Project 52 Week 45: What Do Hockey & Cancer Have in Common?

What do hockey teams and fighting cancer have in common? They both have a desire to kick butt! Saturday evening was the annual Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Night at the Missouri Mavericks hockey game. We had a great time with family & friends supporting a cause near and dear to our hearts. This will be the third Thanksgiving and Christmas without my aunt, but I don’t think the holidays have gotten any easier for my family. She’s greatly missed … we’ll continue this in her honor.

Three young girls cheer for the Mavericks as they sport their purple Pancreatic Cancer Action Network apparel.
Stretching before the 3rd period – the most flexible hockey player I’ve ever seen.

 

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Project 52 Week 39: Purple Light

Last week my extended family attended Purple Light – a vigil to honor & remember loved ones who have faced pancreatic cancer. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network hosts the event to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer and how desperately funding is needed for research to learn more about the deadly disease. Survival rates are the lowest among all cancers and haven’t improved over the last 40 years.

In memory of Aunt Jill.

Days 316-317: Night of Hope, Day of Renewal

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.

A view of Liberty Memorial from our hotel room before the gala.
As my aunt’s name appeared on the screen, the entire venue was lit in purple for the Vigil of Hope.
The day after the gala we walked around Liberty Memorial and Union Station. We even laid down on the lawn for a while, just to relax!

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!

A self-portrait in my new gala dress.