I intended to conduct a Safe from the Sun Walk this May to promote melanoma awareness. I still want to make this a reality, hopefully next spring. Even though I had some people lined up to help me get things organized this year, I personally couldn't devote much effort during these past few months to making the walk/run worthwhile, and I want it to be successful.
So I've decided to take a break from focusing on melanoma, and shift back to another cause that is dear to my heart, literally. My life now is proof of the reality of heart disease, as I live everyday without my mom. I hope to funnel my lingering grief, to do something with my energy, to help keep others from suffering the same fate, and spare other daughters/sons and spouses from tragically losing someone they love to heart disease.
St. Francis Hospital has organized a team again this year in honor of my mom. Everyone knows someone affected by heart disease or stroke. In memory of my mom, lost too young, I will be walking in this year's Heart Walk in St. Joe on June 2nd. I have set a personal goal to raise funds for the American Heart Association and would greatly appreciate your donation to help my efforts. We are raising critical dollars for heart disease and stroke research and education. You can help me reach my goal by making a donation online. Click on the link below and you will be taken to my personal donation page where you can make a secure online credit card donation. The American Heart Association's online fundraising website has a minimum donation amount of $25.00. If you prefer to donate less, you can do so by sending a check directly to me.Your donation will help fight our nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers - heart disease and stroke. You are making a difference. Whether you can donate monetarily or not, please remember those effected by heart disease in your prayers. Thank you for your support.
Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support American Heart Association - MO NorthwestDivision**********************************
Some email systems do not support the use of links and therefore this link may not appear to work. If so, copy and paste the following into your browser: http://heartwalk.kintera.org/stjoseph/annheflinmemorial?faf=1&e=1082252788******************************************************************************
In a society torn by war and violence, with news of flooding and tornadoes, with so many great ways to help others, find a way, either through the Melanoma Foundation, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, your local food pantry, or whatever charitable and needy organization that is close to your heart. The need is great across the board, and you have the power to change lives.
Happy Mother's Day to you all. I figure it is a celebration for everyone, as each of us has a mother and/or is a mother. Having lost my mom just before Mother's Day last year, this time of year brings back difficult memories. I am overjoyed with my children and my blessings as a mother, yet miss my own Mom so terribly that it would be easy to skip over the weekend. I am also drawn to our Heavenly Mother, as we have called upon Mary's intercession in helping us cope with melanoma. By the way, if you are drawn to the Blessed Virgin, you've got to plan a trip to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City. I was there on Friday for a field trip with my students. Aside from the beauty and awe of the Cathedral itself, there is the most beautiful laser-etched glass image of Mary, surrounded by a deep tourqouise with gold rays and stars. Breathtaking! I lit a candle and said a prayer for Brian, and for my own Mom.
Monday is the big day. Brian has a string of scans, followed by visits with both oncologists. We're hoping and praying for an uneventful day, and continued good health. We will be discussing a better plan on how to deal with this pancreas deal, as the fluid output has increased and changed color again. Friday marked 13 weeks since his surgery, and 8 weeks since this particular drain has been in, and Brian is ready to get on with life.
Thank you to those of you who have participated in the Novena for Brian. Thank you for you support and prayers.
Jenni
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