A Helping Hand~

I had a friend that contacted me earlier this week.  She asked me if I could help her with a fundraiser.  This week was particularly challenging for me, with everything that was going on.  When I was out Friday night, I ran into my girlfriend, she was out with some friends.  We got a chance to chat for a bit & she told me more about what was going on.  A friend of hers, Mother was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  She had already gone through surgery, but needed to have radiation treatments as well as chemotherapy.  Knowing that the likelihood of her losing her hair was great, she wanted to be prepared and have a wig on hand.  I told my friend to go ahead with their fundraiser as planned, and any money that they raised they could put towards her medical expenses and I would help acquire a wig.  I reached out to my PINK Family.  They lovingly came back with different options that we could send to the mother.  I called my friend back all excited with the news.  I asked if I might be able to call the daughter myself.  My friend gave me the number.  I called today, the daughter wasn't in.   So, I started to leave a detailed message.  As I was leaving the message, the woman on the other end of the phone said.  I am her mother, the wig is for me.  I think the whole phone conversation was overwhelming for her.  She was in tears & couldn't understand why a stranger cared so much & was reaching out to help her.  I explained who I am, & that I have been fortunate enough to be part of this wonderful PINK Family for the last 3 years.  We had an hour conversation talking about what she had been through so far and what is to come.  I found out what she was looking for in her wig & took detailed notes.  I told her that I have never had cancer myself, but I know plenty of people who have been where she is at & would be more than happy to give her all the advice and help that they could.  As we were getting ready to end the conversation she said that she was going to talk to her daughter, because the fundraiser was her idea to help earn funds for the wig.  After all that we had talked about, she decided that if her daughter was ok with it.  She would rather put the money earned towards my walk, as I was helping to provide her with a wig.  At that moment I was left speechless!  I told her that it wasn't necessary, but I was flattered that she offered.  All I know is that I have been blessed.  To be able to be a part of this amazing community that is always reaching out to others.  They help meet the needs of people that are in all different stages of dealing with cancer.  This week has just deepened my resolve and my commitment to helping find a cure for cancer.  I know that no organization is perfect, but I can at least rest easy at night knowing that the Susan G. Komen foundation is like any other friend that I have.  We all have our imperfections, but in our imperfections we build character.  If you are going to be in any friendship or relationship you know that each one of us has our own flaws, but you learn to accept them as you do your friend.  Tonight I just want to say that over the last 3 years I have grown so much.  I have learned from wonderful teachers that have shared with me their experiences with cancer.  I have been given the gift of having a PINK Family.  They have given me a new perspective on life.  How to take each moment that we are given, and to find the joy in those moments.  Today, I took the culmination of those lessons that I have learned over the last 3 years and sent them forward.  I hope that the seed that was planted today, will grow into a beautiful flower.  Which over time will blossom, in my new friends heart, and when she is strong enough, she will share her experiences with another when they are in need.  So tonight I just want to say Thank You to my PINK Family and to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  With out them, I would not be who I am today...  

XoXo