We're at War

Hi Ya'll,

I want to share with you an email I sent to Team Tiara last night -- and then follow it up with something new. I'll tweak it all a bit as I go along to provide the latest information, but you'll get my drift.

In short, we're at War.

Last night's Email:

My precious Tiara Friends,

While I began doing the 3-Day because of my Mom's fight with Breast Cancer, I soon realized my passion would be helping young women realize this isn't their Grandmother's disease. That this is a disease without boundaries -- one that cares nothing about your age or economic status or where you live or even what gender you are.

Today my heart is heavy with three stories that need your prayers. In the interest of privacy, I'm not going to share names with you. God knows the names of these three brave women.

** The first is 38 years old. She has three kids. Last week she went in for her annual exam and the doctor found four large lumps in her breast. On Friday, she had three biopsied with one needle aspiration biopsy (NAB). Yesterday the tests came back that the lumps were malignant.

Today a full-body PET scan revealed that she has Stage IV cancer, and it's spread to several major organs. It's in her kidneys, liver, sternum, right arm and both thighs. All three markers are positive, which is a great sign -- and this family is claiming Psalm 118:17 as their faith verse.

** The second is 40 years old. (And yes, that's still young!!!) She has struggled with a cyst for several months and returned to her surgeon this week for a follow-up. Her biopsy is scheduled for June 3.

** The third message came to me tonight, simply labeled "My Sister." I've taken the names out / changed them to protect their privacy. But I thought this email was too beautiful to keep from sharing.

"I just thought I would let you know that I originally signed up for the walk at (Friend's Name) request. My mom had done it last year, and I saw what fun she had and thought it would be a great challenge. I really didn't have a connection to the cause...

Last Monday, May 9, my sister, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has class/grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, but she has not been given a Stage at this point. Last week was filled with blood tests and meetings with doctors. This Monday, she had an MRI to size the tumor - which is small because they caught it early. She has elected to have a double mastectomy on June 6, after which we will know whether she will need to do chemo or radiation. Next week she will see her oncologist.

You now know most of the medical stuff that I know. :-)

I am so very thankful that I have this group of amazing people to support my sister and my family as we go through this. My sister is a beautiful, 33-year old wife and mother to my 9-year old nephew. This has definitely kicked up my 3-Day challenge a notch or two. :-)

We are in very good spirits. I think that a huge part of healing comes from a positive attitude and a positive mind. We are in a good place, and completely foced on her health and wellness. We are focused on living, laughing and loving. I know that in a year - maybe less - this will be a bump in the road.

I just wanted you to know.

Thanks!"


Friends, this is why we walk. And these stories -- all three of them -- illustrate the much-needed message that breast cancer is very much a young woman's disease, too. It's a disease that steals Mommies and daughters and sisters and friends. Every dollar we raise, each step we take.... It's a step to finding a CURE.

Thank you for walking. Now, go check your boobies and write your fundraising letters. We're at war.

Love you,
d.

Now, In my Inbox this Morning:

So.... my dear friend. We now have another thing in common. My mother was told yesterday that she has a malignancy in her breast. Because of her religiousness in having mammos and sonos done, it was caught very early and is quite small. We meet with the doctor on Wednesday to discuss specifics, including treatment options. Her doctor mentioned a lumpectomy, checking lymph nodes and possible radiation. We need prayers. And I would appreciate it if you could send me some top websites and resources. I've always been a reader and I want to devour information to be prepared for Wednesday and beyond. And I'm going to call to schedule my mammo right now!

******************************

Friends, we're at War. Really. We are. And because we realize the cost of this battle against breast cancer, we have got to attack -- just as you do in any other war.

How can you help?

Go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks.

Choose one of two options:
1. Donate. Just choose a name and choose what you can afford to donate. Your donation is tax-deductible and it WILL save lives. Any amount, no matter how large or small, will help.

2. Register to walk. Just click on "Join Team." We'll help you with the rest. But just like our girls in a softball game, if you don't swing your bat, you can't get a hit. We need a homerun here. Out of the park. But we can't do it if you don't take that first step and register.

I've spent my morning packaging bracelets and other means of support to mail to nine survivors in six states. This disease is rampant. The youngest of these women is in her 20's. The oldest is a Grandma.

Help us fight this War. We can't do it without you.

Love and hugs,
d.

Kait's Turn

Ya'll don't laugh.

I promise I haven't been bit by the YouTube bug. But I thought it would only be fair if I posted a bit of video from Kait's game tonight.

Well.... I had no idea.

I had my Flip camera along for what was most certainly the Rice Owls' most exciting game so far. (Yes, we won!)

To give you a bit of background....

We have a very young team this year. A very young team. Wins have been few and far between, but our girls have hung in there with a great attitude all season.

They've had fun.

So imagine our excitement when the game included a few of these highlights.... (And yes, they're heavy on the Kaitlyn.) Hint: Click on the title to see the video!

Kaitlyn Batting

Great Defense by Kait and Brooke

Kait to Brooke for Another Out

Kait Teaming up with Logan for Another Out

Fantastic Out in the Outfield by Livi!!!!

Brooke's Triple Brings in Kait & Logan

Lots of Fun in the Dugout

Kait to Logan for Another Out!

Great Hit by Kait!

Kait Sneaks in for a Run!

My Girl Rocks.

Hey Peeps!

It took the better part of the evening, but I FINALLY have video of Abbie's pitching for you to see!!! She ROCKED the first inning tonight!

(Not so much the second inning, but we'll work on that!)

Enjoy!!!

Batter #1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnmlV63cp14


Batter #2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_o4VA0t06Y


Batter #3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yGuDzOrZ5c

So... If you're not into softball, and you don't realize why this is such a big deal, consider this....

Until February, Abbie had no interest in pitching. None at all. It wasn't until our first practice, when we realized we hadn't drafted a pitcher, that we really started thinking about this.

She's only 10.

And she pitches about 40 mph.

My Girl Rocks.

Sitting Duck

That's me.

Sitting on a bucket catching Abbie's pitches.

Except for the one I didn't catch on Thursday. The one that apparently bounced off the tip of my glove and the right side of my upper lip -- and then slammed into my right cheekbone.

There's nothing soft about a 40 mph softball. (Yes, Mrs. McCathern, I just started a sentence with "There's." I apologize.)

Since I immediately iced my face and came home to put Arnica gel on it right away, I don't have much fun color to take a picture of. Just a bit of bruising on my lip.

Hardly enough to make people wonder if I "fell down the stairs."

So really, I don't have pictures of that to show you.

I do have GREAT video of Abbie pitching on Saturday. Her best game ever. She pitched so well her Mama had tears in her eyes. It made my big, fat, purple lip worth it. All those hours at the batting cage / tunnels. A sitting duck on a bucket letting her aim at me.

I love this girl.

And like I said -- I have great video.

But I can't figure out how to put it on mute. And you really don't want to hear me hollering for her. So until I figure out how to manage that, I hope you enjoy these pictures!

By the way, Kait's team, the Rice Owls, won their game!!!

GREAT hit!

... And on her way to 3rd!

I Love These Peeps!

Mother's Day was REALLY difficult for me this year. I spent much of the weekend on the verge of tears. I hvae no idea why this year of all years was so difficult. It just was.

BUT... Spending Mother's Day with my peeps made it MUCH better! AND they took me to Red Onion Seafood y Mas -- one of the best places around!

Easter Weekend.....

Just got my camera back from the Creek, so these are a "bit" late....

We have this GREAT tradition of spending Easter weekend at the Creek. Usually it's way too cold for the kids to ski or anything, but with Easter being late this year it was a PERFECT time to bring friends for a weekend on the water!

Of course, we had our annual Easter Egg hunt. This year we did it DI-style and let the kids hide their own eggs. They had a blast!



And of course, we spent LOTS of time on the water. This is the only picture I have of Grant. Isn't that sad??

Grant and Kait kind of got paired up on the Waverunner -- a great combination. She was anxious to learn to Wake-Board, and Grant is the MASTER. He was able to give her lots of help!

And 'tis the season for Softball.... We've been playing LOTS of ball! Abs' pitching is getting much better. Still doesn't throw a huge number of strikes, but she doesn't throw many rainbows either!

25/21: I Haven't Given Up On You......

... Just been more than a bit busy. I'm so ready for school to be out -- I just can't stand it. In the meantime, though, we're running here and there with softball and school and church and everything in between.

Even though my blog postings took a bit of a bit of a break, I know your weight-loss didn't. AND since we only have 41 days till school's out, we better be rockin'. So.... let's see where we all stand!

Name -- Lost this Week -- Total for the Challenge
Aimee D. --
Amber B. -- Lost 1.4; Total Lost 7.8
Amy B. --
Amy S. --
Ann C. --
Annette T. --
Cindi C. --
Cissa N. --
Crystal V. --
Cyndi S. --
Cyndy G --
D'Lupe -- Lost 1; Total Lost 6
Jennifer M. -- Lost 2
Jimmie Sue L. --
Jolanda W. --
Julie N. --
Kara V. -- Lost 1.5; Total 9.5
Katie R. --
Kay R. --
Kayren B. --
Kelley B. --
Kristine F. -- Lost 1.5; Total 16.3
Laura Kay R. --
Laurie Y. --
Leanne J. --
Liz E. --
Lori A. --
Lori P --
Melanie H. --
Melissa H. --
Molly C. -- Holding Steady.....
Nadine L. -- Total Lost 7
Rachel R. --
Rebecca B. --
Sally P. --
Sarah A. -- Lost 1; Total Lost 10
Sharon V. --
Sherrie W. -- Lost 1.5
Suzi B. --
Tammy H. -- Lost 1.5; Total Lost 9
Taunda J. -- Holding Steady; Total Lost 5
Vicki T. --

Help for West Texas

... And I have no idea why my posts have started formatting like this. But... Remember how everyone in Fairfield jumped in to help the Longs when their house burned down? I know you've all seen the footage on TV, and the terrible losses that families in West and North Texas are facing. Three years ago we lost 2 miles of fence on our home place to one of these fires. In comparison, we know of a family near Post that ranches on a section of land. That's one square mile. Earlier this week, they lost everything except their house. Barns, tack, feed... Fences. Everything. If you'd like to help the families devastated by the fires, the Biggs family is collecting gift cards to send up there. I'll be sending the first batch on Thursday. I'll let you know where they go and who you're helping. The love and support from complete strangers has brought great hope to our family and friends who are battling the fires. As fire trucks from as far away as Flower Mound, Wylie, Austin and Rockwall have rolled through town, they have been welcomed with open arms. If this is something you can help with, gift cards to Lowe's, Home Depot, Gebo's and Wal-Mart are great. (Think Building Supply and Small Towns.) If helping with gift cards isn't something you can do, please be praying for rain and light winds. The winds were supposed to give them a bit of a break this weekend, but they're bracing for high winds again on Monday. Thank you for your help and support!!! - D'Lyn Biggs p.s. These pictures were taken a few weeks after our fire. The pastures had started to green up again. While they don't fully convey what the damage looked like, they will give you a glimpse. And remember, this was just a drop in the bucket in comparison to what so many people are facing right now!

This shows just how close the fire got to our house.

The Princess Guide: I've had about all I can stand...

... of hibernating.... Hi Ya'll, I've been head over heels in finishing the Yearbook for my girls' school, so I haven't been able to start focusing in on this year's 3-Day for the Cure fundraising. BUT Yearbook is due Monday, so ya'll hang onto your hats! I'm about to come out of hibernation in a BIG way! In the meantime, I wanted to share with you the very real stories of four women fighting breast cancer. Four YOUNG women. Four women in different stages of this battle. First, an update on Cheri. This is what Dione sent today: "She is home now- I talked to her today and I can tell she is struggling. Here is what Jeff posted on his page today. We saw the oncologist yesterday. Cheri will c the cardiologist today to have an echo done to c if her heart is strong enough for chemo. If it is then she will start back on chemo on tues w/a diff chemo drug that attacks cells instead of masses. It is n the same family of chemo drugs that she was on, so the side effects should b the same as before. Keep praying!" Second, an update from my friend Andrea. Andrea lives in Virginia, and her husband Matt is an old friend. Andrea is the reason I'm walking in DC this year -- in addition to DFW. I'll let you read Andrea's story on Caring Bridge. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. The reality of their situation really hits home with me. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrealohr Third, we have an update, also on Caring Bridge, for Cyndi Ritchie. Cyndi was Kaitlyn's preschool teacher at The Met's Lamb School when we first moved to Houston. She lives in Montana now. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/montana2010 Finally, the Caring Bridge link for Teri Colwell. Teri lives in Coles Crossing and goes to church at West Houston. Her boys are 6 and almost 9. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tericolwell/en I wanted to share all these stories with you for a couple of reasons. For one, much of my personal focus is on helping women understand that breast cancer isn't a Grandmother's diease. It knows no age, ethnic, gender, economic or religious boundaries. All four of these women are young. Teri and Andrea both have very young children. I also wanted you to know that part of the funds we raise for Team Tiara Foundation, above and beyond the dollars we raise for the Breast Cancer 3-Day, go to support women who are fighting this battle right now. Women like Cheri, Andrea, Cyndi and Teri. We have already sent Andrea an Isaiah 40:31 bracelet. We have given away all the bracelets that walked the walk in November, and I ordered 20 more today. Teri, Cheri and Cyndi will all be receiving a bracelet. We are looking into other means of support as well. In the next week or so, as I finish Yearbook and get ready to focus on Team Tiara's fundraising for 2011, you're going to start hearing more and more from me. We have plans beginning for a few major fundraisers, and I'll also let you know about individual fundraising. Corporate Sponsorships will be a major focus this year. I'll be in Dallas April 30-May 1 to help with event planning there, and we'll have a meeting in Houston in the very near future. As we kick all of this off, and you see a bigger passion than ever before, you'll understand what's driving me. This isn't your Grandmother's disease. This could be Your disease. And it could be MY disease. Let's stop it before that happens. Love to you all! - D'Lupe

We Built Hope on the Hill

Check it out This is a wonderful example of what can happen when an entire community comes together to do something amazing. We need to find a spot for Hope Field 2. Need a softball field for your league??

Bear With Me....

... We've been a bit busy.