Remembering Mom & Celebrating the 4 Year Anniversary of Joan’s Monarch Wishes!

Mom & I

Anyone who has every lost a parent knows the deep sadness and void that comes along with no longer having the most important person in your life not with you anymore. As the five year anniversary of Mom’s passing quickly approaches, there are some days that feel like Mom was just here yesterday while other days it feels like a hundred years since I heard her voice, saw her and most of all felt the incredible love and serenity that only a Mom can give. I miss her laugh, encouragement, understanding and her wisdom that always made everything better, even during the toughest of life’s situations. I’d give anything to be able to hop into the car to spend the day with her or to simply pick up the phone and be comforted by just hearing her voice. I learned the hard way on August 2, 2010 that no matter how old you are, you always need your Mom. One thing that I do know for sure is that although Mom’s physically not here with us, she has never left and is ever present in all of our lives in spirit. She kept her promise before she died and has made her presence known time and time again through signs, mostly in the form of butterflies in the most unexpected places all year round.

Sign from Mom when I needed it the most – she never fails to let us know that she’s right there with us!

As I sat by Mom’s side during her final minutes here on Earth I held her hand tightly, witnessed her take her last breath as she gained her wings to fly to a far better place, full of life and peace, and no longer in pain. An hour earlier as Dad and I sat at the kitchen table talking to Maria, Mom’s Hospice nurse who truly is an angel here on Earth, she looked me in the eye and told me that if I’m blessed to be with Mom when she passed it would be “the closest to God you will ever be in your life”. Maria was right. The very sacred moment that Mom’s time with us in physical form ended gave me one of the greatest gifts that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I’m not one to question why things happen and what God’s will is. Believe me there were so many times during Mom’s battle with cancer (she fought Uterine and Lung cancer within a six-year period–separate forms of cancer, unrelated to each other) that I was blown away by her quiet strength and determination to keep fighting to live. She fought a long and at many times, difficult battle with an admirable amount of courage. What an example she set for all of us by never giving up and never losing faith. It’s a known fact that even at the very end Mom WON- the cancer did not get the best of her. Even through her sickness Mom taught us valuable life lessons: life is precious and time is a gift- two things that we will never, ever take for granted.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.”

Four years ago as the one year anniversary of Mom’s passing quickly approached I was compelled to “do something” to honor Mom and her legacy. Although we will never know the reason why Mom had to fight this horrid disease, there were so many beautiful lessons that we learned and witnessed first- hand: the determination to keep fighting, the compassion and kindness of family, friends and our external support system, and the proof that prayers, good thoughts and intentions, truly are gifts. Mom lost her ability to see well the last year of her life and it was during that time that the simple things such as a card in the mail (that we would read to her), a visit from a friend or a phone call that lifted her spirits and was the best medicine of all.

Joan’s Monarch Wishes was created to encourage people of all ages who are battling cancer to stay positive and keep fighting. What I thought would be a one-time event with a handful of friends offering to help out, quickly grew into a nationwide group of  Joan’s Monarch Wishes “ambassadors” – kindhearted volunteers who believed  in the mission and vision of our group and in the healing power of  being able to brighten  someone’s day to make them feel better. There’s a special feeling that you get when you receive a handwritten note or card in the mail, especially in today’s world where emails, texts and social media messages tend to be the “normal” way to communicate. It was evident early on in our group’s formation that when you give people a platform to volunteer and give back they will join you – and stay with you in the journey. Everyone somehow has been touched by cancer – perhaps they have a family member or friend that is fighting or they were looking to pay it forward in honor or memory of someone they love. Some of the most beautiful things I’ve seen over the past four years is seeing our compassionate and talented volunteers incorporate their passions and creativity into their cards and messages. From Kay L. who made bookmarks and cards for patients at the oncology radiology office where her husband was treated to Bette who was looking to use her beautiful paintings and artwork as an outlet to help others, Joan’s Monarch Wishes has grown and evolved in so many ways.

Cards designed and created by Kay Lemon, JMW Ambassador

Cards made with love by Danielle Hardy and friends make hundreds of JMW recipients smile each month!

“Thank you to everyone who sent me beautiful cards and uplifting messages and prayers this past year. After 3 surgeries and 4 rounds of chemotherapy, I’m proud to call myself a survivor! I’m 45 years old and the mother of 3. We’re all so grateful. Every day is a gift. Thank you for carrying me when I needed it. You gave me strength and courage. I couldn’t have done this alone.”
– Christine S.

Each month our group is dedicated to our mission to send cards of hope, strength and courage to touch the hearts of our recipients, one card at a time. Over the years I’ve received cards, notes and words of thanks from the recipients and their families of how their lives were touched by the kindness of strangers who took the time to think of them and send a little bit of love their way. I know in my heart  that there are big plans in store for the future of Joan’s Monarch Wishes such as a dedicated greeting card line. I’m excited to see where the next stop in our journey takes us! Until then we will continue to send love, provide encouragement and give hope to those who need it, all in honor and memory of the special woman who is our inspiration. Mom’s legacy lives on through all of us and I know for sure that both Mom and Dad are guiding us from above and are beyond proud of what we have accomplished so far. Through our labor of love and kindness crusade they will never be gone.

To all Joan’s Monarch Wishes volunteers, recipients and supporters, THANK YOU for being part of Joan’s Monarch Wishes. Keep spreading love and kindness each and every day. God Bless you all.

The Journey of a Cancer Survivor – a Real, Honest and Emotional Tell All

There are some people that are meant to come into your life, no matter how your paths cross. Two years ago I met Linda at Zumba class. Instantly we became friends and connected in class as well as in social circles and social media. It was through various postings about Joan’s Monarch Wishes on my FB that Linda came to know my story and efforts to help others living with cancer and I came to know hers. Linda is a young at heart, funny, soon-to-be 58 year old wife, sister, aunt and friend who is approaching her 5 year milestone of being a breast cancer survivor! In her own words, below is Linda’s honest, emotional and heartfelt look back on her journey through the challenges and raw emotions from diagnosis to celebration. I hope that it touches you, helps you and you will pass it on to others in your life who are battling cancer or are helping a loved one get through.

Linda celebrating her good news from her doctor. 5 years cancer free this month!

By Linda DiAlfonso

The day of the discovery will always remain vivid in my mind. I remember the technician coming into the room after I got dressed saying “we found something and you should call your doctor right away”. I remember feeling like the wind had gotten sucked out of me as I walked to my car and sat in the parking lot stunned. Then I called my husband and broke down. I was shocked but not shocked. I always had dense breasts with fibroids so hearing it was shocking. But not shocked because even though breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, other forms of cancer do. I immediately went into survival mode right there in the parking lot by making appointments. It was a whirlwind of seeing doctors, getting that additional opinion, letting family, friends and work know, making that almost impossible decision about my path for reconstruction, etc. I was terrified because I had seen both parents suffer with different forms of cancer, which my mother died from. I didn’t feel sick so it was surreal. Hearing the words “you have a disease – you have cancer”, “you must have it removed”, “you must do chemo”, “you will lose your hair”, “you can’t go to Italy” all terrified me. I felt angry about the hair and Italy trip. I remember saying to my surgeon “so you’re telling me that I am going to lose my fucking hair and I can’t go to Italy?” I was pissed but I had no choice, I had to fight. It became very clear early on in my journey that those things really became insignificant. All I knew is that I had a long journey ahead of me but my prognosis for survival was good and that made me hopeful.

I was diagnosed with left breast ductal carcinoma in situ with lymphatic invasion – stage 2. It was found on my mammogram in March 2010, which I have always been religious about going to. Thank God. I was diagnosed in April 2010 by Hunterdon Medical Center with a backup by Fox Chase. I got a 3^rd opinion at Sloan Kettering. All sources agreed on the diagnosis and procedure of a mastectomy and then chemotherapy. I elected to only have the left breast removed with a tram flap reconstruction, which was done May 11^th.

I began chemotherapy in the middle of June and received 4 rounds of a cocktail of Adriamycin and Cytoxan followed by 12 rounds of Taxol. I am currently into my 5^th year of Tamoxifen. It is possible that I will continue with a different drug when I am done with it.

It was a 7 ½ month span of time from my mammogram appointment in March to my final chemo treatment in October. I had a small procedure that following January as well. There were so many highs and lows. I learned to appreciate the highs and overcome the lows.

• Finding out I had cancer was terrifying.  I saw both parents suffer with cancer and saw it take my mother.  I had bouts of sobbing to the point I didn’t think I could cry anymore.  I was overwhelmed.  I realized that I had to give into it, trust in my doctors and do whatever they were telling me to do in order to survive.  I took it one day at a time, getting through an appointment, another biopsy, a scan, enduring all the never ending needles I hated getting every single time, waking up from surgery, walking for the first time after surgery, the first chemo treatment, my last chemo treatment, etc. were all little triumphs along the way.
• It was heartbreaking to hear that I would lose my hair.  I always had beautiful hair and remember watching my dad lose his hair during chemo. It was so sad.  I decided to do it in stages so I went to my hairdresser Carol, told her I had cancer and told her to give me a bob cut.  The day I got my bob, I came home to find out my friend/neighbor Ani had cut her hair into a pixie as a show of support.  It was such a show of love that still brings tears to my eyes.  My niece Olivia cut off her hair and donated it to Locks of Love several times.  I love her and it formed a bond between us that is so sweet.  The terror came one day while I was in the shower and was rinsing off and felt something sliding down my leg and looked down to see a huge clump of hair in the tub and more in my hands.  I just sobbed.  The next day my hairdresser showed up at my front door with her clippers and a bottle of wine.  My husband, my friend Eric, Ani & I sat in my kitchen and I quietly cried as I felt my hair fall to the ground as my hairdresser shaved my head.  Honestly it only took me a minute to come to terms with it after shaving.  I felt a sense of relief.  One less thing to wash & I feel liberated and a tiny sense of control over this chemo.
• Because of the type of surgery (tram flap reconstruction) I received, I was in pain afterwards and I had drains in my breasts and abdomen area.  I could not take a shower or wash my hair (when I still had it) because I had to keep the drain areas dry.  My husband had to help me.  I remember him washing my hair in the kitchen sink and then trying his best to blow-dry it.  The concentration on his face was so sweet.  I would cry every time because it was such an act of love.  Sounds like such a simple thing but when your ability to bath yourself is taken away and you have to depend on someone else, it makes you appreciate things.  He never complained and always did it willingly.
• All of the medical professionals I came in contact with did their best to provide as much information as they can about the effects of chemo but they can never truly prepare you for everything that it does to your body.  Everyone handles it differently but for me:
  • Hair loss EVERYHWERE!  Head, eyebrows, eyelashes, nose hair, mustache (yay positive!), arms, armpit hair (another positive), pubic hair (like a 9 year old girl again), leg hair (no shaving).  I would stand and look at myself naked in the mirror at all my surgery scars, bald everywhere and I’d say to my husband “I look so ugly.  I look like an alien!”  He assured me that I did not but I knew he was just being kind.  So I got very good at applying makeup and painting on eyebrows/eye liner.  I went for appointments to try on wigs in the beginning.  My neighbor owns a Merle Norman’s in Flemington and my friend Lisa went with me to try them.  It was like having a chia pet on my head.  It wasn’t for me.  I instead became a lover of hats.  I received some from friends and found myself looking for them in every store I went into.  I made it fun in coordinating them with my outfits.  I felt people looking at me when I went out and at first it was uncomfortable but I got past it very quickly and would just smile.  Once I accepted the hair loss, in the big scheme of it all, it really became an insignificant thing for me.
  • Nausea was my enemy.  I hate, hate, hate throwing up.  The chemo leaves a metallic taste in your mouth and a constant sick feeling.  Food that I normally loved now smelled and tasted weird and made me gag.  I would chew and chew and just could not swallow it down.  Ritz crackers became my friend and the wonderful cocktail of anti-nausea medicines that the nurses told me about really helped.
  • My vision changed.  My eyesight got blurry and I was very cautious about driving at night.
  • The nails on my hands and feet became very brittle, brown, puss filled, cracked and ugly.  Disgusting and embarrassing.  I constantly put nail conditioner on them and wore something on my feet all the time.
  • I developed neuropathy in my hands and feet.  It was sometimes painful and uncomfortable.  I still have problems with my feet to this day.
  • My mouth started to get sores and I had to rinse my mouth with this rinse that looked like pepto but tasted bad.
  • I had to use a netti pot all the time because my nose hair was gone and I had to keep my sinuses clear.  Or snot would just drip out of my nose because there was no hair to stop it.
  • The fatigue from chemo is debilitating.  After my chemo sessions, I would come home and sleep for hours.  I laid around a lot during those times and I felt guilty sometimes because I was very limited in what I could physically do.
• I remember one time in particular having an argument with my husband and I left the house upset, in my little bandana, on my way to an appointment.  I stopped at the Shell station to get gas which also has a convenience store and a Dunkin Donuts.  As I waited for my gas to pump I saw a man come out of the DD on the way to his vehicle.  He walked past my car with his coffee.  He stopped, looked at me, turned around and walked over to my car window.  He said, “Hello miss.  How are you?  Do you mind if I say a prayer for you?”  I was stunned but I told him that it is fine and he proceeded to do the sign of the cross and say a prayer asking God to take care me, to look after me, to take away my pain and sorrow.  He prayed for God to take away any disease or sickness and to love me.  He finished with the sign of the cross, touched my arm and said “God bless you miss” and walked away.  Needless to say I was crying and I’m crying still to this day as I write this.  It was one of the kindest things a stranger has ever done for me.  I am not sure what prompted him to do it.  Maybe it was the bandana but I truly believe he was an angel.  I will never forget it and I regret that I never got this name.

A good support system is everything!

I have always been independent and had to do a lot for myself in life and I figured this would be the same. But I was wrong. I realized that I needed help and I allowed myself to accept it. I found out that some people, who I thought would support me, did not. And others, some unexpected and/or strangers, were kind beyond words. I think that some people just do not know how to handle disease/sickness, so they avoid it. They don’t know what to say, so they say nothing. Going through this helped me to be more compassionate and comfortable with others in this type of situation and it made me realize that accepting help is OK.

I was very fortunate to have had excellent medical professionals surrounding me and caring for me. All of them were recommended and the combination of doctors, surgeons, nurses, etc. were kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and made me feel that no matter how scared I was, no matter how many questions I asked, that they were there just for me. Each and every one of these angels was exactly what I needed. My surgeons assured me I would get through it and they would make me look as normal as possible. My results were amazing. I would say that my plastic surgeon earns every penny he makes and the chemo nurses are very underpaid. They work like dogs, are so kind and are a plethora of information that I tapped into. They all continue to be a great source of support when I go back for my follow-ups.

Linda and her chemo buddy Claudia

I found a lot of support in the other patients at the hospital that were going through chemo. I looked forward to seeing them every week and would spend my hours in the chemo recliner chatting about tips and catching up. I met one of my very good friends, Claudia at chemo. She finished her treatment before mine and I knew that we had to keep in touch. She is one of those people who I instantly connected with. I knew we’d be friends when I told her outright that when she dozed in the chemo chair that her mouth would fall open and she’d snort and I found that hysterical. So did she! We’ve been friends ever since and I feel love, a camaraderie and a close connection to this person who “gets it”.

My job was very supportive and allowed me any time I needed for appointments and treatment. My colleagues were amazing and followed up with me all the time.

My friends and family (mine and my husband’s) were great. Whether it was taking me to a chemo treatment, making me muffins, sending cards or a fruit basket, knitting a hat, watching TV, visiting, etc. they were a constant source of comfort, love and support.

And finally, my husband Tom. He is a person that suffers from constant pain due to nerve damage from an accident. It has always been about him, how he was feeling and what he needed. Now the tables had changed and I was the one that needed looking after. He was amazing. From the very beginning he did everything for me. He showed me compassion, he said and did the right things, held me when I sobbed, let me vent my fears, took me to every appointment, cooked for me, washed me, showed me love, and never, ever complained. I have never appreciated or loved him more than at that time. He took the vows of “in sickness and health” to heart and for that I am truly grateful.

Linda and her husband Tom

My Incredible Milestone

It is crazy to think that 5 years have passed. I feel lucky and I think I have been celebrating ever since. I always had this sense through it all that I was going to be OK, that I would come through. It makes me appreciate everything so much more. I was always a social person but now I want to experience more things, surround myself with good people and weed out the poison. I want to give back. I want to help others. I feel happy to be alive and look forward to the future.

I recently got my first tattoo. It is a picture of a cross with the pink cancer ribbon draped across it. I went with my good friend Kim who I always said she’d be the one that would go with me when I finally found something that had so much meaning that I would permanently tattoo my body with it. My next one will be the tree of life.

I had this perfect trip planned to go to Italy with my high school friend, Heidi when this shit cancer happened. Of course I had to cancel out of the trip and was heartbroken. But I always had my eye on the prize and I am planning a trip for next year with my friend Claudia to Italy or the Mediterranean because its one of those bucket list things I must do. She is the perfect person for it.

Paying it Forward

Babes for Boobies Avon Walk 2014

 

Since being diagnosed I have donated to the Cancer Center at Hunterdon Medical Center, bought the staff pizza, collected hats for the patients, I have done the Susan G. Komen walk several times, have volunteered and walked in fundraisers for Hunterdon Cancer Center, and most recently in October I did the Avon 2-day 39-mile walk in NY. The decision to do it was really a wine intoxicated decision! But I am so glad that I followed through. I did it because it’s a fundraiser for cancer and I want to contribute to knocking that shit out. But I also wanted to see what I was able to physically do. I went with my friends Patty, Lisa and Kellie and each of us had the connection of either losing someone to cancer or is a cancer survivor. We each had to raise a minimum of $1800 in order to walk and the team “Babes for Boobies” was born. We sent out numerous communication to friends, family and colleagues, did fundraisers and we were all able to raise the money and then some. Next to battling cancer, this is the hardest thing I had ever physically done. The first day was a full marathon and the second day was a ½ marathon. My first day I was able to accomplish 16 miles and the second day 4 miles because I was nearly crippled. I felt such a sense of pride as I walked through the pain and then finally walking across the finish line. The people I met, the ladies I walked with, everything, the whole experience, was amazing.

What I’ve learned…..

I realize that life can change in a split second. I realized who my true friends really are. And the ones that aren’t really my friends, well that’s ok and I have let go. I realize that I have one brother who loves me and one who could care less about me. I realize that I am resilient. I realized that people are very, very kind. I have become more spiritual and have felt loved ones who have passed on around me. I believe in angels. I have tried to incorporate peacefulness in my life such as yoga. I seek out fun, laughter, and good people. I always appreciate things but even more so now. I can find myself tearing up at the beauty of seeing the first robin of the season, or telling friends and family that I love them for no reason, or thanking them for a simple act of kindness. I want to become a better person. I want to leave this life feeling as though my time here mattered. I feel lucky that I had cancer because it made me who I am, a survivor.

Words of advice for people fighting right now

Believe that you will get through it. Trust the professionals but do your research and ask, ask, ask questions. Accept the fact that your body will change and do whatever you can to stay healthy. Accept help from others and express your appreciation. Chemotherapy sucks the life out of you but fight it and don’t let it beat you. Keep a journal, which will prove useful when you come out on the other side and read what you got through. Hair is really a non-issue and it will grow back. Don’t expect everyone to handle your cancer the way you would. Find that person who “gets” what you are experiencing and talk things out with them.   Celebrate the little triumphs. And above all, survive!

Linda’s Breast Cancer SURVIVOR tattoo

The Healing Power of a Card

A Daughter’s Expression of Love, Hope and Creativity Through Cards Blesses People Living With Cancer

By Danielle Hardy

I remember the doctor visits, the hospital beds, the supportive nurses, and looks on people’s faces. She never rid of her face of hope. There wasn’t an ounce of fear that showed outwardly to either one of us. Maybe to my Dad in private she showed fear, but she kept strong when my sister and I were present so I would never know. She was brave, gentle and loving even during her darkest stages of life. My mother fought the battle with cancer eighteen years ago and unfortunately lost that battle here on earth.

Those five years were tough on everyone. She had a lot of support from our family, her friends and even her job. When the day came for her to meet face to face with our Savior, the support poured in even harder for our family. I remember sitting on the grey sectional piece that sat in the corner of our living room as my Dad sat beside a stack of multicolored, different sized envelopes from all over the country. I sat with him as he opened hand written letters, cards, and checks from friends and family across the states. Seems like he didn’t have the time or strength to see what was inside until this moment, hence why he let them all stack up like this.

There has always been something different about getting an envelope in the mail and having no idea what’s inside. It’s always a surprise and always a delight, especially in times like this when life seems so dark and so hard to push through. Even if walking to the mailbox and spending moments afterwards opening this mystery letter only brings a small glimmer of hope, it still provides life.

I was only nine years old when my Mom passed away, however, I feel like my soul connects with hers in a way that’s indescribable. When my Aunts and people who knew her best look at me, they say they can see her in me. To this day, that’s been the biggest compliment anyone can give me. One thing my Mom passed down upon me was her creativity. She was always helping me with projects, leader of our Girl Scout troop and man, did I envy her skills of writing bubble letters! This creativity has helped me become the Hair Designer I am today, for which I am so grateful.

Cards made with love by Danielle and friends make hundreds of JMW recipients smile each month!

Sometimes I need other creative outlets. When I met Lori for the first time and she told me about Joan’s Monarch Wishes and what it was about, I was beyond stoked. I am pretty sure the two of us were teary-eyed-messes sharing our stories as she sat in my chair. I knew the Lord wanted me to use my creativity in this way as an outlet… something separate from hair. I vow to send letters out every single month. It only takes maybe 30 minutes to do if I am not making the cards by hand, so it can fit in my full schedule. Occasionally I also host “Girls Nights” where a bunch of 20-30 year old ladies get together and act like we’re in the 5th grade and bang out 100+ cards in a night! It’s incredible!!!!!! I love being able to be that glimmer of hope and support that I once needed. To shine the light of Christ onto other people in love! It is a true honor to be that in someone’s life.

Girls Night!

A Painting of Hope

By Jenna Genzel

Just a little generosity can go the extra mile! In December 2013, three 7 year old girls raised a hundred dollars to purchase a butterfly painting to donate to the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, their local cancer center in Flemington, NJ. Their goal was to brighten everyone’s day, from the sickest cancer patients to the nurses and to bring hope so the patients can keep fighting. It all started with 3 extraordinary young girls, Jenna Genzel, Peyton Smith, and Kendal Plumstead. The idea sparked between the girls and from there it took off. The first phase was their planning. Peyton agreed to make homemade chocolate Christmas treats (nut free) in honor of her little brother who has a severe nut allergy. Not only did she make them for the fundraising for the painting, she also donated money to research cures for nut allergies. She wanted it so everyone can enjoy some chocolatey candies that were made with love. Peyton and her mom worked hard on the chocolate treats that were made from scratch in the kitchen, making new batches a few times a week. Kendal agreed to make some homemade ornaments that were transparent and had bright vibrant feathers inside. They had the Joan’s Monarch Wishes logo on the front on each ornament with a beautiful quote. Her and her mother worked together making them after school for a few weeks, leading up to the joyful holiday season. A lot of people bought the ornaments and hung them up on their Christmas trees and gave them as presents to spread cheer. Jenna agreed to bake delicious double fudge brownies and make colorful friendship bracelets made out of string. When Jenna came home from school she would run into her room to continue working on her stash of bracelets to sell. The more she made, the more she would raise towards the painting! The bracelets and brownies were gone in no time! Working individually the girls came together to achieve their collective goal.

JMW ornament made by Kendal Plumstead and her mother Kristine.

The girls’ friends, Collin and Tess, have a grandfather Ronald Fenty from Pennsylvania, who is a very talented artist. He can paint anything! His artistic visions come alive once his brush bristles stroked up and down the canvas. The girls came to him and asked for a colorful painting that would brighten everyone’s day. They also asked the favor of including the monarch butterfly in the painting so that the people at the cancer center would remember that the girls donated the painting. In just a few short days the painting was complete and the girls were wowed! The painting was an image of a revolving earth with the monarch butterfly to symbolize that hope, kindness and love should spread around the world to everyone.

The big day finally arrived! The three girls lined up and proudly marched into the cancer center right up to the front desk. Their parents had arranged a meeting for them to present the painting to the staff. The delicate painting was taken in by the parents and the smiles of everyone inside were contagious! The spot where the painting would be hung was in the middle of the center where the patients passed by each day.

Jenna, Peyton and Kendal posing with The Painting of Hope (created by artist Ronald Fenty) and the staff of the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center in Flemington, NJ.

Even to this day the painting holds up strongly on the wall and is an inspiration to others, just like the three kindhearted girls who helped to make a difference in their community.

From the author:
This blog is dedicated to all the people fighting cancer throughout the world, especially my Grandma Carolyn who is currently fighting. This disease is horrible and so many people die from it each year, including my other grandmothers, Joan A. Smith and Dorothy Genzel. I hope they’re proud of me for helping others.

Jenna Genzel, author of A Painting of Hope, is almost 10 years old and granddaughter of Joan A. Smith, the inspiration of Joan’s Monarch Wishes.

Mother Crochets Prayer Shawls to Provide Love and Comfort to Those Battling Cancer in Honor of Her Daughter, a Breast Cancer Survivor

May this shawl made with love, through prayer, be a mantle and sign of God’s healing presence.
May it strengthen you when you are weary.
May it surround you and ease your suffering.
May it encircle you with caring when you feel in pain.
May it comfort you when you feel alone.
May it remind you of God’s abiding love, Amen.
-Nativity’s Prayer Shawl Ministry

“In honor of my daughter, Regina Cashin, a breast cancer survivor.”
Made by the loving, caring and artistic hands of Stephanie Entel Thornton, Regina’s Mom.

Photo of a prayer shawl created by Stephanie to help others fighting cancer

In October 2012 the phone rang and it was a phone call that no mother would ever want to get from their child, no matter how old their child is. “Mom, please do not freak out!” Regina said to her mother Stephanie, in a distraught and nervous tone. Regina recently had a biopsy of her left breast and the results came back positive for cancer. “I can’t really talk about how I felt at that time because when I first heard the word cancer knowing it was now associated to my daughter, I think my heart and my mind left my body” Stephanie said.

Regina was diagnosed with Stage 1 DCIS breast cancer. A mastectomy was performed and as a true mother would do, Stephanie flew to be by her daughter’s side to help Regina with her recovery and help care for her grandchildren.  A mother and grandmother’s love was exactly the medicine needed for all to help Regina get stronger and back on her feet again. Due to the early diagnosis, thankfully there was no need for chemo and radiation.

After an extended stay with her family it was time for Stephanie to return home. “My daughter found after I went home that even though I could not physically be with her, I was able to call her every day to check in and provide the emotional support from afar that she needed. At home, Regina was so blessed to have a whole community and church behind her! Friends, neighbors and strangers were coming together to help my daughter and her family and that made me feel so good knowing that my “little girl” was in good hands”, Stephanie said.

Feeling blessed and thankful for the positive outcome of the surgery, Stephanie wanted to do something in her daughter’s honor that would pay forward her abundant gratitude and help others who were fighting cancer, no matter what type they had (not just targeted to those with breast cancer). While staying with Regina after her surgery, Stephanie notice that someone had crocheted her daughter a prayer shawl. The sentiment and symbolism of the shawl was such a beautiful gesture in which the Regina could wrap herself up in the love and strength that it possessed during the physically and emotionally difficult days. Stephanie was so touched that a complete stranger cared enough to take the time to make this article of comfort for her daughter. “It was absolutely beautiful and attached to it was a non-denominational prayer. I crochet as a hobby and when I saw the prayer shawl I looked at Regina and said that I could do this too!” Right at that moment the spark was ignited where one act of kindness planted the seed that lit the path for a mother to help bless others going through the same struggles in their journey. When Stephanie returned home from her trip she was eager to begin working on her new labor of love. For the past two years Stephanie has crocheted many prayer shawls and shipped them to women, men and children from coast to coast. “I have received thank you notes from some of the recipients thanking me for thinking of them! No words could express the emotions that come to my heart when reading these messages from people who are fighting for their lives. They took the time to thank ME for my thoughtfulness.”

This coming October will mark the third year anniversary of Regina being a breast cancer SURVIVOR! “My daughter Regina is my heart and I am so thankful to still have my daughter with me. I pray and am hopeful for the other parents who have children that are fighting cancer that they too will overcome this terrible disease and thrive in life. I will continue to do my part and keep my promise to help support others by continuing to make and send out prayer shawls made with love and good intentions.”

What a beautiful expression of a mother’s love that Stephanie has sent out in the world, one of thankfulness and compassion. Stephanie is a true example of an ambassador of kindness! We all have the ability to do something to enrich another person’s life, whether it’s a one-time act of kindness or an ongoing effort. I hope that Stephanie’s story touched your heart and has you thinking of ways that you can use your talents to better the lives of others for whatever good and cause in the world. Start that ripple of kindness today!

Left to right: Regina, Lynn (Joan’s daughter) and Stephanie

To learn more about the Church of the Nativity’s Prayer Shawl Ministry visit: http://www.nativityburke.org/nativityparish/2014/prayer-shawl-ministry-2/
“It is a comfort for the people who give the shawls as well as those who receive them.”

The Next Chapter of Joan’s Monarch Wishes. Happy 79th Birthday, Mom!

Today would’ve been Mom’s 79^th birthday. I chose to launch the new Joan’s Monarch Wishes blog today as the next step in our group’s journey to honor Mom’s legacy and bring people together to help encourage, motivate and inspire those living with cancer.  It’s my gift to Mom and to you all. I hope that you will join us on this journey, your heart will be touched by the stories of others that will be shared, and most of all you will be inspired to take action to help others, spread kindness and encourage those who need it the most.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with JMW, let me share a little bit about my Mom, Joan A. Smith, the inspiration behind Joan’s Monarch Wishes. Mom was one of a kind. She was many things to many people- a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend and a fighter. She was loving, kind, sweet, giving, compassionate and selfless (and the list can go on and on and on!). Mom was married to Jim, the love of her life or over 50 years and they had a beautiful life together. Their love, respect and commitment to each other was a true love story in itself- one that would give any Hollywood romance a run for its money!  Mom put her family first always and her greatest life accomplishment was being a mother and Nona (Italian for Grandmother). She was an incredible Mom and best friend who loved her children unconditionally. Above all else, her five grandchildren were her world and life’s greatest joy. They were the cherry on the sundae of life and the ones who gave her the strength and courage to keep fighting to live during her battle with cancer.

Over a six year period Mom fought two separate forms of cancer – stage IV uterine cancer and stage III non-small cell lung cancer. From the moment of her first diagnosis and meeting with her oncologist and friend, Dr. Katherine Economos, she made the decision to stay focused, positive and keep fighting no matter what. She was a fighter and she was strong. She fought a long and at many times, difficult battle with an admirable amount of courage. What an example she set for all of us by never giving up and never losing faith. Up until her final days, Mom reiterated her selfless ways by telling us “it’s better I’m sick than any of my kids or grandchildren.” It’s a known fact that even at the very end Mom WON- the cancer did not get the best of her. Even through her sickness Mom taught us valuable life lessons: life is precious and time is a gift- two things that we will never, ever take for granted. Mom was blessed with the gift of time. She was able to experience and appreciate one last everything with her family whether it be a holiday, birthday, all the seasons and yes, watching the Yankees win one more World Series! Life was good, life was sweet and through the challenging times she never once complained up until the last breath she took. The words from Jim Valvano, the famous college basketball coach, say it best – “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul. And those three things are going to carry on forever.”

A short time before Mom passed away I asked her to please send us a sign when she got to Heaven to let us know that she was OK. She laughed and told me that she was going to come back as a butterfly as she motioned the flapping of a butterfly’s wings with her hands as we both laughed aloud. Well, Mom wasn’t kidding! The day of her funeral the biggest, most beautiful monarch butterfly flew past us as we sat at her grave site and softly landed on the mounds of flowers on top of her casket and stayed there the entire time. We all looked at each other in disbelief and instantly knew that it was Mom and she kept her promise to us and more importantly she was fine and still with us all.

Right before the one year anniversary of Mom’s passing I was compelled to “do something” that would honor her legacy and serve as a way to give back to help others battling this horrid disease. The idea came to me one morning (divine intervention) and the seed was planted. I thought about how Mom would receive cards and encouraging words from friends during her illness and how those messages always came at the times when she needed them the most. As fate would have it, with Mom’s help from above, on August 2, 2011, Joan’s Monarch Wishes was formed! The monarch butterfly was chosen as our symbol because it was our personal connection with Mom after she passed and because it’s a symbolic creature that reminds us of new life and the journey that must take place in order to get to bigger and better things. Just like the butterfly, the journey of a person living with cancer is the same-you have to get through the challenging times in order to get to the good.

Since Joan’s Monarch Wishes was formed so many people of all ages living with cancer have been encouraged, loved and supported by our almost 400 volunteers nationwide each month. The cards and personal, handwritten words of encouragement have truly made a difference and are often the best medicine of all. We have celebrated those who are now survivors, remember those who are in a far better place and continue to support those still fighting the good fight. Through this group I have met so many incredible people that have chosen our kindness crusade to pay it forward, recipients who have become volunteers and others who have been inspired to create their own groups and initiatives to help others. Kindness and love are the foundation on which we are built. It often overwhelms me knowing just how much this group has changed people’s lives and hearts, both recipients and volunteers alike. I’ve learned that if you provide people with a platform to give back and do good they want to join you in your efforts. From school aged children, to sports teams to college students to community members gathering together for card making nights to support the patients receiving treatment at local hospitals, we are touching hearts, one card at a time.

Today I took my daughter to see the movie Cinderella. My eyes welled with tears as Cinderella promised her Mom before she died that she would obey her wishes to always be “courageous and kind”. I felt as though it was Mom speaking to me again and giving me a gift on her birthday- a reminder to keep up the good work with Joan’s Monarch Wishes. Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mom. I promise you that I will always do my best to be courageous and kind and continue onward and upwards with growing our group in your name and memory.

Remembering Veronica, Every Step of the Way

Mother and son, Donna & Ryan Schenkel, ran a half marathon together on May 1 to support the Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group in memory of Veronica Reagan, their Mom & Nonna

A Daughter & Grandson’s Inspiring Tribute To Their Beloved Mom & Nonna

A Special Note: I truly believe that we all meet for a reason, although we may not know it at the time. A couple of months ago I walked into a committee meeting for an event for our school district’s PTO not expecting to meet and be inspired by another volunteer. Donna and I worked together on a project and had a few good laughs videotaping the promo video for the event. It wasn’t until we connected on Facebook that we learned that we had something very special in common. We both lost our mothers to cancer and are doing our part to help honor and carry on  our Moms’ legacies while including our children in the efforts to ensure that their Nonnas’ memory lives on. It’s not every day that you meet someone who understands and “gets” what you’ve been through, and continue to go through, all because they have faced the very same thing. Donna recently posted that she and her 11 year old son Ryan ran a half marathon (13.1 miles!) in memory of her Mom, Veronica, to kick off Brain Tumor Awareness month (May), raise money and show their support for the Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group, a group that helped and supported Veronica and her family during her battle. I’m so proud of Donna and Ryan for their tremendous accomplishment! There’s no doubt that their Mom and Nona was running right beside them…. every step of the way!
– Lori Genzel

Written by Donna Reagan Schenkel

 “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
–Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Mom & I on my wedding day.  My mom is truly an angel who I believe leads me to all the good in my life.

For 9 years my mother, Veronica Reagan, battled brain cancer. Originally diagnosed with a grade 3 tumor, her tumor advanced to a grade 4 and became more aggressive, and so did her therapy.  During her 9 year battle, Mom underwent three brain surgeries, radiation, experimental IMRT, radiation and chemotherapy from the start. When Mom was first diagnosed, we like many others, had a hard time putting our head around the whole situation, and reached out for support and information. So many organizations, while big in stature, were just too big to really provide the personal support and the help we were looking for. One day while googling brain tumors the Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group popped up in the results. There was a local number listed and I quickly dialed it. That very web search helped us find the most compassionate, understanding and empathetic group of people we have ever come into contact with. I can still remember where we were when Virginia answered the phone, and the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that we finally  had found as we connected with someone who “just knew” what we were going through. This support group, led by a husband and wife team, Stan and Virginia, started the group when their son Matthew was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The couple have been a constant source of strength, comfort, and knowledge for us and so many families in central NJ. Stan and Virginia continue to keep the support group alive, as that was their son’s wish, and they are truly angels on earth. They and all the people that we have come to know through this group are there for each other, in good times and bad, at anytime, and any place. They provide valuable support both emotionally as well as therapeutically, constantly sharing information on new treatment options available, and whether it is meeting for coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts just to talk, or sitting in a car on a cold windy night brainstorming, they are people who know, people who care and people who help just because they know what you are going through, have been there and know how difficult it can be. 

Left to right: Donna, Stan (one of the leaders of Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group) and Veronica

On May 1st,  Ryan and I laced up our sneakers and ran the NJ Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in Long Branch, NJ. This was Ryan’s 2nd year running the NJ Marathon Events to make a difference for the patients, survivors and families of the Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group.  In 2015 Ryan joined me for the second half of the half marathon and we crossed the finish line together. With a sense of accomplishment, Ryan smiled and immediately asked if he could run the full Half Marathon next year.  There’s no doubt the stubbornness of his Nonna lives on him, and that’s a beautiful thing! This year was the second year that Ryan was the youngest participant. I’m so proud of him for his determination, perseverance and for running to help others. The funds raised will be used to support families affected by brain cancer, for brain tumor research, conferences, and to fund scholarships for individuals who have been impacted by brain cancer in their families.  The Central NJ Brain Tumor Support Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.To learn more visit www.njbt.org/startCNJBTSG.cfm

 

                                                              

My Mom was truly an angel sent from Heaven.  Abandoned on the streets of Newark at a young age, she pretty much made it her mission to give my brother and I all that she never had.  She was brilliant and always valued education.  Growing up college was never an “if”, it was always a “when”.  She helped us face adversity with a can-do, never give up attitude.  We did not always have it easy, and clearly neither did she, but her fight and fortitude was beyond admirable.  My Mom has taught me almost as much in death as she did in life.  She lives on in our lives daily.  In small every day moments where Heaven just smiles down on us, as well as in troubling times when somehow we are able to find a path through.  My Mom met 3 of my 4 children and no-doubt had a unique and special bond with Ryan, her first grandchild.  She adored him and he adored her just as much.  The tradition that Ryan and I started to run in memory of my Mom and his Nonna is so special. She is always remembered and never forgotten!  She had a heart of gold as does Ryan and all of my children. She lives on in him and all of us.

We will never stop fighting and running until a cure is found. With every stride and every mile, we will run  for and always remember Mom & Nonna, every step of the way.

The Schenkel Family

I Run For Life – Melissa Etheridge

“It’s been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed

Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She’ll tell you it makes her complete

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life

It’s a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin and they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul

And now I’m still learning the lesson
To awake when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I’ll tell you I run for us all

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her, remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers, running for more

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife
For you and me my friend
I run for life

I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life”

 

3 Points for Grammy

“To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.” – Thomas Campbell

Grammy and Carson- they never met here on Earth but they know each other. They are connected by their souls. They are family and have a bond and mutual love that spans between Heaven and Earth.  She watches over him and his brother Brody, Mom Carrie and Dad Jason from above and they honor and remember the beautiful, loving and kind woman that she was.

Carson’s Grammy Irene fought a courageous battle with cancer. Irene passed away before Carson was born. Her memory is kept alive through the stories, pictures and memories that his family shares to make sure that she is never forgotten and still very much a special part of their lives. She lives within their hearts. Each year since her passing, Irene’s daughter hosts a special luncheon where her family and friends gather to celebrate her, smile and laugh. What an incredible tradition.

Next weekend Carson and his basketball team are participating in the “1st Annual 3 for a Cure All Star Shooting Contest” at Bernards High School in Bernardsville, NJ. He will return to the gym where his Mom attended High School and his Grammy walked the halls and the very gym floor that he will play on. Carson and other boys and girls in grades 5-8 will participate in an NBA All-Star style 3-point shooting contest to help fight cancer. The money raised from this fundraising event will benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).

Carson is excited about doing his part to raise money and support MSKCC because his Grammy received treatment there three years before he was born. After being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Irene received treatment and excellent care at MSKCC. She fought hard, enduring long treatments, fighting sepsis, and a called MSKCC home for a long two month stay while she received a bone marrow transplant. The care that she received from the doctors, nurses and staff was top notch – the best of the best from around the world. Irene took full advantage of the activities they had there (when she was well enough to leave her room) including painting and make up application lessons. Her family cherishes the painting she made while she was at MSKCC that is a reminder of her bravery and zest for life. After a long nine month battle, the cancer returned and Irene passed away.

Carson never got to meet his incredibly loving “Grammy”. Participating in next weekend’s fundraiser is a great way for him to feel closer to her while doing his part to help those fighting cancer, just like Grammy once did.We will be thinking of Carson as he racks up his 3-point shots. With every swoosh of the net his Grammy will be right there beside him cheering him on as she always does. Kudos to all the kids who are turning the 3-point shots into a slam dunk for those fighting cancer.

If you would like to make a donation to support Carson you can make a donation directly to the hospital by visiting www.MSKCC.org.  If you would like to mail a check, please email joansmonarchwishes@yahoo.com for mailing instructions.

So Much More Than a Bag

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” -Barbara de Angelis

For the past few years my daughter Jenna and her friends have participated in a book club outside of school that enables the girls to foster their love of reading, be introduced to a variety of genres and authors and meet to discuss their thoughts about the books. A community outreach element was recently introduced where the girls gather to do something to support and give back to those in our community. This past Friday evening the book club assembled  a “comfort bag” filled with items that “Mrs. C”, a local Mom in our community who is fighting breast cancer, can bring with her when she receives treatment. Thanks to the insights of a friend who knows this special woman very well, we were able to include some of her favorite items, as well as useful ones too, such as cooking magazines (she loves to cook!), a cheerful water bottle, hand sanitizer, candy/gum, crossword puzzles, a neck rest and handwritten messages of hope and courage were all packaged in a cheerful Thirty One bag. When putting the bag together,it was the hope and intention of the girls that the bag and its contents would allow Mrs. C. to find comfort during a difficult time when she’s away from home. As we all know, a small act of kindness goes a long way.

This past week our school district participated in the Great Kindness Challenge. This initiative is one school week devoted to performing as many acts of kindness as possible, choosing from a 50 item checklist. (http://www.greatkindnesschallenge.org/). The lessons that the students learned at school will certainly have a greater reach beyond the classroom as they continue to ripple through our community and beyond.

Before stopping over Mrs. C’s house to drop off the bag and surprise her, we stopped at our local florist to pick up just the right bouquet of cheerful flowers that would not only compliment the shades of purple in the bag, but would brighten the atmosphere in her home and make her smile. Our GPS navigated us to the block she lives on and we exited the car with excitement, knowing we were going to surprise her with a bag filled with love, kindness and compassion. We knocked on the front door and waited. We could hear ruffling in the house for a minute or two but no answer at the door. We decided to leave the bag and the flowers against the door for when she awoke from resting or a member of the family returned home. Just as we were about to walk away Mrs. C came around the side of the house with a knitted cap and the biggest, most beautiful smile. We introduced ourselves, first as the organizers of Joan’s Monarch Wishes as she was nominated  as a recipient to receive cards. Her face lit up and she began to cry happy tears as she greeted us with a warm hug. She told us that she was so appreciative of all of the cards that have made their way to her home from all over the country! Each handwritten sentiment has truly touched her heart and helped her to keep fighting.  She recalled the day in late October when her daughter who attends school with my daughter came home and shared with her Mom how she made cards for those living with cancer as part of her school’s Unity Day, where Jenna and I were the guest speakers. Mrs. C said at that moment she never would have guessed that just two months later she would be diagnosed, begin her fight with cancer and be the recipient of cards of hope, strength and courage, just like the ones that her daughter had written in school.

To step out of the cold, she invited us to come into her home. Jenna and I followed carrying the items and we chatted for a few minutes. Mrs. C. is a woman who is a kindhearted and active member in the PTO and community. She was always the first to organize events and volunteer her time and talents to make a difference. When she was diagnosed, it was time for the community to come together and support and show her how much she is loved. An initiative was started where families sign up and deliver meals each day to the family so she can focus on her health and keep her strength. The appreciation that she has for the community was evident as she beamed (and cried) while telling us about it.

We didn’t want to overstay our welcome and knew that she needed to rest as she just received her third course of chemo the day prior. Before we left we put the comfort bag on the counter and explained to her what was inside and how on behalf of the book club we hoped it brought her a little comfort during the challenging days. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. She jumped towards Jenna and I and gave us a hug and expressed her thanks over and over again. She looked at me and said “your Mother is so proud of you”. Those words hit my heart and soul and at that moment I felt Mom and Dad right there with us. It’s moments just like this that remind me how incredible it is to do something kind for someone else, someone that you may not even know personally. Jenna and I will always remember that brief meeting yesterday with Mrs. C and how an act of kindness made her day a little brighter.

Thank you to the kindhearted girls, Kaitlyn, Allie, Ella, Peyton, Kendal, Addi, Lily and Jenna in the book club for creating this special bag. Together we made a difference in the life of a beautiful and courageous woman and Mom.

It truly was so much more than a bag.

We all have the ability to make a difference to help others – what will you do?

On October 30^th my daughter Jenna and I were entrusted with the tremendous honor of being the guest speakers at her school’s Unity Day assemblies. This was a special day planned for weeks by the administration and teachers that focused on expressing kindness and compassion towards people living with cancer. When I received the call from her Vice Principal asking us to share the story of Joan’s Monarch Wishes and encourage and inspire the students to express these character traits to help others of all ages living with this horrible disease it was an immediate YES!

Joan’s granddaughter Jenna was a guest speaker at her school’s assemblies to help inspire her fellow classmates (over 800!) to express kindness and compassion towards people with cancer.

Talking about cancer is a particularly hard and heavy topic, especially for 5^th and 6^th graders.  It was important for us to acknowledge the disease yet focus on the good that the students could do, experience and feel by helping others living with cancer. During the planned activities of the day the students wrote out cards and letters of hope, strength and courage that will be disseminated to JMW recipients and those fighting cancer at hospitals including CHOP, Bristol Myers Squibb Childrens Hospital , Robertwood Johnson University Hospital and the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center in Flemington.

As Jenna and I stood in front of each assembly we knew that it was important to connect with the children to make them see first-hand the kind things that their fellow students had done to help others.  We started each presentation with three goals for the students to accomplish on Unity Day and afterwards:

1. Be inspired to express kindness and compassion towards people with cancer
2. Understand, experience and feel the positive impact of doing something that will give someone the strength and courage to keep fighting
3. Take what they learned during Unity Day today and spread kindness and compassion in their lives and within our community! Everyone has the  ability to make a BIG difference – what will you do?!?!

Children and adults alike often learn the most important lessons by watching what others have done. The spark of inspiration is like a match that lights the way to contribute to, volunteer or start a new initiative for something that is near and dear to their hearts. In thinking about the stories of the children in the school that we could share to inspire the kids, both Jenna and I were inspired and moved by the kindness and compassion that these children expressed. The children were not aware that we were going to acknowledge them during the assemblies. The look of surprise and happiness on their faces was priceless!

Here’s a small sampling of some of the stories that we shared:

Hailey donated her hair to help make a wig for someone with cancer!

Hailey cut and donated  8 inches of her hair to Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths program to help others with cancer. She was inspired by her Grandma who battled cancer and wore a wig. Terrific job, Hailey!

The members of Girl Scout Troop #80683 in Flemington, NJ made cards for JMW recipients!

Girl Scout Troop #80683 who recently made cards for JMW recipients during a troop activity meeting! The cheerful pictures and encouraging words on the cards that were mailed to JMW recipients surely lifted their spirits and gave them hope.

Kindness begins with me! Way to go Rachel, Nadia, Avery and Rachel!

A group of friends joined forces and started their own initiative to help raise money for those fighting cancer in our local community. Kudos to Nadia, Rachel, Avery and Rachel for raising more than $100 for the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center!  In 4th grade the girls spent their lunch and recess planning ways to raise money to help those with cancer. For a small donation contributors could either create a picture frame, baseball card holder or bracelet. The girls also sold baked goods to raise money.

A Painting of Hope donated to Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center

A Painting of Hope donated to the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center by Jenna Genzel, Peyton Smith and Kendal Plumstead.

Giving hope is a family affair!

Kindness and compassion runs in the family – thanks to Lily, Lexi, Robyn and Bette!

Lily and her family, including her Grandma Bette in Montana are all JMW volunteers! Her Grandma who is a talented painter uses her artwork to create cards to send to JMW recipients.

The Rowinski family helps those living with cancer in so many ways!

Mikey and his family, including his sister Ella, Mom and Dad are all JMW ambassadors! Mikey and Ella have made cards and his Mom and Dad have helped our group grow.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

Cards of hope, strength and courage are the best medicine of all!

Through the kindness and compassion of the children on October 30^th, over 800 people will be touched when they receive a special card or letter in the coming weeks. The ripple of kindness and love will continue and be passed on to many others. As Jenna and I shared with the children during the assembly, we all have the ability to do something to make a difference – what will you do?