I usually try to keep this blog all wedding related, but this post will be personal.
When I was little, I grew up with an aunt who, as far back as I can remember, always wore a wrap around her head. I knew she had breast cancer, but I never saw her sick. By sick I mean the day after chemo, nauseas and poked full of needle holes. Or sad, and by sad I mean crying that she may never get to see what her sons would become. The idea of Breast Cancer was never scary to me because she was such a strong woman, I never saw her flinch. She always had it together, she did crafts, sewed alot, and was always responsible for hosting big family get togethers for every holiday & birthday. To me, Breast Cancer seemed as serious as a cold that just stuck around longer. My aunt went into remission after extensive treatment and a mastectomy, and I didn't really think about it again. I remember everyone was happy, but I never really "got" it. Then a short time later my mom was diagnosed. Maybe my mind has erased all the painful memories, but I really don't remember much of her being "sick" either. She was so tough and I am sad to say I was too young to see it at the time. She was a first grade teacher and taught those kids wearing a wig while fitting in Oncologist appointments and chemo and radiation treatments. Even with it in my own home, being a young, junior high kid with friends and cheerleading practice to go to, I don't think I ever realised what a horrible thing my own mother was living with. She kept me so safe and protected from what cancer truly was for her. I cannot imagine what it must've been like for her when her head hit the pillow at night. What a burden to carry.
My mom died when I was 12 when the cancer had spread throughout her body and I have never felt so blindsided in all my life. I had no idea that women actually die from this disease. How could I have been so naive? Maybe I was in denial, maybe I did know and didn't want to believe it. My aunt had a recurrance a few years later and also passed away. And yet again, my family was touched by this disease when another of my mother's sisters was just recently diagnosed.
Everyone in this world has a woman in their lives that they care about. The Susan G Komen 3Day Walk is not just for those we've lost or those living with the disease, it's also for the women in your life that have never been touched by the disease. The funds raised by the 3 day events held all over the country are there so you don't have to see your mother, sister, wife or friend ever wear that head wrap like my mom and aunts had to. A cure is possible. We can make it a reality.
Nate, one of our trusted camera guys, is married to a wonderful woman who has made the commitment to walk in this year's 3Day in Boston August 15th through the 17th. Lori, along with all the other walkers who have registered, have the responibility to raise $2200 each for the cause. We have promised to do all we can to spread the word and help her to beat her $2200 goal. So, we are asking everyone who has the means, to help. Every little bit makes a difference, and I personally thank you for helping to find a cure before my sisters, my stepmom, my grandmother, my best friend Liz & I are faced with the chance of having to fight the disease ourselves.
Lori's Donation Site is HERE. She also said if you find you aren't able to access it through that link that you can go HERE, enter in her name which is Lori Suher and the state is Massachusetts. If you are a FTP bride and you book with us before the 3Day we can put you 10% OneWed donation toward Lori's 3Day donation.
Thank you again.
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