For 3 Sisters

Anyone that has ever done a Susan G Komen or Avon Walk has met or at least noticed "The Pink Fireman," Marshall Moneymaker. I met him briefly last year when my team did the 60-mile/3day for SGK. 

 

Marshall lost three sisters in one year to breast cancer. As a result of this painful loss, he and his wife Shannon, founded For 3 Sisters to:

 "Celebrate, support, and fight for every person who has won the battle, lost the fight, is still fighting, or still has to face the war that is cancer. For 3 Sisters is committed to providing  information about, and access to resources (of all kinds), and raises awareness about breast cancer through community outreach programs. For 3 Sisters is dedicated to providing support and encouragement to the breast cancer community in any way we can."

Following my horribly painful expansion on Thursday, I had the privilege of having lunch Shannon Moneymaker. We chatted, laughed...and I teared up a bit when she started talking about the resources available to me as a breast cancer survivor. 

To me, I have battled what I call, "Cancer Lite" (no chemo, no radiation.) I feel lucky. But there are days when I say it out loud, "I am a cancer person now," and I get upset. This has changed me forever. Because I get to avoid chemo and radiation (Thank God), I have tried to internally downplay my experience. But, the fact is, I hurt every day. And I will continue to hurt throughout the reconstruction process. There are many things I simply can not do. But I feel like I can and should take the hits (the hurt)...because I got lucky and found things early. I didn't feel worthy of the resources available to me. And then I meet Shannon - and she made me feel legitimate and worthy. She made me realize that my journey is unique - they all are - but it's still a journey and I am still a breast cancer fighter and survivor.  

Shannon made me promise that I would let her help me and my family. I agreed on the condition that I could give back to their wonderful cause. So this is the first part of that promise. I want to help spread awareness of this wonderful organization. 

So, if you know anyone in need of help. Someone fighting cancer (any cancer); reach out to For 3 Sisters. The resources that are available are amazing and their website doesn't do it justice. They have helped men and women subsidize insurance payments, helped send families on vacation (because all their money goes to doctor bills), sent resources to do yard work and house cleaning (you can't do any of this while going through this process); you name it. 

Marshall endured a horrific experience by losing 3 sisters to breast cancer but he turned it into something wonderful. He's a recognized figure in the breast cancer community. He and Shannon continue to support, uplift and encourage others. I don't know their faith but I can't think of anything more Christian than that kind of attitude and act. I am proud to now know them personally and will continue to do my part in spreading the word.

Thank you Shannon and Marshall!

www.for3sisters.com

Brownie Songs: Make New Friends...

If you were ever in the girls scouts, you'd know and remember the song, "Make New Friends." It goes like this:

Make new friends, but keep the old.
One is silver, the other is gold.

A circle is round,  it has no end.
That's how long, I will be your friend.

A fire burns bright, it warms the heart.
We've been friends, from the very start.

You have one hand, I have the other.
Put them together

We have each other.

Silver is precious. Gold is too.
I am precious, and so are you.

You help me, and I'll help you
and together we will see it through.

The sky is blue. The Earth is green
I can help to keep it clean

Across the land, Across the sea
Friends forever, We will always be.

Last night we celebrated the birthday of my dearest (we REFUSE to say oldest) friend of 35 years.  35 years! We met when we were 4! We have slipped in and out of each others lives...but have always kept a place held in each others heart. She is the children's minister that I referred to in an earlier post (Day One: The Big C). She's magically reappeared just at the right time and I love her for that. That's just the way we are and have been for 35 years. She's gold.

And then my next dearest (definition=oldest) best friend of 32 years who recently moved clear across the US to California. She has ALWAYS been there for me. I totally cherish her. I got a card in the mail from her yesterday. Not a stock Christmas card. A card just for me. The front read:

"Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there..."

She's gold too.

Then I think of the friendships I've gathered, cherished and nurtured over the years. I have some amazing friends. They are the "sisters" I never had, the "call in the middle of the night friends," my Sisters in Christ. And now a network of breast cancer survivors and fighters that I hold close to my heart. They are all gold too.

I am blessed.