For the last two years during October, I have posted my personal journey from the day I was diagnosed over many hills and through many valleys of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and FINALLY remission. (See October Archives 2006 & 2007)
My objective was to bring attention to the fact that
Early Detection Saves Lives.
This year, I plan to approach this subject a little differently.
I would like to honor the memories of those we have lost to this disease and to also celebrate the lives of those like me, who have been lucky enough to survive it. I tried to come up with a catchy name for this "EVENT" and since these were already taken...
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
. . . I decided to call my event,
Swampy's Stomp Through Blogville Against Breast Cancer
If you are a breast cancer survivor or have a family member or friend who has had breast cancer or is being treated for it now, and would like to honor them here, please give me their names and any information you care to share in the comments.
I especially want to honor the memories of those who we have lost to this disease.
You are welcome to send your own creation to:
and I will add it to this post. (Be sure it is sized for the web.)
Your creations can be sunrises, rainbows, drawings, photographs, whatever you want to use...
OR, just leave me information on the comment page and I will try to honor them in my own way.
If you are not a blogger but want to be a part of this, just leave whatever information you would like to share in the comments and I will post it here.
I will update with new information and "re-post" as often as possible so that you can see the continuing list.
For each person who is honored here during the month of October, I will donate $1.00 to Breast Cancer Research.
Join me for . . .
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"Swampy's Stomp Through Blogville Against Breast Cancer."
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1)
This pink flower is to honor my life-long friend, Nancy, who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in February of 1999. She has just recently retired from her teaching career in Southeastern Oklahoma and is enjoying playing bridge and book clubs. ************************************************************************* These pink tulips are to honor my life-long friend, Aletha, who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on April 20, 2005. She received her treatments at M.D. Anderson. Presently, she is the principal where we both taught together and enjoys her grandsons, Truman, Carter, and Jack. 3) This photo of Western Skies from my balcony is for my blogbud Slick's, Mom. It can get fairly "R" rated over there, so cover your eyes as you scroll down to that post. ************************************************************************** 4) ************************************************************************* *************************************************************************** 6) *************************************************************** The next five, Aunt Beth, Fiona, Mary Ellen, Aunt Mary, and Kim were all submitted by my blogbud, Alison. 7) Aunt Beth is a TWENTY-FIVE year survivor. She is an incredible woman with a wonderful sense of humor. This is a photo of our beautiful golden aspens of Colorado. *************************************************************** 8) Fiona is a seven year survivor. She is the woman who will come over for a cuppa tea in the morning and stay for dinner...we never know where the time goes and our voices are hoarse from chatting and laughing all day. This is a photo was taken at The Blue Mesa, Colorado. ************************************************************** 9) Mary Ellen is in the battle of her life right now. She has had a mastectomy and chemo treatments the past year. She recently had two ribs removed from her metastasis and is beginning radiation treatments next week. Her son is six years old and her spirit and strength are amazing. Photo: Pike Market bouquet ********************************************************************* 10) Alison's husband's Aunt Mary lost her battle last year. She was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to her children, especially her developmentally delayed son. This photo is the sun rise on Mt. Garfield, Colorado. **************************************************************** 11) KIm lost her battle with Breast Cancer this past April. Kim's love of life and her spirit were inspirational. Her positive outlook was commendable. I never heard a negative word come out of her mouth. Everyday I still miss her. Her sons are in high school. Photo: Blue Mesa Colorado. Honors 7 - 11 were submitted by Alison. ******************************************************************* Thanks to Paulette Allard for the $10.00 donation to Breast Cancer Research. Current tally: Total = $21.00 ****************************************************************** 12) This photo was taken at Fallen Leaf Lake close to Lake Tahoe. ***************************************************************** 13) This photo taken over the Great Salt Lake at sunset is to honorMike Golch's Grandma Helen HIrt who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1985 at the age of 75. ******************************************************* 14) Honors 14 & 15 & 16 were sent to me by my blog friend, Chaotic Lisa. Photo: ducks on a pond in Grand Junction ****************************************************** 15) Marilyn survived Breast Cancer for ten years but was lost to another type of cancer just recently. Photo: Sunflower in Swampy's yard planted by her daughter. ****************************************************** 16) Lisa's, Grandma Jean survived Breast Cancer in the late 1990's but passed with Alzheimers in 2006, while Lisa herself was undergoing chemotheraphy. Photo: The beautiful snow of Westcliffe, Colorado. *************************************************************** 17) Photo: I chose this rose from my garden in honor of "Grandma Darlene"...strong and beautiful. It is one of the last roses of the season that bloomed gracefully and beautifully, probably just like "Grandma Darlene." ********************************************************** 18) Equoni asked that her friend and former neighbor, Linda, a five year survivor be honored. Photo: A view that Equoni enjoyed so many times when she was my neighbor. ******************************************************** 19) Photo: Taken at Bloedel Reserve 20) Photo: Sunset over Lake Powell Karra also honors her beautiful sister-in-law, Liz, who is an eighteen year survivor. Photo: Mountains at Telluride, Colorado Karra also honors me. I found my b-b-sized lump during a self-examination of my ta-ta's. Now, if you don't do Ta-Ta-Exams, start today. Here's how. (Clink that link)
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Be sure to read his Monday, October 1 post. This is Equoni's grandmother, Elizabeth "Betty" C. (As most of you know, Equoni is a guest writer at Willowtree's Place on occasion.) Her grandma was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the early 1980's and survived it. After her mastectomy, one thing she was sad about was that she was not able to play tennis anymore. This photo was taken on her NINETIETH birthday. She passed away this past August at the age of 90. Equoni says, "I'm sorry I don't remember exactly when she had breast cancer...I was a kid and she just took care of it the way she always did, no fuss."
This photo taken close to Box Canyon Falls in Ouray, Colorado is to honor Hertha Wakefield. Hope Marie Carlton submitted her name for us to remember.
This photo taken in Seattle, Washington, is to honor Donna Hovland of Red Wing, Minnesota. She has battled cancer three different times for the past fourteen years. She was dignosed terminal in September of this year. She has three loving children and a husband. Her name was submitted by her daughter, Kayla.
Seattle, Washington
Swampy owes $11.00
Paulette's donation = $10.00 Heather honors her Aunt Louise who is battling Breast Cancer right now. She was diagnosed in December of 2007 and has had surgery and has undergone chemo. She is still receiving treatments and doing well. She is a nurse and Mother of four. She is married to Heather's Uncle Dave and is a Grandmother to many. She always made Heather feel special growing up. They are praying for her remission every day.
Deb asked that we honor her Grandma Darlene who not only survived her original battle with breast cancer, but two recurrences. She is a strong woman in body, mind, and soul. Deb says, "May many more women be blessed as she is."
This is to honor my dear friend, Angela, another Breast Cancer survivor (SOS) who lives on Staten Island. Her family members are all heroes in my eyes having helped so many during the tragic days after 9/11. The 'men-folk' are either policemen or firefighters and the ladies are...well, ladies...graceful and lyrical just like these beautiful Trumpeter Swans.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
******************************************************* My friend, Karra, honors the young motherof a twelve year-old girl who did not have health insurance. By the time she admitted to having some problems, there were lumps everywhere, and she was in Stage Four Breast Cancer. She died four months later.I wonder how many more there are like this young girl who have no insurance and are afraid to go to a doctor in fear of what will be found.
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Photo: One of my favorite places in the World...Akumal, Mexico.
Current Tally for Breast Cancer Research Swampy owes = $22.00 23) Photo: Taken from a plane of Mt. Ranier 24)
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Paulette's donation= $10.00
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Total = $23.00
******************************************************** Wendy knew Connie from E-Bay and fast became e-mail friends. She lost her battle with cancer last year on her third go-round with it. She was passionate about sharing her survival story and never lost her positive mind set that she was going to beat it AGAIN. She was hilarious, loved rolly chairs, and they both always joked about the tricks the "man behind the curtain" (OZ) would play on them when they were looking for lost items or when things became out of sorts...it was the man behind the curtain who was to blame. Wendy says she was a very, very funny, loving lady and was survived by her hubby, Freddy and her children.
***************************************************** Jenny only knew her a Mrs. Rose. She passed on almost ten years ago from Breast Cancer. She knew her sweet husband and children, including her young daughter who decided to have a preventative double mastectomy after seeing both her mother and aunt die from the disease. Jenny says, "The courage of that family inspires me."
Photo: Reflection of Colorado Aspens
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25) Mental P Mama (whose real name I don't know) asked that Ramsey Lee who lost her battle with Breast Cancer in 2003 at the age of 53 be honored.
Photo: Taken at Newport Beach
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Megan says in her e-mail to me, "Good evening ! I'd like to honor my mother who lost her battle with Breast Cancer in 1973. She was 29 and in the clinical trials for chemotherapy...But, I'd also like to thank her because I've had mammograms since I was 25 and last year, they found something itty bitty. I was able to have it biopsied, and it turned out to be nothing. THANKS MA ! I miss you !"
Photo: Newport Beach, California
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27) Kate, honors her sister-in-law, Mary. She is a survivor. She was clear for three years, then diagnosed again the the other breast. After a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy, she is in remission for seven years. Kate repeats, "She is a survivor !!"
Photo: Windmills Somewhere in Wyoming
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The next two photos were sent to me by my, "old-timer" blog friend, KARMYN R. She was one of the very first commenters on one of my very first posts way back in August of 2006. Even though we've never met, I feel like I know her...I mean, I've hosted a baby shower for the girl and watched her have a baby boy not long ago. Well, I really didn't watch her, but seemed as though I was pregnant with her during the nine months she posted the progress reports. Thanks, Karmyn for taking the time to share these two beautiful photos honoring your loved ones.
28)
Karmyn says, "Myra was my step-mother who died May 2001. She had a very aggressive form of Breast Cancer. She valiantly fought for three years before it took her. Her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean, just outside of the San Juan Islands, her favorite place in the World."
Photo:
Provided by Karmyn R.
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29) Donna was Myra's sister, Karmyn's aunt. In 2002, a year after Myra passed, Donna found a lump. Fortunately for her, the cancer was diagnosed early and after a year of treatment she was CANCER FREE. She has been in remission ever since. She kept her discovery and treatment a secret until after she was cancer free. Only a few family members knew what she was going through...and the whole reasoning? She didn't want the news to reach her mother...it would be too hard on her to think she was losing another daughter to the disease.
Photo: Provided by Karmyn
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The next two photographs were sent to me by another long-time blog friend, PamelaPamelaJamela. She is Karmyn R's mom. Just like Karmyn, Pamela was one of the first to ever land on my Glob, and has continued to visit for over two years now. She shares some very important infomation that I hope you take the time to research.
30) Pamela writes, "My sister Sandra is the mermaid waving on the left. SHE IS A SURVIVOR...over TWENTY years. My hope is that her gandchildren and my grandchildren will live in a World that has conquered this scourge. I am a participant in The Sister Study. The program has had an amazing response but is still looking for sisters in the following categories: African-American, Latinas, Asisans and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans between the ages of 35-74. Caucasian women between the ages of 65-74 or with a high school degree of less. If your sister had breast cancer and you fit into those categories, please follow the link I provided and sign up now. A cure is waiting and you might be the answer.
Photo: Provide by Pamela, the Mermaid
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31) And then, there is this one. Because Pamela would always e-mail updates to me about her, I feel like I knew her...
BRENDA
buried Saturday, October 4, 2008
A daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a friend
This is the photo her daughter placed in a heart-shaped flowered wreath by her casket.
Pamela says, "This is how I want to always remember her."
Here is Pamela's post about Brenda.
Photo: from Pamela
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32) Equoni want to honor her mom's cousin, Betty. She had a rare form of Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and it was very advanced before she was properly diagnosed. Her chances for survival were around 10%. She went through grueling chemotherapy, maybe radiation, too. But she BEAT IT !! Equoni thinks that this was about 15 years ago and she is as healthy as can be now !!!
Photo: Bug and Bubba...because I know how much my friend, Equoni, loves my dogs.
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33) Tina asks that her mother-in-law, Carmella be honored. Tina says, "She fought this horrible disease for five years and just when we all thought she had it beat. Cancer decided it wanted her and spread throughout her body. She lost her battle with Breast Cancer on December 25, 2005. She was a wonderful Mother, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother, and woman. She is remembered dearly and missed beyond words. "
Photo: Clouds above Seattle, WA
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The next three tributes are from my very long-time Blog-Bud, Robin. We "met" over two years ago and have continued to correspond on a regular basis.
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37) The next two tributes come from a Brand New Blogger, Maggie. She wants to honor her friend, Robin, who was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer, 1 1/2 weeks ago.
Photo: Angel Trumpet, Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, Washington
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Maggie's other friend is Denise, who has been cancer-free for F.I.V.E. years.
Photo: Emerald Island, Lake Tahoe
Be sure to go visit Maggie and tell her Swampy sent you. There are some precious photos at her place.
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My donation has been matched with an anonymous donor ! Current Tally for Breast Cancer Research: Swampy owes $38.00
Paulette's donation $10.00
Anonymous matching donation $38.00
TOTAL $86.00
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The next three tributes come from Toni at 3AM Designs. She has donated $10.00 for each of her tributes which include:
39) Toni says, "The first person I want to honor is Pam, who was recently diagnosed for the second time with breast cancer, after being cancer-free for 10 years. Pam is married to my cousin, Woody, and I've loved her from the first time he brought her home when they were dating. I'm so glad he chose to add her to our family. Pam and Woody have three daughters: Natalie, Erin and Meghan. Everyone is holding Pam in their hearts, knowing that she will beat this thing again. "
41) I saved my Grandma, Mary Carter Starling, for last, not because she's the least important, but because I wanted to write a bit more about her. My Grandma had breast cancer twice, but she still lived to be 85 years old. This amazing woman raised 18, yes 18! children. My grandmother was 20 years old when she married my grandfather, who had 5 children from his first marriage. What was she thinking!?! She then had 12 of her own children (one died when she was 5 months old). Her youngest son was just 4 years old when my grandfather died, which was 3 months before I was born - yes, I had an uncle only 4 years older than me! A couple of years later, Grandma married my step-grandfather, who had 2 young sons. Again, what was she thinking!?! Grandma actually helped to raise even more children. Her sister was 9 months old and Grandma was 12 years old when their mother died, so she had to take care of her baby sister. Then there are all of us grandchildren who were sent to Grandma's at some time or another. Some of them stayed with Grandma most of their lives. I spent about 6 months with her when my mother was going through a divorce. In other words, it's hard to say, how many of us she helped to raise, but it was a lot! The woman was BUSY! To read Toni's entire story about her grandmother, CLINK THIS LINK.
The photo is a lilac tree in my yard.
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42)
In memory of Ellon St. Croix's friend, Shauna Harbridge, who lost her battle with Breast Cancer on December 30, 2008.
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One of Lori's tributes is for her mother, Eler Dowell, who beat Breast Cancer when she was in the sixties after having a mastectomy. She will be eighty-five in December.
She is truly a success story.
Photo: A Pink Scarf knitted for me by a Blog Bud from another continent.
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44)
Another of Lori's tributes is posted with sadness. A friend of her family's, Julie Meador, lost her battle with Breast Cancer two months ago. Lori says, "We miss her greatly."
Photo: Lake Tahoe
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45)
Jeanne of Bermuda Bleuz's tribute is for her thirty-one year old cousin, Nancy, who passed away of Breast Cancer.
Her baby is only nine months old and her oldest is four years old.
Photo: Clouds over Colorado
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46)
Sally Lomax's tribute is for everyone who is suffering with Breast Cancer.
Photo: A Trail through the Colorado Aspens
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Current tally for Breast Cancer Research:
Swampy owes $46.00
Paulette's donation $10.00
Anonymous match $46.00
Total $102.00
I know that $102.00 is not much, but it might just be the HUNDRED dollars that is instrumental in finding a cure, and there won't be a need for these sad tributes that you've just read. There are still several days left to send your own tributes.
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47) Faye at Summit Musings has two friends of over twenty years who have both passed the five year mark in their fight against Breast Cancer.
Sherry is busy helping her only son and daughter-in-law adopt little Quenton from Guatemala.
Photo: Taken from the Colorado National Monument looking into the valley where I live.
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Faye's other friend, Kathy, who has also passed the five year mark in her fight against Breast Cancer is involved with an on-going love/hate relationship with her new boob.
Faye says that neither Sherry or Kathy slowed down through this whole process even when, this year, both of them had a scare that the cancer may have come back. Thankfully for both...not.
Photo: Independence Monument atop The Colorado National Monument
49) Photo: Pike's Market, Seattle ***************************************************** 50)
***************************************************** Heather says, "I wanted to add Rick's wife. She is my husband's coworker's wife. She was diagnosed about three weeks ago after going in for her first mammogram at age forty, and they found a lump. She has two small children at home and, of course, Rick. We are praying and pulling for her, and I thought of what you are doing here and had to add her to the list at the beginning of her journey with this terrible disease.
Jo Beaufoix's AUNTIE. A ten-year survivor !
Photo: Pansies at Ft. Worth Stockyards
51)
***********************************************Marie says, "My friend and coworker, Shirley Q., was just recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She has a very aggressive form of Breast Cancer. She recently underwent a bilateral mastectomy and had eleven lymph nodes removed from her left breast. Please keep Shirley and everyone battling this disease in your thoughts and prayers."
Photo: Flowers at Bloedel Preserve
Bainbridge Island, Washington
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52) Passionately Pink says, "My best friend, Julie, lost her battle with Breast Cancer in 2005. Julie was a loving and caring individual and Mother figure for those in need of a Mother figure. Julie had a hard life because of bad choices in men. She was a battered woman and became a single Mom at a young age. She never lost her spirit though. She always looked for the positive side of life. Julie taught her children to appreciate life and be grateful for what you have. At age 40, she decided to go back to college and received her bachelor's degree. After finishing college, she gave back by working for a women's shelter for battered women and their families. I think about Julie in some way everyday. I recently had a baby of my own. I thought to myself if only Julie could see this. I miss her greatly for all the motherly advice that I will not receive from her and her smile and joy for life.
We need to find a cure for this disease and as women, support any organization that is actively seeking a cure.
Photo: Colorado Sunrise
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53) Kila's first tribute is for her co-worker, Denise. She says, "Denise found out she had Breast Cancer in September of 2007, the same day her granddaughter was born. First we had the call about the new baby--tears of happiness. Then a couple of hours later rang the other call from the doctor's office, which brough different tears. One year and one month later, she is done with all her treatments and is doing well !!"
Photo: Lake at Elk Mountain Resort
Telluride, Colorado
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54) Kila's second tribute is for her friend, Krista, who had Breast Cancer several years ago, at about the age of thirty-seven. She defeated it and even went on to have another baby ! She was able to breastfeed the baby with her remaining breast. Once the baby was weaned, she had reconstructive surgery. She's been a survivor for at least five years now.
Photo: Sunset on Liberty Cap Trail
Colorado National Monument
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55) Who will be next?
Many of you have asked if it's OK to link this post to your blog...OF COURSE it is. I would be honored. I would also be thrilled if anyone else wants to match funds for my donation at the end of October.
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For those of you who are visiting a blog for the first time, you are welcome to leave comments. Just click on the itty bitty word comments with a number by it and follow the directions. Also, any word that's a different color than pink is probably a link. Place your cursor on it, click, and you may end up on the other side of the World.
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Oh girl...I think this is totally, totally awesome of you to do.
Totally...
Please honor Shirley Cormell, from Villa Rica, Georgia. Passed away April 4th, 2006 from breast cancer.
Thank you so much, Swampy...
Posted by: Slick | October 04, 2008 at 03:38 PM
This is great Swampy, thank you so much. Unfortunately my list is long...
Please honor my Aunt Beth who is a survivor, a 25 year survivor. She is an incredible woman with a wonderful sense of humor.
Please honor my friend Fiona who is a 7 year survivor. Fiona is the woman who will come over for a cuppa tea in the morning and stay for dinner...we never know where the time goes and our voices are hoarse from chatting and laughing all day.
Please honor my friend Mary Ellen who is in the battle of her life right now. She has had a masectomy and chemo treatments the past year. She recently had 2 ribs removed from her metastasis and is beginning radiation treatment next week. Her son is 6 years old and her spirit and strength is amazing.
Please honor my husband's Aunt Mary who lost her battle last year. She was an amazing woman who dedicated her life to her children, especially her developmentally delayed son.
Please honor my friend Kim who lost her battle this past April. Kim's love of life and her spirit was inspirational. Her positive outlook was commendable. I never heard a negative word come our of her mouth. Everyday I still miss her. Her sons are in high school.
Posted by: Alison | October 04, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Dear Swampy,
I am happy I do not have any family or friends (except you :) ) that have had breast cancer. We have had others die way too young from other cancers though. I just wanted to say I proud to know you through your blog!
Posted by: Cindy Z | October 04, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Two of my best friends had breast cancer 5 years ago and are feeling very well now. But they don't understand any english, don't know what a blog is (I tried hard to explain without result) and Internet is also something from the moon, lol ! I think what you are doing here is very nice !
Posted by: Gattina | October 04, 2008 at 11:06 PM
I don't have anyone to add to the list but I wanted to leave a comment on how happy I am you are a survivor. Even though I lurk a lot, you have certainly made my world much happier. Here's to many many more years :o)
Posted by: Joy T. | October 04, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Swampy, this is a wonderful thing to do.
I haven't had breast cancer, nor do I have anyone close who has had it....which I guess makes me very lucky and every day I count my blessings.
My thoughts arewith everyone who has been through this and cameout the other side, and with those that didn't.
Posted by: Aoj & The Lurchers | October 05, 2008 at 02:22 AM
Hi I came over from Alison's site and this is an amazing thing you're doing - good luck with raising money.
Thankfully I no one one who has battled breast cancer, only other kinds, but if they find a cure for one hopefully they'll find a cure for them all.
Good Luck again
Posted by: marmite and tea | October 05, 2008 at 05:37 AM
A beautiful post, and a wonderful thing to do! I looked earlier and cried too much to comment coherently! :-)
Delighted to hear your son-in-law is back safely - that's something to celebrate!
Posted by: Melissa in NZ | October 05, 2008 at 08:01 AM
just perfect Swampy, thanks so much. I love the pictures, they amazingly perfect for each individual also, divine guidance?
I do remember those sheets and I thought what a clever idea, unfortunately I am not much of a seamstress and that would prove too difficult for me.
I am so glad your son in law is home. I am sure you will enjoy the peace in your house, but I am also sure that you will miss them!!
Posted by: Alison | October 05, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I am so glad that your son in law is home, and it is good to see the family together again...but I am very upset to hear that he will be deployed AGAIN and so SOON. That is just not right. Georgia? Did they move? I thought they lived in Wyoming??? Or am I confused (again)???
Posted by: Equoni | October 05, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I don't have anyone to honor, but I love you even more for doing this!
Posted by: nikki | October 05, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Wow! Great cause I applaud you. Found you at the Manic Monday page. By the way mine is up already do drop by. Thanks.
Posted by: earthlingorgeous | October 05, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Wow! Big hugs to you and yours. I did the 5K Walk for the Cure today. I'm going to post the pictures in the next few days. I admire and feel for each and everyone going through this.
Posted by: Miranda | October 05, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Please honor my Aunt Louise who is battling right now. She was diagnosed in December 2007 and has had surgery, and undergone chemo. She is still receiving treatments, and doing well. She is a nurse and mother of four. She is married to my Uncle Dave and is a grandmother to many, and always made me feel special growing up. We are praying for her remission everyday. thank you for honoring others this way. It means so much to me.
Posted by: Heather | October 05, 2008 at 08:46 PM
I lost my Grandma Helen Hirt to breast cancer in 1985. she was 75.
Posted by: Mike Golch | October 05, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Thank you, Swampy! It is beautiful! When my aunt first started chemo, I mailed her a card every week. Then after she completed it and started new treatments I still mailed cards, but not as often. Visiting your site and thinking of my aunt made me remember it's been 3-4 weeks since my last card. I sat down immediately after reading your post and commenting and wrote her a letter. It is going in the mail tomorrow. Thanks again!
Posted by: Heather | October 05, 2008 at 09:44 PM
My friend, Donna was diagnosed 3 years ago and although she had a scare a few months ago she remains in remission. :)
My friend, Marilyn survived 10 years after her breast cancer diagnosis but we just lost her to another cancer.
Posted by: Lisa's Chaos | October 06, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Wow, what a post!
Posted by: WT | October 06, 2008 at 02:23 AM
I think it is a beautiful thing you are doing here.I just sent my MIL story to your gmail.Thanks for doing this.
Posted by: tina L | October 06, 2008 at 05:34 AM
P.S. I just wanted to let you know I posted about your blog.I hope you don't mind.
Posted by: tina L | October 06, 2008 at 05:55 AM
Thanx Swampy! I didn't want to use last names for fear they would not like it. Thanx! Marilyn just passed Sept 28th, for multiple myeloma, unrelated to the breast cancer she survived. :(
Way to go Swamps!
Posted by: Lisa's Chaos | October 06, 2008 at 08:35 AM
I remembered that my Grandma Jean had breast cancer in the late 90s (she's my step-grandma, not blood related) but alzheimers took her while I was going through chemo, so 2006.
Posted by: Lisa's Chaos | October 06, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Hi Swampy, I was directed here from another site, and moved to tears with what you have done!
I would like to honor my Grandma Darlene who has survived not only her original battle with breast cancer, but two recurrences. She is a strong woman in body, mind and soul. May many more women be as blessed as she is.
Posted by: Debs3 | October 06, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Swampy, I have another one for you. My good friend and former neighbor, Linda, who is a 5 year survivor.
Posted by: Equoni | October 06, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Wonderful. I will get an email from me soon. I have 2 survivors and one passing.
Posted by: Karmyn R | October 06, 2008 at 04:09 PM
I have linked you - a blogging friend of mine just started her journey last week.
Posted by: jeanie | October 06, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Beautiful post. Glad your Son-in-law made it home safe.
Posted by: Raven | October 06, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Wow Swampy! You are a true legend! I love you! Mwah Mwah Mwah!
Posted by: Karisma | October 07, 2008 at 02:56 AM
I want to remember a young mother of a 12 yr old girl, who did not have health insurance. By the time she admitted to having some problems, (lumps everywhere) she was at stage 4 breast cancer, she did 4 months later.
My beautiful sister-in-law Liz who is an 18 year breast cancer survivor and most of all my beautiful friend Swampy, who we all know is not only a survivor but a fabulous fearless advocate for "Early Detection". Keep up your mission, thanks for people like you.
Posted by: Runningwiththepack | October 07, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Help Swampy, I hit the send button before I realized I mis-spelled died
Posted by: Runningwiththepack | October 07, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Please also honor Connie. I knew her from e bay and became fast e mail friends. She lost her battle with cancer last year on her third go around with it. She was passionate about sharing her survival story, and never lost her positive mind set that she was going to beat it AGAIN.
She was hilarious, loved rolly chairs, and we both always joked about the tricks the "man behind the curtain" (OZ) would play on us when we were looking for lost items or when things became out of sorts ... it was the man behind the curtain who was to blame.
Very very funny loving lady, survived by her hubby Freddy and her children, but I don't remember their names.
Also ... the photos you loved at my blog were from www.trekearth.com .... MY pc is down so I have been borrowing hubby's laptop and trekearth's photos.
Posted by: wendy | October 07, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I only knew her as Mrs. Rose but she passed on almost 10 years ago from breast cancer. I knew her sweet husband and children, including her young daughter who decided to have a preventative double masectomy after seeing both her mother and aunt die from breast cancer. The courage of that family inspires me.
Posted by: Jenny, Bloggess | October 07, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Oh, Swampy - you made me cry! All those lovely, courageous women and the people who love them...
I feel so lucky that no one close to me has had breast cancer. I've had a couple of scares myself (my doctor takes every lump seriously), but so far so good. I know that I cannot go through my life never having breast cancer show up in my friends or family. I've lost plenty of people to other kinds of cancer, but so far, all the ta-ta's are okay.
Posted by: Sayre | October 07, 2008 at 01:00 PM
What a beautiful thing you are doing here! I lost my half sister Ramsey Lee in 2003. She was only 53. Thanks for this.
Posted by: Mental P Mama | October 07, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog.
Another great post about breast cacer awareness is at
http://wordsofwisdomfromasmartmouthbroad.blogspot.com/
Bear((( )))
Posted by: BearNaked | October 07, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Thanks for stopping by my site. I see that my friend, Bear was here before me. I'm not sure if you noticed that I linked your site in my breast cancer awareness post. You were one of the "this"s. LOL Great idea and wonderful of you to do it. I found you thru our buddy, Slick. (You know Slick, Tough exterior with a soft mushy center.) LOL
Posted by: Smart Mouth Broad | October 07, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Your list is getting huge. :(
Posted by: Lisa's Chaos | October 07, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Oh Swampy, what an outrageous post!
I would like to honor my SIL Mary. She is a survivor. Clear for 3 years then diagnosed again in the other breast. After lumpectomy, radiation and chemo, she is in remission for 7 years. She is a survivor!!
Posted by: Flash Stitcher (aka Kate) | October 08, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Thanks Swampy = looks perfect.
Posted by: Karmyn R | October 08, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Swampy,
I just wanted to thank you again for doing this...you are definitely a special lady!!
Alison
Posted by: Alison | October 08, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Thank you so, so much!
xoxo, Lauren
Posted by: Mental P Mama | October 09, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I just thought of another person I'd like to honor...My mom's cousin Betty. She had a rare form of breast cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and it was very advanced before she was properly diagnosed. Her chances for survival were around 10%. She went through grueling chemo, maybe radiation too. But she BEAT IT!!! I think that was about 15 years ago and she is healthy as can be!!!
Posted by: Equoni | October 09, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Brenda's daughter stopped by this evening and I showed her this post.
She wept -- something she will do for a long time to come.
Posted by: Pamela | October 10, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Hey did you ever get the email I sent you about my MIL? If not let me know and I will just comment her info to you.Thanks.
Posted by: tina L | October 10, 2008 at 06:01 AM
Thank you it's lovely it's a wonderful thing you are doing. I will check back to keep up to date with your list.
Posted by: tina L | October 10, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Oh, Swampy...I've been working on this since I first saw your post! It's WONDERFUL it's grown so large!!!
Here's my link to my own; I've mentioned you a couple of times and I'm going to stumble your post to see if you get more traffic as a result. You tell such a positive story and I love the way you approach all this. Thank you for a beautiful public service for all...you've done well, friend!
http://pensieve.typepad.com/pensieve/2008/10/pink-for-octobe.html
Posted by: Robin ~ PENSIEVE | October 10, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Please honor my friend Robin (diagnosed one and a half weeks ago). Also, my friend Denise, who has been cancer free for 5 years now.
Posted by: Maggie | October 10, 2008 at 03:53 PM
This is a wonderful thing you're doing.
I have written a post, linking back to you. I hope you don't mind that I borrowed your idea of honoring people by putting their names on photos. I am honoring 3 people in my post and will be giving $10 in each of their names.
http://3amdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/join-theme-this-week-is-lazy.html
hugs,
toni
Posted by: toni | October 11, 2008 at 03:52 AM
Wow Swampy, what an amazing post! I haven't been over in awhile and wanted to stop by and say HI! Also, my 31 year old cousin, Nancy, passed away of breast cancer. Her baby was only nine months old and her oldest was four. Hugs to you!
Posted by: Jeanne / bermudabluez | October 15, 2008 at 01:32 AM
What a wonderful thing you are doing here! My mother, Eler Dowell, beat breast cancer when she was in her 60 (after having a mastectomy) and she will 85 this December. She is a success story. Sadly, a good friend of our family, Julie Meador, lost her battle with breast cancer two months ago. We miss her greatly.
Posted by: Lori | October 16, 2008 at 12:54 PM