Testify!

Hey! You! Have you received or read a copy of the BRICKS for Young Adults: Cancer Awareness & Resource Guide? We wanna know what you think of it! Was there a resource in the back that you didnt know about, and have since utilized? Was there a story that made you say "Wow, Im not the only one who feels that way!" Was there something we missed that just HAS to be included in the next one?

If so, shoot us an email at brickspgh at gmail dot com, subject line "TESTIFY!" Your input means so much to us, and we want to make sure we are meeting the needs of those this book was made for. We'd love to be able to share your opinions in future grant writing or reporting, or with people who interview us about the booklet. Please also include a line in your email saying whether or not we may reference your comments, which we would always do anonymously.

Please please please get in touch and let us know what you think, we cant wait to hear from you!

Cancer Caring Center benefit

(click on image above to see full sized version of the beautiful flyer!)

Join the Cancer Caring Center at Diesel on the southside for ENCHANTED, on Friday May 28th. Events include a showcase of fashions, hair and makeup styles, and drink specials. Tickets are only $5.

The mission of the Cancer Caring Center is to help cancer survivors, their families and concerned friends cope effectively with the emotional impact of cancer through a variety of FREE support services. Its an AMAZING community resource, staffed by incredible people, doing such important work. Please come out and support them!

14 months

Yesterday marked 14 months since my husband passed away from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The monthly anniversaries of his passing dont seem quite as heavy as they had, but something about yesterday made me stop and think about just how long 14 months is, how much time has passed. Its sort of funny how time shifts, changes, seems to actually carry a different weight. In some ways, 14 months sounds like ages ago, and in other ways, it doesnt seem possible that so much time has gone by.

I think, in a way, my brain has been in survival mode- blurring out a lot of the last year and a half, fuzzing the details around the edges and running the days into each other. I think back over the last year or so and while some events stick out in my mind, most of it seems to run together. A long string of "medium" sort of days, a general undertone of sadness or maybe even lethargy.

Ive started making a more deliberate effort to get out there, do things, be alive, again. Its not always easy. Im trying to remember that life is fleeting, and not to be saddened by that, but to act because of it. My relationship with Rick was swift and jam packed full of fun, adventure and happiness. We did so many amazing things in the 32 months we had together. I almost feel ashamed for missing things in these last 14 months. I dont want to lose the possibility of all the good things that could happen in the next 14 months.

How do I get a copy of your booklet??

Thanks to an AMAZING feature story on Tonic.com about the BRICKS for Young Adults Cancer Awareness & Resource Guide, the question of the day has been "How do I get a copy of your booklet??"

The answer is super simple- just let me know you want one! Thanks to the Seed Award we received from The Sprout Fund, the 68 page books are available for FREE to anyone who wants one. They are currently being distributed at cancer support organizations in Pittsburgh, or at our outreach events, but for those of you who are not in the Pittsburgh area, we can mail you a copy. Just use the Paypal DONATE button on the right hand column of this blog to make a small donation to cover shipping and handling fees (its costs about $2 to mail one booklet). Provide complete mailing address information and we'll get one out to you right away. If youd like more than one, or would like additional copies to distribute, just send us an email at brickspgh at gmail dot com to specify how many you need/want. Not only will your donation get a booklet to you, but additional funds assure that we can continue to get the booklets into the hands of those who need it most.

BRICKS goes to the Roller Derby!

BRICKS for Young Adults has been invited by the Steel City Derby Demons to table and hand out booklets at this saturday's game.

May 15
Steel Hurtin’ vs. Suburbia Roller Girls Brawl Stars (Westchester County, NY)
and the B-Unit vs Suburbia Roller Girls Backyard Bullies

7pm at
Romp N Roll
1661 E. Sutter Rd
Glenshaw, PA 15116
Phone 412-486-4117

Tickets are $10 in advance and can be bought here

Drink for the Cure - DJ 7up & Charissa from BRICKS for Young Adults

Last weekend I was invited to participate at the Drink for the Cure event to benefit the Komen Foundation. Above is a short video clip of me speaking at the event. Not too bad for being unrehearsed!

Happy birthday to BRICKS!

Guess what? We're a year old already! AMAZING.

Take a look at my first blog post from May 1, 2009. So much has happened in the last year, and we still have so much we want to do. I feel optimistic and excited about this, and proud of everything we've accomplished so far.

Happy birthday, BRICKS!!

Its time again

for

The 7th Annual "Fill the Mug" Charity Bar Crawl
Benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
http://www.charitybarcrawl.com
Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 4-11 P.M.
Touring South Side Neighborhood Bars!

Starting at The Library Restaurant & Bar
2302 East Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA
Google Map: http://tinyurl.com/2fpquq4
Register at the Library from 4-5:30 PM

$15 Tax-Deductible Donation/Registration Fee.
Pre-Register & Pre-Pay Online or by Check:
http://www.charitybarcrawl.com/registration.html
Or Register Day of Event at the Library from 4-5:30 PM

2010 PARTICIPATING BARS:

--The Library, 2302 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA. 15203
--Double Wide Grill, 2339 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA 15203
--Margaritaville, 2200 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA. 15203
--The Bar, 2132 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA. 15203
--Tiki Lounge, 2003 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA. 15203
--Smokin' Joe's, 2001 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA 15203
--Casey's Draft House, 1811 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA. 15203
--Jekyl & Hyde, 140 South 18th Street at Harcum Way, Pgh., PA. 15203
--Mario's South Side Saloon, 1510-1514 E Carson Street, Pgh., PA 15203
--Carson City Saloon, 1401 East Carson Street, Pgh., PA.
--1311, 1311 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
--Rumshakers, 1224 East Carson St. at South 12th St., Pgh., PA. 15203

INCLUDED IN YOUR DONATION:

--Commemorative 22 oz Beer Mug for the first 200 registrants
--Coupons for products from our Generous Sponsors
--2 Raffle Tickets for Raffle Prizes during the Crawl
--Discount Beer Specials throughout the Crawl
-- Free Admission/No Cover Charge at all Participating Bars
--Appetizer Specials at Participating Bars with Kitchens
--Having a great time, while helping out a great cause!

Last year a group of us participated in this, and Im still undecided about this year (I may have another event to attend). BUT I encourage folks to go out and have a great time. Bar crawls are not a thing I would normally participate in, but this is for a great cause and has some fun bars/restaurants on the list this year!

If youre looking for something to do tonight