02072017 On Tuesdays
On Tuesdays, I’ve been wearing Teal. Inwardly, it’s a reminder that this really happened, and I’m really here in this place. Outwardly, it’s a color that signifies awareness of Ovarian Cancer. It’s the color someone assigned for this type of cancer, and wearing teal is my way of sparking conversations.
Today is Tuesday. In one week, I’ll be at a basketball game. It will be Senior Night and one special senior will be standing, half court, with his dad. I’m sure he will be proud to be there, no doubt he’ll be thinking of all that he has accomplished. Though I’m sure men don’t admit things like this, he’ll be a bit sad that this is the end of his high school basketball career. Unquestionably, he will wish she were here. We all will.
In one week, our little community will come and support him. Here are the ways you can help:
Come to Nailz & Hair Too! From 3-5pm on Monday, February 13th, and donate at least $10 and get an accent nail painted Teal in memory of Pat. Or, if you’re already a customer of Kim’s and you want to get an accent nail in the week leading up to that for a donation, we will gladly accept that too! Kim has so graciously donated her time, salon, and polish, so take advantage of this opportunity to show your TEAL love!
On Tuesday, February 14th YES VALENTINE’S DAY, from 4-6pm (just before the game), come over to New Attitude Salon and for a starting donation of $10, get a teal streak in your hair. Yes, on Valentine’s Day. YES! Because TEAL is the new red! Because you want to be supportive. Because you’ve been thinking about trying something wild, and what better excuse is there?!? Traci, Kristen, and Jacey are all so generous and kind, and have donated their time to do these Teal streaks in memory of Pat and support of her son.
Then, after you’ve been “nailed” and “streaked” (no puns there), come to the basketball game, and if you have a Teal shirt or jacket – wear it! It will be at Washington High School. The Varsity game starts at 7:30pm, and you will want to be there. Trust me, Pat’s son is fun to watch. The team is lively, and they give lots of effort and opportunities to clap and cheer! Also, you’ll have the chance to bid on silent auction items until the end of the 3rd Quarter. Items like a Valentine’s Basket (see, no reason to shop early, just bid high!), Half a hog (2) from Walker Seeds that will be processed and ready in time for the grill, a Spa Themed basket from Simply Spa, a “Pamper Yourself” basket from Pat’s former
co-workers and there will be others – all presented by loving people to remember Pat, and support her son, who shares the value of the importance of education. If you plan to be out of town, or feel like you can’t get streaked or nailed, you can also donate at any of these places until Tuesday, February 14th at 6pm.
All the monies raised from these generous gifts – and yours – will go to the
NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative.
In the past year, I’ve spent some time looking at statistics, examining stages and diagnoses, and reading articles about the grim percentages of early detection, those who are diagnosed with little time, and those whose procedures are not effective. I read my “Beat The Big O” campaign card often. I see such an opportunity for growth in the field of education and awareness of Ovarian Cancer.
There are no coincidences. The day that I reached out to NLOCI, the place that made and gave out the Beat The Big O cards, I was greeted by the voice of the President and CEO, Jodie Kravenski. I still don’t have an answer as to why, other than to say that it wasn’t a coincidence. Jodie remembered Pat’s daughter who had ordered the cards two years ago. She said she would help me in any way possible. I told her I would send an email and contact her in the future. Later, once I had sent the email to order the cards, I received a reply from her, offering to produce the graphic for the Teal Streaks and to help us with promotion and, if we needed, anything else. In the past month, over various methods of communication, I have shared with Jodie the importance of doing this one thing well, for Pat. To remember her well, and to be able to communicate the importance of self-advocacy and informed decision making without confusion. Jodie has been a source of strength and encouragement, and it’s just not a coincidence that I connected with her.
Jodie’s mom, Norma and her aunt, Leah are the names behind this organization and two sisters’ deaths due to Ovarian Cancer are driving forces in the Foundation’s commitment to raising awareness, educating people, supporting Ovarian Cancer Warriors, and paving the way for better outcomes of Ovarian Cancer. It is because of this commitment to education and the support of those who are battling Ovarian Cancer that Pat’s husband and son have chosen to donate all generous contributions to this foundation. Specifically, to the cost of educating women, and the men who love them, to identify the early signs of Ovarian Cancer, and of the importance of awareness and self-advocacy.
If you or your business would like to contribute to this cause, please contact me through this blog or direct message. It would be a pleasure to welcome you to the Teal project.
Also, in closing… today is an incredibly special Tuesday. Happy Birthday Steve.
Momma Rich's 