Some of you know my family's cancer story. For all of you who don't, it goes like this: In the summer of 2001 the family was up north (Michigan) on our annual vacation at the family cabin. Typically the two weeks was spent down at the lake having fun and doing a "girl's day" into Traverse City where we would shop and eat. This particular summer, my oldest daughter wasn't feeling well. Our typical shopping trip didn't interest her. By the end of our vacation I thought she was coming down with mono, so as soon as we got back home, I took her into a local clinic. The doctor there told me if she had been exposed when we thought, that it was too early to take blood work to test. Needless to say I was not happy. A few days later, on a Friday, I came home from work to find her in tears because her back hurt. Off we went again to the same hospital facility to their after hours clinic. The doctor there was stumped but had her blood drawn. I soon became aware that something was wrong, but was not being told anything. Looking back there were lots of clues that I put together later. I ended up taking her home and calling her pediatrician's office. Since it was after hours, I left a message with the answering service. It wasn't long before the doctor called, and after hearing what was going on, she called the hospital and then called me back to tell me that my smart, beautiful daughter had leukemia and to take her down to Children's Hosp in Detroit, that she had already called them and they were waiting for us. I can never fully describe the feelings I had at that moment. That phone call started a horrific journey that took our family to places we never wanted to go. Imagine yourself as a 16 year old girl having to endure chemotherapy, transfusions-both whole blood, packed red cells and platelets. Missing your whole junior year of high school. Losing your hair twice and going down to 91 lbs. I can go on and on, but one of the things that helped me from losing my mind was Gilda's Club. Having a free cancer support community with people who were going through similar journeys, helped me endure the hell. Five years ago I decided to become more involved as a tribute to my daughter and my new grandson, who has now been joined by a brother. You see, cancer had NOT won. I decided to become part of Bras For a Cause in honor of Shannon Watson. Shannon was a young woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 20's. She, along with the support of her family and friends, started the fundraiser focusing on breast cancer, Gilda's Club and survivors. This event showcases anyone who is a breast cancer survivor by having a fashion show where each model is currently or in the past battled that horrific disease. Various "artists" design and donate a bra. In turn, our models put on one of the bras, design an outfit to go with it and pick music to strut their stuff to. I am currently "in charge" of the Art Bras. This year, I have decided to put together a fundraising page to help contribute to this amazing fundraiser that I am honored to be part of. One of the things I've learned through our cancer journey, is that there are so many people affected by this disease. It truly does change the dynamics of a family. I NEVER want someone to be alone in their journey, and Gilda's Club is the perfect sanctuary to go to. If I've touched you in any way with my story, consider donating to my page. Love and Peace -Karen
