To blog or not to blog....

Im not sure that the thoughts rolling around in my head are worth sharing, so of course, here I am. Typing them out, working through them.

Ive been thinking a lot lately about how to go about the second edition of the BRICKS for Young Adults Cancer Awareness and Resource Guide. I think its a worthwhile project and I learned a lot the first time around. Surely the second time through will be easier. I have the funds I need. I know, more or less, what Im doing. What I dont have are stories. I need YOU for that part. Ive put out the call a few times, Ive emailed individuals who I thought might want to contribute, the response has been disheartening. People say its necessary, that the project has value. I know that writing about one's cancer experience can be extremely difficult and deeply personal- but isnt that the point? Isnt that what makes the booklet so important?

If youve considered contributing to the booklet, please let me know. Post in the comments here or shoot me an email at brickspgh at gmail dot com. I would really love to make this happen again.

Another thing that will happen again, without doubt, is Blood & Cupcakes. This November will be my fourth time hosting the blood drive, and its almost time to start working on it again, which I can hardly believe. If youre a regular donor, or have never given before, now is the time to start thinking about coming out and helping us reach our goal of 60 units of blood collected for the Central Blood Bank, in honor of their 60 years of serving the community.

Theres lots more to talk about and think about but for now I think this all I want to type about. Ha. More soon, dont hesitate to get in touch with questions, comments, concerns, or contributions.

So its been a while.....

....and things have been a little slow around BRICKS headquarters. Here are a couple of important things we wanted to share with you:

1: The SAMFund is now accepting applications for its grant program for young adult cancer survivors.

Part I of the application for 2011 SAMFund grants is available now. The deadline for submitting Part I is: Wednesday, July 6th by
5:00 pm EST.

The SAMFund proudly provides financial assistance to young adults as they move forward with their lives after cancer. With our support, survivors are empowered to achieve their educational, professional and personal goals.

Grants provided by The SAMFund cover a wide range of post-treatment financial needs, such as (but not limited to): rent and utilities, car and health insurance premiums, graduate tuition, vocational training, student loan repayment, current and residual medical bills, family-building expenses, gym memberships and transportation costs.

Learn more by CLICKING HERE.

2: The Cancer Caring Center will be hosting their Jeans, Jewels & Jazz event on Wednesday, June 22 from 7-10pm. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Caring Center: celebrating 23 years of service to our community. This local non-profit has provided a wide variety of free support services to cancer patients and families including children. All services are free.

To learn more about this fundraising event CLICK HERE.

Funerals, Parties & Home Renovations

2 years ago today I was at my husband's funeral. 1 year ago today I was at the BRICKS booklet release party. Today I went to IKEA and Home Depot.

It struck me as incredibly odd/crazy/terrifying that so much has changed, and yet so much is still the same, after 2 years. TWO YEARS. Lately Ive been wondering what Ive done with my life in these 24 months. Have I done enough? Am I "better" enough? Are things "normal" enough? If I look at the ways I spent March 20th in 2009, 2010, and 2011, then the answer appears to be yes.

Im not sure if thats the right answer, or if there even IS a right answer. I think, though, that there is some sense to this. Maybe getting through all of this is sort of like working on my house. One little job at a time, one small improvement. Do another project when I have the time and resources. I can live with it as is, but I just have to keep working and making it better.

Fast Boy & 2 Girls

Many of you may know my friend Ezra Caldwell from his submission in the BRICKS for Young Adults Cancer Awareness Guide, or maybe from his amazing blog, Teaching Cancer to Cry. Or maybe youve quietly lusted after one of the custom bikes he's built. If somehow you DONT know of Ezra, now is your chance to change that.

In just a couple of weeks, Ezra and his wife Hilary, along with their friend Emily, will participate in the 2011 Colon Cancer Challenge 15k Run sponsored by the Colon Cancer Challenge Foundation. You can sponsor the team by clicking HERE.

Ezra was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in July of 2008. This event obviously means a lot to him & his wife, but these are amazing people who have touched my life in a big way, and I hope people will support their efforts!

F is for February.

Sorry its been quiet around these parts, folks. But, to be entirely truthful, February has more or less sucked. Nothing terrible or life shattering has happened- its just been a long, cold winter, and Ive had way too much free time for thinking.

Response to the call for stories for the second edition of the booklet has been practically non-existent. I think its an important project and resource but I havent had the energy lately to beat people for their stories. The rapidly approaching 2 year anniversary of my husband's death has had me thinking more about how Im spending my own life. Its a complicated mess of emotions that leave me unsure of what I want or need to talk about in this space.

So, maybe when the snow melts and the sun comes out a little bit more I'll have more to say, for now thanks for sticking around and checking back in.

Hey Steelers fans!

Put your fandom to good use and help the Cancer Caring Center!

Enter to win a football w/ Lithographed signatures from the 2010 team (pictured above)! Entries are $10 or 3/$20. Donate securely through Google Checkout or call the Center at 412-622-1212 with a credit card. Winner will be drawn at noon on the Friday before Superbowl. All proceeds benefit cancer patients in Western PA.

Learn more about the Cancer Caring Center and their amazing work by clicking here.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

Did you know that January is Cervical Health Awareness Month?

You can learn more by visiting the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website or The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation website.

If you're a lady, call your doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner to schedule your annual exam, including a Pap smear. If you're not a lady, remind the ladies in your life that taking care of their reproductive health is super important!!!