, no matter what... because sitting back and doing nothing is not the answer.
Because if my daughter or my son or my mom or my dad or my brother or my sister or my best friend gets cancer I do not want to look at them and think I could have helped make a difference, but I was too afraid to try.
And I would want them to fight. Every single day. I would want them to get up and keep going... no matter how unsure the outcome would be. I would want them to face the day head on, be strong, and not give up ... because sitting back and doing nothing is not the answer.
Because if all 646 of my Facebook Friends would donate just 99 cents we would make a difference. I promise to collect every piece of spare change I can find and donate it to finding a cure for cancer. And I really hope and pray that you'll help me.
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2012 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
We're at it again... 2012, HERE WE COME!
Remember last year when we raised over SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS (just from this little blog!) for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life?
And, remember when I told you about Katelyn... about how her father had just passed away and then she found out her mom, Heidi, who was the captain of the Walworth County Cloggers Relay For Life team had cancer? Yeah, that sucked. Big time sucked. In a way that no kid should ever have to deal with that kind of loss and fear kind of suckage. The kind that makes you so angry and frustrated because it's not fair and there's nothing we can do even though we're grown-ups and we're supposed to be able to fix stuff... so we did what we could and all joined together and put in a dollar - and sometimes a little more - and were able to hand 727 dollars and some odd cents (just from this little blog!) over to Katelyn and say, "here, kid, it's the least we can do" and she was smiling ear-to-ear because she really takes this finding a cure thing seriously.
Well, guess what? Katelyn's mom is doing AWESOME! And she's still our team captain for this year's relay. And not only that.....
It was kept a secret and a really great surprise. And I think everyone cried. I know I did.
So, now I'm getting my butt in gear because in 4 short weeks we're at it again, walking towards a cure... but tonight we're eating towards a cure because the FABULOUS Papa Murphy's Pizza in Delavan, Wisconsin, is donating 20% of all their proceeds today to the Walworth County Cloggers Relay For Life Team. woot! woot! And who doesn't love eating?
For more information on why the Relay is so important to the 65+ dancers that make up the Walworth County Cloggers, read this: Why We Relay
And, remember when I told you about Katelyn... about how her father had just passed away and then she found out her mom, Heidi, who was the captain of the Walworth County Cloggers Relay For Life team had cancer? Yeah, that sucked. Big time sucked. In a way that no kid should ever have to deal with that kind of loss and fear kind of suckage. The kind that makes you so angry and frustrated because it's not fair and there's nothing we can do even though we're grown-ups and we're supposed to be able to fix stuff... so we did what we could and all joined together and put in a dollar - and sometimes a little more - and were able to hand 727 dollars and some odd cents (just from this little blog!) over to Katelyn and say, "here, kid, it's the least we can do" and she was smiling ear-to-ear because she really takes this finding a cure thing seriously.
Well, guess what? Katelyn's mom is doing AWESOME! And she's still our team captain for this year's relay. And not only that.....
Katelyn's Mom is the
2012 Relay for Life Honorary Cancer Survivor!
 |
| photo credit: Facebook |
It was kept a secret and a really great surprise. And I think everyone cried. I know I did.
So, now I'm getting my butt in gear because in 4 short weeks we're at it again, walking towards a cure... but tonight we're eating towards a cure because the FABULOUS Papa Murphy's Pizza in Delavan, Wisconsin, is donating 20% of all their proceeds today to the Walworth County Cloggers Relay For Life Team. woot! woot! And who doesn't love eating?
For more information on why the Relay is so important to the 65+ dancers that make up the Walworth County Cloggers, read this: Why We Relay
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