myFriend Kayle...part II

Kayle, pictured here, is 30, flirty, and thriving...with breast cancer. I make this little play on a pop phrase because my mom often said she thought "cancer survivor" should be replaced by the more uplifting and telling phrase "cancer thriver." Kayle, actually 31 now, is indeed doing all she can to thrive through this experience, learning, growing, healing her heart, body, and soul.

If you would like to help Kayle as she forges through her battle with cancer you can visit the Help Kayle Martin Survive Breast Cancer website. Her friend, Nathan, has rallied behind her journey, stirring up support and help to get her through. Kayle's humble response is nonetheless overwhelmed with gratitude and amazement for the support she has received. It was hard for her to ask for help so her friends are asking for her.

myFriend: Crazy Sexy Cancer Cowgirl Kayle

I've known Kayle since grade school and when I'd heard she was facing breast cancer we reconnected in the middle of her journey. Most of us have a "cancer story." Most of us pray, hope, wish, meditate that we will not have an intimate encounter with cancer on which to base our story. Kayle was gracious enough to help launch a project I've envisioned since I lost my mom to breast cancer. She shared her story, she shared her face, she shared her outlook. She recently commented to me "I'm not adventurous as I may seem," but her perspective is contrary. Kayle is a Crazy Sexy Cancer Cowgirl!

myThanksgiving

In everything give thanks. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

With the Thanksgiving Season at hand many facing cancer may be finding it difficult to be grateful for the journey they've been handed. Why should we give thanks when all we are dealing with seems more like a curse than a blessing? Giving thanks with a glad and faithful heart recognizes that God is in control of a perfect plan, that He will create a blessing from this curse, and your experience can become a testimony of God's grace and good will, which brings Him glory. Giving thanks through our trials also helps us to recognize that this moment in time is temporary. Not only will there be better days ahead, but the salvation we've been promised in heaven is worth every step of pain on earth.

Here are a few things to be thankful for, even when fighting cancer:

• Faith
• Hope
• Family & Friends
• Current cancer patients will help doctors to find new treatments and cures for future cancer patients
• The chance to slow down and remember what is important
• Love
• Appreciation for the little things missed when life is smooth
• Confidence gained when overcoming a fear of the worst, or strength built when accomplishing even a small goal
• The ability to grow closer to one another and God through this trial

If you have blessings you're counting this season please feel free to share them here or email me. Thanksgiving blessings to you all!

Nevada County Relay for Life

Want to help?

If you would like to help sponsor the Spaghetti Dinner or Pancake Breakfast and help raise donations for the American Cancer Society please email myCancerStory@yahoo.com.

myCharityPhotographer

I found a very sweet photographer online that has started a charity guild of photographers nationwide who photograph families and children suffering severe illness or pending death. These photographers donate their time and sensitive, caring services as a gift to families losing a child, or to families where the parent has a fatal disease. Check them out online at the ACPCG.

In my photography background I have been honored to record the last photographs of a few families losing a loved one to cancer. While they may not be the kind of memories for framing on the mantle, each family has appreciated the chance to have these bittersweet memories locked on paper.

If you have questions about family photography during this time of trial as you all deal with the effects of cancer on your loved one, please email me.

myNewYearHope

Hope Abides
Hope abides; therefore I abide.

Countless frustrations have not cowed me.

I am still alive, vibrant with life.

The black cloud will disappear,

The morning sun will appear once again

In all its supernal glory.
- Sri Chinmoy -

Many blessings in your New Year!

myWarmWishes

Usually I try to post about encouragement or supportive information around cancer topics and awareness, but I recently saw an item on QVC that I wished I had seen when my mom was bald and battling.

It's a large soft hood with a scarf attached, which is nice because it is separate from a coat or jacket, and still stylish and easy to wear and use. Not only would this product be helpful during chilly, windy, or freezing outdoor weather, but also for cozying up inside with a blanket or robe. In addition, the hood is big and loose, if a tight-knit cap or beanie isn't desirable.

I remember through several loved ones how quickly they would go through cold and hot spells during cancer treatment or recovery. This hood/scarf would be a handy solution. If any of you have used this item or something similar, please feel free to post your experience.

Thinking of yourCancerStory...warmest wishes!