As many of you know, last year I was thinking about putting on a gala to raise money for colon cancer. Fortunately, many friends urged me to discard this notion, since putting on a gala while I was going through chemotherapy was insane. I then told myself that I would do it “next year.” Well – next year has arrived. I have been debating what I should do given the current economic crisis.
Yesterday, my brilliant friend, Gina, figured out a new way for me to raise funds for colon cancer and engage everyone else in the effort as well - without having to wear a ballgown. In fact, this activity is more geared toward t-shirts and running shoes.
What is this exciting opportunity? The Colon Cancer Coalition is holding a 5K Run/Walk on October 4 in San Francisco entitled “Get Your Rear In Gear.” I am planning to form a team to participate in this terrific event. I am telling all of you early so that you have plenty of time to prepare. For those of you not from the Bay Area, October is a beautiful time to come and visit (and get a little exercise while raising money for a great cause).
The sign-up forms aren’t out yet. They will be available next month during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (I’m sure you’re already buying your streamers for this year’s celebration). For more information about the race, go to http://www.getyourrearingear.com/events/get-your-rear-in-gear-events/san-francisco-october-2009.
I’m really excited about this. Our team will need to come up with a snazzy name, but I’m sure that we can come up with something since “colorectal” lends itself to so many many options.
Stay tuned for more information and start your training…
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Isn't It Done Already?
Over the past month, I’ve written several blog entries, but I haven’t submitted them to my blog. Why? Because I felt like my blog sounded so wrapped up and neat and done. My cancer was done. There was a happy ending. I assumed that people didn’t want to hear from me anymore.
But it’s not done. The fear of recurrence remains. About once a day the fear sweeps through my body, generally catching me off guard. It takes my breath away. Every story that comes out about cancer – most recently the Ruth Bader Ginsburg story - strikes fear in me to my core.
A couple of weeks ago, I met up with an old high school friend (who is also a survivor) and told her about my dilemma about the blog. As a fellow cancer survivor she also struggles with everyone’s need to be done with her cancer. But then she urged me to keep writing. This blog was not just for me to express what was going on as I was going through treatment, but also to educate others who know people with cancer about what a cancer patient and survivor goes through both during and following cancer treatment. It is important that friends and family of cancer survivors know that although it may be done and over with for them, it really isn’t over for the survivor.
So – I’ve decided to keep writing. For those of you who have decided that you’ve had enough of Eve’s life with cancer – I promise I won’t be hurt if you remove yourself from my blog. For those of you who stay with me – I hope that every time you hear from me it reminds you that you need to set up that colonoscopy or urge someone you love to do so. Or maybe it’s just a reminder that life can take unexpected turns and so you should treasure every day.
But it’s not done. The fear of recurrence remains. About once a day the fear sweeps through my body, generally catching me off guard. It takes my breath away. Every story that comes out about cancer – most recently the Ruth Bader Ginsburg story - strikes fear in me to my core.
A couple of weeks ago, I met up with an old high school friend (who is also a survivor) and told her about my dilemma about the blog. As a fellow cancer survivor she also struggles with everyone’s need to be done with her cancer. But then she urged me to keep writing. This blog was not just for me to express what was going on as I was going through treatment, but also to educate others who know people with cancer about what a cancer patient and survivor goes through both during and following cancer treatment. It is important that friends and family of cancer survivors know that although it may be done and over with for them, it really isn’t over for the survivor.
So – I’ve decided to keep writing. For those of you who have decided that you’ve had enough of Eve’s life with cancer – I promise I won’t be hurt if you remove yourself from my blog. For those of you who stay with me – I hope that every time you hear from me it reminds you that you need to set up that colonoscopy or urge someone you love to do so. Or maybe it’s just a reminder that life can take unexpected turns and so you should treasure every day.
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