Thursday, February 04, 2010

Celebration Time...Come On!

It's finally official, today marks my tenth year anniversary for being breast cancer free :o) Did I think I would make it this far? If you had asked me ten years ago, even five years ago, I would have said "No".

In actuality, it took me eight years to come to terms with my breast cancer. That was when I threw my Pink Party :o) Don't get me wrong, I can picture the whole experience like it was yesterday. That will never fade but the fears have become manageable. I doubt there are many cancer survivors out there that can honestly say that fear has completely gone.

As I write this post, I can picture walking into the waiting room full of people and being ushered right into the doctor's office. I was initially going to get my dressings taken off (I had had a breast reduction) but as soon as I sat down, Dr. H dropped the bomb. It's literally like being shell shocked. Luckily my mother had driven me and was out in the waiting room. Somehow I found my voice and asked Dr. H to bring her in. The rest, as we say, is history but February 4, 2000 will always be the day that changed my life forever.

Awhile ago I posted about doing something special for this milestone in my life. I have yet to figure out what I want to do for myself but I 'do' know what I want to do for others :o) If you're not familiar with Attic Needlework, I highly suggest that you sign up for their newsletter. Each year they hold an auction to raise money for breast cancer research. This past year, they raised just over $20,000!

How did they do that, you ask? Jean, the owner of Attic Needlework, takes in donated ornaments and items from stitchers across the globe. Check out one of their auction newsletters and this will give you an idea of the talent and generosity out there. This year the auction will take place on Saturday, November 20.

So to celebrate, my plan is to donate an ornament but there's a catch...I would like to recruit at least nine more stitchers who will commit to do the same :o) It's a small commitment but the rewards will be great. If there are more than ten people who sign up, then all the better! Jean says that they cannot have too many donations. I would like this to be like real ornament exchanges (although you don't get an ornament back) so please contact me if you want to participate. I will keep track of our progress and perhaps work with Jean to confirm that donations have been received.

Maybe this will give you some inspiration -

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I've created a needle felted snowman who sports the breast cancer ribbon and this will be my ornament that I will be donating :o) I'm not sure if he will be the exact one because this was my first attempt and he might need some fine-tuning. Not to mention that he has no arms!

Here's another (bad) picture to give you an idea of how small this wee man is -

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I hope you will join me to celebrate the big 1-0 and give a little bit of yourself. There are a few things that I have learned over the years. One, as much as you think it will never happen to you, it could :o( Breast cancer does not discriminate. It might be you, your mother, sister, cousin, daughter or friend. Breast cancer not only affects you, it affects everyone that loves you. Two, breast cancer is not the death sentence that it once was. New treatments and technology are advancing every day. Most importantly though, early detection is the key! I truly believe that if it weren't for my Gram and my DH, I would not be here today. I consider them my Guardian Angels and I want to dedicate this celebratory day to them both :o)


27 comments:

Annie said...

Congrats! Quite an accomplishment. I'll take a look at the Attic Needlework site in a while and what its all about. I seem to be over-committing to things lately, but it sounds like a great cause that I'd love to fit in.

Ranae said...

Congratulations! on the milestone, How awesome!!
Count me in for a ornie donation.
Is there info on the deadline and where to send it? I couldn't find it,Let me know
Celebrate Life!!!!!
You rock!!!

Rachel S-H said...

I am so pleased you reached this milestone. You are an inspiration.

Stitchabilities said...

Celebrating with you Woo hoo!!
I have to say the place would be a duller place without you blogging Cathey.
What a cute snowman!!
Ok I will sign up if you'll have me!! ;0)

Jenn M said...

Well that's wonderful news for your and your family; here's to the next 100 years!
What would be the deadline for the ornament? I am interested in participating; I just have a few issues finding some of my stash at the moment...

Carolyn said...

Cathey-
Congratulations on 10 years:)
You are truly an inspiration to all of us.

Count me in on making an ornament for this great cause-

Karen said...

Congratulations on reaching your 10 year milestone!! I would like to participate in the ornament auction. I was involved in one several years ago locally and it was a great experience.

Irene said...

Congratulations on your milestone and be sure to count me in on the ornament.

Casa Pearl said...

Congratulations on such a wonderful, lovely, inspiring milestone! I hope there are many more such milestones to celebrate for you in the future.

Anonymous said...

I would love to join you in your celebration and donation! Enjoy life with those you love, Cathey!

LisaG said...

Well done on your 10 years. A wonderful acheivement, one that certainly deserves a cream egg!

Carol said...

Count me in, Cathey! I would be happy to contribute an ornament...

And sending you a big hug on your 10th anniversary--I'm so happy for you :)

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Congrats on your anniversary! Your little snowman is wonderful!!!

Patricia Lessell said...

Congratulations on your 10 year anniversary - that is quite an accomplishment. Plus I love your little snowman he is just too cute for words.
Love
Patti xxx

Alberta said...

Cathey, what a reason to celebrate! 10 years!!!! Wow, look at you go. You are an inspiration to all women.

I'd love to participate, email me with more details as they become available.

Lisa said...

Now here is a celebration that warrents a happy dance. May you continue to dance and laugh and enjoy life. Take care!

JOLENE said...

I can only imagine what was going through your mind as you wrote this post Cathey. Cancer free for 10 years is awesome!!!! I would love to join you in your celebration to raise money for breast cancer.

Cancer struck my life two times, first with Dad and second with Mom. Even though I did not have cancer I dealt with it, and I know how hard this horrible disease is. With tears in my eyes for the ones I have lost and for the happiness I feel for you enduring the cancer and becoming cancer free for a whopping 10 years, I would be most honored to join your "party" and donate an ornament, it is the least I can do for you, Cathey, my friend. Here's to a dozen more decades of being cancer free!!!

Brigitte said...

My warmest congratulations on your ten years. Enjoy life!!!!!

TammyK said...

Hi Cathey & congrats! As I've told you before, it's plp like you that gives others' hope :o) I'd like to donate an ornament too. E-mail the info please.

Cindy said...

Congratulations on 10 years!

Your snowman is so adorable :) I will stitch something for the auction.

Daffycat said...

YAY! Huge congratulations on your 10 year anniversary!

Your little snowman ornament is DARLING! I adore his little pink ribbon.

Cole said...

Congratulations Cathey!! I would love to celebrate with you. I'll also be celebrating for my grandma, she has 15 years under her belt :)

Tinker said...

Congratulations!!! That is really something to celebrate!

Thanks for stopping by the other day on the OWOH tour. I'm so glad I got a chance to 'meet' you. Here's to your next 10 years - and the next, and the next...!

♥ Nia said...

A strong hug to you! Congratulations!!! Keep smiling and enjoying every day my friend :D

Your snowman is so cute! And he looks perfect even without arms :)
I'd like to donate ornaments too! Can you tell me a little more info? (Where to send, dates, etc)

You're an inspiration dear!!! :D
Continue to be that happy person, for many more years yet to come!

Jennifer said...

WOO HOO!!!!!!!! Definitely an occasion worth celebrating. Congratulations!

valerie said...

Congratulations on this milestone! My sister was diagnosed in '09. It was a shock but luckily caught in the early stages. I'm planing on stitching an ornie for the auction through my sampler guild! I even have one planned...now to do the stitching!

JodyB08 said...

You are truely an inspiration. Congrats on 10 years!!

I would like to ask how you made the snowman ornament. I would love to make one for one of my teachers at school. One of my classmates is dying from cancer - she has tumors in her uterus, liver, stomach and lungs. There is nothing that can be done for her and she is living on borrowed time. The teacher I want to make the ornament for LOVES snowmen and LOVES my classmate. She is deeply upset, as we all are, knowing that our classmate is going to die at any time now. If you could kindly tell me how you made this ornament, it would be greatly appreciated!!

THANKS