The Origin...

I was thinking about the origin of Relay for Life and realized that I don’t even really know how Relay got it’s start.
So like the 21st Century woman I am… I Googled it!
I found this article on the American Cancer Society Website and it made me smile, how wonderful that one man started all of this. Thanks Gordy Klatt – for showing us how to be hopeful, and how to make a difference!

“One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed—running marathons.
In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.
While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.”

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Here's one for the back of the toilet seat for you. I usually don't go for the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books and Normally I'd put it on the bookshelf when someone would gift it to me and let it collect dust for quite some time.
A friend of mine gave me this book shortly after Mom was diagnosed.
I have to admit that I've been reading a story here and a story there and it's been the first book I grab when I jump in to the tub for a soak.
Hearing words of comfort from people who have been there has been a big help for me.
I hope it brings you comfort as well.
All the Love in the Universe, Abby

Treatment Begins

The day has finally come... TREATMENT STARTS TODAY! (or... started today).

I spoke with Mom on the phone this afternoon and it sounds like she's feeling well after the first bout.

She went in this morning for Chemo. They started with a saline drip and then gave her some nausea medication and after that they started the chemo drugs. She said it took them about 2 hours from start to finish. She will be having Chemotherapy once a week while she's doing radiation treatments.

Then the superhero went back to work for a few hours and then left again for radiation in the afternoon.

The radiation in the afternoon was much like a CAT or PET Scan. She laid in a tube and wasn't allowed to move, the radiation itself was about 8 minutes all in all the session took 30 minutes. She said it was very painful laying still for that long because the Mass tends to give her extreme arm pain. She said she was almost in tears from the pain, but once they let her get up and move around the pain subsided.

She was still feeling a bit of pain when I spoke with her, but was planning to take some Tylenol PM and get a good night sleep.

It's good to hear that she's doing well, and continued prayers are appreciated as we begin this long journey together.

On the Relay front, our t-shirt design was created by Tara Vojta or as most of you know her from Summit South Dakota, Tara Sumner. Tara's come a long ways from our bracelet making and crafting on the bus and she is one talented lady. She has her own design website so you can check out her portfolio here. They're pretty great and I'm excited to get a picture of them for you once they're printed and post them.

On the literature front, I picked up a new book meant to help people who are family and friends of a Cancer Survivor, I haven't read much of it but, it's called "Help me live; 20 things people with cancer want you to know" by Lori Hope. I will report in a few days how it's going.

Hope this finds you well.

All the love in the universe, Abby

The Power of Books!

My answer to life’s lemons is to read… I get the phone call and rush to Borders “self-help” section.

I am a sucker for any and every inspirational book for whatever ails me. I really love to read Chicken Soup for the Soul, as corny as it is. I guess it gives me hope to read others’ struggle. It makes me feel like I’m not as alone as I thought I was.

So, to be true to myself, I ran to Borders yesterday (pay day) and picked up a great self-help book that actually kind of makes me laugh, and I can’t wait to find another copy to send to Mom! It’s called “Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips” by Kris Carr. It’s kind of a funny take on the battle of Cancer, and she is very down to earth “take no bullshit” kind of gal. I really appreciate her view on life.

I haven’t read the whole thing, so if it ends up sucking in the end I’m sorry… I’ll make it up to you. Here’s to book one of many I’m sure.

All the Love,
Abby