Honoring Family

Today will be an emotional day, one of remembering two people who impacted my life – or at least trying to remember through the fog of MS.  The memories come and go but the impact they had on my life will live on.

I will be celebrating Edythe’s life at a vendor event today.  Strange right?  The vendor event is a fundraiser by Holly Assembly, Order of the Rainbow for Girls for the scholarship fund names in honor of her.  Growing up, Rainbow had a place in all of our lives and even through the MS fog, I still remember many of my Rainbow teachings.  Edythe was on the Advisory Board for Holly Assembly.  She helped to mold and shape the lives of girls for many years.  The scholarship is part of her legacy.   Her kindness, compassion and caring lives on in the lives of others.  Edythe was a strong independent woman who inspired me through some of the darkest days of my addiction.  Her smile and laugh could light up a room.  If you are in the area, stop by and say hello. Or if you would like to support this cause, click HERE to place an order on my Thirty One website.  I will be donating 100% of my Thirty One commission to the scholarship fund as well as 50% of the sale of awareness angel ribbons.  Complete the form at the end of the blog post if you are interested in awareness angel ribbons (additional colors are available).

  

Today also marks the one year anniversary of my dad’s death.  Some will not understand why I decided to do this event but I know my dad would totally get it.  Dad wouldn’t want me to sit around crying and being sad, he would want me to enjoy life. My dad and my mom were on the Advisory Board of Iris Assembly when I was in Rainbow.  He would definitely get why I am doing the fundraiser today.  Dad was loving and kind, nonjudgmental and accepting. Yes, there were tough times with  years of anger and hurt.  Dad was not perfect but are any of us.  He admitted his faults, and even with memories of bad times, I forgave him.  No matter how bad a situation was, he always found the silver lining and worked through it.  He leaves a legacy filled with memories for his family and friends. Dad liked to cook especially on the grill.  Didn’t matter if there was snow or rain, he found a way to grill.

Today is about honoring two people who impacted my life.  I celebrate the legacy they leave behind – the memories, the stories, and the traditions.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

September is National Prostrate Health Month

According to the American Cancer Society, Prostrate Cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in American men.  In fact, 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer in their lifetime.  In 2015, approximately 220,000 men will be diagnosed and approximately 27,000 will die from the disease.  Fortunately, Prostrate Cancer is highly curable if detected early through prostrate screenings.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is a leader in funding and accelerating the world’s most promising prostate cancer research. And PCF is also a go-to organization for disseminating prostate health information to men. PCF is proud to offer multiple forms of information about this disease to men and their loved ones. Below is a sampling of informational materials that the Prostate Cancer Foundation has developed in an effort to make each month of the year a time for men to stay informed, aware and involved in the fight against prostate cancer.  Check out the Foundation’s website for lots of great information.

My dad is one of the 7 that has been diagnosed with prostrate cancer.  He did a form of chemo treatments several years ago.  He had a few side effects but overall, he kicked it.  Only to find out that it resurfaced again this year.  I have to say, I was a little surprised when the PSA test came back with high numbers but the doctor was optimistic that another round would squash it again.  So, back to shots with some side effects but overall GREAT results.  The PSA numbers are down to almost zero which is the goal.

No matter what the cause, you can personalize a bag to show your support.  Prostrate Cancer is light blue and the zip top organizing tote (above) is in Spirit Gray.  The top picture is a Spirit Cinch Sac in navy with the light blue ribbon.

Do you know someone who is battling cancer or another life threatening illness?  Would you like to brighten their day with a gift that will touch their heart?  Why not consider a ThirtyOne Gifts  bag to fit their individual needs.  Whether it is carrying things to treatment or organizing their meds?  We have an option and I am happy to help you find the right one for that someone special.

Fundraising opportunities are always available.  It can be for an organization or it can be to help someone out with their medical bills.  Whatever the reason, let’s work together to bring a smile to their face as they face life’s challenges.

Let’s pay tribute to those who are still fight and those who have lost their fight… post their name here so we can all say a prayer for peace, comfort and healing.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!