Molly Ann Fulkerson, Local Manila Woman, Receives National Promotion to Supervisor with For Every Home Business.
Meet Molly Ann Fulkerson and select from her featured For Every Home Customized Baskets at the Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts and Crafts Show November 13th-15th at the ASU Convocation Center
Manila, AR & Utah County, UT – November 11, 2009 – Becky Anderson, founder of For Every Home, is pleased to announce today that Molly Ann Fulkerson, of Manila, Arkansas, has earned the promotion to Supervisor within the For Every Home company.
According to the For Every Home team, Molly Ann Fulkerson started her home party consultation business in October 2008 with Barbara Williams’ team and has since lead her own team to leading group monthly sales numbers. As one of the top For Every Home Consultants, Molly Ann is featured in the Fall 2009 issue of Celebrating Women magazine.
“Molly Ann is an outstanding example of what women can do for themselves and their family with their own business,” said Becky Anderson, founder. “She is a shining example to not only the For Every Home team but also to women who believe anything is possible and then actually achieve it.”
According to Molly Ann, For Every Home provides soy-based candles with specialty toppers and home décor at a wonderful price to women who want to buy a quality product. But more importantly, the company enables women to start their own home-based business as a Consultant and live their lives and to live their own dreams.
“I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful company,” said Molly Ann, new For Every Home Supervisor. “I enjoy sharing what I have learned with other women and then sharing their excitement as they become successful business owners themselves. From the owners of the company down to the newest consultant, we are just like one big family. The cooperation and camaraderie between the people I have gotten to know in the past twelve months has given me a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.”
You can meet Molly Ann Fulkerson and Barbara Williams, a Blytheville resident and choose from their beautiful candle and home décor custom designed holiday baskets at the Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts & Crafts Show November 13th -15th at the ASU Convocation Center. Or contact her at, mollyann@bscn.com or visit her website at www.foreveryhome.net/mollyann.
About For Every Home
In 2007, Becky Anderson founded For Every Home to help make a difference in women's lives. As the successful founder of a multi-million dollar company, she is using over fifteen years of experience to give women the tools they need to make their business successful. All of the products at For Every Home are created by Becky and her team. She watches trends closely to make sure everything offered is something women will love to have in their homes. At For Every Home, business and fun begin at home. Join the family! For more information please visit, www.foreveryhome.net or please contact: (801)-443-1961.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Molly Ann Fulkerson, Local Manila Woman, Receives National Promotion to Supervisor with For Every Home Business.
Meet Molly Ann Fulkerson and select from her featured For Every Home Customized Baskets at the Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts and Crafts Show November 13th-15th at the ASU Convocation Center
Manila, AR & Utah County, UT – November 11, 2009 – Becky Anderson, founder of For Every Home, is pleased to announce today that Molly Ann Fulkerson, of Manila, Arkansas, has earned the promotion to Supervisor within the For Every Home company.
According to the For Every Home team, Molly Ann Fulkerson started her home party consultation business in October 2008 with Barbara Williams’ team and has since lead her own team to leading group monthly sales numbers. As one of the top For Every Home Consultants, Molly Ann is featured in the Fall 2009 issue of Celebrating Women magazine.
“Molly Ann is an outstanding example of what women can do for themselves and their family with their own business,” said Becky Anderson, founder. “She is a shining example to not only the For Every Home team but also to women who believe anything is possible and then actually achieve it.”
According to Molly Ann, For Every Home provides soy-based candles with specialty toppers and home décor at a wonderful price to women who want to buy a quality product. But more importantly, the company enables women to start their own home-based business as a Consultant and live their lives and to live their own dreams.
“I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful company,” said Molly Ann, new For Every Home Supervisor. “I enjoy sharing what I have learned with other women and then sharing their excitement as they become successful business owners themselves. From the owners of the company down to the newest consultant, we are just like one big family. The cooperation and camaraderie between the people I have gotten to know in the past twelve months has given me a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.”
You can meet Molly Ann Fulkerson and Barbara Williams, a Blytheville resident and choose from their beautiful candle and home décor custom designed holiday baskets at the Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts & Crafts Show November 13th -15th at the ASU Convocation Center. Or contact her at, mollyann@bscn.com or visit her website at www.foreveryhome.net/mollyann.
About For Every Home
In 2007, Becky Anderson founded For Every Home to help make a difference in women's lives. As the successful founder of a multi-million dollar company, she is using over fifteen years of experience to give women the tools they need to make their business successful. All of the products at For Every Home are created by Becky and her team. She watches trends closely to make sure everything offered is something women will love to have in their homes. At For Every Home, business and fun begin at home. Join the family! For more information please visit, www.foreveryhome.net or please contact: (801)-443-1961.
Meet Molly Ann Fulkerson and select from her featured For Every Home Customized Baskets at the Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts and Crafts Show November 13th-15th at the ASU Convocation Center
Manila, AR & Utah County, UT – November 11, 2009 – Becky Anderson, founder of For Every Home, is pleased to announce today that Molly Ann Fulkerson, of Manila, Arkansas, has earned the promotion to Supervisor within the For Every Home company.
According to the For Every Home team, Molly Ann Fulkerson started her home party consultation business in October 2008 with Barbara Williams’ team and has since lead her own team to leading group monthly sales numbers. As one of the top For Every Home Consultants, Molly Ann is featured in the Fall 2009 issue of Celebrating Women magazine.
“Molly Ann is an outstanding example of what women can do for themselves and their family with their own business,” said Becky Anderson, founder. “She is a shining example to not only the For Every Home team but also to women who believe anything is possible and then actually achieve it.”
According to Molly Ann, For Every Home provides soy-based candles with specialty toppers and home décor at a wonderful price to women who want to buy a quality product. But more importantly, the company enables women to start their own home-based business as a Consultant and live their lives and to live their own dreams.
“I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful company,” said Molly Ann, new For Every Home Supervisor. “I enjoy sharing what I have learned with other women and then sharing their excitement as they become successful business owners themselves. From the owners of the company down to the newest consultant, we are just like one big family. The cooperation and camaraderie between the people I have gotten to know in the past twelve months has given me a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.”
You can meet Molly Ann Fulkerson and Barbara Williams, a Blytheville resident and choose from their beautiful candle and home décor custom designed holiday baskets at the Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts & Crafts Show November 13th -15th at the ASU Convocation Center. Or contact her at, mollyann@bscn.com or visit her website at www.foreveryhome.net/mollyann.
About For Every Home
In 2007, Becky Anderson founded For Every Home to help make a difference in women's lives. As the successful founder of a multi-million dollar company, she is using over fifteen years of experience to give women the tools they need to make their business successful. All of the products at For Every Home are created by Becky and her team. She watches trends closely to make sure everything offered is something women will love to have in their homes. At For Every Home, business and fun begin at home. Join the family! For more information please visit, www.foreveryhome.net or please contact: (801)-443-1961.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
5 Online Breast Cancer Support Groups
Article: Associated Press
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer and most of the women who have breast cancer know this. Online support groups for breast cancer can help you to obtain information to try and beat these odds as well as help you to overcome some of the struggles that you are facing. Online support groups for breast cancer has helped many people to understand what they are going through by chatting with others that have been there or are currently going through the same things that you may be.
This list of online support groups for breast cancer can offer you many different advantages such as giving you a preview of what each site entails and if it is the right group for you.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Breast Cancer Support
If you are looking for support that comes from far and wide then you have to check out this support group and donations are welcome. The donations go to keep up the website which I am sure that you will enjoy. It is free to join and you don't have to be a member to read through their comments, suggestions, and other parts of the site. Breast cancer is not funny but what is is their link to Take Your Daily Laugh Medicine that is posted by members of the breast cancer support group. The jokes are hilarious and without meaning too I spent around an hour laughing at things that wouldn't otherwise be funny. I believe that all breast cancer patients and survivors will fall in love with this breast cancer support group.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Revolution Health Breast Cancer Support Group
This breast cancer support group is a smaller one but still meaningful. It is a place to share information on breast cancer as well as post your concerns and comments. There are some group goals that the members try to focus on such as being active in the forum and calling on each other for support during this difficult time. Both breast cancer patients and survivors are welcome in this breast cancer support group.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Pink-Link
Pink-Link is free to join and it consist of a network of people such as survivors, family members, medical pros, people who care about those with breast cancer, and current breast cancer patients. In this breast cancer support group you can ask questions, share your experience, search for information, share a resource and help one another through times when life doesn't seem fair.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Local support groups
There are a ton of places that you can go for breast cancer support and now their is even an online resource to help you find a breast cancer support group that is local. A local breast cancer support group may be better for you if you are looking for local meetups or just want to chat with someone going through the same thing in your home state that can give you recommendations and help.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Share Cancer Support
This online support group is for women who have breast cancer or ovarian cancer. This website has a list of links, information, special events, and programs. You can chat with people who are going through some of the same things that you are and get support and recommendations to help you through it.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer and most of the women who have breast cancer know this. Online support groups for breast cancer can help you to obtain information to try and beat these odds as well as help you to overcome some of the struggles that you are facing. Online support groups for breast cancer has helped many people to understand what they are going through by chatting with others that have been there or are currently going through the same things that you may be.
This list of online support groups for breast cancer can offer you many different advantages such as giving you a preview of what each site entails and if it is the right group for you.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Breast Cancer Support
If you are looking for support that comes from far and wide then you have to check out this support group and donations are welcome. The donations go to keep up the website which I am sure that you will enjoy. It is free to join and you don't have to be a member to read through their comments, suggestions, and other parts of the site. Breast cancer is not funny but what is is their link to Take Your Daily Laugh Medicine that is posted by members of the breast cancer support group. The jokes are hilarious and without meaning too I spent around an hour laughing at things that wouldn't otherwise be funny. I believe that all breast cancer patients and survivors will fall in love with this breast cancer support group.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Revolution Health Breast Cancer Support Group
This breast cancer support group is a smaller one but still meaningful. It is a place to share information on breast cancer as well as post your concerns and comments. There are some group goals that the members try to focus on such as being active in the forum and calling on each other for support during this difficult time. Both breast cancer patients and survivors are welcome in this breast cancer support group.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Pink-Link
Pink-Link is free to join and it consist of a network of people such as survivors, family members, medical pros, people who care about those with breast cancer, and current breast cancer patients. In this breast cancer support group you can ask questions, share your experience, search for information, share a resource and help one another through times when life doesn't seem fair.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Local support groups
There are a ton of places that you can go for breast cancer support and now their is even an online resource to help you find a breast cancer support group that is local. A local breast cancer support group may be better for you if you are looking for local meetups or just want to chat with someone going through the same thing in your home state that can give you recommendations and help.
Online support groups for breast cancer: Share Cancer Support
This online support group is for women who have breast cancer or ovarian cancer. This website has a list of links, information, special events, and programs. You can chat with people who are going through some of the same things that you are and get support and recommendations to help you through it.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Ginger's May Update
Title: Have I really been married for 10 years?
Every once in a while do you ever have those moments where reality just slaps you in the face? Boom! And you have to stop for a moment and realize where your life is at and how fast time flies. May was that kind of month for me. Travis and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary on the 20th and it was one of those days when I really thought about all that had happened in those 10 years and how fast time had gone by.
In 10 years we've moved 3 times, had 3 children, battled breast cancer, made 3 job changes, dealt with psycho in-laws (Trav's side ;) ), put in 3 yards (NEVER again), driven 9 different automobiles, traveled to Kauai twice, laughed and cried and made incredible memories with our kids and the list goes on.
After Trav and I sat and discussed everything, we both were overwhelmed with how many blessings we've been given over a 10 year period. The fact that we found each other to begin with was a HUGE blessing. When I was serving a LDS mission in Michigan I wrote a list titled 'I want to marry a guy...' On the list I wrote everything that I really wanted to have in a husband. I wanted a guy that would take me hiking during the day and to the opera at night. I wanted someone who was good with kids, someone who would make me laugh and someone who would fit into my family well. When I was finished the list totaled around 39 things that I really wanted to have in a husband. Now - being that I'm a smart girl and had dated many a guy in the past - I knew I was really insane to think I'd find someone that fit all 39 items.
Then I met Travis. And there are only 3 items on the list that he didn't comply with. He can't sing, he can't dance and his mother hates me. (But we'll save that for another post - long story) I'm not saying that Travis is perfect - but he's perfect for me. I truly feel blessed to have him in my life and for his strength and willingness to stand by through the whole cancer episode. Thanks hun.
I'm so grateful to have 3 wonderful children who, despite all the whineing, are really good kids. They are my greatest accomplishment. I'm grateful to be alive to celebrate my 10 year anniversary and I'm planning on going on a HUGE trip to celebrate my 50th anniversary.
Time really does goes quickly and now that I'm older I can really appreciate all the times my mom said - Don't try to grow up too fast. I'd suggest taking some time today to think about all the wonderful things that have happened to you in the last 10 years. Don't worry about remembering the bad moments, leave them in the past. Just focus on the good times and I know you'll be smiling as the happy memories replay in your mind.
All my love,
Ginger
Every once in a while do you ever have those moments where reality just slaps you in the face? Boom! And you have to stop for a moment and realize where your life is at and how fast time flies. May was that kind of month for me. Travis and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary on the 20th and it was one of those days when I really thought about all that had happened in those 10 years and how fast time had gone by.
In 10 years we've moved 3 times, had 3 children, battled breast cancer, made 3 job changes, dealt with psycho in-laws (Trav's side ;) ), put in 3 yards (NEVER again), driven 9 different automobiles, traveled to Kauai twice, laughed and cried and made incredible memories with our kids and the list goes on.
After Trav and I sat and discussed everything, we both were overwhelmed with how many blessings we've been given over a 10 year period. The fact that we found each other to begin with was a HUGE blessing. When I was serving a LDS mission in Michigan I wrote a list titled 'I want to marry a guy...' On the list I wrote everything that I really wanted to have in a husband. I wanted a guy that would take me hiking during the day and to the opera at night. I wanted someone who was good with kids, someone who would make me laugh and someone who would fit into my family well. When I was finished the list totaled around 39 things that I really wanted to have in a husband. Now - being that I'm a smart girl and had dated many a guy in the past - I knew I was really insane to think I'd find someone that fit all 39 items.
Then I met Travis. And there are only 3 items on the list that he didn't comply with. He can't sing, he can't dance and his mother hates me. (But we'll save that for another post - long story) I'm not saying that Travis is perfect - but he's perfect for me. I truly feel blessed to have him in my life and for his strength and willingness to stand by through the whole cancer episode. Thanks hun.
I'm so grateful to have 3 wonderful children who, despite all the whineing, are really good kids. They are my greatest accomplishment. I'm grateful to be alive to celebrate my 10 year anniversary and I'm planning on going on a HUGE trip to celebrate my 50th anniversary.
Time really does goes quickly and now that I'm older I can really appreciate all the times my mom said - Don't try to grow up too fast. I'd suggest taking some time today to think about all the wonderful things that have happened to you in the last 10 years. Don't worry about remembering the bad moments, leave them in the past. Just focus on the good times and I know you'll be smiling as the happy memories replay in your mind.
All my love,
Ginger
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Q&A: Commonly Asked Questions
Courtesy of ABC News
Question: In addition to mammograms, are there other types of scans or tests that can be done to detect breast cancer?
Answer: Other tests, such as an ultrasound, can be useful, not in screening, but to determine whether or not a mass in the breast is a cyst or a solid. MRIs of the breast are being used more commonly, especially in women who are at a high risk for breast cancer, such as those who have one of the genetic predispositions or women who have had previous breast cancers in whom we are questioning the results of a mammogram; MRIs may be helpful in this setting. But at this particular point, mammograms are still the best screening test for breast cancer.
Question: In addition to mammograms, are there other types of scans or tests that can be done to detect breast cancer?
Answer: Other tests, such as an ultrasound, can be useful, not in screening, but to determine whether or not a mass in the breast is a cyst or a solid. MRIs of the breast are being used more commonly, especially in women who are at a high risk for breast cancer, such as those who have one of the genetic predispositions or women who have had previous breast cancers in whom we are questioning the results of a mammogram; MRIs may be helpful in this setting. But at this particular point, mammograms are still the best screening test for breast cancer.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Proof that Breast Cancer can affect anyone.
Ten-year-old California girl battles breast cancer
Updated Tue. May. 19 2009 1:50 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A 10-year-old California girl is battling a disease many girls her age have not even heard of: breast cancer.
Fifth-grader Hannah Powell-Auslam of La Mirada, Calif., was diagnosed just over a month ago with Stage IIA invasive ductal carcinoma, her parents write on the blog. The diagnosis was later changed to invasive secretory carcinoma, a related cancer that is more slow-growing.
Both forms of cancer are extremely rare in girls of Hannah's age; cases have only been documented in a few hundred girls in this age group. The American Pediatric Surgical Association reports that less than one-tenth of one per cent of all breast cancer occurs in children or adolescents.
Hannah was diagnosed after complaining to her mother of an itch on the side of her chest. When her mother checked the area, she found a lump and made an appointment with the girl's doctor.
Doctors told Hannah's mother that there was little chance that the lump would be cancerous but ordered an ultrasound anyway. The doctors were wrong. The ultrasound revealed a tumour in the girl's breast that spanned nearly two inches.
"I didn't really know what cancer is. I was just crying and I couldn't stop," Hannah told local newspaper, the Whittier Daily News.
Hannah has now had a partial mastectomy to remove the tumor.
Because juvenile secretory carcinoma is rare, there is little good data on it. However, it is thought to be slow-growing and less aggressive than adult cancers, and patients usually have an excellent prognosis.
Hannah's doctors say it appears her cancer has spread into her lymph nodes. She is scheduled to have a second surgery and may undergo chemotherapy.
Hannah's family has started a blog, called OurLittleSweetPea.com, which has been overwhelmed with traffic since the girl's story began making headlines this week.
Updated Tue. May. 19 2009 1:50 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
A 10-year-old California girl is battling a disease many girls her age have not even heard of: breast cancer.
Fifth-grader Hannah Powell-Auslam of La Mirada, Calif., was diagnosed just over a month ago with Stage IIA invasive ductal carcinoma, her parents write on the blog. The diagnosis was later changed to invasive secretory carcinoma, a related cancer that is more slow-growing.
Both forms of cancer are extremely rare in girls of Hannah's age; cases have only been documented in a few hundred girls in this age group. The American Pediatric Surgical Association reports that less than one-tenth of one per cent of all breast cancer occurs in children or adolescents.
Hannah was diagnosed after complaining to her mother of an itch on the side of her chest. When her mother checked the area, she found a lump and made an appointment with the girl's doctor.
Doctors told Hannah's mother that there was little chance that the lump would be cancerous but ordered an ultrasound anyway. The doctors were wrong. The ultrasound revealed a tumour in the girl's breast that spanned nearly two inches.
"I didn't really know what cancer is. I was just crying and I couldn't stop," Hannah told local newspaper, the Whittier Daily News.
Hannah has now had a partial mastectomy to remove the tumor.
Because juvenile secretory carcinoma is rare, there is little good data on it. However, it is thought to be slow-growing and less aggressive than adult cancers, and patients usually have an excellent prognosis.
Hannah's doctors say it appears her cancer has spread into her lymph nodes. She is scheduled to have a second surgery and may undergo chemotherapy.
Hannah's family has started a blog, called OurLittleSweetPea.com, which has been overwhelmed with traffic since the girl's story began making headlines this week.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
The 13th annual Komen Salt Lake City Race for the Cure will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at The Gateway Mall at South Temple & 400 West in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The 5K (3.1 miles) run and walk and the 1 mile fun run/walk will start at 8:30am at a new start line. Both events will start on 300 W & North Temple heading north, and coming back to end near the Gateway Legacy Fountain.
This is a great event to help support The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Fund. Komen Affiliates award grants to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved women. Remaining net income supports the Komen Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.
There are many breast cancer survivors, friends and family members that turn out to this event to celebrate their lives and to contribute to finding a cure for this disease.
Please help in the fight against breast cancer on Saturday, May 9th!
You can still register the day of the event!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Ginger's Entry :Johnson's Don't Quit
A while ago I read a great book called The Parenting Breakthrough by Merilee Boyack. It's probably the best book I've ever read on how to raise a child to be an independent, upstanding adult and how to teach valuable life lessons like investing and saving for the future. In one section, the author explains how in their family they have several motto's in place so that when a situation arises were a lecture would normally be given, they just say the motto and the kids get the point. I really liked that idea, because all you parents out there know how fun it is to lecture time and time again about the same things. :) The motto I chose for our family was: Johnson's Don't Quit. And believe you me, it comes in handy ALL the time. From yard work, to home work, to everything in between! I use it often and sometimes my kids use it on me.
We started using this motto way before the breast cancer hit, but during treatments it was something I could live by and teach my kids about. No matter what - Johnson's don't quit. I said it to myself many times when it was hard to take the chemo medicine. I said it to myself when I had to get up and be a mom, even though I didn't feel like it. I had to - I couldn't quit. My kids needed me; my new born baby needed me; my husband needed me. I had to be strong.
I ended my chemo treatments in Nov. '07 and the following May (so 7 months later) I decided that it was time to get back into life and the things I enjoyed physically. Travis and I had always wanted to hike The Narrows in Zion National Park and it seemed like the perfect thing to do at the time to celebrate my victory over breast cancer. Little did I know how long it takes a person's body to recover from the effects of chemo combined with pregnancy. I soon learned. Seven months wasn't nearly enough time for what I was about to do and I learned that the hard way.
We called our friend Andy who had hiked the Narrows before and he gladly agreed to be our guide. We only had one day to complete the hike and I was overly confident that I could handle it. We drove down to St. George on Friday night and had the worst night sleep EVER. I don't know if it was the anticipation or the uncomfortable beds, but I think I got about 2 hours of sleep that night. The next morning we were supposed to catch the 6:30 am shuttle to take us to the top of the trail that is outside the park. We missed the shuttle because of permit issues and had to reschedule for the 11:00 shuttle. Due to the delay we didn't start the hike until after noon on Saturday. I didn't think anything of it. No big deal - we'd just walk faster....right????
Now for those of you who've never hiked the Narrows, it's a 17 mile hike through slot canyons. (Yes, I said 17 miles.) Normal people (or at least smart ones) hike it in two days and camp overnight because of the length and the fact that you have to cross the Virgin River about 100 times and climb over lots of rocks as you go down the slot canyons. But oh no - not us. I think the chemo damaged by reasoning capabilities at the time to delude me into thinking that a person just 7 months out of chemo would be strong enough to handle 17 miles. Eesh. What was I thinking!
I have another Motto that I use quite frequently too. It's from Dori on Finding Nemo: "Nothin' in my noggin!" :)
The initial part of the hike isn't bad - just a trail through a field following a small stream and then walking on smooth rocks through some slot canyons. No problem. By the seven mile mark I was sooo proud of myself. I felt reasonably well and confident in my abilities. We stopped at Big Springs for a 20 minute lunch before beginning again. I spoke up about how well I was doing and how proud I was of myself and my friend Andy quickly burst my bubble. "Don't start congratulating yourself, we haven't reached the hard part yet." Still, I was confident I could do it. No sweat.
The 'hard part' Andy was referring to is a section called Wall Street because of it's many up's and down's. I fondly remember it, and the last 5 miles that followed, as Hell. I have never been so fatigued in my entire life. I have never wanted to lay down and just pass out - even when I was on chemo. By the time I reached mile 10 my body started shutting down. I was in the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my entire life and it took everything inside me to put one foot in front of the other. My body just wasn't ready to handle 17 miles and it was screaming at me to stop. Several times Andy and Travis had to come back for me because my legs just wouldn't go any further. There would be rocks to step over and I would just stand there and cry. Rocks that were only a foot high looked like Mount Everest to me.
One main problem about hiking the Narrows is there literally is no way out expect for the end. The walls are so high and sheer that it would be impossible to climb them...not that I could anyway at that point. The sun was going down and we had been walking in water for over 8 hours minus our 20 minute lunch. Now repeat after me: I-N-S-A-N-E!
My entire body ached with fatigue and I didn't know how I was going to make it the rest of the way. I was pleading with Heavenly Father for additional strength and the will to make it. It was then that Travis came and answered my prayers.
"Hun, I know this is tough and I am so proud of you for what you've accomplished. You are amazing to me. We have two choices though. We either keep going and finish or we stop here and try to find a way to keep warm until the morning. Just remember Ging, Johnson's don't quit."
And that was all it took. Three words. Our family motto: Johnson's Don't Quit.
I took a deep breath, reached out for Travis and put one foot in front of the other until we reached the end. I pushed through the pain and repeated the motto in my head over and over. We finished the hike around 10:00 pm that night. My body was unbelievably fatigued to the point of exhaustion but the joy of finishing such an incredible feat was immense. I had done it - chemo ridden body and all.
We recently returned from visiting Zion National Park with our children a few days ago. I can't tell you the great pleasure I felt to be able to show my children a part of where we hiked and tell them the story behind that trek. To look into their eyes and to see that they knew their mother did it. She didn't quit. She didn't give up. She pushed through the pain and discomfort and made it to the end.
I learned a lot of things from that experience. First of all, I can do hard things. Second, I can push my body harder than I ever imagined. And Third, I am a Johnson and Johnson's don't quit.
'Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." ~ Marylin Vos Savant
In life we are blasted with challenges all around us. Some happen by chance and others come as a result of our own actions. We always have the choice to give up or to keep fighting and win. I hope you will fight. I hope you will rise up to the challenge and face it head on. We are much stronger than we give ourselves credit for and we can do amazing things...even if the odds are against us. Don't Quit!
All my love,
Ginger
We started using this motto way before the breast cancer hit, but during treatments it was something I could live by and teach my kids about. No matter what - Johnson's don't quit. I said it to myself many times when it was hard to take the chemo medicine. I said it to myself when I had to get up and be a mom, even though I didn't feel like it. I had to - I couldn't quit. My kids needed me; my new born baby needed me; my husband needed me. I had to be strong.
I ended my chemo treatments in Nov. '07 and the following May (so 7 months later) I decided that it was time to get back into life and the things I enjoyed physically. Travis and I had always wanted to hike The Narrows in Zion National Park and it seemed like the perfect thing to do at the time to celebrate my victory over breast cancer. Little did I know how long it takes a person's body to recover from the effects of chemo combined with pregnancy. I soon learned. Seven months wasn't nearly enough time for what I was about to do and I learned that the hard way.
We called our friend Andy who had hiked the Narrows before and he gladly agreed to be our guide. We only had one day to complete the hike and I was overly confident that I could handle it. We drove down to St. George on Friday night and had the worst night sleep EVER. I don't know if it was the anticipation or the uncomfortable beds, but I think I got about 2 hours of sleep that night. The next morning we were supposed to catch the 6:30 am shuttle to take us to the top of the trail that is outside the park. We missed the shuttle because of permit issues and had to reschedule for the 11:00 shuttle. Due to the delay we didn't start the hike until after noon on Saturday. I didn't think anything of it. No big deal - we'd just walk faster....right????
Now for those of you who've never hiked the Narrows, it's a 17 mile hike through slot canyons. (Yes, I said 17 miles.) Normal people (or at least smart ones) hike it in two days and camp overnight because of the length and the fact that you have to cross the Virgin River about 100 times and climb over lots of rocks as you go down the slot canyons. But oh no - not us. I think the chemo damaged by reasoning capabilities at the time to delude me into thinking that a person just 7 months out of chemo would be strong enough to handle 17 miles. Eesh. What was I thinking!
I have another Motto that I use quite frequently too. It's from Dori on Finding Nemo: "Nothin' in my noggin!" :)
The initial part of the hike isn't bad - just a trail through a field following a small stream and then walking on smooth rocks through some slot canyons. No problem. By the seven mile mark I was sooo proud of myself. I felt reasonably well and confident in my abilities. We stopped at Big Springs for a 20 minute lunch before beginning again. I spoke up about how well I was doing and how proud I was of myself and my friend Andy quickly burst my bubble. "Don't start congratulating yourself, we haven't reached the hard part yet." Still, I was confident I could do it. No sweat.
The 'hard part' Andy was referring to is a section called Wall Street because of it's many up's and down's. I fondly remember it, and the last 5 miles that followed, as Hell. I have never been so fatigued in my entire life. I have never wanted to lay down and just pass out - even when I was on chemo. By the time I reached mile 10 my body started shutting down. I was in the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my entire life and it took everything inside me to put one foot in front of the other. My body just wasn't ready to handle 17 miles and it was screaming at me to stop. Several times Andy and Travis had to come back for me because my legs just wouldn't go any further. There would be rocks to step over and I would just stand there and cry. Rocks that were only a foot high looked like Mount Everest to me.
One main problem about hiking the Narrows is there literally is no way out expect for the end. The walls are so high and sheer that it would be impossible to climb them...not that I could anyway at that point. The sun was going down and we had been walking in water for over 8 hours minus our 20 minute lunch. Now repeat after me: I-N-S-A-N-E!
My entire body ached with fatigue and I didn't know how I was going to make it the rest of the way. I was pleading with Heavenly Father for additional strength and the will to make it. It was then that Travis came and answered my prayers.
"Hun, I know this is tough and I am so proud of you for what you've accomplished. You are amazing to me. We have two choices though. We either keep going and finish or we stop here and try to find a way to keep warm until the morning. Just remember Ging, Johnson's don't quit."
And that was all it took. Three words. Our family motto: Johnson's Don't Quit.
I took a deep breath, reached out for Travis and put one foot in front of the other until we reached the end. I pushed through the pain and repeated the motto in my head over and over. We finished the hike around 10:00 pm that night. My body was unbelievably fatigued to the point of exhaustion but the joy of finishing such an incredible feat was immense. I had done it - chemo ridden body and all.
We recently returned from visiting Zion National Park with our children a few days ago. I can't tell you the great pleasure I felt to be able to show my children a part of where we hiked and tell them the story behind that trek. To look into their eyes and to see that they knew their mother did it. She didn't quit. She didn't give up. She pushed through the pain and discomfort and made it to the end.
I learned a lot of things from that experience. First of all, I can do hard things. Second, I can push my body harder than I ever imagined. And Third, I am a Johnson and Johnson's don't quit.
'Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." ~ Marylin Vos Savant
In life we are blasted with challenges all around us. Some happen by chance and others come as a result of our own actions. We always have the choice to give up or to keep fighting and win. I hope you will fight. I hope you will rise up to the challenge and face it head on. We are much stronger than we give ourselves credit for and we can do amazing things...even if the odds are against us. Don't Quit!
All my love,
Ginger
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I Think Pink - Women's Issues
We would like to thank each of you for your support of breast cancer and the care and concern you demonstrate for the women whose stories are published on this blog. Our hope is that by sharing their story, women experience some type of healing, record the details of their challenge for themselves and others, and take courage in knowing that their experience could be of profound help to another woman in another place with a similar reason to fight. Additionally, it is often therapeutic to read your own story and find that source of strength deep within yourself; a well of inspiration that only comes from reflecting on where you are now and truly how far you have come. There is extreme strength in the power of the human spirit. We want to sincerely thank you for reminding us of that and demonstrating it through the lives you lead.
The fight against breast cancer is real and the powers and interests invested in this cause are growing every day. Breast cancer fighters and survivors are making their stories known and more and more people are taking preventative action in their own lives. The attention is changing individual lives, which is what I Think Pink is all about.
We know that the realm of inspirational, powerful women is not limited to those touched by breast cancer. There are many other issues that reach deeply into the core of women everywhere. Some issues that we've thought about are: motherhood, women in active duty, entrepreneurs, community leaders and volunteers, cancer fighters, overcoming disabilities, heart disease, abuse, struggles with infertility and adoption, MS and a myriad of other issues.
We know that every day there are ordinary women who are doing, thinking, hoping, teaching, leading and living in extraordinary ways. Their lives and their stories are unknown and their personal struggles and triumphs are untold and uncelebrated. And we want to change that.
We need your help. We want to know what women’s issues affect you. What special interests do you have? What causes do you champion? What extraordinary women do you know? Whose story do you want to share? What life can you change by sharing your story or the story of someone you know?
Please respond by leaving a comment on this blog or by responding to the poll on the left hand side of this page. We’ve seen the power of I Think Pink and www.ithinkpink.org. We know the strength that is within you. Please let us help you share your story.
The fight against breast cancer is real and the powers and interests invested in this cause are growing every day. Breast cancer fighters and survivors are making their stories known and more and more people are taking preventative action in their own lives. The attention is changing individual lives, which is what I Think Pink is all about.
We know that the realm of inspirational, powerful women is not limited to those touched by breast cancer. There are many other issues that reach deeply into the core of women everywhere. Some issues that we've thought about are: motherhood, women in active duty, entrepreneurs, community leaders and volunteers, cancer fighters, overcoming disabilities, heart disease, abuse, struggles with infertility and adoption, MS and a myriad of other issues.
We know that every day there are ordinary women who are doing, thinking, hoping, teaching, leading and living in extraordinary ways. Their lives and their stories are unknown and their personal struggles and triumphs are untold and uncelebrated. And we want to change that.
We need your help. We want to know what women’s issues affect you. What special interests do you have? What causes do you champion? What extraordinary women do you know? Whose story do you want to share? What life can you change by sharing your story or the story of someone you know?
Please respond by leaving a comment on this blog or by responding to the poll on the left hand side of this page. We’ve seen the power of I Think Pink and www.ithinkpink.org. We know the strength that is within you. Please let us help you share your story.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Miracle Inside of Me - Ginger's March Update
March 30th we celebrated Brooks 2 year birthday! And since he's my little cancer marker, it's so amazing to believe that 2 years has gone by! Time definitely has a way of fading painful memories. I kind of relate it to child birth. While you're in the moment the pain is what dominates your senses - but give it a couple of months and you've pretty much forgotten how bad it hurt and just enjoy the new baby in your arms. (Guys -- think kidney stones...although you probably don't want to hold them :) )
Rewind to about 3 years ago and we felt that our little family was complete. We had a boy and a girl - both who were out of diapers and well on their way to being independent. Ben was 6, Brinley was 4 and I was enjoying both of them immensely. I was working part time as an aerobic instructor and the extra money was fun to have. I was so content in how easy things had become that I didn't want anything to upset it - and that included another baby. Gosh- as I write this it sounds so selfish - but I should mention that I grew up in a 1200 sq ft home with 7 siblings. 2 kids was refreshing after dealing with that for 24 years. :)
One day as I was talking with Travis, we just looked at each other and knew that we needed to have another child. And it wasn't a few months later that I was pregnant...and a few months after that when I found the lump in my breast. Being pregnant sped up the growth of the cancer so that we could find it quickly. Had I not gotten pregnant, the cancer could still be growing inside me even now and we would of found it much later. It makes me shiver to think of how that would of been.
I am very, very, very grateful for the miracle who came to essentially save my life. My little miracle from heaven who has been a welcomed blessing ever since. I love you Brooks. ~ Love Mom :)
Rewind to about 3 years ago and we felt that our little family was complete. We had a boy and a girl - both who were out of diapers and well on their way to being independent. Ben was 6, Brinley was 4 and I was enjoying both of them immensely. I was working part time as an aerobic instructor and the extra money was fun to have. I was so content in how easy things had become that I didn't want anything to upset it - and that included another baby. Gosh- as I write this it sounds so selfish - but I should mention that I grew up in a 1200 sq ft home with 7 siblings. 2 kids was refreshing after dealing with that for 24 years. :)
One day as I was talking with Travis, we just looked at each other and knew that we needed to have another child. And it wasn't a few months later that I was pregnant...and a few months after that when I found the lump in my breast. Being pregnant sped up the growth of the cancer so that we could find it quickly. Had I not gotten pregnant, the cancer could still be growing inside me even now and we would of found it much later. It makes me shiver to think of how that would of been.
I am very, very, very grateful for the miracle who came to essentially save my life. My little miracle from heaven who has been a welcomed blessing ever since. I love you Brooks. ~ Love Mom :)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Jodi's Survivor Trip
Jodi Clark was the 2009 Think Pink Survivor honoree. She sent this message to I Think Pink:We just returned from our trip to Southern California and had a great time. We went to Disneyland and spent some time at the beach. It was a nice getaway for our family. Our kids loved everything about the trip. In fact, Rachel, my six-year-old, said to me today, "I wish we were still at Disneyland."
Jodi and her family took the trip courtesy of For Every Body and ithinkpink.org.
Be Everything You Can Be - Ginger's Update
Aren't we an interesting species? We are the only species on earth capable of stopping our own blossoming.
We limit ourselves everyday to the things we can accomplish. We allow others to crush our dreams with their words, just because the others don't think they could do it, so why should we? Silly, silly people.
If there's one thing I've learned (and am still learning) is that we have untapped potential inside of us just waiting to be released. Everyday we are presented with opportunities to grow. Some opportunities come as positive experiences, and some come as very painful ones. But each opportunity, if looked at correctly, can multiply into a myriad of learning and growth that will ultimately define who we are and show us our true character and the immense strength that was within us all along.
How do we learn to see opportunity correctly? Easy. EVERYTHING you experience in life is an opportunity for growth. From waking up and deciding to enjoy the day - to calming yourself when the inconsiderate driver cuts you off. And honestly, although many of our experiences are horrible to us, they loose their severity when you learn of others hardships.
I recently watched a documentary on micro lending to poor women in foreign countries. I was amazed by the determination and resilience of these women. One woman from India experienced severe hardship. Her husband was a laborer and made less than $1 per day. She stated that there were several days when her and her children would go hungry because there was not enough money for food (after her husband went and got drunk). She learned of a company who would extract oils from human hair to make other products and started collecting hair as a means to supplement their income. If she came home late from her work, her husband would dip her fingers in boiling oil. She experienced SEVERE trials but was determined to live a better life. She received a micro loan for $60. With that $60 she purchased trinkets at the local market. She then told all the children in the village that if they would collect the hair from their mothers' brush she would give them a trinket. Soon she had paid back the loan and had enough proceeds from the sale of the hair to hire additional women who would then repeat the process of giving trinkets to the children and bringing her the hair. She not only changed her life with a single opportunity, but the lives of her children and the women who now work for her.
The opportunity I had to hear her story put my trials into complete perspective. There I sat on my lush couch, full dressed and full from dinner. I had complained earlier about not having something -- I quickly shut up.
"I used to complain about not having new shoes, until I saw a man without any feet."
Perspective, opportunities, and learning to ignore the doubtful comments from others - all things that help us overcome our own personal trials and release the strength within us. Everyday we can grow a little more. Everyday we can seize the opportunities in our lives. We can do it....and that's the truth.
All my love.
Ginger
We limit ourselves everyday to the things we can accomplish. We allow others to crush our dreams with their words, just because the others don't think they could do it, so why should we? Silly, silly people.
If there's one thing I've learned (and am still learning) is that we have untapped potential inside of us just waiting to be released. Everyday we are presented with opportunities to grow. Some opportunities come as positive experiences, and some come as very painful ones. But each opportunity, if looked at correctly, can multiply into a myriad of learning and growth that will ultimately define who we are and show us our true character and the immense strength that was within us all along.
How do we learn to see opportunity correctly? Easy. EVERYTHING you experience in life is an opportunity for growth. From waking up and deciding to enjoy the day - to calming yourself when the inconsiderate driver cuts you off. And honestly, although many of our experiences are horrible to us, they loose their severity when you learn of others hardships.
I recently watched a documentary on micro lending to poor women in foreign countries. I was amazed by the determination and resilience of these women. One woman from India experienced severe hardship. Her husband was a laborer and made less than $1 per day. She stated that there were several days when her and her children would go hungry because there was not enough money for food (after her husband went and got drunk). She learned of a company who would extract oils from human hair to make other products and started collecting hair as a means to supplement their income. If she came home late from her work, her husband would dip her fingers in boiling oil. She experienced SEVERE trials but was determined to live a better life. She received a micro loan for $60. With that $60 she purchased trinkets at the local market. She then told all the children in the village that if they would collect the hair from their mothers' brush she would give them a trinket. Soon she had paid back the loan and had enough proceeds from the sale of the hair to hire additional women who would then repeat the process of giving trinkets to the children and bringing her the hair. She not only changed her life with a single opportunity, but the lives of her children and the women who now work for her.
The opportunity I had to hear her story put my trials into complete perspective. There I sat on my lush couch, full dressed and full from dinner. I had complained earlier about not having something -- I quickly shut up.
"I used to complain about not having new shoes, until I saw a man without any feet."
Perspective, opportunities, and learning to ignore the doubtful comments from others - all things that help us overcome our own personal trials and release the strength within us. Everyday we can grow a little more. Everyday we can seize the opportunities in our lives. We can do it....and that's the truth.
All my love.
Ginger
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Jana's Survivor Cruise
Jana Harris, our 2008 Survivor, recently took a cruise to Mexico courtesy of For Every Body and I Think Pink. She and her husband had a wonderful time together and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We were so happy to give Jana this cruise and an opportunity to celebrate life! Thanks for your example, Jana!
If you would like to nominate a breast cancer survivor you know for our 2009 awards, go to http://www.ithinkpink.org/. Nominations must be received by August 1, 2009.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Do Good, Feel Better - Ginger's Update
There's something about the holidays that fills the air with magic, and something about sending the kids back to school that provides the ultimate feeling of Joy! Ah freedom! Bless the public education system and those teachers who watch over my kids during the day. :)
My holidays were great as usual - but this year they were even more special because my father was around to share them with our family. He was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer right after I finished my chemo treatments and it wasn't looking pretty for awhile there. But now - after lots of nasty treatments, helpful prayers and a positive attitude - they can't find the cancer anymore and he's gone back to work. It's a real live miracle. One I'm glad to be a part of.
I was able to continue Do Good, Feel Better at McKay Dee hospital in December and it was great fun to see the patients faces when they found out they won a prize just for being in the chemo room. I love seeing their faces light up. It's such a contrast to when I first enter the room. It is so much fun to make people happy. Especially when you know how awful they feel. Empathy is a beautiful thing.
I was also selected to be the 2009 President for Young Survivor Sisters - A breast cancer support group for girls who live along the Wasatch Front, who are under the age of 45 and who are breast cancer survivors. So if you are reading this - and you're a survivor - and you're under the age of 45 - CONGRATULATIONS! You just became a member! Our group now totals around 41 girls and is growing each month. A sad reality of the current situation. But having our group for support was a life saver for me! The girls in the group have been through it all. I think the youngest a girl was diagnosed in our group was at age 21. We have girls who were pregnant, girls who were nursing, girls who were/are triathlon participants and aerobic instructors. We have girls who are single and girls with lots of kids. Girls who've had hysterectomies and girls who had kids after chemo was over. We even have girls who went through divorces during their treatments. Yep - if you've got breast cancer - we can help. Young Survivor Sister - where support is guaranteed and boobs are optional. :)
You can visit our blog at www.youngsurvivorsisters.blogspot.com or email our group at youngsurvivorsisters@gmail.com for more information. We get together during the year to chat and also provide lots of email support. We just had our 2nd Annual Celebration of Life Dinner and Social at the Lion House in SLC. It was an amazing evening! Especially considering the fact that we are not a non-profit group or anything like that - but we were able to enjoy a night of dinner, entertainment and prizes all valued over $10,000 total for free. Just because there are good people out there who wanted to support our group and did more than just talk - they actually did it. People are good.
This year I'm planning on turning Do Good, Feel Better into a non-profit to try to do more good for more people. I'm also working on getting my health back to what it needs to be. My friend is hosting a "Biggest Loser" contest that I entered and I'm going to win it! I've decided that being healthy is just a state of mind. Anyone can do it - they just have to make the choice and stick to it. I've tackled bigger challenges and so getting healthy again should be a walk in the park. (I say that now - hee hee). But with anything in life - it's all about enduring to the end and being happy along the way.
I hope you all enjoy today. It will be over soon. What will you do with it? I hope you'll find ways to make others happy and, in turn, find happiness yourself.
And finally, I'd like to leave you with 20 Ways to Maintain A Healthy level of Insanity
1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.
2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.
3. Everytime someone asks you something, ask "if they want fries with that".
4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it 'IN".
5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffine addictions, switch to Espresso.
6. In the memo field of all your checks write, "For smuggling diamonds".
7. Finish ALL your sentences with "In accordance with the prophecy".
8. Dont use any punctuation when typing a sentence not at all ever no matter what you write
9. As often as possible, Skip rather than walk.
10. Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat - with a serious face.
11. Specify that your Drive-through order is 'To Go'.
12. Sing along to your favorite song in your best Opera voice, with the windows down.
13. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.
14. Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day.
15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their parity because you're not in the mood.
16. Have your co-workers address you by your wrestling name. I go by Boobless Wonder.
17. When your money comes out of the ATM scream "I Won! I Won!".
18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot yelling "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES THEY'RE LOOSE!"
19. Tell your children over dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."
20. Ad the final way to keep a healthy level of Insanity is to pass this on to someone and make them smile. That's called Therapy. :)
1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.
2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.
3. Everytime someone asks you something, ask "if they want fries with that".
4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it 'IN".
5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffine addictions, switch to Espresso.
6. In the memo field of all your checks write, "For smuggling diamonds".
7. Finish ALL your sentences with "In accordance with the prophecy".
8. Dont use any punctuation when typing a sentence not at all ever no matter what you write
9. As often as possible, Skip rather than walk.
10. Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat - with a serious face.
11. Specify that your Drive-through order is 'To Go'.
12. Sing along to your favorite song in your best Opera voice, with the windows down.
13. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.
14. Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day.
15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their parity because you're not in the mood.
16. Have your co-workers address you by your wrestling name. I go by Boobless Wonder.
17. When your money comes out of the ATM scream "I Won! I Won!".
18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot yelling "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES THEY'RE LOOSE!"
19. Tell your children over dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."
20. Ad the final way to keep a healthy level of Insanity is to pass this on to someone and make them smile. That's called Therapy. :)
All my love!
Ginger :)
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