Monday, October 25, 2010

Welcome to my Inking Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Candy!!


Welcome to our Inking Pink Awareness Hop! Our paper crafting community spans the globe and brings all of us together under a common roof. We are grandmothers, granddaughters, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, best friends, wives, cyber-friends and design team teammates. Many of us have family or friends touched by breast cancer and all of us want to encourage all of you to check yourself!

This hop will take you around the world, so please sit back with your morning coffee or evening tea and celebrate our stories and projects with us. Some of your fellow crafters along the hop are even offering blog candy! Please give a little comment love to each and every crafter along the way. We hope you enjoy our hop, and most of all we all want YOU to give yourself the greatest gift and do a self-check tomorrow. The more you do it, the more breast aware you will be!

Our hop starts at Patricia's blog so if you have stopped by my blog for a random visit, please head back to Patricia's to start at the beginning of the hop. Now, if you are well on your way through the Boobie Bonanza, then you came from Shelly's blog and you are right on track!!


my belated project, catch the details HERE

What I have to share with you isn't so much a craft as it is a story. My mother is a cancer survivor, and without taking you through the long version of the story, I will get straight to the point of what I want to share. She was diagnosed with uterine cancer when she was 27 years old, she noticed a strange cramping sensation in her gut and her menstruation had turned into an alarmingly bright shade of red. The fact is, that if she was not so in tune with her body, she may not have noticed the changes within herself. She made an appointment with her gynocologist, and at that point, there was nothing abnormal to be found within the routine exams. However, at her annual check-up several months later, there were telling and obvious signs of the disease and that is when she was officially diagnosed with stage 3 uterine cancer, doctors were able to confirm in that time, that the cancer was extremely aggressive, given the amount of spreading it had done in such a small amount of time, after all, she had very recently been in to get things checked out because of the unusual cramping and bleeding. In the end, she had to have her entire uterus and her cervix removed. She tried to hold on to her uterus, as she was wanting to have more children, and the doctors were willing to respect her wishes and simply remove, gosh this sounds gross, but remove chunks of her uterus where the cancer was, but it kept progressing throughout the uterus, and in the end, she had to settle up with letting that part of her life go. It wasn't easy for her, and in her own words, she truly didn't want to let doctors remove it, but her doctor sat her down and told her, "Don't get so caught up in what you want that you forget what you already have." For her, she had two young children, a husband and a home, and we stood the risk of losing her if she did not allow for the removal of her cancerous parts. Some story, huh? But I will leave it with her words of wisdom from her own experience and she told me that

"Attitude is everything when it comes to beating this thing. You've got to let them do what they need to do to make you better and stay positive."

I think what she meant was that you have to put your faith in the doctors and focus on your life as it is in the moment, and not worry about losses you may face in the future because of what is happening today. Be aware and alert of your own body and go and get checked up regularly. If you get in tune with yourself, and don't worry about the social stigma of feeling yourself, because by God, it could save your life one day!!!, anyway, get familiar with yourself and that will increase the likeliness of noticing when something just isn't right, and if you find something that just isn't right, go and get it checked out. I know that not all of us have the financial liberty of "just going" to the doctors, myself included, but there are many foundations and clinics that can help in times of need and our lives are certainly worth the extra effort it may take to find such clinics, that is for certain!!


Speaking of foundations..... I am offering a little "by donation" candy benefitting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. What you are being asked to do is to make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation by clicking the DONATE button in the upper right corner of my blog. Any amount over $1.00 is acceptable, and you can elect to have me pay the Paypal fees if you prefer. After you have left a pledge, come on back and leave your name with Mr. Linky for a chance at winning my candy!! I will let Random Number Generator select the winner after the Blog Hop has closed, as well as share with you all how much we were able to come together and give to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (I know I always wonder, so I am going to include the total donation amount in the winners post!!!)

Just think how big of an impact we stand to make if we all come together and give. A dollar alone doesn't seem like much, but a dollar from each of us could really make an impact.

And here is what I am offering as a prize to one lucky hopper, it is a winter craft pack with a darling Tilda image, (Elise lover her Magnolia stamps and I wanted to give something with her in my mind and heart) charms, snowflake buttons, several metres of craft trims and doilies for your sparkling pink winter creations:



REMEMBER: This is a fundraiser candy, you must first donate, I have asked a $1 minimum donation, no max, naturally, and the proceeds will be benefitting National Breast Cancer Foundation



In case you get lost along the way, here is the list of Boobie Buddies.

Patricia
Betty
Bonnie
Carisa
Catherine
Chelsea
Danielle
Emma
Gini
Jamie
Jennifer
Jess
Karen
Kellie
Liz
Lori
Marlene
Meredith
Nicole
Shelly
Stephanie *you are here*
Susan is next
Trudy
Kimm




Thank you so much for joining us in our Inking Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event, please head on over to Susan's blog to continue on through to the end of the hop, thanks again!!

EVEN IF YOU CHOOSE TO OPT OUT OF THE CANDY, PLEASE DO LEAVE A COMMENT TO LET US KNOW YOU'VE BEEN BY....

Stephanne

58 comments:

Patricia Mae said...

Thanks so much for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes but all those words are so true. Thanks so much for being a part of this awesome hop.
~Patricia

Anna said...

Love your story. So touching. I donated a little and I hope I did the Mr. Linky right. I wasn't sure about the url part so I just put my blog site. Hope I did it right.
Awesome prize. Thanks for the chance to win.
annadowdy at gmail dot com

FitterTwit said...

I knew there was going to be tears... I just wasn't ready. Thank you for sharing, it was touching.

Louise F NZ said...

That is such a touching story. Thank you so much for sharing something so important to you.

Debbie Pamment said...

Your mom sounds like a mighty brave woman! I'm sorry she had to go through all that! I soo hope you raise a HEAP of $$$ - I gave to a stall at the shops just the other day so hope you'll forgive me for not giving more now - but one day we WILL beat this!
xXx

jandokan said...

Great cause!!
touching story!
thanks for the chance of winning your blog candy :D
I've donated a little.

Hugs Anja

Marley said...

Thanks for sharing your story Stephanne!! Really touching.. also thanks for this great bloghop xxMarley

Erika said...

Your story is so touching. Thanks for sharing.

CraftyMomOf3 said...

Wow...thank you for sharing your story. So powerful.

Hugs!
Meredith

Chelsea said...

Hi Stephanne, your mom's story hit so close to home for me. My family has a history of uterine cancer, 3 of my aunts has had their uterus removed. I'm so happy to report all are doing well, and living life with what they already have...great advice from your mom's doctor!
I'm super excited about this Hop, especially with you along side me spreading the awareness of Cancer.
Love,
Chelsea

Becky Moore said...

You are kind to share your story with others so that they can become more aware of the battles that women are fighting. So very touching!

Lelia Pierce said...

Stephanne...the importance of checking the girls is reiterated with the diagnosis Elise received. I'm 33 (today) and I check my tatas monthly!

Your story was very touching...thank you for sharing!

XXX

grneyegoddess at yahoo dot com

LesleyfromWI said...

Your story was so touching. Thank you for sharing and participating in such a great cause!

Marlene said...

What a powerful story, Stephanne! My mother had cancer, too. (Breast) She's a 20 year survivor now.

So happy to be participating in this blog hop alongside you!

Ashleigh said...

Amazing story! My husband and my mom are doing the breast cancer walk in Nov to help raise awareness!

aecopenhaver@gmail.com

kandijo said...

Love your story thanks for sharing. Thanks for a chance to win.

Bobbi said...

Thank you for sharing your story. My sister is a breast cancer survivor and her favorite saying when people ask her how she could be so positive after losing one of her breast is that God took my breast but he didn't take my life, for that I am thankful.

Melissa said...

Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to let me take this trip around the world with all of you!

Vicki said...

Thanks for your story. I donated a little.

Renkata said...

Hi Stephanne,
such a touching story.
Such a sweet and kind candy dear.
I did make a donation by clicking on the button right up on your blog. Hope is ok.

Cricut Matriarch said...

Wow! Wonderful story about your mother. Attitude is everything! She must be a remarkable woman as she raised a remarkable daughter!

Thanks for sharing!
cricutmatriarch.blogspot.com

sandra said...

OMG!
I just wasn't ready for all those stories I have read on this hop.
So touching!

Such a great experience to be apart of this Hop!
Hugs!
Sandra!

CA Scrapper said...

Thank you for sharing your story, it truly brought tears to my eyes. I made my donation and thank you for making that easy to do. My sister in law was just diagnosed with breast cancer so this means a lot to me.

lschmitt40@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your story - that's what is making this hop so special! I'm glad to be a part of this hop with you! Hopefully we will help spread awareness to save the Ta ta's!
hugs,
Gini

ScrappinMomma said...

Thank you for sharing you very touching story. My gran is not a breast cancer savivor but also the same cancer as your mom. Very strong the both of them :-)
I made a dontation, sorry it couldn't be bigger.
Tracy
NYGIRL1994@yahoo.com

Lisa J said...

I don't have much to donate at this time with family financial woe's but had to donate some anyway! I think this is an AWESOME idea for this hop! I too had to have my uterus removed in 2008, and was certainly VERY lucky it removed all the cancerous cells from me!

Gaby said...

Thanks for sharing your story...

Jennifer said...

You are inspiring. TFS.

Linda I said...

Thank you so much for sharing that touching story.

http://ikolinda-scrappinmomma.blogspot.com

jen said...

Thanks for sharing your story. My Mom is also a survivor to breast cancer. Thanks for taking your time to do this blog and care.
I'm now following your blog and will be back to see your creations.
hugs to you,jen
jennyscards.blogspot.com

Scrappy Jackie said...

Thank you for sharing your moms story! Very heart felt and real! Thank you for being a part of this hop!

Lori said...

It's been such an honor to be a part of this Hop with you Stephanne!!!
Thanks so much for telling your story! It will continue to touch many lives!!! I keep marveling at all the pain there is in this world, but more so of how we share similar stories as women. What I didn't share in my story is that I also had uterine cancer, so not only were my breasts removed, I'm pretty much 'gutted' inside as well - lol! We all need to stick together to love and support one another. THAT's what makes all the difference, don't ya think?

I'm off to donate...

Big hugs and tons of love to you and your family ~ Lori

Janis Lewis said...

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. :) Janis

kathlee said...

What a touching story! I am so glad that the story had a happy ending. I am a 4 year stageIII Kidney cancer survivor and I will testify-CANCER SUCKS! Made my donation....great cause. God bless!
kathlee154@gmail.com

BUZZY BEE DESIGNS and GRAPHICS said...

Thanks for doing the blog hop
I'm a follower
and I post your candy link on the blog sidebar
http://buzzybeedesigns.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Minor
buzzybeedesigns@yahoo.com

Miss Mary said...

Hugs..to you and your family..Thanks for sharing her story.
http://maryssouthernmoments.blogspot.com
Scrap n' Stamp.

ibecircled.blogspot.com said...

Thanks for sharing your story and being part of the hop!!

Rexann

Cor* said...

Amazing story! How profound of the Dr. to say 'not to forget what you already have'. Wow! Your mom is a strong woman! I probly would have hung on too! Your candy is awesome My donation confirmation number is 5MH27800YG982050D. I included it in the linky....stoopid me! You can delete it and jsut put my name. Sorry about that! Take Care.

Teri Barefoot said...

Thank you for your story love your work
Teri
teri.barefoot@gmail.com

stephanne said...

hmmm, i guess i will leave me a comment just for good measure.

Kards by Kathi said...

Terrific blog and great project. Thanks for sharing.

catlady709@comcast.net

grandmafairymary said...

Thanks for being part of this amazing pink hop and sharing your story!

Jessica said...

What a very moving story. And it's very similar to my own. It took me a year to find a doctor who would listen to me. By that time they took my uterus, ovaries, tube and lot's of extra tissue, opened the other areas where it had morphed, in that years time. And they cut and scraped it all out! That was 18years ago. I am a survivor. Your mom is right, listen to the docs do what they say. Pray, rest, eat and take care of yourself. The two most important things.... Be pushy if you have to... but make them listen. The other... Stay positive... A cancer nurse told me that she could pick the people who might survive this disease. It would be the positive ones. The people who haven't forgotten how to laugh! So keep at it ladies. And lets all save the tata's with some haha's. Ok silly I know, but you know what I mean.

Sassy Scrapper said...

Hi sweetie thank you for sharing your story. Seems I've been blubbering for weeks now. Tears seem to be endless for me. So anyway I am so honored to be sharing with you this awesome blog hop in honore of our dearest friend Elise and to help spread breast cancer awareness.
I hope you are feeling better.
Love Bonnie

Mona`s Bittelille Scrappekrok said...

Thanks for sharing your story, i really got a lump in my throat. I am so glad that your mother decided to do "the right thing". Thanks for being a part of this bloghop! Hugs...Mona

Lindy said...

Thanks for sharing your touching story. What a wonderful hop.

Scrappers' Ranch said...

What a touching story, thank you for sharing.

Bonnie C
http://ascrapabove.blogspot.com

Tanya said...

Thanks for sharing your story!

phenis2031 at yahoo dot com

Paper Sewn Visions said...

Thank you for being a part of such a great blog hop and for sharing your story.
queta_r21@msn.com

SherriC. said...

thanks so much for sharing your story,
brodiec88 at hotmail dot com

trisha too said...

Very cute card!

:)

Love crafts forever said...

Thank you for the wonderful Blog Hop.
Hugs. Nataliya.

Pammejo said...

Thanks for sharing you and your moms story, Love the card and the hop
http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/
pammejo1@yahoo.com
I am a follower

Liset Villarino said...

Thank you for sharing your story it was very heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes. God bless you and your family.

Thanks,
Liset
hailemnat@gmail.com

Shelley said...

I have been so honored to be on this hop with you. wonderful project and beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
Shelley
shelldian at hotmail dot com

me said...

THanks for sharing the story. She made a wise but terrible hard decision! Great to ask for donation only I am giving here in my own country :-)I hope you get a lot of ppl giving something because it is o zo true just a little bit to each of us (1 dollar or euro) make a huge different if a lot of ppl join and take the effort to give!

scrapBugz said...

Beautiful card and thanks for sharing your touching story.

Mandy
mjbaker at earthlink dot net

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing the story of your Mum Stephanne...she was so young to go through all that! I am so glad she had you and your sibling young...and so glad that she survived! I havent visited for awhile so I missed your blog-hop and fundraiser...but what a success it was. Your latest cards are, as always, stunning.
Alicia xx