Ladies, I’ll dish about the Halloween pet parade and dinner in a few, but for now I wanted to thank you for your generosity and support last month. As you know, October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and bloggers, businesses, groups and individuals worldwide set to work trying to raise funds and to increase awareness of the disease.
Here, our goal was to raise $100 (admittedly a meager amount) for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and I pledged to match your donations. Well, you exceeded the goal, and we wound up pulling together $114, or $228 after the matching funds.
I’m so thankful and proud right now because you guys didn’t take any hard selling or arm twisting to give — you just gave. I know that there are so many worthy causes out there, and none of us can ever contribute to every one, every year, but we pulled together as a community, and, frankly, it means more to me than you’ll ever know.
See, on the 29th of last month, just a few days ago, our family learned that El Hub’s Mom in Hawaii has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her name is Didi, and, as you can imagine, she’s a little scared and nervous about what lies ahead.
So many things cross your mind when something like this happens. If you’ve ever gotten difficult news before, you know what I mean — the rush of thoughts and emotions, things said, the amazing ironies and apparent coincidences that just seem too bizarre to believe (it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for crying out loud!)… but I think that’s just the way life goes. As people, one thing we all have in common is that sooner or later each of us will face trying times, and all we can do when it happens is to do our best.
Anyway, this is why I’ve been going through a bit of a rough patch lately, and again why I appreciate how supportive and kind you all have been, even though you didn’t know what was going on.
Thank you, girls.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
vampyvarnish says
November 1st, 2008 at 10:03 amHi Karen – Thank you for supporting breast cancer awareness. So sorry to hear about you mother-in-law, I wish you and your family all the best. Because I work in the Biotech industry at a company that makes a well known breast cancer drug, I hear stories all the time about people’s struggles fighting the disease and it is hard. We have come so far in helping women battle this cancer and I really hope someday soon it can be “cured” for good!
vampyvarnish´s last blog post..Vampy Varnish Halloween 2008
Dao says
November 1st, 2008 at 10:43 amI hope your mother in law is going to get better soon. It is hard to have news like that, especially from people who’s close to you. I wish you and your family all the best.
Karen says
November 1st, 2008 at 10:48 amHi Vampyvarnish,
I hope so, too.
Thank you for your note… have a good weekend. 🙂
Karen says
November 1st, 2008 at 10:50 amHi Dao,
Thank you. I hope she does, too.
Nell says
November 1st, 2008 at 11:08 amI´m sorry to hear your news. All the best for your mother-in-law and all your family, things will hopefully get better!
Take care, Karen and thank you for making me laugh out loudly so often and frequently touching me with your writing.
Tekoa says
November 1st, 2008 at 11:13 am*offers her cats for comfort*
Marisol says
November 1st, 2008 at 11:36 amKaren-
Hang in there! I know it must be hard to think about this but my hope for you and your family is that this was caught early enough that she can fight it and kick breast cancer’s ass. How is El Hub?
Sending lots of positive vibes your way.
Marisol´s last blog post..TILT 10.30.08
Tiffany says
November 1st, 2008 at 11:50 amOh, Karen, I’m so sorry you and your family are going through this. I have two breast cancer survivors in my family; it is such a scary thing. Keep your chin up! Your mother-in-law will be in my thoughts – I hope she is doing better soon!
Brittany says
November 1st, 2008 at 11:52 amI’m sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. I know that this must really suck, but I’m sure that she’ll get through this and everything will end up okay 🙂
Hanna says
November 1st, 2008 at 12:30 pmI’m sorry to hear that. I feel for you and your mother-in-law. As a surgeon I meet breast cancer patients on a weekly basis and see their pain. Luckily, I also see their recovery as so many things can be done nowadays to totally cure the disease. Best wishes to you all!
Bisbee says
November 1st, 2008 at 1:38 pmKaren – so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. I’ve been touched too many times by breast cancer – I lost my mother and my aunt. This was over 15 years ago – my mother was diagnosed over 25 years ago. They have changed treatments so much since then…luckily for us all – including your mother-in-law. One of my closest friends is a survivor – she was diagnosed early – I will keep your family in my thoughts.
Beth says
November 1st, 2008 at 2:25 pmI’m so sorry to hear that your mother in law isn’t well, Karen. I realise that there isn’t much I can say to help out, but I’ll definitely be sending tons of positive vibes your way. If there’s anything I can do to help you out, please please let me know.
Love Bx
Beth´s last blog post.."So What are you Trying to Say?"
Karen says
November 1st, 2008 at 3:49 pmHi ladies,
Thank you all so much for your kind words and thoughts. My family really appreciates all the positive vibes and prayers. Big hugs to you all.
Amanda says
November 1st, 2008 at 4:19 pmhey Karen
best wishes for your mother-in-law, el hub and you. My mom is a breast cancer survivior (almost 10 years now), so I know it’s scary. But there is hope for the all clear in the future.
Tiera says
November 1st, 2008 at 8:21 pmI don’t know anyone who’s ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I can only imagine what you are going through. Please just know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
jessica says
November 2nd, 2008 at 9:23 amI’m sorry about your mother-in-law. I hope she makes a speedy recovery. *hugs*
Anna says
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:55 amHi Karen,
So sorry to hear about your Mother In Law’s diagnosis, hopefully it was caught early and with the correct treatment she will be in remission very soon. Sending lots of positive thoughts and vibes you and your family’s way. Can imagine what you all are going through. Family is so important during these times,stay strong,you all will be in my thoughts everyday.
xxx
Christina says
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:34 pmMy mom had a breast cancer scare a while back right on the heels of her mother having a scare so I feel what you’re going through. I’m sure you will all pull through it with strength and love in family.
Christina´s last blog post..being adventurous
Erica says
November 3rd, 2008 at 1:47 amKaren, I’m so sorry to hear about this honey. You’re family will get through this, you just need to stick together and stay positive. My aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and had a mastectomy. She is doing AMAZING now, and all the cancer is completely gone. She had such a sense of humor during chemo and everything, she was over at our house one day and kept showing us all the different ways she could wear her wig (including one way that you swore she was “The Donald” in flesh lol). It was great. So everyone in my family definitely thanks you for your support with Breast Cancer awareness as well.
Laura says
November 3rd, 2008 at 12:09 pmThis is a great blog/online community that really helped our family when my aunt was diagnosed. Cancer sucks!
http://www.npr.org/blogs/mycancer/