The Holidays Already?

It's that time again! Time to get started on holiday cards. Yes! I know, tt's not even Halloween. And although I normally push it off until the week before Christmas, this year I shall be on top of things. It is my New Year's resolution, before the New Year! Anyway, instead of ordering the same ole cards with a picture of my kiddos on the front, I discovered a MUCH better idea. They are the MOST adorable cards EVER designed by budding young artists who are also patients at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Anyone who knows me, understands my deep love for Children’s. They are one of the only places in the state of Illinois to provide heart transplants for babies and other such amazing procedures. The cards are part of, "Children's Expressions," and there are a ton of choices that can be personalized. What a wonderful idea!
The best part? Every purchase directly benefits the hospital’s "Family Services." The program helps support families coping with their child’s illness and stay at Childrens'.

Click here for the on-line store
www.childrensmemorial.org/store/cards/default.asp?catID=3
or call 1.877.901.4264.

No Rhyme No Reason

Let me preface this by telling you how my mother is my closest, my truly best friend and I have some WONDERFUL friends. We must talk three times a day (my parents live in a southern state) and usually about nothing in particular. She has an amazing moral compass and the most generous soul. We call her Mother Love for a reason. Anyway, earlier this year my family dealt with quite the heart stopping breast cancer scare. Her annual physical sparked off much more than a little concern from doctors. After the blood work, the scans, the surgery, my mom has been given the all clear and will get checked every six months now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!We know there are so many other families out there who have and are dealing with much more and they are in our thoughts and prayers. You always hear about how family history can tell you a lot about your risks for breast cancer.Not always.In our case, both grandmothers had early hysterectomies so we never knew if there was added risk for future generations. Plus, family history is not the only factor to consider. And so it was cause for me to get my first mammogram a month ago. Although I am not 40 years old, I did it anyway to get a baseline for years to come. As we know, prevention is the key to many illnesses and knowledge is the power we need to make good decisions. So please take a few minutes out for yourself and get checked. You can do it, a loved one can;) or visit your doctor.

Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer awareness month, although every month is a great time to do what we can to help fight the disease from all angles. Consider it an assault of sorts.

Help honor survivors, their families and those who are on the scientific front lines of fighting breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with five mile walks all across the country (164 events) and Illinois. Many of us are stepping out Oct. 18th! This is the tenth year for the events here in the Land of Lincoln.

Funds raised help educate us all about reducing cancer risks and will help with lifesaving research and support programs. To find dates and places near you, check out www.makingstridesillinois.com