Part of My Story, But Not Who I Am...

On this last day of October and last day of Breast Cancer Awareness month in 2013, I thought I'd share some of the opportunities I had to promote a local fund that helps those that need breast care services and can't afford them.  I was a recipient of this fund in 2008.  It was largely the reason I even had my scheduled yearly mammogram and thus, in part, the reason my cancer was discovered so early.  This amazing and at times overwhelming fact is not lost on me...

You can read my personal Especially For You story here: http://www.especiallyforyourace.org/efy/about/race-stories/

Sharing this story ended up snowballing into several opportunities to talk about my experience and as a result promote not only this great fund, but also to encourage women to take care of themselves.  I was thrilled to be able to "pay it forward" and do my small part to raise awareness and hopefully help others!

I did a couple of radio interviews:
http://www.965kisscountry.com/media/podcast-katheryn-foxxs-interviews-Interviews/katheryn-foxx-interviews-lorissa-wendy-about-23652227/

A TV appearance:
http://www.especiallyforyourace.org/efy/fund/

A newspaper story:
http://thegazette.com/2013/10/06/cedar-rapids-breast-cancer-survivor-201/

And finally, I spoke at Mercy Hospital/Alliant Energy's Power of Pink lighting ceremony:

It was a privilege and an honor to share with others and, I hope, encourage perhaps just one person.

The above is the Survivor's Photo from the morning of the Especially For You race.  I didn't know anyone personally in the crowd (that I know of), but there is an unspoken bond of understanding amongst those who have fought or are fighting similar battles.

Catching Up

I've decided to try to carve out some time each week and return to blogging.  Though I should probably warn any readers that my posts may seem a little schizophrenic.  I began this journey needing very much to process all that was tumbling around in my heart and mind as I faced my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Since that time I have recognized in a fresh way that writing helps me to not only process things going on in my heart and mind, but it's a tremendous release as well.  Kind of like getting my creative ideas out in my college art projects, the feeling is one of both freedom and of vulnerability.

I say my posts may seem schizophrenic because a lot has happened since finishing treatment for breast cancer almost five years ago.  We added a dog to our family, our youngest daughter was born, our son was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and ADHD and we realized our oldest daughter is mildly dyslexic and has trouble particularly with written language (as opposed to reading).  Additionally, I am continually amazed at what the Lord is teaching me through people, circumstances, etc.  So...my posts may run the gamut.  You have been warned. :-)

Elora Margaret Lisette was born on September 18th, 2011.  Infants/toddlers keep you very busy; I had forgotten!  She is a joy and delight.  She is also strong-willed and hilarious.  She has a special bond with her older sister, whom is her second mother, and she follows her big brother around, often copying his antics.  It has become quite apparent that our challenge in the coming years will be (indeed it already is!) to guide this strong little person to grow to understand that she is not the center of the universe.  In recent weeks her language has exploded and yet another dimension of her personality as well.  She is beginning to speak in phrases and short sentences more than words and one of my great and recent delights is hearing her attempt to sing "Jesus Loves Me".  When I consider our family without her, a critical piece is missing and I am again overcome in gratefulness for the part that my cancer diagnosis played in Elora being added to our family.

More to come soon, but I felt I had to begin with an update about an important and beautiful member of our family.