Overwhelmed by Gratitude...An Art Benefit

High School Alumni friends who turned up for the event....

 For a writer, I am at a loss for words about Monday night's the Eff Cancer Art Benefit some friends (Julia, Shannon, Liz, Andrea, Kevin, Isles, Derek etc.) held to raise funds for my medical expenses at Volcanic Theatre Pub. I haven't been able to put into words what the night meant to me...I am completely tongue-tied.  I cannot wrap my head around the magic that happened that evening...instead I'll use pictures (because thankfully, my friend Christina grabbed my phone and took pictures throughout the evening so I would have them...).

The event was bigger than I could have imagined! About 450 people came through to enjoy food carts, music from my friend's band Isles, drinks and good company and browse lots of art, products and treasures from local businesses and creatives! The goodies available were incredible and so much was donated that they weren't able to put everything out!! I was blown away by the things people had so generously donated to the event - art, nights at local retreat centers, restaurant gift certificates, a cruiser bike, massages, etc...incredible generosity!!

I am overwhelmed by the fact that I am so blessed with incredible support and love and so many people walk through cancer alone. That gift by itself is incredible. I cannot imagine going through this journey alone...but I know my reality of support and love is a precious honor and I do not take it lightly.

Over the course of the evening, many high school alumni gathered, old friends, new friends who shared how they saw the even in the paper and wanted to come...my heart is OVERFLOWING with gratitude and hope from this incredible tribe!!

Crowds of friends, family and new friends who showed up to support me...

Some of the ladies who made this possible...Liz, Shannon, Andrea and Julia were the masterminds behind this event, followed by an incredible team of volunteers who helped set-up/clean-up/pick-up etc...the tribe astounds me!!

Photo by Pixie Campbell, my sweet art inspiration, Pixie, not only donated a piece, but attended the event which inspired me in a HUGE way!

Some of the art on the wall up for bids...

Products and art available during the silent auction...

Lovely friends handing out in the patio enjoying some drinks and a good time...

Family friends finding a good piece of art to take home...

My adorable parents enjoying the event...

Me and my friend, Jacob

I cannot thank you enough for your support - planning, attending, donating items/ purchasing items... and simply BEING THERE. It was the most fun I have had in months to be surrounded by such love!! My family and I are so completely amazed and blown away by your love and I still don't know how to find the words to say thank you enough. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! The event was a great success and I am over the moon and still floating on the joy that night gave me!! THANK YOU!!

48 Hour Miracles...

It is hard to believe it has been 48 hours since I could barely move....the horrific pain of last week was so bad that on Thursday when we went to the oncologist I had to use a wheelchair for the first time because I could not walk from the car to the doctor's appointment. After the appointment, mom and I actually had a moment where I was not sure I could get back into the car due to the extreme pain and it took a good 15 minutes for me to muster enough strength to pull myself into the car. It's a strange experience to have your body give out on you in pain, to know what you were once capable of and due to pain and lack of strength to not be able to move.

Getting the pain pills under control and getting sleep finally, thanks to the fancy mattress cover, I began feeling like a whole new woman on Friday afternoon...I actually could get myself out of bed without needing people to literally pull me up. I could sit up in the recliner again! Although I began having side effect symptoms from the chemo on Friday (dizziness, nausea and a headache), it is still a night and day difference from what I had been feeling! Saturday I actually felt like myself and took advantage of it!!

My uncle came to town and my family was able to gather for coffee at Barnes & Noble like we used to on Saturday mornings, all in smiles and be together. My sister and I were then spoiled with a girl's shopping day at Ross - retail therapy: new dresses do wonders for a woman's soul! As my body has changed a great deal from being in bed lately, it was nice to find some things to feel pretty in and to actually feel like I have the energy to dress up again a bit is refreshing!!

Then Monday night's art benefit means old friends are coming to town!! I can't believe the incredible number of friends showing up for this! It's humbling, inspiring and I feel SO FREAKING LOVED!!! One of my oldest childhood friends and her mama came by on Saturday afternoon and it was so good to squeeze her! I feel energized just knowing how many wonderful hugs I will get over the next few days!! AND I finally am feeling good enough to go back to work Monday - I've been cleared to work 3 hour shifts and the benefit of feeling like I am contributing to the world again, to the company that is blessing me beyond believe with insurance and support means so very much to me and I am eager to see my friends at PacificSource! It will do wonders for my soul!

I truly am the luckiest girl in the world, in spite of everything, these are magical days!