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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Day That Changed My Life - Nicole Faces Rare Breast Cancer

The journey of those facing cancer must be shared with others. How do we know this? Well, the countless emails have told us how it has helped them or others to cope with the process of cancer. In many ways, the stories offers hope and in some cases, it encourages, inspires and lift the spirits of those affected by the disease. No longer dealing with the stigma of cancer, it clears us to openly discuss and share the journeys of those who are willing to let us in. You are finding that the young, the old and the oldest people, to the professionals and the celebrities are all a part of the process - cancer is no respect of a persons position in life.

Finding Nicole's journey as shared on youtube: On June 30th, after 3 years of dating, Nicole and my younger brother Tom got engaged. On July 30th Nicole was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called clear cell cancer. On August 20th she had a double mastectomy. On October 8th she starts her first of 8 chemotherapy treatments. She is 27 years old.

I want to give you an example of the type of person Nicole is. The day she was having her double mastectomy surgery, she was lying in bed waiting for the surgeon. Her mom was in the room with her. I came in to visit her. We were talking and she said to me "I'm sorry I'm a little grumpy today." and as she was being wheeled off to surgery, she was waving to my brother with a smile and saying I love you. She is just amazing.

I couldn't even imagine how I would deal with the magnitude of something like this. She is so brave and positive and so full of love. She is a light that makes this world a brighter place.

My mom as well as several family members are breast cancer survivors. The more people I talk with about this, the more I realize that just about everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer. Because Nicole's cancer was so aggressive and rare, had she waited, the diagnosis would have been terminal. Nicole's cancer was detected in the infancy stages. With her double mastectomy surgery and chemotherapy treatment, she now has an 86% chance of survival.

Whether it's a dollar or a hundred dollars, every donation counts and every donation is gratefully appreciated. What's equally important is to pass on the story. Spread the word. Share your story with Nicole. Offer your words of encouragement. Pass on Nicole's story. It may just help someone with early detection. Early detection saves lives. Early detection saved Nicole's life.

I'm trying to raise $5000. This amount will buy 2 wigs made of human hair. It will look the most realistic and feel the most comfortable. With all she has been thrown, she at least deserves to have a wig that makes her feel at ease.

We have 3 very personalized breast cancer awareness perks we are offering.

At the $25 contribution you will receive a pink band with "I Care for Nicole's Hair" inscribed.

At the $50 contribution you will receive a white t-shirt with my original designed girl drawing silk-screened on the front and "I Care for Nicole's Hair" on the back.

At the $100 contribution you will receive a custom made breast cancer awareness birch candle. These candles are all one of a kind, hand made by my mom. Trying to describe them does them no justice. They are beautiful.

Follow Nicole's progress on facebook. www.facebook.com/icarefornicoleshair

So this is my heartfelt fundraiser to provide Nicole with 2 fantastic wigs to allow her to feel a bit more normal and dignified during this awful chapter in her life.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

Monday, December 2, 2013

The Day That Changed My Life - Follow Your Intuition


Melissa found a lump in her breast, she went to her doctor. Her doctor ordered an ultrasound. Upon reviewing the results of her ultrasound, Melissa's doctor determined that it was not suspicious. However, Melissa could not dismiss the lump which was a nuisance. She tried to have her doctor re-examine but her doctor assured her that it was nothing. After two years, the lump now protruding, prompted Melissa to consult with a different doctor where it was almost instantly diagnosed as breast cancer. The journey began..........

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.