This weekend finally arrived … and passed too quickly. I was so looking forward to the Night of Hope – a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network gala – 1) because it was our first time attending a gala, and 2) the cause is close to my heart. My aunt passed away from pancreatic cancer last July, just 8 months after being diagnosed. Since then I’ve met so many people who have been affected by this horrible disease. It was a roller coaster of emotions; it was fun to dress up and get a fancy hotel room, but it was also incredibly touching to witness the Vigil for Hope, where everyone lit purple lights in memory of their loved ones.
Tag: cancer
Day 301: A Color Debate
This is the Broadway Bridge on the north side of downtown. I know the colored lights have been added this month to promote Breast Cancer Awareness month, but don’t you think they look more like Halloween lights?
Day 286: Self-Portrait, Gala-Bound
Next month my husband and I will have the privilege of attending our first gala, thanks to a generous birthday gift. We’ll be attending the PANCAN Night of Hope at Union Station. I bought this dress for the occasion about a week ago, and I’ve been meaning to take a photo of it to send to my mom. I figured I might as well turn it into my photo of the day. Now I just need shoes and jewelry … suggestions welcome!
Day 281: It’s “Pink” Month
In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s breast cancer awareness month. Pink is everywhere. I was actually late to work the first day of October because they were installing pink lights on the Broadway Bridge downtown. I don’t mean to complain … awareness is important. By now I think everyone is aware; in my opinion prevention is key. If you’re a female 40 or older, get a yearly mammogram! Now on to the photo.
Day 243: With a Heavy Heart
This morning when I arrived at the office, my neighbor’s office, my absolute favorite co-worker’s office, was empty. This economy is affecting everyone, including the non-profit sector. It’s unfortunate when people who are doing everything they can to fight cancer are hit hard because fundraising is down, and they have to be let go. My friend is the most positive, faithful coworker anyone could ask for. She will be missed by everyone in the office – especially me. I think I was more sad to lose her than she was to lose her job, because she has faith that everything will work out for the best. And I believe that too. She’ll go on to do amazing things, and some day I’ll be asking for her autograph!
Day 237: One In Eight.
Did you know one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? And one in three women, and one in two men will be diagnosed with some type of cancer. Yesterday morning was the 3rd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kick-off breakfast in Kansas City. The American Cancer Society holds a huge breakfast for all of those interested in forming a team for the 5k Strides walk in October. If you’re passionate about breast cancer, you can get involved in this walk in Kansas City or in many other cities across the U.S. makingstrideskansascity.org.
Day 230: A Sign From Above
I work for the American Cancer Society; my aunt passed away from pancreatic cancer last year. Even though pancreatic cancer is rare, I’ve met so many people affected by it since she was diagnosed. So naturally, I’m passionate about the cause. Yesterday when I was grocery shopping, I saw this hydraulic lift (or whatever it is) in the Hy-Vee parking lot. Not only does it promote cancer research, it’s pancreatic cancer research. Even better, it was named “Duke” on front side (not pictured). Our Relay For Life team is named Dukes of Hazzard, after my aunt’s abbreviated last name. A coincidence? Or is Someone trying to tell me something?
Day 220: Little Hands of Hope
Yesterday I helped out with a photography project for the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Kansas City. One of my coworkers brought her adorable daughters to work for a mini photo shoot. I pray that my job at the American Cancer Society will eventually lead us to a world where these girls will never have to worry about cancer.
Days 196-197: Here’s to a world with less cancer & more birthdays.
I’m so proud of my Relay For Life team – almost everyone stayed from 7 p.m. Friday evening to 7 a.m. Saturday morning, taking turns walking the track and helping with fundraisers to fight back against cancer. If my calculations are correct, our team raised $4806 – just shy of our $5000 goal! (If you’d still like to support us with a donation, please visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/dukes.) From the extreme heat; to the touching survivor lap; to ice cream, water balloons, s’mores, glow bracelets, and more; we definitely had an eventful night!
Day 195: Fuel For Life
These are some of the many snacks we’ve prepared for our “Fuel Station” at Relay For Life. We’re selling trail mix, granola bars, Gatorade, and baked goods. By the way, our team name is Dukes of Hazzard, and the event is themed “Revin’ For a Cure,” so I think Fuel Station is the perfect name for our snack spot.
Photographic Rhodes 