It has been a month since I was declared cancer-free. I am still over the moon about it. I feel good. I am not sick. And my never ending back problems are not bothering me right now. Life is good. So I feel the need to do something. And I am.
Three years ago when I was first diagnosed with CML I felt the need to do something. So I had a fundraiser and raised $2500.00 for the American Cancer Society. It was "Comedy for a Cause". I am fortunate to have a cousin-in-law who is a comedian, and so, we had a Comedy night with a basket raffles. It went fantastically. A few days after that, I was in the hospital because my kidneys had shut down. I am not sure what caused that, but it may have been a Gleevec(chemo med) side effect. I was very sick. I felt very much the victim. I didn't want to do much of anything. As the first and then the 2nd year came around, I felt in my head that I wanted to do something again. But I didn't. I didn't want to get sick again. One probably didn't have anything to do with the other, but my level of energy was not so great. So, earlier this year, and if you have read any of my blogs, you will know that I had an epiphany. That I was a survivor, and didn't even realize it. And then, in June becoming Cancer-free, my energy level is very high. So I am doing something. I want to help.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has a host of events every year called "Light the Night". Cities around the country walk in the evening and raise money for research and a cure for blood cancers. They 'light the night" with lanterns and luminaries. I decided I could manage a mini "Light the Night" event. So I am having a "Stroll to the Park". Each year, our community has a village wide festival called the Farm Festival. It is held the 3d week of August and takes place in the downtown parks. There are crafts, and farmers markets, food and fun. So my event will start in the parking lot of a local church. Hopefully, we will sell enough luminaries to light the sidewalks from the parking lot to the gazebo in the park. There is a $10.00 registration to walk, a donation really, and we will carry lights to bring awareness to blood cancers. I have a friend who had lymphoma and a bone marrow transplant who will be our Honorary Chairperson. We will stroll with balloons. We will share stories. We will wear red and white. And when we get to the gazebo, and there will be many people there in the park, we will hold a ceremony, a moment of silence and a celebration. I do not know how many people will take part, but I feel good about it. Anything I can do, will be a really good thing. If you are reading my blog, I ask you to say a prayer that this will be a huge success, and that we raise lots of money. And that we support those who have or have had, or have had a loved one pass from any of the blood cancers.
I know God will be walking with us. I firmly believe that all things happen for a reason, and although I may not know what all those reasons may be, this little thing I am doing, will have an impact. Even if it helps only one person, it will have been successful.
I wish you peace.
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