Sabbatical

I've always wanted to take a sabbatical because usually it involves traveling and doing exciting things.  So I am going to take one!  But just from blogging for a little while.  You'll be relieved to know that we will be back, I know that you were worried.  We are currently working on business plans and family plans and dinner plans.

In the meantime, I'm still raising money for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure!

Shocking, I know.

People ask what happens if you don't raise the full $2300.  Here's what happens: I have to pay the difference!  Really.  Nothing like the threat of having $700 deducted from your bank account to motivate you to beg for money.  So, here are the two ways you can help:

Make a donation here!  This is the easiest and most helpful way.
Visit Boonaroo's and order some Christmas presents!  Especially dishcloths. I have many, many dishcloths.

Thank you and see you upon our return!

32 days

I have 32 days to finish my Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure fundraising.  I'm sweatin' bullets over here!  Last year I was DONE with my fundraising by the middle of August but this year, as I've mentioned, I recruited my most generous donors to walk with me and it is coming down to the wire!

But with 32 days left, we can do this!  Last year I was so proud when I finished the walk but I was even more proud when I reached my $2300 fundraising goal.  I can walk 60 miles on my own, I mean, if I had too; but I cannot contribute $2300 on my own, not right now.  It took a lot of people standing with me to reach that goal and it's going to take a lot of people again.  We're over halfway there but there are a few (figurative) miles left.

My family has been touched by cancer, specifically breast cancer, so many times that I have a document on my computer titled "Family Cancer History" and it is a full 8.5x11 sheet of paper.  My family on my mom's side was the subject of a cancer research study at the University of Oklahoma.  It's like being famous except it sucks.

I do not want to give this document to my kids.  I don't want to add my mom's or my aunt's or my own name to the list.  I want to send it to the recycle bin and delete it forever, but I can't, not yet.

And that's why I walk.  I walk so I can delete that document.  Walking 60 miles shows solidarity, it shows strength, it shows sacrifice and commitment but without the funds for research and education, it's just a symbol.  It's a lovely symbol, but it's not going to have any lasting impact unless we back it up with financial commitment.

But you can help!  You can have a lasting impact on our world with a small gift!  And if you pass this along to your friends and family your impact will be even greater.  If you utilize your employer's matching gifts program for charitable donations, your gift could be multiplied!  Just click on any of the links in this post and you'll go to the page where you can donate.

Thank you for journeying with me!  I am confident that we can do this together.