Dear friends and family,
The kid in me was delighted when she discovered the Adults on Kids' Tricycle relay race fundraising event for Cancer Connection back in 2009. When I was first learning to manage my tall body on a tiny tricycle, I rode the halls of the hospital where I worked (not in the patient care area). I made a lot of people smile; I made one or two people wonder whether I had lost my marbles.
Here's a link to a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYFcDRgo4QU youtube video of our first humiliating, hilarious relay. If you keep watching, you can see our inspirational triumph the next year, 2010. In 2011, I was living with the after-effects of chemotherapy and rode around in my driveway with my little gray cap in preparation for that event. Sadly, that fund raising event is no longer available, but the kid in me still likes to imagine riding her trusty steed, which, by the way, sitll resides in our basement. I haul her out every now and again to take her for a spin for old time's sake.
This year I turn my attention to a different venture. For 10 years Monte Belmonte of The River (radio station) camped out on the courthouse lawn (or snow pile) every March to raise funds for Cancer Connection. Last year he raised over $100,000. That was his last year of camping out, and we thought we might lose him as our inspirational cheerleader. But no, he has turned his attention to the kind of more luxurious camping that those of us of a certain age have come to appreciate. Monte will be camping IN this year, doing a sort of Jerry-Lewis telethon event at our Hotel Northampton. Campers can raise funds to get the pleasure of staying over at the hotel. I'm setting my goal at the "camping level" but I do not imagine that I will be camping out or camping in. For one thing, I'm signed up for a 7:00 shift the next morning to answer incoming pledge calls from listeners to the Camp-IN. I wouldn't want to waste a good hotel room by having to leave it at 6:30 the next morning. But, as a board member, I am contributing to our sponsorship of a room so that Monte can give our room away to some lucky person.
I have been involved with Cancer Connection from when it was a mere dream in 1999. I was an early advisor, facilitator, and, it turns out, a participant after being diagnosed with breast cancer the first time in 1999. I began rowing with a Cancer Connection team in 2000. In 2007, I joined the board and have been very ctive with Cancer Connection ever since. I was secretary of the board for 9 years; I was part of the team who created the Cancer Connection Thrift Shop, where I donate, volunteer, and shop; I have co-led two canoeing and writing weekend camping retreats; I have been an active "befriender" for the last four years, where I answer the phone to talk to people newly diagnosed or to sign someone up for a free integrative therapy session or welcome an individual, couple, or family who has just walked through our doors. Most recently, I have been chosen as president of Cancer Connection's Board of Directors, a daunting task (with a steep learning curve for me), but also a wonderful opportunity to make a difference for Cancer Connection, which makes a difference in so many people's lives, all without charge.
Will you consider helping me with a donation to support the hundreds of people in Western Massachusetts and beyond who benefit from Cancer Connection's one-to-one guidance, support and programs. Cancer Connection is a haven for people living with cancer and their loved ones and caregivers where they can learn to cope with the physical and emotional turmoil that is part of a cancer diagnosis and to explore ways to enhance their strength, their hope and their care through support groups, integrative therapies, creative activities and education. All services are offered free of charge.
I hope you'll consider making a donation to help me meet my $1,500 goal by February 21st.
Your gift, which is tax deductible, will go directly to Cancer Connection to support their important work. And you will have helped support me as an active and enthusiastic supporter of Cancer Connection.
If you want to learn more about Cancer Connection's free programs and services, visit their website: www.cancer-connection.org.
If you want to come to the special events happening during this fundraiser, visit
http://wrsi.com/2017/02/05/cancer-connection-camp/
Thank you, thank you for your support over so many years and through two too many cancer diagnoses.
Love, Becky