Think of the worst thing that has ever happened to you in your life. Then have the rest of the world give it a color…. say pink. Watch people wear pink wigs, tutus, tiaras and boas as they celebrate beating it or “bring awareness” to it. Watch as companies use this deadly disease to sell products like soup, carpet cleaning, candy & make-up. Listen to people profess how if you are strong and determined you can “beat it.”
Read MoreAs many of you know, my cancer ride has been particularly bumpy these past couple months. In October I experienced progression in my hip – which we treated with radiation. Then, in December a scan showed progression in the lining of my lung. But when we went in to draw out a diagnostic sample of the fluid… it was gone…
Read MoreI’m 30 years old, 7 months pregnant, I dress up for Halloween wearing an orange shirt with a pumpkin drawn on my big round belly. Our little two year old dinosaur trick or treats for the first time with his monkey and princess friends.
Read MoreOur family had the most amazing summer in Michigan. We all agree, the best yet! (which is pretty remarkable given some of our adventures.) Wide open days filled with swimming, fishing, boating, climbing sand dunes, spending time with dear family and friends. 10pm dinners. Barely ever knowing what day it is and certainly not paying attention to what time it is… A summer sabbatical. How blessed and lucky we are.
Read MoreJanuary 9th came and went and I never checked up. Didn’t even cross my mind that 4 years ago to the day our world was rocked with the news that breast cancer spread to my bones after nearly 7 years “cancer free.” I became a metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patient. A diagnosis with treatment options, but no cure. Life expectancy is 2-3 years. Terminal.
Read MoreWelcome November. I love November… it’s my birthday month, a time of gratitude, cozy nights sipping tea, reading by the fire. It also marks the end of a very busy month in the breast cancer world.
Read MoreWe kicked off the Outrunning Cancer weekend with our annual team pasta dinner Friday night. In a surprise ceremony we presented the title of Honorary Outrunning Cancer Captain to Robin McNeill.
Read MoreWe regularly host days at area hospitals where we share Hope Scarves directly with patients there for treatment. Yesterday was one of those days. Amy, Director of Hope Scarves, and I spent the morning at Norton Cancer Institute. It was exhilarating and exhausting, sad and happy, frustrating and encouraging. We met 25 women – each with their own unique story. We laughed and cried together as we shared our common bond – the audacity of hope.
Read MoreThis week I reconnected with two friends I hadn’t spoken with in years. Friends who faced cancer around the same time as me in 2007, 2008. We had helped each other through chemo & reconstruction in our early 30’s. And celebrated milestones as we lived beyond cancer… As our lives moved on and cancer was behind us we lost touch a bit.
Read MoreI was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 30, seven months pregnant with our second son. Our world came crashing down–yet through it all, we were focused on hope. Our doctors, friends and family–everyone–believed we would “beat” cancer. And, we did.
Read MoreEvery spring Hope Scarves has a team in the Kentucky Derby miniMarathon & Marathon. This year we partnered with Twisted Pink to raise even more money and engage runners supporting both organizations! 136 brave souls took to the streets on Saturday in sloppy wet conditions, but that didn’t stop us!
Read MoreBefore me- the ocean and crashing waves, palm trees, our long dock leading to our picturesque palapa with its thatched roof. Before me- the unknown of cancer,progression, sickness, fear, loss. Sadness.
Read More8 years ago today I looked into the bright blue eyes of our second child – a healthy baby boy. I was so filled with joy and hope. Today I look into the eyes of a rambunctious, creative, caring, sporty 8 year old! Our little miracle. Our “chemo baby” we affectionately called him as we credited his bright red hair to the red chemo he and I endured 4 rounds of together before his birth.
Read MoreI love to celebrate. My friends know that PETscans and champagne go hand and hand. However, I feel the breast cancer movement has become too much of a celebration… to the point that it masks the reality. The general public thinks breast cancer is something to be celebrated. That we are winning this “battle.” We forget people are dying. 111 EVERY Day. This is not something to celebrate.
Read MoreToday is filled with emotion.
Ten years ago today my husband and I became parents. And, life was never the same. As we celebrate Wills 10th birthday I am overwhelmed with the joy of being his mom. I am also very aware of those for which being a parent isn’t possible.
Read MoreFor our lives are made up of each day and each moment. I don't know if I have 2 years or 10 years... but I know I have the day before me. So do each of you.
live each day with intention and purpose.
one year and counting... on many more laughs, adventures and love.
As I look back I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for our beautiful life. As I look forward I know there is more beauty in store for us. Our story isn't done YET! I didn't choose this awful balancing act nor would I wish this journey for anyone. But, it is the path set before us and we will face it with joy and fear, prepared for bad news and good news.
Read MoreSeven years ago today we heard five small words that changed the course of our life forever. I sat in the barber chair with a bouncing blonde two year old on my lap getting his curls trimmed, 7 months pregnant and thinking about cabinet finishes for the home renovation project we were in the middle of. I was full of joy on a sunny November morning. My phone rang and the doctor said, “Lara, you have breast cancer.”
Read MoreI learned a new term today that really stuck with me. Pinkwashing. This idea that the “awareness” around breast cancer and “finding a cure” has increased exponentially over the past 10+ years. Pinktober, race for a cure, bike for a cure, etc… So much awareness and celebration of survivors of breast cancer. Enough to make you think we are winning this fight. That less women are dying from breast cancer. It’s certainly what I thought! I was so proud to walk in the sea of pink every year celebrating how far we have come to find a cure.
Read MoreToday was a good day… again! I am learning to laugh again and hug my three boys (Jay included) without crying. I am learning to be happy for the simple idea of being happy- without feeling like as soon as I laugh I have to remember – duh, you have stage 4 breast cancer. (How can you be happy?) I am also trying to figure out how to take action in the midst of a diagnosis that is overwhelmingly out of my hands. More on all this later…
Read More
