think pink...

Today I'm thinkin' PINK. I know I'm not a real colorful gal but I do embrace a few sublime additions to my seemingly all neutral palette.

What do you think of when you think PINK...?

beautiful antique dishes...

vintage glass ornaments...

whimsical seashell nosegays...

or maybe incredible old books...

Pink...pink...pink...

Good question...

this past Saturday was the

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

It was a perfect day!



On Valentine's Day February 14th, 2011 I found out that I had a suspicious lump in my breast. My first thought...fear...my second thought...how will I ever pay for this?

Being self employed, I was as worried about my finances as I was for my health. That is a sad statement and a very harsh reality. As soon as I left my doctor's office I went to meet my Breast Care Navigator at the Regional Cancer Center.

Dara Leichter is my new guardian angel. I sat in her office, surrounded by pink, warmth and smiles. I was all alone and missing my family horribly. As soon as I heard her West Virginia accent, I knew God sent me an angel from home. I was lost and a weepy mess. She hugged away the tears and said..."Let me worry about the finances...you worry about getting through whatever comes next." Well, surgery was scheduled and I was already awaiting all the bills from the mammograms, ultrasounds and doctor visits. Her response..."when the bills come, don't open them. Send them to me..."

That day I learned first hand about the love and kindness that this world of ours really does have to offer!

.

Miss Dara was able to apply for grants that would cover the costs of testing, surgery and aftercare. I had the tumor removed and was blessed and relieved to learn that it was a non-cancerous tumor. It opened my eyes to many things...primarily to all the hard work, love and support of the staff of the Regional Cancer Center, The Breast Care Center, Dr. Aihara and Miss Dara Leichter. I also owe a great deal of gratitude to all those who helped me through the entire difficult process.

If ever you need inspiration to get involved

here it is...

It was incredible to see all the survivors and their families. There was laughter, hugs and lots of hope!

The venue, being held on the beautiful grounds of Coconut Point, was so perfect.

We even had the locals show up and cheer on the runners and walkers along the course...

The finish line appeared so quickly...time flies when you're racing for the cure!!!

I will forever be grateful to the doctors and nurses at the Regional Breast Care Center, to Dara Leichter, to the Komen Grant and to all those whom I love!

I left buzzing and floating like a bee, filled with good spirits and good will...so stopping at a sweet little garden center on the way home made perfect sense. Every flat of flowers seemed to be smiling...happily wearing the most lovely shades of PINK! I was a happy, hopeful, grateful and inspired little bee. 

There are reminders everywhere about all the good in this world. All you have to do is think PINK then find a way to get involved...give of your time, lend your support and say a prayer.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

I hope you have been inspired and reminded to think Pink.

Love and prayers to all those affected...