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. Gordon Klatt: Relay For Life founder and 2012 Keynote Speaker
Photo by  Rodika Tollefson

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...

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?

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.

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.

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.....

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

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." ~ Oscar Wilde

Please accept my heartfelt thanks for each and every donation received. Your personal commitment was incredibly gracious and allowed us to reach our goal. Your assistance means so much to me but even more to every single person affected by cancer. Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough. 

Who knew?

When I started this blog; this fundraising idea, it was on a whim. I hadn't thought about it, in fact, it wasn't even my idea. The Walworth County Cloggers (who my daughter dances with) had a Relay For Life team and the goal was to raise money for the American Cancer Society. I posted a status update on my Facebook that said if every one of my Facebook friends would donate just 99 cents I would have over $500 to donate to the Relay For Life.

A friend responded with I'm in!

Then another one said I'll donate, too!

And then another asked where's the donation button? I want to donate.

An idea was born. It seemed obvious.

Instead of a couple people donating a lot, maybe a lot of people could donate a little and it would add up. The saying goes if you save your pennies, soon you will have dollars. And dollars we got!

Because of you - yes, YOU - your generous heart, your giving spirit and your willingness to make a change - this little blog raised a total of $727.31 which was presented to the Walworth County Cloggers this past Friday at the Relay For Life.

From left: Walworth County Cloggers Director Shannon Wefelmann;
Amazing Cancer Fighter Heidi Schulz; Heidi's beautiful daughter, Katelyn; and me.

The cloggers had a team goal of raising $5,000... I have to admit thinking this was somewhat of a lofty goal for them. But they proved me wrong by raising over $5,000 and also winning the Team Spirit award. (Let me tell you, this group definitely has spirit!)

In 2006, one of their dancers was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. Michelle was determined to continue dancing for as long as she could and was a true example of spirit and determination. Today she is in remission, continues to dance and is also an instructor for the group. A better role model could not be found.



The Survivor Lap
Heidi & Michelle can be seen proudly sporting the purple survivor shirts!

Recently, a Clogging Mom of another dancer was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Heidi just happened to also be the Team Captain for Relay For Life. The event took an almost painfully poignant turn for her and her young daughter, Katelyn.

Heidi led the team with true grit and determination and a lot of laughter. She is an awesome example of never giving up, never giving in and blowing expectations out of the water. (You should have seen the campsite! It was beyond awesome!)


The fight isn't over and I pray the cure is within reaching distance. I truly believe that we're almost there. As long as we keep taking steps - no matter how small they may seem - towards finding a cure, we'll get there.

With your continued help and support, we will get there.

I would thank you from the bottom of my heart,

but for you my heart has no bottom. 

Author Unknown

Donating for Dan

Last night, I denied a donation.


I received a message from my friend Dan who said he wanted to donate something. And I said no.


Dan is a single, good looking, hard working, quiet guy. The type of guy who puts everyone else first and always leaves himself for last.

These last couple of years he has been devoted to taking care of his father, who, due to some very serious health issues, was at a hospital (long term) over an hour away from where Dan lives.

Dan worked full time, went to see his father at the hospital and made it his mission to see that his dad got better enough to come home. Dedicated is an understatement.

Dan spent hours and hours fixing up his Dad's house. Installing handicap accessible bathrooms and ramps and railings - making the home safe for his father to come home and live in.

Dan also had his own house that was a fixer-upper, so he was busy spending time between dwellings. Needless to say, it was a lot of work.

In addition to dealing with his father's finances and mounting medical bills, Dan has mounting medical bills of his own.

See, Dan has had his run in with cancer. A few years ago he was diagnosed with leukemia.

When you don't have really great insurance and are diagnosed with cancer those medical bills can quickly get the best of you.

When you're single and have cancer you feel very much isolated and alone. You don't have a partner to pick up the slack, so to speak. There is no one there to do the dishes, make you a smoothie, or sit with you because for some reason you can't explain being in a room by yourself right now feels like it would kill you.

Dan recently was told he's in remission and we all rejoiced!

And then he was diagnosed with Lupus. He is 33 years old.

It's like the guy can't catch a break.

He believes in what the American Cancer Society is and does because he's experienced it first hand. So he called me and told me he wanted to donate.

But I couldn't do it. Because, like I told him, we do this FOR YOU, Dan. We walk FOR YOU and for every other person out there like you.

And I know that the rule is to accept every donation with a smile... but I can't do that with Dan.

He donated when he was handed this diagnosis.

He donated his time, his hope, and his sense of security.

He donated his body to be looked at, poked at, explored and documented so that doctors could learn from him in order to help someone else.

I can't take a donation from Dan.... but I CAN and will take each and every donation made in his name.

This one's FOR you, Dan!

Also, if you want to go one a date with Dan I can totally hook you up.

Because this guy's a keeper.

To donate, please use the donate button on the right side of this blog post.
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2011 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Just 99 Cents Heads Towards $500

"I just donated. Once for every time I started to or thought about getting on your blog. Had I not had an excuse every time (wallet is in car, don't have time, do it tomorrow....) this would be close to the amount had I donated just 99 cents that day."
~ Emily K

Just 99 cents for every prayer please, God, don't let it be cancer.

Just 99 cents for each minute in the doctor's office.

Just 99 cents for each pill that is taken.

Just 99 cents for each taste bud that stops working.

Just 99 cents for every muscle that aches.

Just 99 cents for every mark drawn on the skin to guide the red light.

Just 99 cents for each and every chemo treatment.

Just 99 cents for every hair that falls to the floor.

Just 99 cents for every nurse who injects a needle.

Just 99 cents for every x-ray read.

Just 99 cents for every person pacing the halls while fighting back tears.

Just 99 cents for every remission.

Just 99 cents for every praise God!

Just 99 cents for every heart that stops beating.

Just 99 cents for every good bye.

Just 99 cents for every time someone thought about donating.

Just 99 cents for every excuse.

We are so very, very close to reaching our goal of raising $500 just 99 cents at a time. With your help, I know we can make it.



To donate, please use the donate button on the right side of this blog post.
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2011 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.

For Katelyn: A Mother's Walk

Cancer seems to be everywhere around us. Rarely do you find a person who has known not one single soul affected by this bullying disease. Too often when you ask someone if they've ever known someone who has been affected by cancer they begin to list name after precious name. Too many names...

The names of those who have lost, those who have survived and those continuing to fight are on the hearts and minds of every single person who walks during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

But I think that there are far too many of us walkers that wouldn't be there at all if it weren't for the heart and drive of the Team Captain.

Each team has a captain. A leader. A guide. Someone who feels the importance of this event with every fiber of their being. Someone who won't - and can't - let this opportunity pass without giving it everything they've got.

They gather people for their team. They attend every meeting. Pass out information. Cheerlead, encourage, and promote like no other.

Our Team Captain for the Walworth County Cloggers is Heidi Schulz.

Heidi, in a most understated, quiet way, is nothing short of amazing. She is a single mom of one of the cutest, sweetest, most respectful kids I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She's the clogging mom that quietly volunteers for pretty much everything yet never seeks recognition. She's dependable. She takes on way too much and never complains when she's up until the wee hours of the morning finishing something. She takes a lot of pride in what she does. She always wants us, as a clogging team, to put our best foot forward, and she quietly sees that it's done.

Heidi also has cancer.

So, why does a woman during the year she has undergone surgery, chemo and now radiation for breast cancer stay on as the Team Captain?

I asked her. And this is Heidi's answer, in her own words:

"It’s not too often that I go back on my promises, no matter how many things I may have going on in my life...but Cancer??? I wasn’t expecting that one to be added to my stress list for 2011.

Single mom, full-time job, running my own business besides my full-time job, the first summer of Katelyn not having her dad around and juggling that schedule on my own, among all the other regular ups and downs of everyday life, well, throw some cancer in there, too.

I guess I took it on for a selfish reason, to prove to myself that I still could handle everything that I might have handled before this dreaded cancer so terribly changed my life.

I can’t lie, I’ve had LOTS of help with Relay this year, but I will stress up until the minute it begins to make sure everything gets done just right...that’s just me!

And why Relay For Life? To be honest, throughout this Cancer journey I can say that the American Cancer Society was the only national organization that offered me any real assistance, so my loyalty will remain with them and doing what little I can to give back.

Seriously though, I wanted my daughter to be proud of me. She’s seen me fight; she’s witnessed the sadness of losing a parent and watching the other fight cancer all in one year.

She hates cancer, too, now, and I just wanted to have something we could do together to fight back and try to have some smiles and hope for those better days to come...without cancer.

Katelyn is so excited for Relay it makes me smile just to think about it!!!"

Tomorrow, we will walk.

We will walk for all the daughters whose Mom's have cancer. We will walk for all the fears and bad dreams and throats with lumps and tummy's that hurt and anger and rage and sobs into a Mother's loving arms.

Tomorrow, Katelyn, we will walk with you.



To donate, please use the donate button on the right side of this blog post.
All proceeds will go to the Walworth County Cloggers' 2011 Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society.