Thursday, February 25, 2010

Honorary Teammate- Jenny Bardsley


This is Aunt Jenny and she is one of my honorary teammates for my Team in Training marathon run. I thought you would like to know a little more about her battle with cancer, in her own words...

"The cancer I have is called neurofibrosarcoma. I've been battling it for 12 years now. It started out growing on the nerves in my left shoulder area and was removed multiple times over 9 years until it got worse and they had to take my left shoulder and arm. I no longer have it in that area but unfortunately it spread to my lungs and that is where I'm battling it now. I've had 3 lung surgeries in the 3 years since my amputation. The prognosis for the future is unknown but I am monitored closely by having CT scans every 3 months. My prayer is that God's will be done in my body and that I can be a witness for Him through it all - to continue to trust Him and keep my focus on Him for His glory."

Yes, she is that amazing.

CLICK HERE TO HELP SUPPORT THE FIGHT

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

H.O.P.E.

Yesterday, I stopped by a place called, HOPE (Helping our people in Elsinore); a Christian organization that meets the needs of poverty stricken people in Lake Elsinore. I heard about it through the, "Volunteer a day, Get a day Free @ Disneyland," promotion and thought I would check it out. I have a pass to DL, so I don't need it, but it sparked my need to get involved and help my neighbors.
H.O.P.E. is located in a somewhat small warehouse building on 2nd street near an RV store on the side of the freeway between Central and Main Street. I went inside and explained my desire to volunteer to a woman named Laurie. She gave me a tour of the facilities and went over the hours and work that is done daily. Most of the need is to pack and organize food and clothing before it is delivered to those in the community that need it. Unfortunately, it is not really baby-friendly so I would have to find someone to watch Kellen if I wanted to serve.
They usually meet from 9 am to 12 pm to pack up supplies that are then delivered. A friend has volunteered to watch Kellen while I go and get my feet wet with this organization. Saidah (Ali) Knutson has gracefully offered to watch Kellen so that I can check this place out and see if God has called me to serve here. Not sure what will come of it, but I am excited to give back to the people of Elsinore.
If you click on the title of my blog it will take you to the H.O.P.E. home page. I’ll let you know what happens…

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Cancer

Ten years ago I attended my first Easter Brunch with Colin's family. I was 19 years old and we had been dating for about three months. If you know the Bardsley's, Colin's Grandparents, this wasn't just another day for them.

Easter, growing up, was a family time; we decorated eggs, hung out with family and enjoyed the day together. When I became a Christian, I learned about Christ's birth, and the true meaning of Easter celebration, His death on the cross and resurrection. With the promise to one day return for his sheep.

That first Easter in April of 2000 I met many people. Most of them were relatives of Colin, cousin's, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors. That Easter is when I met Mr. Hanson. Nick and Norma Hanson live down the street from Colin's grandparents, and they have been friends for over 40 years. Their children grew up together, Colin was in their daughter's wedding, and well they are pretty much like family. Mr. Hanson owned a card shop, selling all kinds of sports paraphernalia. He was a tall man, very friendly and funny. Mr. Hanson and Colin's grandpa, Bud were great friends. Over the years I had the privilege of getting to know him a little and he was a great man. This past January he lost his battle to prostate cancer. I am not sure how long his battle lasted, he always seemed to have lots of energy and was very much focused on his family and not his illness. Even to the end you could see life and love in his eyes. I feel privileged to have known him, and privileged to run with Team in Training in his memory.

Please join me in the fight to find a cure for cancer, you can donate online:

Team in Training: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

~Mindie