4 Days and Counting!

Is it Friday yet?  Now usually on a Monday night I am not counting down the days until Friday. If you've been following my new blog, and I hope you have been (sign up as a follower already, please!?!?), you know that our Fridays are usually spent at the hospital for my mom's chemotherapy sessions.  But this week is much different.  THIS Friday, we welcome family and friends to spend the evening together raising money for breast cancer in my mom's honor.  

Click to Enlarge

I am so excited for this party!  I really want to give you many to reasons to come and show your support...so I've created a TOP TEN REASONS TO SUPPORT The RACKonteurs.....

10.  Five of us, The RACKonteurs (Sarah, Matt, Michael, Laura, and Courtney), are walking 60 miles over three days for the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure.  That's over 300 miles combined!!!  Are you even a little bit impressed with that?!?  www.the3day.org/goto/rackonteurs  

9.  The stakes are just plain enormous.  In the United States, more than 200,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.  More than 40,000 will die.  Around the world, more than 1.3 million new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed this year, and almost 460,000 will die.  Every 69 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer - the most prevalent cancer among women today.  These numbers are, quite simply, unacceptable.

8.  You can finally knock skydiving off your bucket list.  If you're brave enough, bid on a tandem skydive with Skydive Superior!

Backstrom Signed Jersey

7.  Nicklas Backstrom, Justin Morneau, Denard Span, Ron Gardenhire, Cobi Jones and their friends will be there.  Ok, so that's not true.  But their stuff will be there and it could be yours!  (Our silent auction is packed with sports memorabilia!) 

View from Seats

6.  A chance to sit in the best seats at Target Field.  The Champions Club is as good as it gets.  Imagine not having to deal with traffic or parking, being able to pull right into the valet, only steps from the stadium (even players will walk further to the door than you).  Within seconds you'll be in the company of the Twins World Series trophies and all the food you can eat.  From Prime Rib to hot dogs, they have it all.  Watch the players in their batting cages pre-game and help yourself to the dessert bar (unlimited soft serve, my favorite)!  Did I mention that the food, beer and wine are complimentary throughout the game? Oh, and that they'll serve you at your seat? If it gets cold they'll bring you blankets, if it rains, they'll bring you ponchos...you get the idea, all to your lazy boy behind home plate.  Trust me, you'll never want to leave.  

5.  Score some amazing Budweiser swag in the silent auction...We've got a Budweiser Kayak, a Michelob Ultra Hybrid Mountain Bike, and a Budweiser iPod Speaker Tower up for grabs.  

4.  100% of the donations benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.  Virtually every major advance in the fight against breast cancer in the last 29 years has been impacted by a Susan G. Komen for the Cure® grant.  This amazes me.  That means people like you and I, who open our hearts and our wallets, have touched the lives of those diagnosed and suffering from breast cancer in tangible ways.

3.  FREE BEER!  FREE FOOD!  Sure you'll donate $12 at the door for breast cancer, but after that, it's all the food and beer you can handle.

2.   The City Cycle will be there!  Not only will you have the opportunity to take the newest and greatest pedal powered party on wheels for a spin around St. Paul, but you'll have the chance to win a 2-hour City Cycle Tour for you and 13 of your friends!

The City Cycle, by Caztek Engineering (My brother built this!)

And the number one reason to show up to The RACKonteurs breast cancer fundraiser....

1.  To lift my mom's spirits.  Almost four months ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It's been a very difficult four months to say the least.  This week she'll receive her 7th chemotherapy treatment with a long road ahead.  But together, we can make a difference, in her life and every woman (or man) that faces this.  We can give her hugs and words of encouragement, all while raising money so that someday, we will live in a world where breast cancer ceases to exist.  I can't wait for that day...or for Friday ;)

"This Woman's Work"

I woke up this morning with a full days work ahead getting ready for our breast cancer fundraiser, or as I call it, my mom's party.  At 8 am I started writing emails, calling people, running errands, basically getting as much in line as I possibly could.  A full 16 hours later and I am not finished yet.  The Cliffs Notes version goes like this....I picked up donations, sought out more donations, worked on food and beverages (thanks for your help, Michael), worked on signs (Kater, I love you), made runs to both Sam's Club and Costco (Dad, you couldn't be more help), and started my project of making hundreds of little breast cancer ribbons.  And that's just a quarter of it.  I am exhausted right now.  But this woman's work is over for the night.

My mom and dad dancing

As I was just about to go to bed, I decided to watch a link my friend Jess left me on Facebook.  Within a couple seconds I could tell it was a clip from my parent's favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance.  Melissa, the female dancer, explains how their dance for the night is about breast cancer.  Immediately I felt goose bumps cover my arms.  I would never call myself an expert on dance, but I am on my way to becoming much more knowledgable than I ever wanted to be on breast cancer.  And this dance nailed it.  I honestly felt like I was watching my mom and dad in this dance (they love to dance).  Now, don't get me wrong, my mom and dad don't dance like Melissa and Ade (sorry guys), but I could see so much of their story, our story, in this dance.  The first part of the dance, I can so easily picture my mom on the ground, stunned by her diagnosis, "How could this be?"  I think we all had that moment on the ground.  My dad picks her up and holds onto her as they go through the whirlwind of deciding on a treatment plan.  It was more like a tornado for us at this point in her cancer story.  They fight together, through surgeries, through different opinions from Oncologists and surgeons, appointment after appointment, phone call after phone call.  Together they make the most difficult of decisions.  She falls again, but he picks her up.  The song in the background sings....

Pray God you can cope, 

I'll stand outside, 

This woman's work, 

This woman's worth.

I know you've got a little life in you yet,

I know you've got a lot of strength left,

I know you've got a little life in you yet,

I know you've got a lot of strength left,

Give me your hand.

I should be crying but I just can't let it show,

I should be hoping but I can't stop thinking,

All the things I should've given but I didn't,

Oh, darling make it go,

Just make it go away...

The dance continues.  Together they go through the ups and downs, both struggling to deal and make sense of it all, but again, he lifts her up when she is down.  Individually, as well, they battle in a time of crisis, the reality is so hard to face.  The dance ends with Melissa on Ade's shoulder, linked together, Melissa higher than she could ever stand alone.  I pray to God every minute, of everyday, that this is the way my mom's dance ends, with her lifted higher than she ever was, and my dad right by her side.

The title of the song, This Woman's Work, really put things in perspective for me tonight.  I had a long, busy day, but the work paled in comparison to the work my mom has in front of her.  Everything she faces on a daily basis now is so much more work than it used to be.  Not only does she have to deal with the emotional roller coaster of being a cancer survivor (a person is considered a survivor the minute they are diagnosed), but every task, small or big, takes much more effort, from a weaker mind and body.  So tonight, I go to bed as I always do, thanking God for the abundant blessings He has given me, especially the strength of my mom, the strength of my parents.  She will survive.

Not my mom's favorite picture, but it's one of mine.
Better to ask for forgiveness than permission!

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." - Vivian Greene

Fridays

My mom in her chemo room

Friday's have always been a good day of the week.  And thanks to my mom's positivity, they continue to be, even through cancer and chemotherapy.  This past Friday marked the fifth week of chemo for my mom.  Our Friday's are beginning to be pretty routine now.  My mom usually wakes up insanely early to attend a work meeting at St. John's Hospital (yes, she is trying to still work).  At about 10:00 am I meet her at the Healtheast Breast Care Center, which is about 15 feet across the hall from the inpatient pharmacy where she works.  I walk into her chemo room and she is usually already sitting in her heated, massaging, recliner with a big smile on her face.  Immediately she cracks me up by saying, "It's just another day at the spa!"  I am always amazed at how upbeat and positive she is, I admire her so much for her strength.  Crazy enough, some days it really does feel like a day at the spa in the chemo unit.   They spare no expense at making everyone feel at home and as comfortable as possible, you have no idea how far the little things go here.  Carole, a retired nurse my mom used to work with, who now volunteers, greets us with warmed blankets and offers us coffee, tea, orange juice, you name it.  There is even a plate of donuts and bananas.  We love Carole, she is like the Godmother of the chemo unit.  Right behind her is my mom's nurse, Terri.  In a short time my mom is done with her labs and onto her pre-drugs to help her with the effects of the chemo.  For the next four hours or so there is a plethora of options of things to do.  She can watch a movie (there are hundreds to choose from), listen to an ipod the hospital has preloaded with all kinds of music, or just relax.  During weeks 3 and 4 my mom received a special treat, a visit from her friend Jamie.  Jamie is the Healing Arts Program Coordinator at St. John's and spent an hour or so with her each time.  The first thing she did was use some essential oils (Frankincense) to relax her and boost her immune system.  She asked my mom to think good, positive thoughts while playing soothing music along with very light touch, mostly at the joints to completed the experience.  When I asked Jamie exactly what she was doing she explained she was channeling and redistributing my mom's energy.  My mom says that a visit from Jamie is such a treat, she always feels so relaxed and de-stressed after.  She even said she could feel a difference in her joints.  That was all I needed, I was convinced.  I wish Jamie could be there every week.

Jamie relaxing my mom

Every week, however, my mom's nurse Terri is there to brighten our day.  I can't say enough wonderful things about her.  She is always so attentive to my mom and I feel so blessed to have her caring for her.  We can really tell that she loves her job and I really hope she knows what a difference she makes in the whole chemo experience.  All the nurses and volunteers are angels on Earth to say the least.  I hope to pay it forward and volunteer there as soon as my mom is cancer free!  I can't wait for that day.

Terry and my mom

There are definite benefits to receiving chemotherapy at your place of work.  My mom receives visits every week from her co-workers and friends at the hospital.  She perks up with each and every visit.  It is so amazing to feel, not just see, how much people care and are routing for her.  Her best friend Pam (another clinical pharmacist) stops by every week for a visit to check on us, and we usually see another great friend Diane as well.  I thank God every night for the amazing support system my mom has through her friends at work.  And after 30+ years of working together, they have become a family as well.  Just this last week, Diane brought my mom a gift of two journals, one for her and one for me, so we can journal our thoughts about this whole process.  It meant so much to the both of us.  She gave my mom a card that read, "There are times along life's journey that can test the spirit deeply...And though this is one of those times, may you never stop believing that your faith, your inner strength, and the power of God's love will carry you through."  I don't think that Diane could have found a better card.  Along with the card was the most heartfelt note that brought tears to my eyes.  Diane ended the card saying "I am always in your corner and you are in my prayers.  You are a very strong person and will win this battle," signed, Love Di.  I can barely write about this without crying.  All of these things feed her soul.

Friends and family are always asking me, "how is your mom doing?"  I never really know what to say.  I don't think that my mom could be handling it any better to be honest.  She still laughs and smiles and never, ever complains.  But I can definitely tell that it is taking a huge toll on her physically.  She gets extremely tired and weak, and often is nauseous and you know what comes along with that (I won't go into all the side effects).  I think the hardest part for her so far is losing her hair.  It is such a horrible effect of the chemo and I wish I could lose my hair a thousand times over for her.  I feel a literal sharp pain in my heart every time I see her touching her head, realizing more is gone.  She is usually feeling pretty bad after chemo for at least a few days.  It's great to see her get in a couple good days before it's Friday again.  I never could have prepared myself for how painful it would be for her, both physically and mentally.  My mom is so strong, just like my grandpa (her father).  My grandpa died of cancer, and my mom was always so amazed (and talked about often) by how strong he was, never complaining or feeling sorry for himself.  She hasn't told me this but I believe she thinks about that a lot.  My grandpa would be so humbled by her strength and I know he is looking down from heaven smiling, knowing that God's plan is bigger than ours, but that she WILL win this battle.

A friend of mine gave me this Bible verse to give me strength, I read it often and gives me a sense of hope that nothing but the words of the greatest healer can.  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

I can't thank all of you enough for your continued donations.  In the past six days since I last posted we've raised another $1,500 for breast cancer, bringing our team to over $4,500.  Every donation, no matter how much, lifts us up to heights I never thought were possible.  We still have a long way to go, but I have no doubt in my mind that we will get there....thanks to all of you.

God Bless, 

Sarah

Blown Away...

I wish I could describe my feelings better, I've never been good at it.  I wish I could explain the way my heart sank into my chest after asking my mom for the results of her biopsy, it was dead silence on the other end of the line.  I know deep pain, but to know the kind of pain every part of you feels when your mom has cancer, is a pain like no other.  I couldn't breathe.  I swear my heart actually stopped beating.

If you don't know my mom, her name is Julie.  She is a clinical pharmacist at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, Minnesota.  She has worked there for 36+ years.  To say she is extremely smart is an understatement.  When we were growing up, dinner table conversations consisted of the most detailed conversations about drug therapies, pharmaceutical care etc., with my dad who is also a pharmacist (any of the three of us kids can speak pharmacist like a pro).  However, all the book smarts in the world can't hide one of my mom's most endearing qualities, her ability to make us all die laughing by saying some of the most ridiculously silly comments.  I find myself shaking my head and thinking, "Really, mom?" close to as many times as I am amazed by her intelligence and ability to soak up new information about her field continuously.  She is just plain funny.  My mom is the hardest worker you'll find.  Sometimes you just might not find her because she is still working.  But again, it's all part of what makes me admire her so much.  She is as kind and caring as they come.  Always willing to give up her wants and needs to put someone else's first.  My mom likes to read, garden, watch HGTV, and browse through gift shops.  She loves to travel and spend time with our family.

My mom has breast cancer.  It's been three months and it's still hard to believe.  The first two months were the toughest two months of my life to date.  I spent my days in a war against my tears, sometimes I would fight and sometimes I would let them win.  There wasn't a minute when the fact that she was sick left my head, not one split second.  It didn't help that we ran into every roadblock possible trying to figure out the best treatment plan for her.  It was unbelievably consuming for all of us.  What if we aren't being aggressive enough?  What if we are being too aggressive?  What if she doesn't respond?  The "what ifs" were a new feeling for me and my siblings.  Growing up our parents always had the answers to any medical scenario that came up.  This time it was different.  After going to St. John's, the U of M, and the Mayo Clinic we finally came to a consensus among the doctors and treatment was set to begin.

Again, it's so hard to describe my feelings.  I was overwhelmed to say the least.  Cancer wasn't only invading my mom's body, but it was invading mine.  I was letting it get the best of my mind, my emotions, my soul.  That is until I decided to wage my own war.  You know, it used to be so hard for me to believe that I could personally make a difference.  I am only in the first battle of my war against breast cancer, but I already feel like I've won to a certain extent.  Myself, my brother, and three of my best friends have raised almost $3,000 already for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.  Making the decision to walk 60-miles in 3 days to raise money, awareness, and most importantly my mom's spirits was the best thing I could think of to help my mom and my family through this difficult time.  And it's working.

I said before that I was overwhelmed.  I've never been so overwhelmed in my life.  But the overwhelming feeling that the cancer has brought is being matched by the overwhelming feeling of love and support from you guys, our family and friends.  It's incredible really.  There's not a day that goes by that my mom doesn't receive a card, flowers, a visit, a phone call, or most importantly prayers.  I can't tell you how excited and amazed she is by all of your donations so far.  I love telling her about all of them, her face lights up and I can see it giving her strength.  It has given us all strength.  I feel like Superwoman these days.

I could write forever on here on how amazed I am with everyone's generosity.  We have been given generous donations to the extreme by our best friends and family.  I have seen donations come through from people I haven't seen or talked to in years, high school friends, from old friends from Harvey's (the college bar I worked at), co-workers, cancer survivors, the list goes on.

I have to share one incredible story with you though from this past weekend.  I received a Facebook message from a viewer in the Northland that I didn't know (I used to be a Sports Anchor/Reporter in the Northland) saying hello.  I responded, thanking him for the message and explaining that I would be in Duluth over the weekend to stop by Denny Anderson's (Duluth broadcasting legend) retirement party.  I explained that I also hoped to get in a long walk on the Lake Walk.  I arrived at the party on Saturday and was greeted by a woman giving me a white piece of paper, saying that her neighbor asked her to deliver this to me as he knew I would be at the party.  So, Pam handed me the folded up paper and was on her way.  I opened it up to find a note and a $100 dollar bill.  It was Rick Holt, from Hermantown.  The viewer that sent me the Facebook message a few days earlier.  He saw on my profile about participating in the 3-Day for the Cure.  Again, I sit wishing I could put the emotions I felt into words.  But I can't.  There's no describing how good it felt, again I found myself fighting my tears.  But this time the tears were tears of joy, from an act of such pure kindness.  Thank you, Rick.  I truly felt touched by God on Saturday, and He used you to do His work.

As I go to bed tonight, our team has raised just short of $3,000 ($2,965), almost 25% of our goal.  All the stories of each and every one of those donations leaves me feeling completely overwhelmed...in a great way.  I wish I could describe the feeling.  I am blown away.

We're Having a Party!!!!

Hey all,  The RACKonteurs are having a fundraising party for the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure on Friday, June 24 from 5pm-10pm in St. Paul.  We will request a $12 donation at the door and will provide beer, soda, and food.  There will be a silent auction featuring tons of sports memorabilia, MN Twins Champions Club tickets (best seats at Target Field, free food and drinks at the game!), a whole lot of gift certificates and more!!  We will also have a raffle for a free 2-hour City Cycle Tour for you and 14 of your friends!  The City Cycle will also be giving rides around downtown St. Paul at the party.  Everyone is welcome.  If you can't attend but would still like to help, click on the image of our group at the top of the blog to donate or visit www.the3day.org and search for us by name or team, The RACKonteurs.  Hope to see everyone there!