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"Green" Easter Egg Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:53:00 +0000

On Saturday, April 3, 2010, the Austin Farmers' Market will have a "Green" Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10:00 am until total pick up (lasts about 15-20 minutes) in Republic Square Park.

Come be a part of a truly "green" event with no sugar, high fun! We'll have two stages of 'hunt' in Republic Square Park to let the little ones go first at 10 am sharp, then let loose the older kids several minutes later.

Please help us prepare the farmers' eggshells to fill with grass seed for the "cascarone" eggs that the kids pick up. Come to the info booth to get empty cartons to then fill up with empty egg shells that you prepare at home. Then bring them back now for the kids to fill three weeks before the event!

How to prepare empty egg shells:

Hold up your egg in left hand, smaller pointed end up. Tap gently with knife, spoon or fork to make an indentation in the top that is the size of a silver dollar. Then take your right thumb and pointer finger together to punch through the weakened shell and pinch out the shell on top to make a hole the size of a silver dollar (or larger). You will be inserting your thumb into the egg white--so don't be queasy. Throw the pinched out pieces of shell into compost. Shake out your egg into your container for cooking later. Gently rinse out the shell with warm water, turn over for drying a few minutes on a towel. Put into empty egg carton for storage until you have enough to bring to market!

Combo Loco

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:53:00 +0000

Sometimes I am a complete idiot. Why didn't I think of this a long time ago. I love HEB's Combo Locos. They are great. You buy one or two items and you get one to five items for free. For instance one of this week's Combo Locos is buy a Stouffer's Party Size Lasagna or Enchilada and get these four items for free, Nestle Nequick, white baguette bread, Creamy Creations sherbet, and Fresh Express Caesar or Caesar Lite Complete Salad. Not a bad Combo Loco.

Most of the time the Combo Locos have at least one or two items I don't want or won't eat in the list of free items. Like, I wouldn't get the Nestle Nesquick if I was going to get this Combo Loco. Sometimes it's the whole thing, buy and free items I don't want. So usually I just don't get the items I don't want or I don't like. I always get asked at the check out, you didn't get "blank" and I always respond, "I didn't want it." Now to my mother that is sacrilege. Her philosophy is, "It's free!" My philosophy is if I won't eat it, it will just spoil or if I shouldn't eat it, I'm not going to bring it into my house.

So today I went to HEB for our weekly grocery shopping. One item I was already going to get was a bag of salad lettuce. Roger and I eat about one or two a week. We love salads. So I ventured to the produce section and saw an HEB employee putting Combo Loco coupons on all the bagged salad. I scanned it real quick and saw I wasn't interested in the deal. It was buy one bag of bagged salad and get a four pound bag of Texas oranges for free. What was I going to do with four pounds of oranges. Roger and I eat a lot of fruit every week, but four pounds of oranges would go bad on us. It's just the two of us at home. We don't have any kids. We have friends and neighbors with kids over to our house, but how was I to know if they'd be around to help us eat them before those four pounds of oranges go bad. And I'm sorry, I hear this from my mother-in-law a lot, but I don't want to freeze them. So I started to grab the bag of salad lettuce I wanted and the lady said, "Oh don't forget your coupon. You get four pounds of oranges for free." And I said in response, "Thanks but I can't use up four pounds of oranges before they go bad." And she said in response, "Give it away."

That's when it hit me. Give it away. Duh! Give it away. Not only could I help a family by giving them free food, but it made me think of all the times I had not gotten free items because I couldn't use them or didn't like them that I could have given them away. All the families that could use the stuff I didn't like, the homeless people I drive by every day, the food bank that always needs help. I think there is even a bin at HEB where you can donate food. Ugh! Talk about wanting to kick myself in the rear. So that's what I'm going to do from now on. If I'm buying a Combo Loco and there are free items I don't want, I'm going to give them away. Why not? HEB is giving it away for free anyway.

I wanted to share this because I figured some people do the same thing as me. I ask that if your grocery store combines items you don't want, please give it to someone in need. Thanks-Holly

Workout with Biggest Loser Alumni

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:17:00 +0000

One day only! You can workout with NBC's Biggest Loser Alumni from Seasons 2 through 8 at the Texas Fit Body Bootcamp in Kyle!

What: a 50 minute workout with the BL's, followed by a meet & greet and photo opportunities

Where: Inside the Pavilion at the Plum Creek Golf Course, 750 Kohler's Crossing, Kyle, Tx 78640 (We're indoors!)

When: Friday, February 19th from 5:30 am to 6:20 am

Who: 8 to 10 of NBC's Biggest Losers and you!

Cost: Your $5 admission will be donated to Hope and Love 4 Kids, a local charity that positively impacts our community by providing charitable assistance and education to children in need.

Please see the flyer and help us, the Biggest Losers, and Hope and Love 4 Kids to make this a great event for the entire community!

Register for the 5:30 am bootcamp online at www.txfitbodybootcamp.com or email info@txfitbodybootcamp.com or call 512-850-8453 to reserve your spot.

Serve Austin Sunday: Extreme Makeover Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:10:00 +0000

As you know by now, if there is a month with a fifth Sunday, our church serves our community and city. Yesterday, we spent the afternoon with friends from Austin New Church serving Communities in Schools (CIS) at Martin Middle School. We made over the CIS counselors offices and group therapy room. It was so much fun and the results were amazing. You can see pictures by clicking on the image to the left. You can also read a recap of Serve Austin Sunday here.

In Loving Memory, Pauline Cahill

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:31:00 +0000

My grandmother, Pauline Ann Slafka Cahill, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2010. She was moved into a nursing home last August. Her health did not improve much and she actually went to the hospital while at the nursing home. About three weeks ago she was taken to the emergency room after falling out of her bed and the emergency staff said her vital signs were showing her organs were shutting down. She was returned to the nursing home but under hospice care. We knew it would probably not be too long, but when I got the calls from my mom and sister Tuesday morning, I was surprised they were calling about my grandmother. I am glad I was able to visit her numerous times while she was in the nursing home. I guess I was trying to catch up from all the years we were in DC. But I am glad she was in the nursing home receiving all the care she needed and she passed away in her sleep. I will see her again one day with our Father God and Lord Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 14, at Hillier Funeral Home, 2301 East 29th Street, Bryan, Texas 77802, (979-822-1571. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel.
A Funeral Mass is set for 12 p.m. Friday, January 15, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 East 26th Street, Bryan, Texas 77803, (979) 822-2721. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

On Newsstands Now All Around Hays

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:23:00 +0000

I am so excited to present to you part 1 of a two part series now on newsstands in the All Around Hays monthly column "Dear Functinal Girl", Functional Guy: The Emperor's New Clothes.

Calling All Nurses In Central Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:54:00 +0000

Nurses Open House

This is going to be a great opportunity for area nurses to get information on volunteering for the Red Cross. Information will be provided on Disaster Health Services, Education and Training, Sr. Preparedness, and Health Fairs. The Open House will take place at Chez-Zee, located at 5406 Balcones Drive, Austin, TX 78731 on Monday, February 22nd. The Open House will start at 5:30 PM and will run until 7:30 PM.

Must RSVP by February 12th to Amber Cooney at acooney@centex.redcross.org or (512) 929-1225.

God Is Enough

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:31:00 +0000

For those of you who have been reading our blog since the beginning (2004) or at least since Roger was diagnosed with brain cancer (2006), you might be able to relate to the following. Pastor Matt Chandler of the Village Church in Dallas, Texas had a seizure a couple months ago which sent him to the doctor where a brain tumor was discovered. Soon after he was scheduled to have the tumor removed, experienced some difficulty after surgery which kept him in the hospital longer and required rehabilitation before he could find out the pathology results to make the decision about his next course of action. He began radiation therapy today. Sound familiar? It's kind of scary how familiar this story is to us.

Wow, as I have been keeping up with Matt's condition, streams of emotion keep flooding in as I am swept with memories of our experience in 2006. Being able to relate to what they are going through and knowing how scary and overwhelming it all is, one other element is also constant in our similar ordeals and that is our God is enough. When Roger walked into my office on that Tuesday and shut the door to tell me he had a tumor and it was scheduled to be removed the next Friday, our first thoughts and prayers were God will get us through this and He will be glorified in it. We had already experienced this two years before when Roger got the call from his First Sergeant saying he was being deployed to Iraq. We knew then God was sending him there for a reason and He would be glorified through it. As most of you know, God sent Roger to Washington DC instead of Iraq, in order for Roger to glorify Him there and to show He keeps his promises as our whole church prayed corporately Roger would not go to Iraq. Amazing story there too.

But what I mainly wanted to share with you today is, again, that our God is enough. He is faithful and He loves us and He's right there beside us in everything we are going through. But He is enough. I can not lie that it didn't cross my mind on more than one occasion that Roger might die in war in Iraq or on the operating table in DC, but I always knew no matter what, God would get me through it and I had Him. That's all I needed. Him. Nothing else.

Every time we go through a struggle I think about how we get through it because of Him. Before I found Jesus, I heard a lot of testimony at the church we were attending of people going to God when they went through a tough time. I remember thinking, "I hope when I go through my first tough time I remember to go to God first." You know, since I hadn't experienced anything 'bad' yet. And when we hit our first rough spot, the Iraq deployment, not even a year into our marriage, I remembered, "Go to God first." He is faithful. And He loves us. He keeps His promises. And He is enough.

You can keep up with Matt's story by visiting a blog on the church's website. And be motivated to praise God by watching a great video made by Matt's church family here.

Thanks for letting me share with you today what I have been experiencing lately. ~ Holly

Christmas Eve Service

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:37:00 +0000

I'm truly looking forward to our first ever Christmas Eve services at Austin New Church. I hope you are planning on joining us at 11530 Manchaca Rd, Austin 78748 and our special guest Andy Melvin as we celebrate in a simple time of worship and communion together.

Two identical services to chose from: 5pm and 7pm.
Plan on coming early to allow time to park, check in the kids, and find a seat.
Services will be approximately 45 minutes once we get started.
Childcare is provided for birth-preschool.
Elementary kids are encouraged to worship with their family.

Merry Christmas!

Update from the Austin Komen Race for the Cure

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:11:00 +0000

I had to share this as it really tore my heart in half.

Dear Friend,

The holiday season brings me joy and appreciation for family, tradition, laughter, love and blessings. I have a unique understanding of the word blessing. As many of you know, I have been fighting Stage IV breast cancer for four years now. It has been a challenging month since we finished the Komen Austin Race for the Cure on November 1st. I began to experience debilitating pain in my back and scans would later confirm that my cancer has spread. We immediately moved to a new drug with high hopes that it will slow this beast's progress. Only one drug remains in the medicine cabinet... please God, let this work. Forget needing more time to shop for Christmas. I need more time, period.

As I type this update to you I watch my son Reid sleep; Yes, bad mommy let him sleep with us tonight! I mentally cannot wrap my mind around not being here to raise this beautiful being. I struggle with celebrating the holiday season versus mourning the possibility that it may be my last. I have one more drug available to me and we are now beginning our search for trials. With all of the research being done out there, surely there is something that can see me through my 38th birthday, Reid's 6th birthday and the Komen Austin Race in 2010. That is what I want for Christmas this year....a chance to see Christmas NEXT year.

Many of you already know the name of my Race team is “Michelle’s Angels”. These amazing people have walked with me, stood by me and brought love and faith with them as we’ve experienced this journey through breast cancer together. They have helped me “eat life with a big spoon” and I like to think I’ve helped them live their life that way too.

Become a "Pink Angel" this Holiday...

This holiday as we search for ways to show the people we love how we feel, I want to encourage you to reach out for the intangible holiday gift that will impact not only you and the one who receives your gift, but also the many women just like me that Komen Austin supports with your generous donations throughout the year. Donate to the Pink Angels Holiday fund on behalf of a family member or friend and help Komen keep their promise to all people at risk, including me: to end breast cancer forever.

After you make your donation you will be able to email or download and print a Pink Angels Holiday eCard to let your loved one know they have been honored by you this season. There are many gifts we can choose to give but a gift of hope is eternal.

Thank you for all you do for the cause. With supporters as passionate as you, it is not a matter of if we will find a cure but when. Your continued love, hope and blessings ensures there will one day be a world without breast cancer.

My warmest wishes and blessings for the holiday,

2009 Honorary Race Chair
Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

P.S. Don’t forget! Your year-end contribution to Komen Austin helps save lives AND is tax-deductible. Thank you again for your generosity!

Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Without Ruining Your Fitness

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:33:00 +0000

I get a newsletter every week from USA Triathlon (USAT) with good articles regarding fitness, nutrition, triathlons, etc. And this weeks newsletter had a great article about ways to enjoy the holidays without ruining your fitness. Even if you aren't training for triathlons or marathons, I think the tips in this article apply and can be used by anyone who doesn't want to over do it during the holidays. So check out the article "11 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays Without Ruining Your Fitness" from active.com. I personally won't be doing tip number 11. ~Holly

Advent Conspiracy Alternative Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Below is a post from our church's blog about other ways we can take back the story of Christmas. There are some good options to think about and meditate on how we can change our Christmas stories.

Advent Conspiracy: Alternative Ideas

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Brandon Hatmaker

As a part of our pursuit to “take back the story of Christmas”, our hope is that we can encourage one another by providing practical ideas that accompany the heart of the simple and humble biblical story of Christmas. Most the people I know are frustrated with the patterns they’ve established with their Christmas spending. While the credit keeps piling up as well as the anxiety that goes along with it, often times the very joy we’re chasing is lost in the shuffle. And most certainly the story as well.

Here are a few alternative ideas to make a difference this Christmas. Feel free to add any that you might have:

Simplify: If you’ve got kids, instead of buying a ton of things that probably won’t be remembered six months from now, narrow it down to four key things: (1) Something you want, (2) something you need, (3) something to wear, (4) something to read.
Match It: Make a commitment to give away as much as you keep. For every dollar spent, donate a dollar to a favorite charity or non-profit organization. To see more about Austin New Church’s non-profit partners click HERE.
Give Presence: Do something designed to spend time with your family or friends this Christmas. Take a trip instead of spending money on presents. A cheaper alternative is to do the same thing locally. Maybe a family game day or a day spent around town doing other things together.
Volunteer Together: One of my favorite organizations and partners of ANC is Mobile Loaves and Fishes. Early Christmas morning they invite families to join them (before they open their own presents) and do truck runs to feed the homeless, give warm clothing, and more than anything, let them know they’re not forgotten on one of the hardest days of the year to be alone.
Forego Your Gifts: Ask friends, family, co-workers to donate to the non-profit of your choice instead of them buying YOU a present. Maybe that’s a $20 donation to “Charity: Water” or a $50 micro-loan to KIVA. Either way, that’s a great way for YOU to be the one making the sacrifice, while increasing awareness in others.
ReThink Christmas: Check out the website “Rethinking Christmas” to see what other “Advent Conspiracy” Churches are doing. There are some great ideas found on their website.

There are many, many, many more things we can do. Bottom line, it just takes some thought and maybe a little creativity. The reward and impact goes far beyond a single morning in December. Maybe you’ll even find a new family tradition that will pass down to your children and their children.

Another chance for last minute gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Need any last minute gifts? Come shop Saturday, December 12th from 3pm-7pm in a relaxed atmosphere at the Legacy Model Home in Rancho Alto at 1821 Ralph Cox Rd, Austin, Texas 78748. Nine vendors will be there with special offers, one of a kind hand made gifts, yummy treats, and something for everyone on your list!

Holiday Extravaganza

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:38:00 +0000

I will be in attendance with about 30 other female vendors and business owners at a Holiday Extravaganza on Friday, December 11, 2009 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at My Party Palace, 208 West Bagdad Avenue, Round Rock 78664. Shop for unique holiday gifts in a relaxing atmosphere.

Change Your Christmas Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:07:00 +0000

We are started a new series of messages at Austin New Church today about changing our Christmas tradition to look more like the original Christmas story. It's called the Advent Conspiracy. The main topic of today's message was nothing tells the true story of Christmas better when the church lives, loves and gives like Jesus lived, loved and gave and for us to worship fully by spending less and giving more therefore loving all. It's a great contrast to what our Christmas stories look like today. You can listen to the message by clicking on "anc teaching" on the home page and launching the sermon player. I recommend listening to the introduction then the sermon. And you can watch a video introduction below. More information at www.adventconspiracy.org.

Eat At Jason’s Deli and Make a Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:46:00 +0000

A great organization, Wonders and Worries, will be benefiting next Tuesday night, December 8th, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. from the meals purchased at six area Jason's Deli's. Wonders and Worries will receive 10% of all dine in sales. Wonders and Worries helps children cope when a parent has a chronic or life threatening illness.

For more information and a link to the flyer you need to print out and take with you, check out a blog post from Austin New Church here.

Busy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:40:00 +0000

We had one busy Thanksgiving weekend. It started on Thanksgiving morning. I ran the Austin Turkey Trot which benefits Caritas of Austin. It was five miles of fun. It was really a good run. I enjoyed every minute of it. Okay, not the last hill, but the rest was great. And I am really happy with my running time. I ran the entire five miles in one hour which means 12 minute miles. Not bad for a slow poke. I took a lot of pictures during the run. Yes, I ran with my camera. I do it in most races except triathlons. But my camera started acting funky during the middle of the race and didn't start acting right until the end. So I would have taken more pictures but I couldn't. I missed pictures of a lot of interesting costumes. You can check out the pictures by clicking on the picture to the left or here.

Then after getting home, showering and packing up, we went to Roger's parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Roger fried two turkeys and they were delicious. The guys watched all the football games outside and then in the garage while the rest of us got all the rest of the food ready inside. There was a full house of family and friends. You can see pictures by clicking on the picture to the left or here.

Then on Friday, after we slept in late because we didn't get home until 3:00 a.m., we went with the Mommaerts' family to see the movie A Christmas Carol in 3D at the IMAX. Then we had a great dinner of Indian food at the Clay Pit down town. No pictures from that because we were too busy stuffing our faces with delicious food!

Saturday we spent most of the day putting up the rest of the interior Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree. We don't decorate the inside very much, mainly because I'm lazy and don't want to have to take it all down at the end of the season. But we are very excited about our new Christmas tree. We can finally have a full size Christmas tree. So we donated our old Christmas tree and all the decorations to a family last year. Which meant we had to get all new Christmas decorations. But you know me, I'm frugal. So we made Christmas ornaments out of holiday cookie cutters and only had to get a few other items. You can see pictures of the Christmas decor by clicking on the picture above or here. We also took our Christmas card picture. But you can't see a picture of that until you get our infamous Christmas card in the mail.

And finally on Sunday, we helped renovate the Soli Deo Gloria building with fellow brothers and sisters from our church for Serve Austin Sunday. We had a great time working on the building getting it ready to serve East Austin better and getting to know people from our Restore Community (community group) and our church more. You can see pictures from Serve Austin Sunday by clicking on the picture to the left or here.

See, I told you we had a busy Thanksgiving weekend. ~ Holly

Serve Austin Sunday (Nov 29th)

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

It's that time again, a month with a fifth Sunday. Our church, Austin New Church, will not be having a morning service this Sunday, November 29th. Instead we will be serving and loving our city at six different projects. Roger and I will be joining our community group to continue the renovation of the Soli Deo Gloria building so we can better serve the poor and marginalized of East Austin from 3-5pm (4th/Pedernales). This project is full but if you would like to join another project you can see the others at the church website by clicking on Restore Austin then Serve Austin Sunday or read a post from our church's blog about Serve Austin Sunday. Both locations have instructions for how to sign up for a project. Thanks!

Call To All Crafters

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:35:00 +0000

It's Sew Much More's Annual Christmas Stocking Competition! Why not put your creative talents to work and help a great cause in the process? Due by December 5th, all stockings will be donated to the Center for Child Protection after judging. My mom and I don't do it to win, we do it for the kids.

Happy Veterans Day

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:11:00 +0000

We would like to thank all the men and women who have served in the military of the United States of America. Thank you for your service, dedication and sacrifice to our country.

Also, if you are a veteran, there are lots of discounts and specials out there for you today. And free meals!!

Veterans Day Discounts

Lowe’s, Home Depot offer vets discounts

Holiday Bazaars, Fairs and Open Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:42:00 +0000

I have been invited to quite a few holiday open houses, bazaars and fairs this holiday season. Some Saturdays I have two to choose from. I really like setting up a table and displaying a custom J. Hilburn shirt and one of our Luxury Blend Cashmere sweaters because so far I have been the only vendor with products and holiday gift ideas for men. Our gift cards for a custom shirt are so popular with the ladies perusing these bazaars because their shopping for a birthday or Christmas gift for their husband, boyfriend, father, etc is done. The gift cards never expire and they all think it's such a cool gift to give a gentleman. Plus I can give them the $20 new customer discount on the gift card which ends November 15th. I will be at a holiday open house tomorrow night from 4pm-9pm with six other vendors of great products and hand made items for everyone on your shopping list. There will be special offers, yummy snacks and a free gift just for attending. Bring a friend and shop in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. Click on the link below for more information. If you have a holiday event coming up in your neighborhood or at your child's school, please let me know. ~Holly

Oak Parke Holiday Open House

Race for the Cure

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:10:00 +0000

The 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held this morning at the Domain. It was great. I really like the new location. And the turnout was unbelievable. I really enjoyed it. Join me next year on November 7, 2010! You can see some of the pictures I took here.

Church Service Moving to 10:30 AM

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:06:00 +0000

November 1st (one week from this Sunday), Austin New Church will be moving our worship service to 10:30 a.m. We will also be launching a new children’s ministry program. We meet at Jackie’s Performing Arts Academy on South Manchaca, 11530 Manchaca Road. So come check us out!

And don't forget to turn your clocks back the same day, November 1, 2009.

Business Update

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:00 +0000

I wanted to give a quick little update about my new business to let you know how things are going. I am having so much fun and every day this business gets more and more exciting. I think the best part of this business for me is I am helping people and building great relationships. I didn't think when I started this about how much I would be helping people or about the relationships it would create and build. It's really amazing. I prayed a lot while I was doing research about this company before I decided to join it. I can see now how God is going to use me through it.

The other amazing thing about this business is this country has been in a recession for a while. People are watching every penny and our company is exploding. Our sales are sky rocketing and more and more people are jumping at the chance to join our company. We really are providing an economical service to people. We are saving people money with our custom apparel. The quality is great and therefore they aren't throwing their money away. That makes me feel good also.

For more information about our products and services, you can check out our website or ask me. If you are interested in joining this great company, let me know. Below are some links to recent articles about our company.

Tailored Around Your Man - The Examiner
September 20, 2009 Post: Holly's New Business

Thanks-Holly

Message From Honorary Race Chairman

noreply@blogger.com (Holly) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Honorary Race Chair Michelle Bynum recently found out that her metastatic breast cancer is spreading. As we prepare for the upcoming 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Michelle and her family are sharing their stories with us.

Update from Michelle:

Cancer is a funny thing. It’s ugly, it’s unpredictable, and it’s emotional. My tumor markers were down and now they are showing an increase in size again. I haven’t lost my faith. We are going to continue my chemotherapy treatment and see what my next scan brings. Every day is a precious gift.

I’m sharing this with you because I want you to understand how this disease can change from day to day. We must find a cure!

Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month. I have to admit, I never really was a “pink” girl growing up. It seemed a little girlie and too bright. Other than thinking the “Pink Ladies” were cool in the movie Grease, it was not on my list of favorite colors (though I did want one of those jackets!). Many years ago, the color pink became synonymous with breast cancer. As loved ones were diagnosed with the dreaded disease, the color took an entire new meaning for me. It meant life, hope and the prayer for a cure someday. When I was diagnosed with late stage breast cancer at the age of 33, the “bright, girlie” color became a part of me (not quite as much as my beloved UT burnt orange, but a part of me none the less). It became a symbol of empowerment. Pink means “feminine” to those of us who face life with no hair, missing breasts as well as internal and external scars. Personally, it reminds me that I am not alone.

Yes, pink is a marketing tool to get your attention. However, this disease NEEDS your attention. Current statistics give a woman a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. If it isn’t already, this epidemic will be at your doorstep at some point in time with the diagnosis of a loved one or heaven forbid yourself. Many have fought and will continue to fight until breast cancer is a concern of the past. I dream of a day that my little niece Kendall is a grown woman with no fear of a ticking time bomb in her chest. I pray our children today will look back at my current treatment and think, “How barbaric!”

Every day is Breast Cancer Awareness for me but this month is special and worth reflection. When we see pink, wear pink, or think pink this month, please remember that awareness, education, and empowerment are three weapons we have to fight for life and wipe breast cancer off the map! Please sign up for the Race today, and if you can, take the 125 Challenge to pay for a woman’s mammogram.

I can’t wait to meet you, your family, and friends and share the magic with you on Sunday, November 1st!

With all my heart,