SUYL... Favorite Charities

Today I am linking up with Kelly's Korner for Show Us Your Life: Favorite Charities.

One charity is near and dear to my heart - The American Cancer Society.

I posted a little here about how Justin and I were named as Heros of Hope for the 2013 year, to represent the American Cancer Society, and more specifically, their event Relay For Life, around the Eastern Missouri region.

The American Cancer Society is the official sponsor of birthdays. Taken directly from their website:

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or finding it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.5 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

I have been involved in their signature fundraising event, Relay For Life, since I was in high school. I had no idea that God planted me their for a reason...  I went on to serve on the committee and eventually co-chair our event at Saint Louis University, and serve on the Eastern Missouri Regional Council. Now I am a Hero of Hope and Co-Chair of our local event. Obviously, I am passionate about this cause.

When Justin was diagnosed with cancer, I was terrified. However, the ACS website - www.cancer.org - was an amazing tool for me. I researched and learned everything I could. I printed of lists of questions to ask every doctor. I learned about treatments, survival rates, and that his cancer is CURABLE 95% of the time (even greater since he was diagnosed so early). They provided Justin with a gas card, since we had to travel sometimes 90 miles round trip 5 times a week for treatment. The American Cancer Society was a beacon of light for us.

Unfortunately, almost everyone knows someone who is facing cancer. 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will now be diagnosed in our lifetime. We have to FIGHT until we find a cure!!

For more information on a Relay For Life event in your neighborhood, visit www.relayforlife.org.

HOPE Big!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

 I cannot even put into words what a wonderful whirlwind of a weekend this was! Justin and I were given the TREMENDOUS honor of being named 2012 Heros of Hope for the American Cancer Society High Plains Division. Taken from the American Cancer Society, "The High Plains Relay For Life Heroes of Hope and their Profiles of Courage symbolize the courageous struggle of all cancer patients and caregivers as they deal with the physical and emotional aspects of their cancer journey. Through their stories, Heroes of Hope help to create more birthdays as they fight back against cancer in communities across the High Plains Division."

What an amazing blessing this is. We had the privilege of attending the High Plains Relay For Life Summit this past weekend in Dallas, TX with approximately 900 others who share the same passion, spirit and fight to find a CURE for cancer! Within this, we had our "official" training as Heros of Hope and met our Hero family.

As a Hero of Hope, we will have the honor of traveling around the state and speaking to various groups, clubs and Relay For Life events to share story of hope and encouragement.

I know that this is part of God's plan for us. That He is using our story, our voices, to share His word. Someone out there needs to hear our testimony. Even if it is just ONE person whose eyes and heart are opened up to our Lord and Savior, we have done our job.

As we embark on this year to come, I am SO excited at the opportunities ahead of us. How many people can say they have the chance to travel and speak for a world-wide organization to share their love for Jesus and FIGHT CANCER?! Not many!

Hopefully, we have many moments of joy and laughter to come. If you are interested in having us speak at engagement where we can share our personal fight against cancer, give us a call!

Updates

Well, we are headed on vacation as I type! Looking forward to a week at the beach.

Last night was our county Relay For Life. Justin walked as a survivor for the 3rd year :-) I had to stay all night because I was co-chair of the event, but he went home at some point and got some sleep. Around 4am we ended the event because most everyone was gone. But - for a small community, wr raised over $36,000!

As I watched Justin walk his survivor lap, my heart almost burst with great-fullness to our Lord and Savior.

I'll try to update this week with some pictures! Until then: