Not just Surviving - Thriving! Life Beyond Breast Cancer...

2012-02-08T17:31:00.000-08:00

You never know what kids are thinking at any age. Remember back to your childhood about some of the perceptions that you had? I didn't realize that my 15 year old daughter, Alexa, had any fears about cancer until recently. Of course, when I was first diagnosed there was a lot of fear, but then we got through the tough times and healed and life seems mostly normal again. This winter Alexa had an extremely sore throat like she had never experienced before. She was feeling her neck and felt swollen lymph nodes. She confessed to me that she was extremely worried -- upon inquiry why, I learned that she feared she had cancer. I told her it was most certainly not cancer and asked her why she would think that. She said, "mom, it is everywhere. Your mom, you, so many of our friends and even Emma. Why wouldn't I be afraid it could be me too?" Emma, for those of you who don't know is the daughter of the Treasurer of the Tough Warrior Princesses. Emma is 8 years old and fighting Neuroblastoma. I was so shocked that Alexa saw things as she did - yes, I understand why she does, but she always seems oblivious and happy and I never would have guessed her fears. The good news in this story is that we brought her to the pediatrician who declared .... Strep Throat!! Alexa was so happy she bounced out of the Dr.s office.

I have mentioned before on this blog that Alexa is planning to do the Komen 3-Day walk with our team this year. She will be 16 this summer and officially old enough to participate in the walk! She is officially a Tough Warrior Princess! I can vouch for the part where she is a Princess, I will have to provide updates on whether she really is a Tough Warrior... You do have to be tough and committed to raise the minimum $2,300 and do the training! Sure, she is in great shape, but walking 60 miles if your body is not used to walking long distance can be painful. A lot of walking is required just to harden off your feet so you are less suseptible to blisters. We'll see if she can handle the early morning training walks....

What she has impressed me with thus far are her fundraising efforts. Last week she painted the Amesbury High School Pink!!! She and a group of friends in the Peer Leaders group organized and did a bake sale, sold bracelets and candy. She is also selling pink ribbons to write an honor or/memory of name on them. She will walk the 60 miles with all of those ribbons. I am so proud of the work and commitment she has shown to this cause. She doesn't have final totals but it looks like $600 was raised after expenses. I know she will get to her $2,300 goal and easily surpass it!! Go ALEXA!!!

The Tough Warrior Princesses have been very busy! The Komen firestorm has been troubling. I just don't want to see decisions made politically. I personally didn't care either way that a small amount of funding wasn't being sent to Planned Parenthood - only because they don't do mammograms anyways. I just want to see the money going to research. I have personally experienced as have so many of my friends the life saving trials and benefits of research. But we need so much more. For that reason, I will continue to walk for Komen each year. When you have Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, every bit of research counts.

But, that leads me up to the importance of our non-profit organization - The Tough Warrior Princesses. I'm not sure how many actually realize that we are an official non-profit. Our mission is not to fund research -- as obviously we don't have the means for such huge endeavors at this point. We just want to make a difference locally in the life of women and their families battling any type of cancer. Whether it is financial help for those in need, funding treatments or emotional help. Small things can make a huge difference in the life of someone battling cancer.

The Princesses have also been meeting to plan our fundraising efforts for the year.

Please mark your calendars for our 3rd Annual Dance Like a Princess Silent Auction on May 19th at the St. Joseph's hall in Amesbury. If you have or know of anyone that could donate items for the auction, it would be greatly appreciated! Businesses willing to make a contribution will be highlighted in our brochure for the evening, on our website and on our Facebook page.

Lastly, check out www.toughwarriorprincess.com. We are now selling Tough Warrior Princess memberships. Becoming a member can be nothing more than a show of support. It is your choice. You can use your talents to help make someone's journey easier -- cooking meals, rides to chemo, fundraising, etc. We want to build a network of funds and people to really make a difference.

And for me the best news of all -- Tomorrow I am celebrating 3 Years Cancer Free!!! It is a gift that I don't take for granted.

Blessings!

Patty

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

New Year's thoughts.. thought I might learn to cook in 2012.... No, just kidding. Not where my efforts belong and it sounds like torture. I have had the last week of the year off and due to Mike's recent ACL surgery on his knee there is no skiing for us, so we have been home. Most of the week I haven't felt great. The stomach bug has ripped through everyone I know, but I seem to have escaped the extreme of it. I just felt off for days on end. I spent those days cleaning closets and organizing in hopes of feeling more in control and organized in my life. I have had some time to be still and ponder and reflect and think about how to energize for 2012. I wish I could say I came up with something amazing, but really haven't. We think of the new year as a new start and it is and I'm looking forward to a new year ... but every day is a new start and a new opportunity.

For 2012, I plan to keep myself surrounded by those who enrich my life. The people and thoughts you surround yourself with, in my opinion, make a huge difference in your life. What are your plans for 2012? Put it out there - so we can all hold each other up!

The Tough Warrior Princesses have been on a break and need to re-focus and energize. It is definitely a cycle and knowing what to do next is a challenge. The line between the passion and the amount of work that it takes and knowing when to get out of people's faces is always in the thought process. There has been so much happiness and sadness this year for our group. Above all we have built a support system like none other. I look forward to our 2012 experience and doing all the things we need to walk 60 miles again as well as growing the Tough Warrior Princess non-profit and helping and supporting those in need.

Thank you for reading and supporting me! The connections I have made from this blog are astounding and I appreciate each and every one.

I wish you all the best 2012!!! Where hopefully we all take small steps to embrace our experiences and work to improve our lives and the lives of everyone around us.

Blessings,

Patty

Stressed?!!!

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

This time of year starts to get crazy for all of us. Thanksgiving is in the air and Christmas around the corner. The calendars fill up with events - both ones that we are happy and not so happy about. The to-do lists grow longer. I know this time of year is always more stressful for me.

We all know what stress can do to our immune system. The studies conflict, but stress is linked to cancer and tumor growth. Being a stressed Type A person by nature I am in constant battle with the stress reaction as it is very real in how it affects my body. I believe that stress is a huge cause of inflammation in the body and that causes many, many physical ailments.

I had considered myself doing quite well with my stress response, and keeping things in perspective. Lately, not so much. The house has been torn up as we try to put new floors in 3 rooms upstairs, work is busy, family is busy, there is worry about health and circumstances of family and friends and it goes on and on. So I am trying to reel it all in and get things back in perspective and focus on the moment and not worry about the details of later or tomorrow.

Well, that is easier said than done!!! Here are my top stress relievers:

Exercise Always - I exercise consistently whether walking, running or doing bootcamp. I know, however, that this time of year is when it is easier to skip workouts because of the calendar, the cold, the dark, etc.... I am trying to keep this to a minimum this year. Every time I exercise, I am thankful that I CAN exercise. My body is healthy and strong and knowing that gets me through the toughest workouts. I try to remember the days when I couldn't exercise or thought I never would again and that puts me in the grateful mode. I feel GREAT afterwards and the stress levels are definitely down as a result.

Breathe Deeply - I have stopped a few times lately just to breathe. I notice that I barely breathe. I am consciously trying to take a few deep breaths throughout the day. A large inhale, hold it for a bit and then exhale it all out slowly. It is an instant calmer.

Keep Perspective - on the big picture, on the little things - on everything.. Enough said!

Connections - I try to stay connected consistently to the people who enhance my life. It's easy to let life take over, but there is never an excuse! Venting to a friend, sharing a story, just saying hello - it always helps. I also try to make a small difference is someone else's life as often as possible. A smile, a kind word, showing some empathy. I am also always focused on new connections and how those connections can change your life.

I am interested in some feedback here. What do YOU do to minimize stress? My latest attempt is a stab at testing to see if reducing/eliminating white sugar and flour changes my stress levels -- amongst other benefits I am looking for. It's been a couple of weeks and the results are not in. I will keep you posted.

Here's to a less stressed holiday season for us all!

Blessings,

Patty

PATTY

http://www.pattys3day.blogspot.com

An October Update....

2011-10-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

In my last blog post(a long time ago), I talked about the inspiration and beauty of the 3 Day walk and what it's like to be surrounded by people all fighting for the same cause. Magical.

A few weeks ago me and 3 other Tough Warrior Princesses, Cheryl, Sherri and Jody all traveled to Washington D.C. to volunteer to work the 3-Day walk there. We volunteered for traffic control. We flew into D.C. early Thursday morning in order to be there the day before the walk started so that we could attend "crew" meetings that instructed us what we would be responsible for over the coming 3 days. Our Traffic Control duties seemed like they shouldn't be too difficult and we were hoping to get the opportunity to cheer on walkers. Well.... our duties as traffic control were a bit harder than imagined. To say that we were soaked, muddy, tired beyond anything I have experienced would be an understatement.

The weekend was wrought with emotion as Jody experienced a loss in her family while we were away. Our teammate Maurine was facing new treatment for her advancing breast cancer that Monday, and our thoughts never went far from another teammate and her beautiful young daughter, who are experiencing some extremely tough times.

Arriving home, I don't think I have ever been so happy. Seeing Mike standing in the terminal waiting as we arrived from our flight was the highlight of my weekend for sure!

It was a long weekend spent for a cause so near and dear to my heart. I was challenged physically and emotionally. The three women I shared the experience with were my rocks. I'm honored to have done this with them. I'm very glad to have had the experience. Thank you and congratulations to all the D.C. walkers! $7 Million raised!!! I will tell you it is much easier, in my opinion, to walk 60 miles then Crew the event. I think I'd even walk 120 Miles!

The next day, I had the opportunity to take Maurine (fellow Tough Warrior Princess) into Dana Farber to start a Phase I trial treatment. Maurine has been in trial treatment before, but not Phase I. We arrived at 7:45 in the morning and stayed until 8:15 that evening. To say that Maurine is a guinea pig would be an understatement. We spent the day on the research floor - Maurine had tests run in the a.m. and then, once cleared had her first treatment of this new trial. After each weekly treatment that Maurine will now receive, she then has to spend 8 hours in the research lab having heart and blood tests. She is one of 16 women in the entire world enrolled to this trial. It was an eye opening experience... scary, exciting and interesting. Side effects? Drug interactions? Well some are known, but lots aren't. She is the research! Despite what the circumstances were, Maurine and I had a great day. (at least I think she had a great day - I know I did - but I wasn't the guinea pig.) We laughed a lot, because if you know Maurine, she can make any circumstance comical. It wasn't all laughter, as we talked a lot about life and how unfair it can be. But if you put your situation in perspective, it usually isn't all that bad. Maurine bounced around the Dana Farber building entertaining her chemo nurses from the prior trial and even entertaining her oncologist. She opined about her thoughts on the cure. Of course, she always has a new idea brewing!!

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I must say this. In watching Maurine deal with the side effects of the trial, about getting bad news of another friend with late stage metastatic breast cancer, in remembering it is the month I lost my young mother to breast cancer 17 years ago on her 25th Wedding anniversary...

It seems to me that we often make a breast cancer diagnosis look easy. Look at the images on TV, all the talk of survivors, all the pretty pink.... I know that I have always been vocal about the bright side of my experience and always say in some strange way it has changed me for the better. It has and I am grateful and I live differently now. But, going through it was Hell for me and my family and friends. There is nothing uplifting or pretty about it, as with any and all cancers. It is not a feel good experience. Yes, there are better treatments than their were 17 years ago when I lost my mom... but there is NO CURE. That is what needs to be focused on not just in October and not just breast cancer.

Having got that off my chest....

We have also spent our time recently in the Mellon family raising funds for Juvenile Diabetes for the walk that Katie and her 'Krew' did in Boston on October 2nd. The following weekend we continued our fundrasisisng efforts as we hosted the Roberta Mellon Memorial Tournment at the Amesbury Golf & Country Club. The tournament was a great success and we are blessed with some great friends and family. Looks like about $4,000 was raised after expenses. Most of the money will go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a portion will also go to the Amesbury High School Golf team. It was great to have some members of the golf team present and playing in the tournament. The local business community of support was fantastic!

Our Tough Warrior Princess Team training continues for the upcoming October 30th Komen 5k Race for the Cure. 9 weeks ago, we started a Couch to 5k running program and the turnout was amazing. We have runners and walkers at all levels and since we are training at the track, we can all run our different paces while motivating one another to continue. We will continue training and will be running as Team Tough Warrior Princess on October 30th in Boston. If you are interested in running, sign up and become a Princess. The more the merrier!

The Princesses got together this past weekend for a night out. I was so nice connecting with some that I don't get to see as often as I would like. It seems that everyone on this team somehow plays off one another and each person is a better person as a result. Going into the 2011 walk, I was worried that a team of 32 people really couldn't share the close bonds like a team of 10 did -- How wrong I was!

Finding the Right Words.....

2011-07-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

It is such a dilemna trying to find words fitting to describe to you what my experience at the 3-Day was like. There really aren't words to do it justice and I had forgotten just how breathtaking the whole experience is. I did not think my feeling about the 3-Day would ever compare to last year, after all, we had the extra excitement of a film crew following us everywhere last year - how could the excitement be the same? It was!!! There is something magical about 2,000 people all getting together and doing something extraordinary for a cause that is so near and dear to us.

Since the inception of starting the Tough Warrior Princesses there truly has been nothing but magic in everything. So many things have happened and you scratch your head and wonder..... Coincidence? I think NOT!!

Walking this year, Day 1 was one HOT experience, so hot, that they had to close the route down after mile 10 and bus us back to camp. A logistical nightmare if you think about the number of walkers that suddenly needed transportation. I would have liked to continue to walk, but I think it was very smart for Komen to close the route. Many people were hospitalized from heat exhaustion. So we spent the afternoon in the AC of a room in Gann Academy. It was nice to be able to cool down a bit. Most of us used this time to read the mail we had received at camp. I am at a loss to describe the number of tears shed from the letters I received. Thank you to those who sent them - it may seem silly, but when you are in the situation, it is incredible to receive the love and positive support.

On Day 2 the most memorable moments were at the cheering station set up by the Tough Warrior Princesses' family and friends. Thank you to McCue Garden Center in Woburn for letting us use your parking lot and providing watermelons for us to give out to walkers on the route! Day 2 was tough for me in the a.m. as we walked through downpours and thunderstorms - I do not like thunderstorms and was a bit nervous - but survived! The end of day 2 culminated with my friend and teammate, Maurine Turcotte delivering a speech to the 2,000 walkers and crew in attendance. It was both funny, as Maurine always is, and extremely emotional, as Maurine delivered a most memorable talk standing with her two young sons. She ended with... "When someone asks you what you did this weekend, you tell them you gave a mother from Amesbury a little more time with her children and husband." Maurine is in treatment for the rest of her life, as her cancer is metastatic. She is on weekly trial treatments now and these trials are funded in part by what we do. We don't have time, we need the research and the answers NOW.

Another huge part of the 3Day experience is visiting the Remembrance Tent. Alexa and I and many from our team all went together. In the tent are pictures of those walkers we have lost (so many - sooo young) and a tent and where you write messages. I need only say that the somberness and connectedness of these moments is utterly life changing. I watched Maurine's youngest son write a message and Alexa write a message to my mom, whom she never got to meet. These children as so wise beyond their years.

Day 3 started off with.... more Rain! But it quickly turned into a beautiful day. I spent the day walking primarily with my family teammates, Bob, Cheryl and Sue. It meant so much to me to be with them all day and share the experience. We walked pretty fast and got to our lunch stop early so that we could spend a lot of time with our families. Mike brought in Katie and Bob and Cheryl's boys and my brother, Ashley, came in with Olivia. And of course, my Dad! Dad, once again, was at every cheering station and lunch stop possible. He was everywhere! I don't know how he does it.

Leaving from lunch was with the entire team of 32! We had 3 miles to the finish line to walk together as a complete team. More magic. As we walked with our Tough Warrior Princess sign with our survivors holding the sign. A stunning moment came when Jeff Hollett, fellow walker and Iraq soldier, who walks in memory of his sister, asked our team to form a circle of trust around him. With our backs facing inward, he changed into his pink fatigues and our team broke out into singing God Bless America. God Bless you, Jeff, for defending our country and defending the memory of your sister. Boston would not have been the same without you this year.

Next came walking past an area where all the Pink Angels and Cup Crusaders, the 2 largest teams in Boston, were gathered waiting for their teammates. As the Tough Warrior Princesses approached, they all stood up and started clapping and cheering us on. What an honor that was. So many of us have formed forever friendships with these incredible teams and the love, respect and energy was breathtaking! We honor you and thank you!

On into the finish line we marched with tears of sadness and joy. Standing next to the 5 other survivors on our team holding our banner was so incredible. Seeing Mike, Katie and my dad waiting there along with all other teammates family and friends was so fantastic... but the best part was that as we walked in they were "coincidentally" playing the Tough Warrior Princess theme song "I Gotta Feelin'"!!!

I also got another 1 minute of fame as I was interviewed by Fox News. Kind of wishing I didn't look like I had just walked 60 miles - but, hey, "it's all good!" My dad also appeared being interviewed on NECN, but we have been unable to find the footage posted anywhere, although people did see it on the news.

Closing ceremonies were so much fun. Katie and I got to be on stage as I held the My Daughter Flag. The great thing was that the TWP team came in first to closing so they were right in front of the stage. It was so cool to watch them all with the fun, the dancing and the somber emotion as the ceremonies unfolded and we all watched Maurine walk into the Survivor cirle on center stage. My favorite picture from the walk is of Katie and I on stage - the only flag that is in the picture is the My Mother flag. It is stunning to look at that picture of Katie and I and have "My Mother" right behind us. I'll take that as my sign that she was with us and always will be.

Thank you 2011 TEAM TWP!!! The 32 of us were magic! $108,000 and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have special memories of each and every person on the team. The struggles, the pain and the complete and utter fun. I am all signed up for the 2012 already! Alexa will also be walking with our team in 2012 and needs to raise her own $2,300. I am so proud of her commitment to this cause and stepping out to take on such a huge challenge! Click here to see Alexa's story and donation page.

As for the upcoming months, the Mellon Family is switching gears. We will walk in October for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. We have a golf tournament coming up to honor Roberta Mellon, who we lost almost one year ago to pancreatic cancer. Proceeds from the tournament will go to Juvenile Diabetes. If you are interested in playing in the tournament on October 7th or joining 'Katie's Krew' and participating in her 3 mile walk in Boston on October 2nd, please let me know. We would love to have a huge team to honor Katie and raise some more money and awareness for this cause.

Thank you for all your love and support!!

Forever grateful and forever changed,

Blessings,

Patty

It's time to Walk the Walk!

2011-07-14T04:50:00.000-07:00

The 3-Day is next weekend!! I have trained well and am so ready. Can't wait to share this time with 30 others on our team that have made such a huge commitment. It is very impressive! All have met their minimums and are ready to go. Committing to raise $2,300 and walk 60 miles is not as easy as it may sound. The hours of training and the fundraising work is no small feat. Once again, Kudos to each and every one of you on the Tough Warrior Princess team. My sole sisters! We had a goal at the beginning of our fundraising of $100,000. We are so close to the goal!!!! Thank you to everyone for the amazing support!!! I am just amazed at the dedication!

Want to attend an event that will most certainly motivate and move you?! Come cheer us on at our private TWP cheering station at McCue the Florist parking lot on Saturday July 23 from 10am–2:15pm. It is located at 200 Cambridge Street, Woburn on the corner of Rte 3 and Lexington St next to the 99 Restaurant. Or consider coming to closing ceremonies on Sunday. The closing of this event is beautiful and we would love to see all of our friends and family there. The ceremonies are held at UMASS Boston in Dorchester. More details to follow as they become available.

I mostly can't wait to share this time with my daughter, Alexa. Alexa is part of the walk again this year, as she once again has the opportunity to be part of the Komen Youth Corp. She has raised $1,500 and will spend the 3 days working the event. Working the event is harder than walking the event. These kids are up before the walkers and work not just during the walk but before and after. They do so many different chores and also do a lot of cheering and kind things for the walkers. Alexa is perfect at the cheering part. My favorite part of the day is when I get to see her at a rest station or cheering station. Her smile and constant enthusiasm just melt me. I am so happy she partakes in this event with me. The best part of the entire 3 Day for me is when each of the Youth Corp kids get up on stage and talk about why they are there - it is extremely moving. This should be Alexa's last year of participating in the Youth Corp, as next year she will be 16 and will be old enough to be a walker.

I have been given the honor of carrying the My Daughter flag into the opening and closing ceremonies this year!! How proudly will I carry that flag?!! Because Alexa will be working the event, she won't get to walk with me as I carry the flag, but Katie will!! This is so significant for me, as I know my mother would be proud of us, her daughter and granddaughters for what we are doing. I will be so happy to have Katie by my side. Katie, who is the very example of strength and determination and facing a tough situation with grace. Katie just "celebrated" her 3 year anniversary of being diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. And yes, we did celebrate because Katie is well and is able to do everything she wants to! I never want my daughters to have to face a breast cancer diagnosis like me and my mom had to. Every step with that flag stands for the determination that I have to keep going until there is a cure.

My brother, Bob, is also walking the event this year and that too means so much to me. He is such a trooper. Being on a team and training with 30 women as the sole Prince can't be easy. We are all pretty strong, opinionated women and he has to put up with a lot. The work he has done for us is over the top. He handles all of our technical fundraising needs, just check out our website for a sample of his work. The fact that he is walking in this event to honor his mother and his sister is just awesome. There aren't many men on the route and I am so glad he will be one of them!

And lastly, but certainly not least. MY DAD!!! My dad is my biggest fan. Many of you reading this know that - because you have to listen to him gush about me - but I love that he is so proud. My dad goes nowhere without my business cards and the Video flyers. Heck, he was sick in the hospital passing them out to every nurse and doctor or person that would listen. He is also the biggest fan (well, next to Sherri's husband and family - the Ziomeks) along the route. For the entire 3 days that I walked my dad showed up at every cheering station and was there the entire way. My dad is 80 years young and the heat last year was so extreme - but that certainly didn't stop him. Last year he also had custom designed silver necklaces made for each team member with the princess logo engraved. Having lost a wife to breast cancer and then watching your daughter go through it all cannot be an easy thing. Thanks for always being there for me dad!! I love you!

Blessings!

Patty

Facing Challenges and Fears -

2011-06-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

The walk is getting close and training is in high gear. This past weekend was the back to back 18 mile / 15 mile training walk weekend. Although, due to most of us doing or volunteering at the Warrior Dash all day Saturday, there are some of us who did not get both walks in. This is the best time, the fundraising is wrapping up and the focus goes to training for and getting excited for our 3 Day walk. What I enjoyed most last year and am again this year is watching those that have never walked such high miles use their strength and determination to go the distance. Pushing through pain, making the time to do it and just going for it. I love watching the transformation. My vote for Warriors of the week for walking go to Barbara and Melanie. The two women have inspired me to challenge myself further. Love the heart you two have! Our training walks have been a blast and it is just fun getting the miles in and getting to know new teammates. We really have a great team!

Oh, wait, other Warriors from our team -- Cheryl, Bob, Julie, Marion, Sandy S, Sandy G, all the ladies from Synergy Fitness and ME! We did the Warrior Dash, a crazy mud filled 3 mile obstacle course through hilly woods, on Saturday. Not only did we finish, but at the end there is a very high roped wall you need to climb up and come over. It was the scariest thing I have ever done and near the top I knew I had completely lost my mind. But I came to do the race to face some fears and this was the biggest fear -- (well the whole mud everywhere thing was scary too) Sitting at the top trying to decide if I should just back down the way I had gotten up or take the leap and step over it and turn around and come down, I really had to struggle. I was shaking like crazy, looking down with my mud soaked body and sneakers and hands, and thought what if I slip? Then came the surge .... I CAN do this!! It was awesome!!! I got to the bottom and watched Cheryl conquer the same fears and were so proud of how far the 2 of us have come in the last two years! It was great... But I am still trying to get the dirt out from under my toenails. Yuck!!!

The TWP team had committed to providing 50 volunteers to staff the Warrior Dash and I just feel honored at the people who turned out to help us. These crazy women showed up at 6 in the morning in the downpours and thunderstorms. Amazing!!! I think the people who ran the race had it easier than these volunteers who were completely soaked and spent their day working hard. Thank you so much to my friends who did this! There are no words for how I felt when I saw the sheer numbers of you and felt the positive energy! Another $2,000 raised for Team Tough Warrior Princess!!

Alexa is once again on the Youth Corp. for the 3 Day walk. This means she is one of 20 children who will be working very hard those 3 Days at any task that needs doing. Cheering on participants and spreading love. I think this is harder than the walking 60 mile thing. I am so proud of her for raising the money, sharing the experience with me and taking on this challenge again. We also have Dylan and Tyler Turcotte on Youth Corp. and I know they will rock it!

Team TWP is almost at $90,000 so far this year and that doesn't count what our Youth Corp. has raised as well as other funds that are going towards the mission of the TWP. We are well on our way to our $100,000 2011 Goal and our official Non-Profit status.

My challenge for you this week - pick one fear and face it in some way. Leave a comment -- what is your fear and how will you take a step to face it. It really is empowering!

Blessings!

A Story of Heroes!

2011-05-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

There are heroes everywhere, but I have found some truly outstanding ones. In my blog last year, I wrote the story of Kelsey, a young girl who had been severly abused until she was 3, when she was adopted by two Heroes - Heidi and Peter. Heidi and Peter have helped mold Kelsey into one of the most amazing young ladies I have ever met. I met Kelsey for the first time last year when Kelsey had a birthday party and donated all of her gifts to my 2010 Komen walk. $1,000! This year, Kelsey and Heidi endured the most unimaginable loss - Peter passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack. This man was the picture of health. He was in great physical shape. He was a true hero -- not just to Heidi and Kelsey, but to so many others. After making a huge donation to my walk last year, Peter turned to my daughter, Katie and handed her a large donation to her upcoming Juvenile Diabetes walk. Peter had previously lost his brother to Juvenile Diabetes. He was so compassionate, kind and understanding.

This year, after just losing her father, Peter, I was shocked to learn that Kelsey was again going to do a birthday party and donate the proceeds to my 2011 Komen walk. Kelsey just turned 11.... and suffered the worst year. Yet she still wants to do something outside herself in an effort to cure breast cancer. Kelsey was impacted by a teacher in her school who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Kelsey started planning her party and that's where more heroes come into the story. Asha, a friend of Kelsey's with a birthday at the same time asked if she could join in. Kelsey and Asha combined their parties and asked that all gifts be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. WOW. Asha is just turning 10 and already is learning what is important. I'm so grateful to Asha for joining in and making the event even bigger. Then, there are Asha's parents. Chris and Mahdu - obviously heroes - they are raising a great girl. I remember meeting Mahdu at last year's party - she is a special woman.

At the party, everyone wore the same TShirts, breast cancer headbands and beads. It was a stunning event with tons of kids. It was held at CoCo Key Water Resort. Asha and Kelsey had made a gift bag for me with breast cancer items inside. My favorite item is my pink rubber survivor bracelet, which I now wear every day. It reminds me of what it means to be a survivor. Being a survivor means never giving up, making the most of whatever is dealt to you and turning it into the best example you can possibly make it. Heidi and Kelsey are not only heroes, they are true survivors.

Thank you to my heroes - Kelsey and Asha, Chris and Mahdu and dear Heidi and of course, Peter, who I will never forget.

The money is still coming in from the Birthday party.... but the total raised so far by these young ladies is.... $2,160. Now, if 2 young girls can raise that much money in 1 day, what can we all do if we put our minds to it?

Thank you Kelsey and Asha. You are in my heart forever!

Blessings,
Patty

Tales of an Aging Princess.... Growing Better!

2011-05-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Another trip around the sun... it doesn't seem possible. So I just celebrated my 43rd bday, only the funny thing is, for some reason I thought I was 43 all last year, so this feels like a bonus!

Birthdays can be like a cancer diagnosis ~ you face your mortality and at the same time people come out of the woodwork to wish you well and although you may be thinking how old you are you remember the gifts in your life. The people. You reflect on the good and the bad. Some of us choose to look at the bright side and others only see the dark. What I have learned since cancer and facing yet another birthday -- LIVE life. So many people don't ever start living because they are too afraid or will do it tomorrow. I have decided that any time I want to do something, yet some little reason holds me back -- just DO IT!! Take your fear that is holding you from your good and STOMP on it. Now, I haven't done anything crazy, but I make many conscious decisions every day to push ahead with something even when my old self is telling me to hide or back away.

The morning of my birthday we were doing a team training walk. The girls arrive and I'm showered with well wishes, gifts and of course, a tiara. It was a beautiful sunny morning and as we are walking up a hill everyone seems to stop and tell me to look -- I was busy fiddling with my phone and paying no attention. I look up and in the woods is a sign with my picture on it! Sherri had made TONS of signs, as I was soon to find out and they were all posted strategically around our walk route. Each sign had our Princess logo, a pictue of me and words of wisdom or wit. Sherri and Cheryl had spent the morning posting each sign - Crazy girls!!! Of course, Jody came equipped with her camera and the fun we had! I confirmed what I already knew about myself... I don't always pay attention to small details. There was not one sign along the route that I noticed first, w/out someone slowing down or stopping so that I would. And these signs were not small or bland.... Big and colorful and awesome, just like our team. Thanks ladies!!! Best bday gift ever!

Some of us from our team went out and did the 20 Mile Walk for Hunger in Boston this weekend. It was a fantastic day and a great training walk. We also celebrated another team member and young survivor's birthday along the walk - Tina Journeay. Happy Birthday Tina and thanks for spending it with us! The Boston walk was a nice change of scenery from walking the streets of Amesbury.

Our training walks are ramping up and any given weekend if you drive around Amesbury, Merrimac or Newburport you are likely to spot a group of very dedicated walkers in training.

Dance Like a Princess Silent Auction is planned and coming together. We have over 130 auction items -- please don't miss this!! We have everything from spa's to sporting events, family photos to airline tickets, restaurants to boat cruises. We have many Boston and other North Shore items this year as well. I could go on and on. The items are AMAZING! Come out and show your support. We have spent a lot of time putting this together. It means so much when you see a friend walk through the door. The support is what makes it possible. To get your tickets you can contact me or go to www.toughwarriorprincess.com and purchase them right on line. Please don't wait!!! We want to see your smiling face at this event.

Tough Warrior Princesses are well on their way to being a NonProfit. Our official mission statement is: "The Tough Warrior Princessses are committed to raising funds for breast cancer research, educating and enlightening the public on the need to find a cure, and providing support to local women and their families impacted by cancer."

(We are trying to get the word out to find an attorney to help. If you know of anyone capable and willing to donate some time to a great cause, let me know)

This weekend I have two amazing young girls, Kelsey and her friend Asha, who are having their birthday parties and donating all of the proceeds to my walk. The party is at CoCo Key Water Resort. Many of you will recall my blog post from a year ago highlighting Kelsey's unique and stunning story. This year, it means even more, as she has recently lost her father. I am so excited to be able to spend this day with them! I'll be sure to update soon to let you know how it goes.

Last, but not least, Congratulations to Sherri Ziomek, Breast Cancer Survivor, TWP Captain and Great Friend. She celebrated 5 Years Cancer Free! She is a shining example of hope. Here's to many more years of those types of anniversaries!

Blessings!

Service Above Self.... Thank you Haverhill Rotary!

2011-03-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

On March 10th, Sherri and I had the honor of speaking at the Haverhill Rotary Club. What a welcoming group! Thank you to Chuck Traver and the Haverhill Rotary for the opportunity. We are most grateful.

As the Rotary went through their business meeting before we spoke, one of the members stood up and announced she was happy to be back after some months away from the group. She explained that she had been battling breast cancer. She proudly announced her move into survivorship and the group welcomed her back with great applause.

When Sherri and I got up to speak, I was so overcome with emotion... I was looking at the survivor in the group and was just overwhelmed with it all. Thoughts of my mom, our teammate Maurine (with metastatic bc), my other YOUNG survivor teammates and this new survivor just bowled me over. I know I am immersed in the bc world, but it seems epidemic to me. I am so happy, though, that a group like the Rotary is so open to hearing what we have to say.

Sherri and I talked, not about our disease, but about HOPE and the ability to make a difference. We were able to play our video Walk Like a Princess for the group and it definitely had the impact I thought it may. I noticed some tears in the audience. Of course, Rotarians know firsthand the ability to make a difference. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. Enough said.

Team update - We are now 30 members strong! If you haven't checked out the updated website, please do! www.toughwarriorprincess.com

On the website you can purchase your tickets to the May 14th Dance Like a Princess event.

We also have a new section on the website for Upcoming Events and Other Ways to Help. We have interesting ways in which you can help outside of the traditional donation. We are looking for event volunteers for the Warrior Dash on 6/25 (you can sign up online) and we have an Avon event from the 18th to the 28th of March, where we will be making 50% of everything purchased.

I just went out for my first official training run of the spring. Gotta get this body in shape for the Warrior Dash!

Happy Spring!

Blessings,
Patty

The people in our lives help shape our lives ....

2011-03-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

I believe certain people are in our lives for a reason. I also believe that the people we choose to surround ourselves with help determine who we are and how we behave and view adversities. We can look at adversity and face it head on and overcome it in the best way possible or we can let those situations overcome us.

This past week I spent some time with two true Tough Warrior Princesses. I have neatly labeled myself a Tough Warrior Princess and to me, I am so much tougher than I ever thought I could possibly be, however, in most area's of my life, I truly have Princess status. I am married to the MOST wonderful man in the world. He lets me be a Princess and knows there are so many ways I am not tough and barely know what a warrior is. When my car breaks down, the windshield washer fluid gets low, a light goes out in the house, the cat pukes, an appliance breaks - not a worry - Mike will take care of it. I am helpless! I can't imagine taking care of a home on my own. And he is a great cook too!!

My friends Lisa and Sue - they are Tough! Both are single mom's with teenage children. Yes, I knew they were both intelligent, accomplished and strong; but I did not know the extent of it. Mike and I rented a house with them up in Stowe to ski during February vacation week. I watched these two women all week and they showed me what it means to be tough. Sue's car transmission blew right before the trip and she had to deal with not only how to get it fixed while she was away, but to figure out how to pay for such a huge unexpected expense. Yet, she skied and her kids skied and they dealt with it; and she was a blast to be around. I got a glimpse into Sue's life and I am in awe of what a great mother she is and how extremely hard she works. She has to deal with stuff that I would never know how to deal with on my own. Then there is Lisa, who I have known a lot longer. Lisa took care of Alexa for me since Alexa was very young. I always knew how strong and independent she was. I am so happy that Lisa has had such a huge influence on Alexa's life, what a great example! Lisa always finds a way to make things happen. She never sits back and always has a plan. I watch her work two jobs and raise 3 amazing children and own her own home. Her children, unknowingly still, are so blessed. That she finds ways to afford to always take them on the special trips that will define their childhood memories and be a great role model.

I'm speaking for Lisa and Sue here, but life hasn't gone exactly as planned for either of them, yet they are stunning examples of strength and positive action and certainly show me how to be better.

The official definition of a Tough Warrior Princess is a strong female personality, determined in the pursuit of her goals and often eager to do take on a typical 'man's work' like fighting wars or performing manual labor to accomplish those goals -- when of a royal backround, a woman warrior may be called a warrior princess.

I want part of the mission of the Tough Warrior Princesses to be to show women who are in tough situations that they can rise above. You can sit back and have the pity party and let life swallow you or you can decide to be the change by making it happen. Sometimes simply taking the focus off of yourself is the beginning of true change.

Sherri and I went to our oncology appointments together recently at Dana Farber. We have the same oncologist and coincidentally had appointments the same day. We were talking with our oncologist about the fact that New Balance had done the video and how we had recently set up the Tough Warrior Princesses as an organization and would be filing for non-profit status. This gives us room to direct funds we raise in other directions, besides just our Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walks. Our oncologist told us stories of the needs of women she sees every single day. She sees a lot of younger women who are either single or divorced with small support systems. Every day that they come in for treatment is a day out of work with no pay - which cannot be afforded. These younger women have trouble finding rides to treatment, as their circle of friends typically all are working as well and also cannot afford to take a day out. I remember how lucky I felt that I had not only a HUGE support system, but the luxury of taking time out of work and two layers of disability policies from which to draw. And, still, how hard it was to stay strong and face each of the steps of treatment and unknown outcomes. I surrounded myself with people who certainly let me have my down moments and pity parties, but each and every time they pulled me up by an example of strength and wisdom. (Call Cheryl if you want to know what an Un-Tough Warrior I was at moments of my journey)

I want to help women who don't have the support systems, who don't have the luxury of disability or the luxury of friends waiting in line to take them to chemo. Who have to deal with getting children to and from school or day care, when they can't. I'm sure some of these women have never had examples of what a Tough woman can do when she sets her mind to it and never had the luxury of being a princess.

I wish I could describe to you (I'm sure I will in another post) each of the women and my wonderful token male brother we have on the Tough Warrior Princess team this year. We are truly defining Tough Warrior Princess. Each person brings a whole new dimension to our team and I know that as a group we have the power to make a HUGE difference.

Lastly - but certainly not least -- please mark your calendars - Saturday, May 14th for the 2nd Annual Dance Like A Princess Silent Auction!!! Plans are well under way and tickets will soon be available for purchase directly from our website. It will be held from 7-12 in Amesbury at the Holy Family Parish Hall.

Thank you so much for your support!

Blessings!

Patty

2 Years - Cancer Free! Celebrating Life!

2011-02-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what can change in two years. Two years ago today, February 9th, I was in major surgery and facing the fight of my life. Knowing that once I was healed from the surgery, the chemo and a year of Herceptin treatments would begin. All that and Katie had also just been diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes. What a scary feeling and completely dark days those were. However, whenever we go through any tough times in our lives, that's when we first find inner strength and whatever we are lacking in inner strength and wisdom --- well, that's where our friends and family pick up the slack.

After this experience, I do believe that in our darkest times, we truly begin to learn how blessed we really are. You start to think of all the things you took for granted before and vow never, ever to take anything for granted again. One day everything is fine, yet you are stressed about some meaningless things and the next day you wish you could just go back to the absolute perfection of yesterday. It is a complete change of perspective in a major way.

I have read a couple of things lately that have made me sad, but also reflective. It's about the happy face survivors put on and the flowery world within which some live, when instead of spreading such a message, the reality is that cancer sucks. The articles basically said it is all a world of pretend and survivors needing to escape reality. I first took offense to that and then I started to think about why so many survivors do seem to be truly happier and feel more blessed than they were before. There is certainly truth to the fact that as survivors, we do need to escape reality. We can't live our lives looking at statistics and thinking about what might happen. But in my experience, I am truly happier and realize my blessings more than I ever did before. I have stopped worrying about a lot of the meaningless stuff I used to worry about, I thank God for my life each and every day, I feel much more connected to my friends and family and am much more willing to reach out of my circle and help someone else. I feel others pain and struggles so much more deeply now. I am much more open to live and experience life and take risks and challenges that I would not have taken before.

After feeling the love of my friends and family that truly have held my hand, washed my hair, watched me lose my hair, counseled, consoled, put up with rages and tears and just been there every step of the way, I will never, ever be the same. How can one not feel blessed? How can one not be ready to give back? Flowery? maybe.... but I feel like the moment I forget this experience or let it dull in my mind, that I could go back to being insensitive, stresssed and simply not aware and lacking the Hope that I now have.

I am two years cancer free and one year out of treatments!!! How can I not be filled with happiness and be forever grateful. I'm here. And since I am here - well, I am going to make a difference. Sunshine? Sure!!! Bring it on!!!

TEAM Update: Tough Warrior Princesses now have 24 team members ready to raise $2,300 each and walk 3 Days and 60 Miles. We had a team meeting the other night and what a great group of strong, motivated women. Planning is underway for a number of fundraisers, including our dance and silent auction that will hopefully be held May 14th. (We just need to confirm a venue) I was blessed enough to be able to volunteer at a Komen Get Started Meeting in Beverly and what a great experience. Many of the new Princesses came to this meeting and they were just awesome. I am truly surrounded by a team of women that are strong, faithful, loving, kind and READY to KICK SOME CANCER BUTT!!!

No one should have to go through what me and my family have been through. No one should have to go through what so many of my friends and acquaintances fighting this disease are going through. The realilty is that this disease, whether breast, prostate, lung, ovarian, pancreatic on and on and on is dreadful. It takes lives and ruins lives. We all need to take a stand and try to stop it.

Be MORE and Count your Blessings!!

A New Year, A New You!

2011-01-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

A New year.... it feels like a blank slate. It feels good, yet uncomfortable in some ways. I am proud of what I accomplished in 2010 and although it was not an easy year by any means, I feel good about the person I have come to be.

I have never really set New Year's resolutions before and I'm not sure I want to call my 2011 thoughts resolutions, but I guess if I don't I'm not commited to them and the list is long. Most of my resolutions are around just being a better person and paying it forward. I want to live more in the moment and have faith that everything is for a reason. I want to challenge myself with new things.

Last year I kept a log of my walking, running and general exercise. I tracked hours and miles. It was fun and challenging to be sure there weren't to many days that went by where I did nothing. It really helped keep me motivated the entire year - which is definitely a first! This year I have also created a log and simply want to surpass what I did in 2010. I have read so many articles about exercise and the evidence showing that it lowers your chance of a recurrence for breast cancer. I want to be sure I am always doing everything in my power to prevent this disease from ever returning to my body. I'm building my armour - by diet and exercise and thoughts.... and also by doing what my doctor tells me and taking the med they tell me to take.

I am so looking forward to this year's 3 Day walk. We have 18 Princesses officially signed up and a few more that have committed, but just not signed up yet. It is AWESOME!!! These women are beyond fantastic. It is a great group with a lot of heart and spirit and we are ready to take on the world. We are looking for effective ways to fundraise - as that is the important piece of this whole thing. It is difficult hitting family and friends - especially year after year. I am hoping to find ways to get businesses involved in our cause and find a win-win scenario. I have been blessed already by the support of many businesses for my 2011 walk and am so thankful. Any ideas and thoughts that anyone has would be so welcomed!! We also have a few people that have volunteered their time and talents to help our fundraising efforts. They don't want to walk, but want to be involved in the cause and we are so grateful. Our first task is to find a hall to hold our May 2011 Silent Auction and Dance. I think we have outgrown the Lafayette Club, unfortunately. They were so kind to donate the hall to us, it made for an effective fundraiser.

My teammate Sherri Ziomek and I will both be involved in a few of the Get Started meetings for Komen. If you are thinking of doing the walk this year, attending one of these meetings is a great way to learn about the event and what is involved if you decide to sign up. If you would like more information, please let me know. The meetings are in January and February.

What are your resolutions this year? Take a step and be more than you thought you could ever be and then take a moment to Pay it Forward.
Wishing you well in 2011!!!

Blessings!
Patty

Define yourself through Stregth and Perseverance - not your difficulties!

2010-11-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

We drove to N. Oxford, MA last night to drop Katie off at the Clara Barton diabetes camp, which has become an annual event for us. This is her 3rd year going there on a fall weekend they call, Wacky Weekend. This is a camp for children with Juvenille Diabetes to get together and relax, play, learn more about their disease and also to learn that they are not the only ones suffering from it. I think that remembering that you are not the only child is the best part of camp - a camp where having an insulin pump is almost required and where everyone needs to test their blood sugars every few hours. Where they can take a time out for a low or high blood sugar and not feel isolated, as each camper there knows what those things feel like and you aren't considered to be interrupting the activity at hand.

I know this weekend each year has helped me a lot. As it also reminds me that we aren't isolated in what we deal with as a family. A weekend, where as a mother, I get a break from diabetes..... and if you don't deal with it --- I can assure you that it is a 24/7 battle. A weekend off, I must admit, although I worry about her, it feels like a mini vacation.

Then I realize she doesn't get that vacation.... ever. It is 24/7. It makes me so sad.

That being said - we are grateful. Juvenile diabetes is manageable. Yes, there are long term complications, but we manage daily and Katie is HEALTHY! There are much worse things than that. I look to Katie as an example. She is the definition of strength and resiliency. She has never let her struggles impact her - her grades at school never slipped and if your blood sugar is high, it is impossible to concentrate or take a test. But somehow she does. She wears her pump and doesn't hide it - she is who she is. She never looks for an exception or a break. She has never backed off physical activities that can make the blood sugar go low. She just ran her first 5k and is currently playing on a travel basketball team. Watching Katie train for the 5k was the most inspiring thing I have ever witnessed. Now... I am not saying that she didn't complain, because she did --- BUT who doesn't complain when they are running?! I know I do constantly. As Katie trained almost every single training run involved a low or an asthma attack or both. Yet she would treat, wait and then GO! I know a lot of runs, I think most of us would have used that as an excuse to not complete the distance planned. Katie completed every training run!

Katie is the example of not letting a struggle define you and it has certainly made her a much stronger person. I think she will be a better person for having this disease and I think we should all look to not let our struggles define us and learn how to rise above. I guess that old saying what doesn't kill you makes you STRONGER!!!

Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they've got a second. ~William James

Blessings!
Patty

Taking a moment to be grateful and an update on 2011 Tough Warrior Priness Team

2010-11-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

TEAM TOUGH WARRRIOR PRINCESS 2011 is Forming! We had our first 2011 team meeting to begin preparing for fundraising and being ready for the 60 miles. It was very touching. We have 17 registered members thus far, and more that are very interested in joining. It is stunning to me the good that comes out of each person we add to the team. We also have people volunteering who just want to work behind the scenes to help us fundraise or help us with ideas and networking. It is humbling. It seems like absolute magic in action some days. Each person brings something new and teaches the group something different. We are working on lots of fundraising ideas and also a website. There is lots to do!

I would also like to take a moment to mention a wonderful event if you are local to the Amesbury area. It is the 2nd Annual "A Charitable Christmas"
Get your Christmas shopping started while supporting many different charities. 100% of all proceeds are donated and there are some wonderful crafters and vendors attending. There will also be raffles, music and h'ors d'oeuvres! The event is being held on Saturday, November 20th at 3 Palis Drive in Salisbury from Noon to 7 p.m hosted by Danielle Dahn. Please come check it out if you can!

In preparation for Thanksgiving I am spending some time reflecting on what I am grateful for and my gratitude always comes back to the people in my life - not just the obvious people such as my family and closest friends, but ALL of the people who touch my life.

There are certain people that come into our lives that really make an impact. Sometimes one interaction can alter the course of your life or change your belief systems and have you going in a whole new direction. It is interesting, too, the way people seem to pop into and out of our lives. I truly believe that each interaction serves a purpose and everyone around you is there for a reason.

When you touch someone's life, you may never know the impact or the chain reaction of impacts that it may have.

I challenge you to try to touch someone's life today in a positive way. You may be having the worst day or have a lot of problems in front of you, but know that you can make a difference to someone else - there is a lot of power in that. Once you have taken on the challenge and touched someone however small - please leave a comment here and see how collectively we are changing the world!

Blessings!

No Words.....

2010-10-06T05:13:00.001-07:00

"Walk Like a Princess"

So happy with the New Balance documentary on the Tough Warrior Princess team telling our Story. Thank you, New Balance, Marketing Drive, Element Productions and the TWPs!

Staying Strong and looking Ahead... and holding on to Memories....

2010-09-18T06:42:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, our family is going through a difficult time with the passing of Mike's mom, Roberta Mellon on September 15th. Thank you to everyone for the love and support. Cancer SUCKS! That is all I can say. We love you and will miss you, Bobbie.

Since my last post...

Went for my first follow up checkup with my oncologist at Dana Farber since ending treatment earlier this year. It was strange being back as someone just being followed, but not being treated. Scary thoughts tried to come up, but I reassured and rationalized with myself. I am healthy and cancer free. There is no evidence to the contrary.

I looked around at all of the other women young and old that were in the midst of it all. You could tell the ones that were there for initial consults by the paperwork they were filling out and the one's going for scans and the ones there to meet with their oncologist and go for treatment. I looked around at the support systems they brought... - the husbands, the friends, the family - each dealing with it in their own way. So many people go through that center in one day - just on the breast cancer floor -- it is unbelievable.

I sat there looking out the window of the 9th floor of the building with all of these thoughts running through my head. I was looking at the new Dana Farber building that they have been in the midst of building since I started going there. I have watched that building be built from it's foundation. Each appointment I had, some new phase of the building project was being started. I saw all of the inner beams of the building as the cranes lifted them and put them in place. On the main beams in neon paint are names painted big enough that you can see them from a ways away. I believe they are the names of children affected by and being treated at the Dana. I had the opportunity one day last winter to sign a beam in memory of my mother. The beams are all but covered up now. Now you can see the workers inside the building working in the stairwells and all over the building. I believe the building is slated to open in 2011. The Longwood Medical area in Boston seems to be thriving - it is so sad - the construction of new wings and new buildings to accommodate growing numbers of patients. Cancer patients. It is hard to believe how far that building has come in what seems like such a short time -- I feel the same way about myself and my journey. I am now more put together than I have ever been, I am strong, I have a bigger capacity to give of myself and I see a bright future ahead.

Are you wondering what is up with the Tough Warrior Princesses? We are having a reunion tomorrow (Sept. 19th) at Vicky's house. Although some of us see each other all of the time, there are others I haven't seen since our walk. I can't wait to feel the magic of what happens with the 10 of us get together. Good times!

We are working on the Oct. 1st "Pink Carpet Premiere" party to be held at the Lafayette Club at 7:00 p.m. in Amesbury. We have learned that our documentary is now complete and has been sent off to New Balance. There is a 10 minute film which will be posted on YouTube (will post the link once we have it) and used at Komen events for which New Balance is a sponsor. There is also a 90 second teaser film for New Balance Retail Stores and a 30 second spot in the works as well. They will be released on Oct. 1st and the Tough Warrior Princesses will be seeing it for the first time at the party! We hope that you are able to come join in the celebration of a beautiful journey with us. Please bring your friends. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door, as we are already fundraising for our 2011 60 Mile / 3 Day walk. We are hearing that our friends from the advertising agency, Marketing Drive will be there along with representatives from New Balance, YouTube and possibly Element Productions. The people that created this are truly spectacular and we hope to remain friends for a long time.

We are running a 5k as the Tough Warrior Prinesses on Sept. 25th in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Boston. We have all been training and have a lot of first time runners. It has been so much fun watching friends and family that had never run before take on this challenge and I can't wait to witness them conquer it. I have a new respect and love for each of you. Determination and a goal - you can do anything! If anyone is interested in joining the team and running or walking with us that day, please let me know. The more the merrier!!

The next day, Sept. 26th is Katie's walk for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Katie has raised over $1,000 towards her cause this year and we are so proud of her!!! If you ever want to see someone with strength and determination look no further than Katie. She is my HERO. Since the day she was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes 2 1/2 years ago, she has been dedicated to the cause. So far in these 2 1/2 years she has raised $8,500. She deals with constant blood sugar checks, highs, lows - nurses, doctors and parents who sometimes suffocate her. She handles it all with grace and rarely complains.

I will post another blog update soon letting you know how we fared at our Reunion, the 5k Race and the Juvenile Diabetes walk. And... to remind you again on the Pink Carpet Premiere.

Thank you for all the love and support!!

The Last 20 Miles and Beyond.....

2010-08-14T05:23:00.000-07:00

Waking up Day #3, I opened my eyes and thought - wow - I really slept good. It felt good to finally be rested and what a difference it made. I also slowly did inventory to see if each of my body parts could move and how sore they might be -- nothing hurt! Even my feet, upon standing, felt fine. We all got up early ate a quick breakfast and packed our bags, packed up our tents and headed out. The team was all feeling pretty good and up to the last 20 miles! The film crew was back and we were so happy to see them and have them along for our last day.

Walking that last day was bittersweet - I truly didn't want it to end, but it was hot and we all wanted to get to the finish line.

The most awesome moment of the last day was arriving at one of the cheering stations and seeing all of our supporters and signs. It was so good to see friends who had come in to stand in the heat and cheer for us. It was very emotional. It gave us the energy to keep on trucking. At the last mile, Alexa and Dylan, our Youth Corp. members got released and were told they could walk with us to the finish line.

As we arrived near the finish line Alexa and Dylan held our Tough Warrior Princess banner that had been signed by hundreds of our family and friends. As we got to the end and I saw people who had come in to support us, it was awesome. We had done 60 miles - 10 of us - together. But it was about so much more than 60 miles and really about so much more than breast cancer. I dare say it was a learning experience like none of us could have even imagined. We crossed the finish line and went into the gymnasium of UMass Boston and.... you guessed it.... DANCED!!!! The music was great and we just felt as though we had accomplished so much and really needed a release. Yes, the Tough Warrior Princesses all jumped on the stage and started a dance party. It was hot and we were tired, but you never would have known it.

Our last interview with the film crew as a team was sad. I think the question for each one of us was something like what have you learned through this experience. We each stood there as a team and gave our answers. It was our last moment together as the 2010 Tough Warrior Princess team. We also got a picture taken as a team with some of the crew members from Element Productions and Marketing Drive. Follow this link to see the press release and picture from Element Productions. http://elementproductions.com/blog/paul-canney-walks-with-susan-g-komen/
It was an honor and a pleasure to get to know each of these people and have them on the journey with us. Look for the short film release in October. You can be sure I will post an update with a link to it. There is even talk of a premiere party.... How funny!

As soon as that was over we were divided up for the walk's closing ceremonies. Survivors and walkers walk in seperately during the closing. Sherri was back to her duties of carrying the flag and the other team members went to file in as walkers. Tina, Maurine and I got to be together as Survivors. We were held backstage, as a few of the survivors got to enter into the ceremonies from over the main stage. What a honor to be standing amongst a group of survivors. It was the perfect ending to 3 Days. Special thanks to my family members and my friends who were there - it truly means the world to me. Saying goodbye to everyone at the end of the walk was really hard.

I am slowly learning that life can be difficult, but you have to make do with what you have been dealt be grateful for it and do something positive with it.

I recently started up a running program following the Couch to 5K plan. Most of the Princesses and lots of others have committed to running the Race for the Cure 5k in Boston in September. We have brand new runners and runners just looking to get a workout and increase their 5k speeds. It's a great group! Lots of our children have also started running as a result and that is AWESOME! We run at 6:00 on Tuesdays at the Amesbury High School track and all are welcome.

Enjoy the last days of summer and thanks for following my journey. More to come! I have signed up for the 2011 walk and plan to keep on blogging. Please feel free to share this blog and comment!!

THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!!!

2010-07-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

60Miles Can be Fun -- When you are with the right people for the right cause!

I really feel the need to share so much of this weekend with each and every person willing to read this blog. I want you to feel the love and the magic that was created, that I am not going to let go of - we can only work to build more from here. I truly understand what it means to be a TEAM and what a TEAM can accomplish goes beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of.

This is about the Tough Warrior Princess TEAM and the Komen 3-Day / 60 Mile walk in Boston and the individual perspective that I had during the process.

DAY #1

It's 2 a.m. on July 23rd and the alarm goes off. Mike is getting up to take Alexa and Dylan Turcotte (my teammate Maurine's son) to Framingham for a 4:00 a.m. arrival time - so that they are there and ready to cheer on the walkers as they arrive, pick up their luggage for them and make a positive connection or impact on each and every walker they encounter. They are a part of a group of 20 kids called Youth Corp.

It's 3:30 a.m. and I am at Sherri's house (team captain and BC survivor) picking up her and another teammate Kaitlyn to head over to Cheryl's house to catch the Party Bus. We decided that it would be so much easier to go in all together and not have a bunch of cars parked in Framingham. What a great decision that was. We bonded on the bus. Fueled our bodies with some breakfast and talked about what we were anticipating. The New Balance film crew (which included people from Element - the Production company and people from Marketing Drive, the advertising agency) was there and filming each and every moment. Now the average person would think that you would freeze up a little and not be genuine because the camera's are rolling and the sound is on, however, this was so not the case. Because we had already met these people at the pool party and also in the interview process, we were all very comfortable. These special people had fast become our friends and we felt like they were part of the journey with us. (More about them later) So we partied on the party bus and had a great time.

Arriving in Framingham was breathtaking. It was dawn and you could see the staging and the big pink Komen signs surrounding the area. My first encounter with tears started as I walked in to check in and get my credentials as a walker. There were ribbons to write the name of loved ones you had lost to Breast Cancer. I wrote my mothers name down very slowly and fell apart. It was a lot of pent up emotion... already. Of course the TWP's were all there beside me, wiping tears and experiencing the pain with me, as only they seem to know how to do. See, there is magic in the way the 10 of us gelled together. Maurine was right there, with her hip pack so full of stuff -- offering up tissues!

Opening ceremonies were so beyond anything that I had expected. A women telling her story, the Komen spokesperson, who has the most soothing voice talking about what it means to be there and be walking for a cure. But nothing compares to the moment the few survivors who were chosen to carry flags came out onto the stage and into the survivor circle. Watching Sherri walk by with the flag for LOVE was fantastic. The team all cheered her on as we cried watching her in that circle and seeing all her raw emotion. Being chosen for this was something that was so important to Sherri. She made us sooo proud!! She is the very definition of Breast Cancer Survivor if you look it up in the dictionary - I'm sure of it. The other thing that really hit me during opening ceremonies was the pink ribbon made out of a pool noodle with big TWP letters on it bouncing around way over on the sidelines. It was strange, as it was nothing that we had made or knew about. It was exciting to see and we all decided it must be Sherri's friend Tracy - who did the walk with Sherri last year.

The walk began and there was just so much excitement. We all looked good in our New Balance shirts with the Tough Warrior Princess team logo on the front and the big pink NB on the backs. We all had TWP pins that Sherri made and all had New Balance shorts and sneakers. We were looking pretty unified. And we were in all ways. Even our luggage all had tags made by Tina that had our Logo and team name. No detail overlooked.

The first day of the walk was hot and humid! By the end of the day we had rain - but our spirits were intact. We had family at cheering stations that kept us going. At the end of Day 1 we made up our team cheer and went into camp arm in arm chanting our cheer and feeling the sense of great accomplishment. We all made it!!

The Camp experience is so cool. Tent city sporting hundreds of pink tents on a football field is something you need to see. Unfortunately, it was POURING buckets when we got into camp on day 1 and needed to set up our tents in the rain. Yes we were all soaked and so wasn't our luggage - but it didn't matter. At dinner they announced that the last walker was arriving in to camp - every one stood up and started cheering and clapping as the last walker came in. It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing - everyone stops everything to cheer on that last walker. It's electric.

That night, the highlight for me was receiving mail in camp. I didn't really know about it and didn't think I would have a piece of mail -- but I did and it was so great. I know you are thinking big deal you got some letters from people - but when you are going through an emotionally taxing and physically taxing journey, there is something incredible about the support and love from the letters.

Bank of America had a tent where you could sit in foot/back massage chairs a n d.... use a computer for about 5 minutes. That is when I realized I really do have an addiction to Facebook. Enough said.

DAY #2

This was a different experience than Day 1. On day 1 we had the film crew following us and stopping us for different interviews, etc. (which was sooo much fun.) But day 2 - it was just the 10 of us - alone. The first thing we realized was that now that we were not all dressed in our official team gear - it was much harder to spot each other and stay in a cohesive group. If felt scattered, as we were always looking for each other - and everyone on the entire course is wearing some combination of pink. Day 2 was so much tougher than Day 1 - first it was much more hot and humid. The sun was beating down and the course is uphill most of the entire day. Since our teammate, Maurine, with Metastatic breast cancer is again in active treatment, we were encouraging her to get on the sweep van that will bring you to the next pit stop as often as we could. Maurine is strong and determined.... but doesn't always use her head and listen to her body. So, Maurine was swept and waiting at the next pit stop for us. The team arrives and we are filling our waters, etc. and I happen to look over at the commotion at the medical tent where an ambulance has arrived -- and there is Maurine -- helping out the ambulance crew! She never ceases to amaze all of us. It was so hot at that point and there were people passing out and we were all concerned for one another. Blisters started and feet were really hurting. The medical tent couldn't keep up. This was a low point for me in the walk.

Onward we pushed and got through the day. We met so many women along the way and heard their stories. Sherri's friend Tracy had posted many, many beautiful and inspiring signs all along the route that day that made us laugh and lifted us up. Our families and friends showed up at the pit stops with signs and all kinds of fruit and lots of love. Sherri's husband Andy, who has done this the past 3 years really knew exactly what we needed and when. My dad was the one who had me most in awe. My dad, for those of you who don't know, is about to turn 80. He was at every stop along the way, cheering and taking pictures -- well you knew if he was around he would be taking pictures - that is what he does best... that and being proud of his family. My dear, dear friend's Danielle and Leslie showed up to cheer and also sat with us for lunch. I dare say we had the biggest cheering sections on the whole route. It really helps you get through the day when someone you love shows up! Ben, a producer on the crew, also showed up that day with his beautiful young daughter. He had to bring us a new Flip video camera as we were having trouble with ours - but his presence was more of support and concern for our team. It was great having him be a small part of day 2. The love that flows along the route of this walk is something like you will never experience. We are all there for our own personal reasons and when you bring together all of the stories and the pain and the hope -- something very special happens. The downfall of Day 2 was the huge blisters that developed on the bottom of Cheryl's feet. She walked in pain for so long and then couldn't anymore and had to forgo the rest of day 2. That was painful for me, as without doubt, Cheryl trained more than any of us for this walk. It isn't fair that a blister can bring down months of training. We were all so sad for her.

During the walk, I spent a lot of conscious time focusing on the person I want to be and the people in my life that are important. I honored my mother and spent a lot of time thinking about my youngest inspiration - Kelsey. If you forget about Kelsey's story - go back and read my prior blogs. Every time I think of Kelsey's story and her dedication to a cause outside of herself it puts it all back into perspective for me. (Hi Kelsey - You GO girl!!!) I had the breast cancer ribbon necklace with me that I got at Kelsey's birthday party. Other pieces of inspiration I brought on the walk with me were a pink survivor bracelet that I had gotten the year before from a woman who had just walked the 3 days and I met by chance and told her I was signing up for next year. She had just worn the bracelet the 3 days of her walk. I also wore a bracelet given to me by a friend/acquaintance when I was first diagnosed. On the bracelet is inscribed "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This bracelet got me through some of my darkest hours and long tests and unknowing waiting periods.

Camp Night 2 was electric. We ate dinner and waited for each member of Youth Corp. to deliver their short speech about why they are part of Youth Corp. This was the most I cried during the whole experience. Alexa and Dylan both spoke, but it was when one young girl spoke about her mom being diagnosed when she was 4 and losing her when she was 8. This girl just radiated poise and kindness and I just couldn't take it and the stories went on.... Alexa and Dylan were so composed and did such a great job. We are so proud!

Let the dance party begin. Dance, you say? After walking 2 days and 40 miles, with another 20 to go tomorrow - are you crazy? YUP! If you know any of the other team members of TWP you know we all love to dance and dance we did. (Sorry Sherri I have to tell the story to illustrate a point...) At one point Sherri and I were getting down and dancing to a song called Low by Flo rida. Well we got low on our tired legs and all of a sudden Sherri just fell. I can't explain how funny it was when she did, but it became even funnier when I realized that teammate, Susan, had caught it all on Video, because the crew had given us Flip cameras and we were supposed to be videoing our journey for them when they weren't around. Eventually I helped poor Sherri up (who was also laughing hysterically) and even thought to ask her if she was okay. Together we re-played the video and laughed some more -- Sherri is awesome. Such a good sport, she had opportunity to delete that video, but she didn't!

Speaking of Special - Youth Corp!!!! Youth Corp. is 20 kids who are chosen to volunteer for the 3 days of the walk. They work their butts off cheering for us, helping us along the route, giving us a drink, saying something nice -- these are very special kids -- and Alexa and Dylan Turcotte (Maurine's son) were no exception. Seeing them brought me to tears almost every time. Youth Corp. is an experience like you can't get anywhere else. Alexa has been touched like I can't believe and has new friends for life. She also has a new appreciation of how small gestures really do make a difference in people's lives. She had so much fun and made lifetime friends.

Next Blog update in the next few days --- Day 3 and Closing Ceremonies as well as total raised and the Tough Warrior Princesses plans for the future.

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Your donations to this cause are so much appreciated!!

Blessings -

Patty

Pool Party - TAKE 1 -- What a hoot!!!

2010-07-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

I truly could talk for days about our most recent experiences, but I'll try to keep it somewhat succinct.

When Sherri and I and the Tough Warrior Princess team got chosen for the New Balance documentary film, we had no idea what was involved. We didn't even realize we should be nervous. We were focused on the great team of women that we have and the cause... and for that we have passion, which makes it easy. I did start to get nervous when the film crew showed up for the shoot at the pool party for the team at my house. There were trucks and equipment and people everywhere. What?! My biggest fear was that we all might lose our unique personalities and more importantly our TEAM personality in front of cameras. When I found out we were being interviewed as a team all at once, I worried that we would lose our natural flow and humor -- we didn't!! We all support and admire each other so much and have such a good time together and I think that was more than apparent during filming. I think you can even see it in the pictures.

They interviewed Sherri and I together and that was great - it made me feel very at ease in discussing the team and answering the many questions that were thrown our way. Mike and Sherri's husband, Andy were both interviewed. I missed seeing both of those interviews, but would love to see the footage. Yes, Mike and Andy are available to sign autographs!

The reason for the pool party was for all of our children and husbands that didn't know each other to get better acquainted. I think that happened. The kids made posters and crowns that will be brought with them along the route to cheer us on. They all swam and we all played volleyball. For the most part I think we all forgot about the camera's that were following us around and just had a great time. It was surreal. I am so grateful for such a unique experience.

We are down to the wire - the bus picks us up at 3:45 a.m. on Friday morning to head to Framingham for the start of the walk. (Alexa and Dylan the Youth Corp. volunteers have to arrive in Framingham at 4:00 a.m. so they can't even be on the team bus.) It will be the 10 Princesses and the film crew. Luckily, the film crew is fun! We are looking forward to having them along for our walking journey. We have made some new friends and two beautiful young women from the companies' involved in the filming process have decided to create a team and do the walk next year!!!

There is nothing better than knowing you may have made a difference. I intend to do this walk every year - until a cure is found. If I had been diagnosed with the agressive type of cancer that I have - HER2 breast cancer - 10 years ago, before a drug called herceptin was developed, I would have a much lesser chance at survival. I personally know how important funding is to keep progress moving. My mom didn't have that chance. I want my daughters to have the best chance. I see the progress being made in the trial drugs being offered - which our teammate, Maurine's, life depends on.

Thank you for taking the time to follow my journey and for all the incredible support!

If you are interested in coming in to a cheering station or for closing ceremonies - follow this link for information. http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BO_Spectator

The film crew intends to film at two specific stations during the event and will be looking for our families and friends:

FRIDAY -
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Can't pinpoint exact time)
St. Paul's Church
502 Washington St.
Wellesley MA 02482

SUNDAY -

8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge MA 02139

Closing Ceremonies -
Sunday, July 25

5:00 p.m.
University of Massachusetts
100 William T Morrissey Blvd.
Dorchester, MA 02125

It really does just keep getting better!!

2010-07-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

It was on a whim that I replied to an email from Komen/New Balance asking why I walk and who I walk in honor of. It's not something I would typically stop to do; but that day I did. That email led to another asking for a phone interview to be considered for a short film featuring New Balance and Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure. Sherri, my beautiful friend and our team captain also replied to the email and was selected to be interviewed as well. The folks at the advertising agency soon realized our seperate submissions unknowingly told an entire story - a story about each other and about our team - The Tough Warrior Princesses.

We made it to the final selection process with New Balance and their advertising team and this week Sherri and I went in for on camera interviews. It was a bit scary,as we were interviewed by two gentlemen as the camera rolled and the mic's were on. Behind a curtain sat a bunch of other ad executives watching us on a TV and taking notes. Sherri and I seemed to fall into a groove and forget the camera as we started talking about each of our teammates and the reasons that we walk as well as what has been involved with fundraising and training.

We have just learned that we have been selected to be featured in an upcoming New Balance and Komen 3-Day short film! They will follow our training, will come to our team pool party and will follow us on the 3 days of the walk. We will be getting outfitted in New Balance from head to toe!

We are all so excited for the opportunity to make a difference and hopefully to inspire other women as to what you can accomplish with a goal in mind and friends by your side. We are 10 women and each one of us has a unique story and unique talents, but when you put us all together as a team, we become so much more powerful and interesting. This team has become a very close group. We have raised a lot of money and we have had a lot of fun together. We have raised awareness and all have a very special reason for walking. I think we have done a good job at bringing community together and inspiring others.

This journey and my walk is in honor of the most beautiful woman I ever knew - Beverly Ann Woodsom. My Mom. I know she would be proud to see what we have accomplished and will continue to accomplish! Breast cancer affects and takes the lives of so many women. Breast cancer has shattered my world - losing a mother and fighting the disease myself- and at the same time built me as the person I am today. More faithful, stonger and hopefully making a difference so that my daughters won't have to face the same things.

Quick Fundraising Update - We had our Flatbread fundraiser this week and it was spectacular! It was a steamy hot, and I mean HOT, evening and the turnout was awesome. It was so great to see so many Amesbury friends and others get out to support the cause and eat some great pizza. Thanks to Flatbread for giving us the opportunity!

I have reached my personal goal of raising $10,000!!! I could not have done it without each and every one of you - my beautiful friends and family. I am so blessed to have this support. My team now has surpassed it's goal of $40,000 total and we are still going!

I often say I am happier and more grounded and a better person now, since my diagnosis and since Katie's Juvenile Diabetes diagnosis, and I think people don't always understand how that could be possible. I think I just focus more now on the blessings in my life and what each person in my life brings to it and the gift of every single day. To put it into focus, my friend, Brian Dahn, is currently on a mission trip with a group at his church to Haiti. It is so amazing to me the way people can step outside of themselves and help others. Seeing his blog and knowing what those people in Haiti are living like and facing every day is just stunning. (http://oslc2010haiti.blogspot.com/) Makes me want to be a better person.

To borrow a phrase from a song and my friend, Danielle, GO LIGHT YOUR WORLD!

2010-06-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

The days are flying by and the walk is almost here!!! The big news is that Alexa was one of 20 kids between the ages of 10 - 15 chosen to participate in the Youth Corp. that supports the Komen walk!!! She completed 5 essays and an interview to be selected. She now has a goal of raising $1,500 in the next month. Go Alexa. She is on her way. I am so happy that she will be part of this journey with me and my teammates. She won't be walking, but will be supporting the walk in all different ways - cooking, cleaning, lending a helping hand wherever they need her. What a great experience for her. Check out her site at www.the3day.org/goto/alexamellon GO ALEXA!!!!

Training is going well. I have stayed on track with the training program pretty closely, which has us walking a lot of miles. Last weekend was 17 on Saturday and 13 on Sunday. Well, I only did 11 on Sunday - it was raining and I had been out the night before dancing and I figured I probably danced another 5 miles worth - at least! The training is not hard, it just takes a lot of time on the weekends - which at this time of year is a bit difficult. The good company on the walks makes it fun!

Thoughts and prayers go out to teammate, Maurine Turcotte - who recently started chemo again and is on a trial with 27 other women in the entire country. Maurine also lost her mom this past week. Marcia Lund is also about to start her chemo. Cheryl Woodsom's step mom is also fighting a recurrence and is starting chemo. These are just some of the reasons I walk. No one should have to face this and so many of us do.

So now for the good news --

Katie has officially graduated from the 4th Grade and is off to Amesbury Middle School next year. So proud of what she has accomplished! Her insulin pump start was 2 weeks ago and I am happy to report that things are going well and she has so much more freedom than she used to. Actually, we all have more freedom than we used to.

Alexa graduates tonight from the 8th grade and will be delivering a graduation speech -- which I have not read. I can't believe she is off to high school next year.

Summer is here and I wish you all a great summer. Enjoy every minute of it. I will keep you posted as the walk grows closer!

Lastly - Mark your calendars - Tuesday, July 6th is our Flatbread Amesbury Fundraiser. Who wants to cook in July? You'll be recovering from the 4th - so if you are in town and can make it - come enjoy some great pizza with the Tough Warrior Princesses.

Blessings
Patty

2 Great Parties!!!

2010-05-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Our May 8th fundraiser was a complete success. I am so overwhelmed and stunned at the generosity and spirit of the friends and family who came out and supported our Tough Warrior Princess Silent Auction and dance. Thank you to those who nudged us to do it and those who donated items for the auction and those who came out and celebrated with us. I have to say this team of 10 women is pretty amazing and our support system is even more amazing. A ton of fun was had by all. And another $8,000 was raised for our team!!!

Happy 10th Birthday Kelsey!! See picture to the right. A couple of blogs back, I wrote about an amazing girl named Kelsey. (See prior blog for her story) Kelsey is a girl I never met until this weekend at her birthday party. Kelsey just turned 10. Kelsey, for the second year in a row, asked all gifts to be in the form of donations to Susan G. Komen. This year, for my walk. The party was at Coco Key and it is safe to say that Kelsey has a lot of friends! She also has pretty incredible parents!!! I can't put into words the kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of this family. I have never been so touched. Meeting Kelsey was a great opportunity and she is truly a miracle. She has a great smile, is warm and friendly and you would never guess the challenge she has faced in her lifetime. It seems she and her family have an understanding most of us never have. Kelsey's party raised over $1,000 for the cause!!!! I am forever grateful and changed by this experience.

Under the topic of training - I continue walking and running. Last weekend I got about 16 miles in. This weekend the plan is 24 miles. The time goes by fast when walking, as I'm always walking with good people. It is social hour or in this case, hours.

My thoughts and prayers are constantly with my friends Maurine Turcotte and Marcia Lund as they deal with the next steps in their journey with breast cancer.

Further fundraisers:

AVON!!! Need skincare items, make-up, jewelry or even clothes? My oldest (not in age) and dearest friend Danielle Dahn, has set up that 50% of the proceeds ordered through her to be donated to my walk. All products ordered between now and the 28th of May are eligible.

To have your purchase qualify, go to: www.youravon.com/ddahn

Once you are there, select online events and follow directions from there.

Please be sure to let me know if you have any questions or would like an Avon catalog. Danielle is a fabulous Avon representative and I am loving the products I have tried. And the best part..... they don't break the bank!

Also, don't forget the Flatbread Pizza Fundraiser evening on Tuesday, July 6th. Come eat pizza at Flatbread in Amesbury and they donate part of the proceeds to our team. It should be a nice family night out.

Thanks for reading! I'll update again soon -- the walk is 10 weeks away!

New Team Member for the Tough Warrior Princesses!!

2010-04-29T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends - Lots has happened since I last wrote. It's been so busy! We had added our tenth team member!! Maurine Turcotte. Maurine is a breast cancer survivor, who is facing the battle once again. Maurine is such a great, positive strength to add to our team. She IS the reason we are walking. She is the reminder that this is always there, whether active or lingering in our mind. I don't ever want to forget. Maurine, we are all fighting with you and for you.

Also, another young friend of mine was just diagnosed. Many of you Amesburyites know Marcia Lund. She is a great mom and friend to so many in the community. We are walking for you too, Marcia! My thoughts and prayers are constantly with both Maurine and Marcia as they go through this.

I am so amazed at what this team of 10 women has been able to accomplish so far. We have collectively raised almost $25,000! As each team member hits their minimum goal, we are assured of at a minimum we will have raised over $30,000! It is the dedication and the reasons that each person is walking that inspires me the most.

Preparations for our Dance/Silent Auction on May 8th are coming along nicely. For anyone that may have missed the details on this, 7:00 p.m. at the Lafayette Club in Amesbury. $10 per person. You can pay in advance to reserve your spot - or pay the night of the event. Would love to see you and have your support that evening!! We have so many great silent auction items.... Red Sox, spas, restaurants, sail boat ride, Bucket of Happiness (booze), Silpada jewelry, Lia Sophia jewelry, a week's worth of meals..... the list goes on and on. Thanks to everyone's generosity.

Alexa is busy working on an application and essay questions for Youth Corp. for the 3 day event. Only 20 kids are chosen for Youth Corp and must raise a min. of $500. Youth Corp. attendees spend the 3 days - not walking - but working ... in whatever capacity they are needed to support the event. We hope Alexa is chosen, but know the odds are slim. She really wants to be a part of the event to inspire the women who are walking.

Training is in full swing to prepare for the 60 mile adventure. I am walking lots and running too!! Spring has sprung and it feels great. It's nice to have so many friends that want to walk - as I get pretty bored walking alone. The hours of walking on the weekends, especially as the event draws closer is quite the time commitment.

We have a Flatbread fundraiser coming up on Tuesday, July 6th.

Alexa and I are off to New York for the weekend to celebrate her 14th birthday with her best friend and her mom! So looking forward to the weekend adventure and we hope to catch a matinee of Wicked while we are there!!!!

Blessings,

Patty

One AMAZING young Girl! Beyond Words to me.....

2010-03-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

This one is a tear-jerker! I'm learning that fundraising is rewarding, because you really get to see the good side of people. Well, in this case, it's even better ..... a very special 9 year old girl - that I haven't had the pleasure of even meeting yet..... The story starts with a generous donation I received from a business associate, who I haven't really even seen in a long time. (A touching story in and of itself) This man and his wife did the walk last year and this special young lady that they knew did a birthday party to raise donations for this couple's walk. Her name is Kelsey. This year, Kelsey was looking to donate again, but since this couple isn't walking this year, they referred her on to me. How lucky am I?! In May Kelsey will be turning 10 and all birthday gifts raised, will be donated towards the Komen walk through me!!!! I feel honored to be invited to this birthday party - I can't imagine a better one. But the story gets better. I have been corresponding with Kelsey's mom, who has given me a glimpse into what Kelsey is like and I am just amazed and think we could all take a lesson or two from Kelsey.

Kelsey is recently adopted by this wonderful family, but she started out at the age of 4 with them as a foster child. When she came to them she could not even speak - nothing - no words. She was left in the dark in a broken crib. Can you imagine? She had been so neglected. This family has taught her everything she knows. What I have learned so far about Kelsey is that she is very enthusiastic about life and does not care so much about "things" as she does about living and enjoying life and doing good things for others. I can only imagine what a tough road it was in the early years for Kelsey and her family - getting through the challenges or learning to speak and catching up, but catch up she has! Her mom tells me she wakes up smiling and goes to bed smiling. She knows how to love and how to give. She has a German Shephard named Duke that means the world to her. She has been given the gift of a beautiful voice and now sings and has had the honor of singing in the children's choir at the Boston Conservatory of Music! Kelsey is beautiful and her smile is so bright -- I've seen the pictures and I cannot wait to meet this talented, giving and very special girl and the parents that taught her so well.

I will keep you all posted on this journey with Kelsey. I can't wait to be able to meet her and have my girls meet her. They have read all the emails about her and know she is something special.

Kudos to Kelsey!! What an inspiration.

On the training front - training has begun. What am I doing to train to walk 60 miles.... Walking!! Lots of walking. There is a training schedule of a building number of miles each week, which will take a lot of time to keep up with. Luckily there are lots of us looking to walk, so it shouldn't be hard to find someone to walk with. I get bored walking alone. Then there is Connie - my neighbor who walks almost daily at 4 a.m. -- yes, you read it right - 4 a.m.! I love going out to get in my morning walks with her - but once or twice a week at that time is about all I can seem to handle. She has kept me going all winter. Yes... she is crazy, and she is bringing me with her! You do get a lot accomplished when you get up that early. I'm also starting to run (okay jog... slowly) again. It feels great. I am doing the Couch to 5K program. And yes, some days I do have to drag myself off the couch. Hopefully I can kick the couch habit to the side and get this body into record shape!!

If you haven't already, please become a fan of our team on Facebook. Tough Warrior Princesses! We want to be the strongest team from Boston and we are well on our way!! We are working on our fundraisers now. We have some great silent auction items, and are looking for fundraising ideas and ways to promote our auction items.

Thanks for all your support!!! The donations, the kind words -- it is just amazing!!

And it just keeps getting better!

2010-02-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Well -- Good news and lots of it!!! I went to Dana Farber last Wednesday during the snow storm that wasn't for a full "spa" day. I had a MUGA scan, which is something I have been doing every three months - due to the treatment I am on potentially causing heart damage. I once again passed with flying colors!! Wahoo! Next I went to see my oncologist who Congratulated me.... and I didn't understand why. It was my LAST treatment!!! I didn't even know. I thought I had one more coming up in March. It was a strange feeling. Bittersweet. Excited that I'm at the end of treatment, but scared that I'm not actively doing what felt like my safety net all year.  It just made me feel safe and now I feel a bit vulnerable. I am now taking Tamoxifen for the next 5 years and that's it. Next Chapter!!! I'm moving on!!

So our team "The Tough Warrior Princesses" met this week. We are now a team of 10!! I got to meet 2 new team members, Gretchen and Theresa. I am grateful they are on the team and they were awesome!! The best news for me is that my other Sister-in-law, Sue has now joined our team!!! Well, I know I have voiced how awed I am that SIL, Cheryl would be walking beside me - now to have Sue as well just makes it so incredible. These two women have become my sisters.  (which is good because I always wanted a sister - no offense 2 my brothers)  The three of us can walk side by side in honor of my mom, Beverly, which we have so often talked of doing in the past. Sue will also be walking for the future of her girls - if you don't know Sue - here is what makes her journey special. She has a two year old daughter and also has 3 1/2 month old twin girls. She is busy and training commitments will be tough, but she can do it!

The team is amazing! We have now planned a dance/silent auction for May 8th and we are also working on planning a clambake and a Flatbread Pizza fundraiser.   Oh, and did I mention we are now the TOP #1 team in the country for fundraising total so far? Now, we know we won't stay there for long. There are many teams that have lot's of women and raise huge totals every year, but we are trying our best and we are very proud of ourselves! To find a cure for breast cancer / cancer would just be amazing and I want to contribute as much as possible to the goal.

We are heading off skiing this weekend! Looking forward to it. Last year, I didn't get to ski and this year I'm grateful to be able to ski and feel good doing it!!!

Blessings to you all - Thank you so much for all the love and support.

Cancer Free and Loving it!!!

2010-02-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

I can now officially say that I am ONE YEAR cancer free as of Feb. 9th!!!! What a great milestone!!! It's an anniversary that I hope to be celebrating for a long, long time!!! No more dreading birthdays and getting older -- I embrace it!! A wrinkle here, fat roll there, gray hairs.... it's all okay. I am healthy and feeling fantastic. Age really does come with wisdom, compassion, insight and a new openness.

I am finally at the tail end of my treatments!!!! Diagnosed in November of 2008 -- it has been a long road. 3 surgeries and chemo/herceptin treatments which all started January 2009. At first treatments were weekly and then eventually progressed to every three weeks. I am happy to say I have my second to last treatment this week and am looking forward to my last treatment at the beginning of March!!! It will be great to have this final phase behind me.

A lot has happened to team Tough Warrior Princesses since my last post -- Most importantly, our team has added three additional members!! We are now 7 strong and hopefully will add more! Welcome to Tina (a fellow breast cancer survivor) Gretchen and Theresa. Our team now consists of 3 young survivors. We had our first team meeting and have some fundraising ideas to help us all reach our committed goals. We are a fun-loving group and I expect we will have a lot of fun while raising awareness and cash for our cause.

Last week Cheryl and I attended a Komen Getting Started meeting. Sherri was there too, as a meeting facilitator. So, I guess you could say this was the meeting that was informing us exactly what we had gotten ourselves into.... We have to raise WHAT? And walk how FAR?? And sleep in a tiny TENT? It's all good. The meeting was informational and uplifting. Yes, Cheryl cried... but if you know Cheryl, you knew that. (She cries at commercials!) Kidding aside, it was amazing. There was a young girl (in her twenties) at the meeting who had recently lost her mother to breast cancer, and I so felt her pain and saw myself in her. Yet here she was already, determined to make a difference. There were about 10 women there and we all had our own personal reasons for being there - and I don't think anyone didn't shed a tear or two. We walked out of there determined to not only raise our minimum $2,300 each, but more.

We have scheduled an evening at the Polish Club on May 8th. There will be music, fun, friends and even silent auctions. More details to follow.

We are looking to add team members, so if you think you could be interested in getting in shape and having some fun and raising $$$, inquire within!!! It is a big commitment, but it's for your mothers, sister's, daughters, wives (yes, men welcome) aunts and grandmothers. This disease hits 1 in 8. You don't think it can happen to you...... until it does.

Blessings!
Patty

The First Step is the Hardest! January 2010

2010-01-21T16:21:00.001-08:00

I have always wanted to do the Susan Komen 3 Day for the Cure to honor my mother's courageous fight with breast cancer 17 years ago. Every year I would debate doing it and ultimately was afraid to try to raise the money you are required to raise. Well, this year.... after my own fight with breast cancer and along with the inspiration of my beautiful and strong breast cancer survivor friend, Sherri, here I go. 3 Days and 60 miles - a minimum commitment of $2,300 and a personal goal of raising $5,000. Sherri tells me the hard part is not raising money, it's all the training that goes in to getting your body ready to do 60 miles in 3 days...... I'm more worried about the fundraising - but I'm ready!!!

The moment I committed to the walk, my sister-in-law, Cheryl immediately also committed - without me even begging or coercing (which I'm pretty good at). I'm so floored and grateful that she would take this walk beside me, it goes beyond words. She has been beside me every single moment since my diagnosis, and I'm so glad to know we can take this uplifting, meaningful and challenging journey together. Can't imagine doing this without Cheryl beside me to remind me that the glass is not just 1/2 full -- it's at least 3/4 full!!

And then there is my friend Vicky. Every exercise goal I have ever had involves Vicky. She is the best workout buddy and friend anyone could wish for. I just never thought she would do this challenge with me, because, like me - she is most afraid of fundraising. The day she called me to say she was stepping outside her comfort zone in my honor was truly incredible. Yes, tears. I'm so happy to know I don't have to do 60 miles without my drill sargent beside me.

So, it's the 4 of us (unless of course we recruit any more crazies) and we are calling our team "The Tough Warrior Princesses." Why? A Tough Warrior Princess is a strong female personality, determined in the pursuit of her goals and often eager to do take on a typical 'man's work' like fighting wars or performing manual labor to accomplish those goals -- when of a royal backround, a woman warrior may be called a warrior princess. Well, we may not be from royal backgrounds, and we may not really be eager to take on lots of physical work -- but we are ready to take on the war of fighting breast cancer and are ready to accomplish any goal.

I'm proud of us already!

Please consider donating to our cause by clicking on the 3-Day icon above and stay tuned for updates on our progress!