Breast Cancer strikes again!

January 24, 2011

As I dusted off my pom-poms yesterday and practiced with the NFL Philadelphia Cheerleaders for our performance on February 17th at Drexel University for the Pink Zone Game, I was given the news today that a friend was undergoing a mastectomy due to breast cancer.  She is in her 30's, a wife, and a mother of two precious children.  She came through the surgery well and now it's on to radiation.  May God bless her!

At work today I had an emotional talk with a dear friend.  He and I reminisced about loosing another one of our dear work friends to breast cancer a few years ago.  She was in her 30's as well and battled the dreadful disease for many years.  Doesn't it seem as though everyone knows somebody who has been diagnosed with this incurable disease?

My stepmother is a survivor.  She's onto her 3rd year THIS MONTH!  On January 29, 2008, she underwent surgery to remove the malignant tumor from her breast.  Now, almost three years later, I continue to pray that God hears my prayers to keep her cancer free for the rest of her life.

I will be attending my friend Janis' funeral on Friday.  She lost her life to this disease last Thursday.  A wife and mother of two teenage sons.  She was so young!  She was a beautiful woman!  We have 2.6 million views; please continue to help us fight this hard fight!

www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/video

A dear angel in Heaven!

January 20, 2010

Our God has a new angel in Heaven this evening as our dear friend and fellow Eagles Cheerleader, Janis Hill, passed away this afternoon.  My heart bleeds for her untimely passing, as our community is so very saddened.  There are no words.  My love and respect go out to her husband, teenage sons, family and fellow friends who are mourning her loss.  Breast cancer can continue to take our loved ones, but it will NEVER EVER take our fight down with it!  We are dancing for you now, Janis dear!

www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/video

May God bless you and keep you in His care,

Let's Do It For Janis!

January 19, 2011

Breast cancer doesn't discriminate, especially when it returns 5 years later in other parts of your body other than your breast.  Janis Hill, a longtime friend and former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, underwent brain surgery yesterday to remove two malignant tumors as a result of metastatic breast cancer.  Janis is a wife and mother of two teenagers and although we didn't cheer together, she and I were game day assistant's for Eagles games.  We became fast friends then and continue to be today!

News of Janis's metastatic breast cancer to her brain occurred less than 3 weeks ago and as a result Team Ra-Ra's has decided to rally behind our sister in cheer.  We are dedicating Phase II of "Team Ra-Ras Kick Breast Cancer" to Janis.  Anyone who knows Janis has been touched by her exceptional personality and loving nature.  We are strongly urging EVERYONE to click on our Breast Cancer YouTube video in an effort to reach our goal of 8 million clicks.  8 million clicks means another $100,000 (yes, another $100,000) for the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate via UnitedHealthcare of PA.  Once cheerleader, always a cheerleader, and and we will cheer our sister on, through this difficult time.  WE WILL GET THE 8 MILLION CLICKS, BECAUSE WE ARE DOING IT FOR JANIS!!!

Members of Team Ra-Ras and I attended a Komen Race for the Cure Rally last night held at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia.  Pat Ciarrocchi of CBS 3 hosted the terrific event as we built team empowerment, captured hope, shared inspiring breast cancer stories, and prayed for Janis.  The Komen Race for the Cure is celebrating its 21st Anniversary this year and, as always, is being held on Mother's Day morning at the Philadelphia Art Museum.  Please consider being a part of our Team Ra-Ras and walk with us!

I beg of you to click on the Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer video and continue to help us reach our goal of 8 million clicks.  We have come so far and need to continue the momentum.  Help us become one world without breast cancer!

www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/video

God Bless You,

A fat roll!

January 9, 2011

Let’s just get it all out there… a spade is a spade… and a muffin top is…A FAT ROLL!  There, I said it!  Despite Spanx and every other suction cup created, that’s what it is.  Right, girls?  So why don't we do something about it, fulfill this year's (and every year's) New Year's resolution, and get ourselves back to healthy!  I'm bringing healthy back, how about you?  Ok....well despite that glass of wine that I treat myself to every once in a while.....alright, sometimes more than every once in a while....ok, whatever, regardless wine is supposed to be semi heart healthy, right :) ?

Anyway, all you need is a goal, a plan and a desire to live better.  That's according to the American Heart Association.  The first thing to do is manage your blood pressure.  I visited one of my doctor's this past week and my blood pressure was 80/60.  Seriously!  They wondered if I was a dead woman walking?  Yes, I am dizzy at times (no comments from the peanut gallery!), but otherwise I know that my blood pressure matters and influences my risk for a lupus flare and another stroke.  It's no mystery that I've had a few too many lupus flares these last many years and two mini-strokes, but keeping my blood pressure in a healthy range (less than 120/80) is key.  So, my friends, reduce your salt, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight for your height, manage your stress and don't smoke!

Viva Las Vegas!

January 7, 2011

Isn't Las Vegas the best?  I mean, really!  There aren't many more places on earth that you could have more fun with your husband, girlfriends and family than in the "entertainment capital of the world".  It's not just for gamblers who enjoy testing their luck.  It's for you, me and everyone, no matter what age you are!

The 2011 Miss America contestants have descended upon the fun city for the Miss America Pageant being aired LIVE on ABC next Saturday night, 1/15.  And, as some of my friends get packed and depart for Sin City, I wish them ALL a safe flight and a GREAT time!  And if YOU are ever in Vegas, be sure to check out the grand outdoor water show and incredible "Fiori Di Como" ceiling at The Bellagio, "KA" at MGM, "Jersey Boys" at The Palazzo, Las Vegas Boulevard (the strip) at night time, the Secret Garden at The Mirage, and all the great food that every casino offers.  Oh, and play a quarter in a slot machine for me!

Go Miss New Jersey and Miss Delaware and all the other amazing contestants!

God has an Angel

January 4, 2011

I'm speechless!  There are no words to explain how numb I have felt since earlier today to learn of the untimely passing of a girlfriends teenage son.  God surely has a new angel with Him.  My heart, love, friendship, prayers, and sympathy are with Randa and her husband Greg.  My heart is truly bleeding for them!

God bless you today and always,

Designer Blogs

January 2, 2011

A BIG SHOUT-OUT to my blog designer Lauren at Designer Blogs!  She was first recommended to me by my oh-so-incredible mentor and super great friend in Texas, Valerie Hayes!  Valerie has graciously excelled me for years now and I honor her for her excellence in helping me to step outside the box and realize life lessons.  Valerie, you are my ideal!  My gold standard!  (check out Valerie on Facebook!)  And without Lauren at Designer Blogs, I wouldn't have known how my vision of my blog could be translated to the World Wide Web.  Lauren is a visionary in computer design.  A human scrapbook!  Lauren is a member of a gifted team at www.DesignerBlogs.com with Erin as the Owner/Head Designer.

Visit their website, take a look at their amazing portfolio, send them a message to get started.  They're celebrating two years this month and are offering 30% off all custom & premade orders through January 31st.  Now THAT'S a great deal!

Thank you, Lauren and Valerie, for your wisdom, guidance and friendship!

New legs to battle Breast Cancer!

January 1, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I heard a bit of sad news today about a friend of mine.  She is a former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader and we spent many games together working in the Penthouse Suites of the old Veterans Stadium.  She is a breast cancer survivor, but she learned late last night (yes, on New Year's Eve!) that it has metastasized to her brain.  And today is her birthday!

I called on you back in October and once again I need your help. You may remember that many of my former Eagles Cheerleaders, with the help of the NFL Alumni, organized a partnership with the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia affiliate and United Healthcare of PA.  Back in September, "Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer" debuted an on-field dance routine with the help of R&B pop star Jay Sean singing “Do You Remember”.  For each click of the YouTube video made on that day, UHC agreed to donate 10 cents “per click”, up to a million clicks, to the Komen Philadelphia affiliate. In under ONE month, with all your help, we reached and exceeded that goal. $100,000 went directly to help fight breast cancer. Unbelievable!

Now, UHC has “kicked” up their donation, and we are now being offered yet another chance to click for breast cancer.  They have agreed to donate an additional $50,000 to Komen if the video receives 5 million hits.  And ANOTHER $50,000 if it receives 8 million hits.  We are currently at 2.3 million!

 PLEASE help me to reach these goals, especially for my friend who is fighting for her life from this deadly disease.  She has a husband and kids.  PLEASE start clicking away again to help us earn even more money for this dreadful disease that has affected the personal lives of my dearest stepmother, mentors, friends and other dear family members.

Click here:  www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/video

My love and MY thanks to you ALL!