In Her Own Words....Momma's Story

I wanted to give Momma a chance to share her story on my blog. A story of not just fighting cancer and winning, but a true testimony of reaching out and making a difference in the lives of others.  Through her struggle and pain she put all her faith in God and he provided!  God has truly blessed my family and given us all a serving heart.  Thank you Mom, for teaching me that it is more blessed to give than receive, not just in the good times, but in the bad times too.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

At the age of 29, I heard those words, "You have breast cancer."  My world seemed to be falling apart.  Breast cancer was not a disease that was known to be in my family.  I thought this was a disease for older women, not for younger ladies.  At that time, I was a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, a wife of 10 years, and had a beautiful five year old daughter.  Life was great and now i feared for my life.  I am a Christian and the fear was not of dying, but that of wanting to see my daughter grown up and to have more years with my husband.

I was working in home health PT when one day after work I found a lump in my left breast.  It was fluid filled and I could move it around.  For several days, I noticed the lump would go away during the night and would be back after I worked.  So, I thought I had pulled a muscle in lifting patients.  I called my Ob-Gyn and made an appointment.  I was still in child bearing years so the doctors thought it was an infection in my mammary glands.  After having the lump drained twice the decision was made to remove the collapsed cyst.  It was at that time the lump was tested to be benign, but underneath that area was more fluid-filled smaller cysts and underneath those was a single cyst that was malignant.  I had a fast growing enemy inside and if I had waited longer it would have spread throughout my body.  A left modified radical mastectomy was performed.  I did not have any lymph node involvement, so further treatment was not suggested.  I was blessed by my heavenly Father and led by Him to wonderful Doctors and with their help the right form of treatment was chosen.

A breast cancer survivor goes through many days of fear, being alone and the feeling of not being whole from the loss of her breast. In 1989, with the help of another breast cancer survivor, we organized and started the Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Organization. It was a place to talk with other survivors and to receive information about breast cancer.

It grew into a support group that continues today. Not only helping with my journey of breast cancer, but helping to reach, teach, and touch the lives of many other women on their journey through life during and after the diagnosis of breast cancer.

I am so thankful to God for so many blessings, 25 years cancer free, 35 years of marriage to my wonderful husband, Jeff, and living to see my beautiful daughter, Amy, grow up blessing me with a son-in-law, Scott, and two wonderful grandsons, Wesley and Graham.  The support of my parents and family has helped along this journey too.

It is very important for me to tell everyone I can the three import things to do:  breast self exams, visit your Doctor regularly, and get your mammogram regularly.  Life is short, I plan to follow God's will for my life, to love my family and friends, and to encourage others on their walk through breast cancer. 

"There is life after breast cancer."  ~ Debbie Sauls

New Balance - Training Walk Kick Off

On Saturday, May 14, I attend a Training Walk Kick Off in Alpharetta.  It was sponsored by New Balance.

This was a beginning walk to kick off participant's training for the 3-Day in October.  Special thanks to my boys for tagging along, even though the mall and stores weren't open yet, so sorry!  I really do appreciate their patience and support!!!

The morning started with registration.  During this process, they grouped us in waves so that there would not be large crowds on the streets.  (During the real walk, streets will be blocked of for the walkers.)  I was grouped in the Pink Wave which was first.  Our guide was very energetic and lead us in stretching before we began our 3 mile walk through the mall area.   We were all given directions and the course was marked clear in case we couldn't keep up with the guide. 

During our 3 mile journey I got to meet some of the people participating in the walk and here some of their stories.  Some were walking for the first time, while others had walked before.  Some were survivors, some were walking for loved ones, and some were walking with their company as a team.

It was really great to hear the stories from past participants.  It was also an encouraging and learning experience for me.  They gave me some tips on how to prepare, lots of talk about blisters, and what to expect during the 3-Days.  I am happy to say that I was able to stay with the guide for the entire 3 miles and felt that I could go farther.  I am looking forward to adding more miles this summer. 

When the walk was complete, we were invited into the New Balance Store to discuss socks, shoes, and foot care for the walk.  The store owner nicely gave a discount on all purchases for the 3-Day walkers.  Not only that, a portion of the sales go right back to Susan G. Komen.  New Balance is one of the 3-Day's biggest supporters.

I met with a salesman who measured my feet and did several tests on them using a computer.  It was neat to see my feet on the computer and find out where areas of stress were located and suggested shoes, socks, and inserts were given.  I then tried on several different types and styles of shoes to find the perfect shoe for my foot.  The sales rep said that I really needed to alternate two pairs of shoes during my training and continue during the walk.  Buying new shoes before the walk was not recommended, shoes need to be broken in.  I ended up purchasing two pairs of shoe and socks.

The shoe to the right was the #1 recommended shoe for my foot.  Both pairs that I purchased are really comfortable and I have been alternating them during my walking and my workouts since the purchase.

New Balance gave away several door prizes.  No, I was not lucky enough to win.  They also gave each participant a "goodie bag" for attending the event.  The photo below is my second pair of shoes and my New Balance bag. 

  
I am still so excited about walking the 3-Day and this event just make me that much more excited and ready to participate.  I am looking forward to more training walks and clinics.  In June, I will be attending a "how to pack" clinic.

Race for the Cure

Oh my have things been busy around here...so much going on to end the school year.  My family has had something every weekend from the beginning of March till now.  This is the first weekend that we haven't rushed off somewhere.  We are so looking forward to a relaxing summer.  Only one more week of school left!

Despite all the things going on, I have still been working toward training and raising money for the 3-Day.  On Saturday, May 7, I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure in Atlanta.  It was a 5k.  It was amazing to be in the presence of 17,000 people all running/jogging/walking to find a cure for breast cancer.  One thing this race taught me was that I need to find a place to train with more hills, running in downtown Atlanta was tough.  I have also been concentrating on my walking, instead of running, probably another reason for the struggle.

Though I struggled, it was really beautiful running through downtown with all the large building as the scenery.  I thought that I was going to have to run by myself, but at the last minute my parents came through, as always.  They drove up late the night before to care for my children so that my husband could run with me and then drove back home after the race.  We had a great time running and of course my kids loved being with their Grandparents. 

Wow, there are a lot of people behind me in the photo.  Here's another photo and yes, you read right...17,000 people.  It was so crowded at the starting line, I believe we had to walk the first 5 minutes, till the crowd thinned out a little.  In the photo above, I have my back to the starting line.  The photo below shows the people who were in line behind us.

Here's a photo that Scott took of us...the guy in between us makes me laugh!

I am so thankful that my husband and children have been so supportive of my 3-Day journey.  They have tagged along to many things, some to praticipate and others just to sit, wait, and watch.  Their encouragement and support keep me going!

As the race came to a close, there were people separating the participants as they were approaching the finish line.  Survivors to the right and everyone else to the left.  When crossing the finish line, I really just wanted to stop and watch the survior lane.  What an honor to witness those who have fought breast cancer and won - cross the finish line too.  As each survior crossed their name was called out and they were welcomed and celebrated by many watching at the finish line.

I was honored to Race for the Cure and in awe of those surviors who ran/walked/jogged as well.

All in all, this journey is in Celebration of my Mother and helping to find a cure for future generations.

I love you, Mom!  Happy Mother's Day!

The Faithfulness of Friends and the Kindness of a Stranger...

During the "Getting Started" Meeting that I attended several months ago, the lady leading said that along our journey we would witness many acts of human kindness.  That we would see the world in a different way, especially during the 3-Day walk.  During the 3 days we would live in a world of kindness, hope, encouragment, and love.  A world that we would never want to leave.  A world we think could not exist during this day.   I am overwhelmed by those who have already contributed to helping me fund my walk and the love and support that I have felt from many.  The kind words that have been spoken honoring my Mother.  She is definantly a special lady to me and she has touched so many throughout her life.  

A couple of weeks ago, Mom was at Wal-Mart.  There was a lady putting her groceries in the trunk of her car.  Mom noticed that she had a 3-Day sticker on the back of her car.  Well, like any good mother, she of course is worried about me.  How are you going to walk 60 miles in 3 days?  So, she decides to go back and ask the lady if she had participated in the walk and some questions about it.  Mom and the lady shared storys and she of course gave Mom some encouraging words about me participating in the walk.  The lady took my name and that same night, made a donation to my walk.  She had partcipated and she knows what I am going through to do this for my mother.  She didn't even leave her name on my donation wall.  Instead, in the name slot she wrote "Have fun and good luck!"  The kindness of a stranger...I don't know her, but she still wanted to help!  She didn't want recognition, she just believed in the cause.  I did learn that her name is Emilee.  Emilee, thank you for being a blessing and caring.  Your story and donation touched my heart and showed me that human kindness really does exist today.

My chorus is singing a song called "Think On These Things."  A song by the wonderful creators of Music K-8 Magazine (Teresa Jennings).  I would like to share with you the lyrics to this song.

When you open up your eyes, and take in the world around you, is it good or bad in ev’rything you see?  We can fill our minds with light.  We can turn away from darkness, and think about the wonder of all things.

Like love for each other, my sister, my brother.  On mercy, on peace and unity.  More joy and less sorrow, bright hope for tomorrow.  On goodness, on truth and purity.  Think on these things.

There is beauty in this life.  There is charity and honor.  And we don’t even have to look that far.  It’s in the faithfulness of friends, or the kindness of a stranger.  All these seeds are planted in our hearts.

Like love for each other, my sister, my brother.  On mercy, on peace and unity.  More joy and less sorrow, bright hope for tomorrow.  On goodness, on truth and purity.  Think on these things.

My favorite part of this song is the second verse.  Life is beautiful and to find this beauty we don't need to look any farther than God, our family, and our friends.  "It's in the faithfulness of friends, or the kindness of a stranger.  All these seeds are planted in our hearts."

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament.  Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Faithfulness of Friends...

Today, my friend Emily Schneider had a Premier Jewelry Party for me.  She donated 25% of what was sold to help fund my walk.  I am so thankful for my friends who pre-ordered, showed up to the party, and those that are planning on post-ordering this week.  Thank you for believing in the cause and me!  Thank you, Emily for donating your time and money to support me.  I am so glad that we are friends.  Emily's jewelry is beautiful!  If you want to have your own Premier Show, I would be happy to let Emily know.  Thank you to my teacher friends - Carol Osborn, Tina Hendrix, Stephanie Kazar, Corey Barnwell, and Angie Craver (and Angie's sister-in-law, who I just met for the first time) for your support.  Also, my favorite Covington photographer, Wendi Stewart.  If you are in the market for a photographer that is unique, look no farther than Wendi Stewart Photography.  Last but not least, Eva Bone, good friend and awesome musician!  Wesley has been taking piano lessons from Miss Eva for 3 years and Graham has attended several Kindermusik class with her.  If you would like information on Kindermusik or piano lessons, let me know!

When signing up for this walk, I was so scared about raising the money.  Today, I am once again reminded that God is faithful. 

"But this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him."  Lamentations 3:21-24

In my fundraising account I am already over the $1000 mark.  Not including the money from the Premier Show and some that my Mother has collected.  I have still yet to send out my letters/emails asking for donations.  I have faith that God will supply and continue to carry me through this journey.

Thanks to my most recent donors...

Ginger Pitts, a sweet lady that goes to my parents church, my home church.  Thanks, Miss Ginger for your contribution, support, and prayers!

Roselene Jenkins, a sweet lady in my Mother's Women to Women Breast Cancer Support Group.  Roselene, thank you for your support.  I will walk in honor of you too!

Betty Sauls, my grandmother also made a generous donation.  She is another reason that I walk.  Breast Cancer has touched my family twice.  Not only is my mother a survivor, but my Grandmother has fought and continues to fight this terrible disease.  Thank you, Mawmaw!  I love you and you are always in my prayers!  

I walk in the hope that a cure will be found so that others do not have to face what Mom and Mawmaw have gone through. 

The photo to the right is of me and Mawmaw on her birthday last year. 

Thanks again everyone for your support and prayers!

"For Your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in Your faithfulness."  Psalm 26:3

All I Can Do

Why walk 60 miles?