Honorary Team Mate- Jeannine Martineau

Above is a picture of my close friend Jeannine Martineau, (with her  beautiful granddaughter Ronnie). I asked Jeannine to write a small bio for all you to read so that you could learn a little more about her and what she has gone through over the last seventeen years. Here is her story:

"Seventeen years ago I faced the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After a 4 year battle I thought cancer was in my past. Little did I know that my b-cell cancer was just dormant and morphed into multi-myeloma, a blood cancer of the bone marrow whose tumors feed on bone. There is not a cure yet but races like this marathon provide hope one will be found.

I was diagnosed when the cancer ate through my vertebrae and I was paralyzed from the waist down. After surgeries and 3 years of intense therapy I now walk with a cane. I have already had my lifetime limit of radiation to my spine, have undergone numerous doses of chemo therapy including experimental drugs and am hoping to qualify for a risky experimental transplant at UCLA which could prolong my life for 1 to 2 years.

I am very blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends. Mindie is one of my “kids” and her willingness to include me on her team is a true blessing. I pray that the Lord will keep you all free from injury, in good health and your efforts will lead to more awareness and a cure for us all. Love and Blessings, Jeannine."

Ok, if you can get through reading that without crying, you are either heartless or stronger than me. To give a short update on Jeannine, she is still trying to qualify for the stem cell transplant. However, her last check-up this past week (March 18th) did not go well. According to her son, Jeff, her cancer count is still too high to have the transplant. Please keep her in your prayers. Remember, your donations go directly to research that helps find cures for cancers like Jeannine's. Thank you so much for your support everyone!!

You can donate right now if you like: just click HERE. If you would like to purchase a candle, see information below on previous post.

Gold Canyon Candles

To change up my fundraising a little bit, I have decided to fundraise some additional items. I am so grateful to everyone that has donated so far and if you were planning on donating, you still can.

However, I know it is nice to get something in return as well. SO, I am selling Gold Canyon Candles. It is really simple.

Do you know someone that loves candles that is celebrating a birthday? Anniversary? MOTHER's DAY!?!?! Now is the time to start thinking about those that would LOVE to have one of these candles!!

There are 3 sizes, three prices and several scents:

26oz. = $25.00 burns for 175-200 hours
16oz. = $21.00 burns for 120-140 hours
8oz. = $17.00 burns for 50-65 hours

Tax and shipping included

Some cool facts about the candles:
Strong fragrance- The fragrance, is strong and true to life! The fragrance catalogue that I have includes a "Scratch and Sniff" for each scent, so you can get a smell of what you order!
Double Wicks- This ensures and evenly burning candle so there is no messy, residual wax left on the walls of the candle jar.
Safety feature- Each candle wick is fitted with a safety collar, causing the candles to self extinguish at the appropriate safety level. In addition, the unique cool wax formula is warm to the touch and will not burn the skin if a candle is accidentally bumped or turned over.
Burn Hours- These babies burn for up to 200 hours!! That's getting your money's worth!!

The scents include: apple spice, cinnamon, cinnamon vanilla, clean sheets, ginger lime, grapefruit splash, pomegranate, rose, cotton splash, cranberry orange, cucumber melon, fresh orange, strawberry shortcake, sweet pea, and wild flowers.

Unfortunately, I can't sell online... the company is working on that for the fundraiser aspect. I have a catalogue and the purchases much be made directly through me. Depending on how many orders I get, I will make an order every 2-4 weeks.

You can look at their website to get more information, http://www.goldcanyon.com/ but if you would like to purchase candles here is what I need:

Name
Phone Number
Address
Email Address
Candle size, scent and amount

I can give you a total with shipping and tax, and if you live far away you can mail me a check. The candles get mailed directly to you. CORRECTION!!! The candles get mailed to me, and then I deliver them... if you live far away you can order online instead, but it will not support my cause. SO SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION!!! The check must be made out to me (write "candles" in the memo), and then I write one check to the director in my area, and a percentage goes to my TNT fundraiser. A small percentage also goes to a charity called, "The Prayer Child Foundation."

If you have any questions please call, email, facebook, or comment below!

Mindie
mindieg@verizon.net

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

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…

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