Saturday, August 25, 2012

Ribbon for a Cause



When I saw that the Chocolate, Coffee and Cards ( http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/ ) challenge this week was ribbon for a cause, I knew I had to join in. I am a breast cancer survivor. Seven years ago, when my surgeon removed my right breast, I was assured all the cancer was gone. It was isolated within the breast and had not traveled any where else. The funny thing about having cancer is that even when you are told it is all gone, you never really believe it is gone. You wonder each and every day if it will come back, perhaps in the other breast or in another part of your body in a different form. Every time you have an unsual pain or ache, you wonder. If you wake one morning not quite feeling your usual self, you wonder. You go through each and every day simply on faith (a prayer and a wish, as my grandmother used to say).

I found the cancer myself. When my younger daughter was three years old, she developed a Wilhm's tumor which is a serious form of a childhood cancer. It was serious because most cases were not discovered until they were already stage 4. By the grace of God, Amber's was discovered in stage 3. As a result of her illness, I volunteered with the American Cancer Society in our town and was part of a team that went out to women's groups to give a program and instruction on breast self examination. I knew how to do it, and I did it time after time with nothing unusual. But then there was that time, yes, THAT time.

I was not devestated at being told I'd have to have a mastectomy. Most of my life I have been a 32 'A'lmost have some. There wasn't a big loss there, and when my doctor asked if I wanted to consider reconstructive surgery afterwards, I laughted and asked him just what was he going to "re"construct since there wasn't anything there to begin. But, for many people, male or female, the loss of a body part can be devestating. For those of us who believe in God, we are reminded that the body is just a shell, a temporary vessel. Our true being and our true beauty lies within. His grace sustains us and keeps us going.

The Chocolate, Coffee and Cards challenge is not just about breast cancer. It is a ribbon for a cause -- be it childhood cancer, heart disease, or supporting our troops. Whatever cause is near to your heart, there is a ribbon to symbolize it. Take the time to show your support (and your colours) by finding your ribbon and making a card.

If you are still with me, I'll tell you that my image is by Krista Smith (Saturated Canary) and is called "Boobie Love." I've coloured it with my Copics after printing it off onto Cryogen card (notice the gray hair matches my own - smile). The DP is by My Mind's Eye, the Vanity Fair pad. The ribbon is by Offray, and the flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts and Recollections. The jewels are by Recollections.

Thank you for stopping by. I'm entering this card:

http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/ - Ribbon for a Cause
http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.ca/ - Ribbons and Bows
http://kraftyhands.blogspot.co.uk/ - Bling It Up
http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/ - Bling
http://dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Bling It On
http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/ - Pink



16 comments:

  1. Jenee, I am so proud of you for opening up this way, and for supporting the cause.
    I'm not afraid to talk about my breast cancer, as you already know,....but I don't often mention that I live with the fear that you so eloquently describe, so I stand in awe of you, and of every survivor.
    Beautiful card, beautifully done!

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  2. Thank you for sharing this intimate part of you! True beauty does come within and you are gorgeous!
    Wonderful card! I love your colouring and the papers you used! Very touching!

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  3. Hi Jenee, this card is fabulous. I love the image, coloured beautifully and the papers are gorgeous. And I love what your card stands for. You are amazing. Thanks for sharing this with us at Totally Papercrafts.
    Hugest of Hugs
    Sue W.

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  4. Hi Jenee
    A gorgeous and beautiful card thankyou for joining us this week at CraftyCatz
    Hugs Dianne xx

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  5. just been blog hopping and found your lovely card and eloquent words - best wishes margrit [another survivor] xxx

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  6. This is a beautiful card! Thanks for joining in at Kraftyhands and for sharing your experience with us.
    Mandy x (Kraftyhands DT)

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  7. Super card Jenee!thank you for entering Kraftyhands challenge for this month
    hugs
    laney

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  8. Wonderful card! Thanks for joining us at LMMS for our Pink Challenge. Deb

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  9. Hello...your card is fab and the image, thankyou for joining in with our challenge at CRAFTY CATZ.
    Now while i was here i read all your post...wow WELL DONE YOU for saying how you feel and how each day affects you. On the good note i am glad for you that it was 7 years ago and hopefully it will never return, I am also sorry to read about your Daughter hugs Carol x

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  10. Fabulous card Jenee, Thank you for the lovely comment you left on my blog. It is so much fun to use the same image and see how different they can look. I joined the challene for the same reason as you. I am a 11 year survivor. Keep hanging in there, I am with you all the way.

    Hugs

    Carol

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  11. Thanks for sharing your story!!
    Beautiful card!

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  12. What a wonderful card but an even more heartwarming story. HUGS!!!

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  13. Your card is fabulous Jenee, superb colouring and I´m loving the grey hair. These papers and layout are so pretty and how great is the sentiment. You keep fighting too my girl, such a heart rending story.
    Hugs,
    Nicola -x-

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  14. Thanks for sharing your story and your beautiful card and for joining us for the Little Miss Muffet Challenge.
    Jane
    x

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  15. What a wonderful Creation. This is so awesome.
    We would like to thank you for Entering Chocolate, Coffee, & Cards Challenge.
    Hugs from Tammy Ortiz - DT Digi Team for Chocolate, Coffee & Cards.

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  16. Gorgeous card!!! Thanks for participating in our Chocolate,Coffee and Cards challenge!!
    ~DEANNE~

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