Tag: #fundraiser

WHERE, WHAT, WHY?

karenringalls10 Comments

WHERE: My journey for the past 5 months has taken me to mountain-top highs and some desert lows. I have had two major events that have required a lot of time and energy.

A mountain-high joy when my husband was declared cancer-free. The desert low was the lasting effects of radiation and hormone therapy.

A second “high” was the decision and initial steps in our major fundraiser for women’s cancers.

WHAT: 16 years ago I went through the fatigue, fears, and treatments of cancer not once but three times. Now it was what my husband jokingly calls “his ovarian cancer for men” better known as prostate cancer.

The date of May 11th is set for our fundraiser. The day before Mother’s Day! How perfect! Many things to do. Many details to cover. Excitement grows. Time to read, write (except for the fundraiser), and relax is shorter and shorter.

WHY: When it comes to cancer (or any serious illness), there is no answer for why. We accept whatever challenges and try to learn and be better people.

I chose to not do any writing or reading, simply because my entire focus was on the health of my husband and the success of the fundraiser.

LESSONS: Therefore, I have had many hours to evaluate my life, decide on my priorities, and how I can live as God would want me to.

To do any writing (even a blog), reading books, blogs, or articles has been a challenge. My macular degeneration is only part of the reason. I looked back and realized that I needed to step back and away. By doing so, I have a new energy and interest. I want to use my gift with the pen to teach, share, and inspire everyone.

Here is a wonderful quote by Hans Urs von Balthasar: “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” My grandmother taught me this quote as a young girl. It has helped me through many aspects of my life.

Please know that I have returned to reading books and blogs, and will write reviews and comments. I will raise awareness and fundraise for cancer research.

Here is my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/kareningalls1941 and to my fundraising page: https://give.adventhealth.com/fundraiser/5552764

STRONG WOMEN; STRONG MEN.

karenringalls6 Comments

The movie, Steel Magnolias, is about strong women always helping and supporting others through difficult times.

What makes a strong woman?

  • She is a fighter
  • …knows what she wants
  • … respects vulnerability and honesty
  • …will not shy away from intimacy
  • …empowers others.
  • …needs integrity, respect, and consistency
  • …knows her purpose in life.
  • …can be intense and hard to handle
  • …loves unconditionally
  • …is full of positivity and productivity.

https://ideapod.com/10-qualities-strong-women-men-cant-handle/

The male characters also showed their strengths and were loving, kind, and helpful to the women. Traits of a strong man:

  • Has goals and dreams
  • Respects others privacy
  • Comfortable taking the reins
  • He is NOT possessive or jealous
  • He is a strong communicator
  • His support is unwavering
  • Has a great sense of humorhttps://www.yourtango.com/love/traits-men-strong-partners

Every year, the Teal Magnolia Luncheon raises funds for research and awareness/education about the five major gynecological cancers. Teal s the color representing all these cancers, and the name comes from the movie.

The annual luncheon was started over 20 years ago but was discontinued several years ago for a variety of reasons. Last September a group of us brought it back and with 52 people in attendance, we raised $3500. In May of 2022, we welcomed 140 attendees and raised $15,650. Every penny went to gynecological cancer research. If you would like to donate, please go to bidpal.net/teal

We do these lunches for the estimated 100,000 females diagnosed with gynecological cancers each year of which 32,000 die. If a female has any or all of her reproductive organs, she is at risk regardless of her age. Even preteens have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and teenagers with cervical cancer.

Our committee and volunteers included care partners, survivors, patients, health care workers, and family or friends of those who have passed away, They each demonstrated their strength, passion, dedication, and love for this cause. They were like the characters in Steel Magnolias: STRONG PEOPLE.

How are you living your life? Answer the questions below. Then make changes that will make you STRONGER.

  • Do you have the characteristics of a strong person?
  • How well do you handle problems (large or small)?
  • Are you reliable?
  • Trustworthy?
  • Give love unconditionally?

The answers you provide are yours alone. Be the person you want to be.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. Your comments or questions are always welcome.