I can scarcely imagine what it would be like to get the news that I have cancer. Panic, fear and thoughts of what life would be like for those who love me if I were gone. Unfortunately, many mothers go through these emotions and more. some are lucky, or blessed, and go on to live happy lives beyond cancer. Often, this is a direct result of the research done via money raised for organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or because of amazing individuals who donate life-saving things like bone marrow. One of my lovely clients was saved by just such an individual. Someone who took the time and cared enough to get tested, get registered and then donated the stem cells that saved her life.
She says “ I was told when I got sick that I had one year to live—unless I could find a donor. My first “birthday” is coming up on June 21st, a major milestone for a bone marrow patient . I would love it if you would mention on your blog that I took only Anna pictures of the kids to the hospital (if you have a strong uptick in the number of nurses using you, that’s why!) because they were my favorites, and that two things kept me alive during my horrible treatments, 1) focusing on those pictures during periods of pain, and 2) an unrelated donor who selflessly registered for BeTheMatch.com and donated his stem cells to me, someone he doesn’t even know. Registering to be on the national bone marrow database is free, painless and easy, and donating is also free, easy, and painless and comes with a lifetime supply of good karma. I had zero chance of survival without him and I am so grateful. I know your blog is intended to share gorgeous pictures and drum up business, but I’d also love to see some of your clients get on the registry as my donor is the main reason you are getting repeat business from me because I can’t be a client if I’m dead!”
Below are her beautiful children. Can you imagine their lives without their mommy? It happens and there is something YOU can do about it.
ONE. Go to BeTheMatch.com and find out how you can register as a donor. So important. Save a life!
TWO. Sign up for one of our two charity drive Short & Sweet sessions by Saturday, June 9th (that is THIS Saturday, so don’t wait!) and $150 of your session fee will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
THREE. Buy one of the Short & Sweets for someone you love. You can give a great gift and give back, too!
FOUR. Buy lotsa pictures. An additional 10% will be donated on all orders of $500 or more.
FIVE. Spread the word! Tweet it, Facebook it, email it. Do whatever it takes to get the word out and increase what we give. It can save a life!
And my friend Linsey and her family. She battled Leukemia and won! Thank God that she did. Without her, this beautiful family wouldn’t be in my life or the lives of so many she’s touched.
You rock, Anna! Thanks so much for supporting LLS. It is a wonderful organization and I am happy to see your client’s gorgeous family photos and to hear of her recovery and health. To thriving and treasuring those dear to us!
I gladly participate thanks to Sonja’s forward. My spouse of almost 52 years passed away last October after years of pain from advanced RA, then pancreatic cancer. My older sister passed away in 2002 of ALS. Lindsey you are doing such a good thing!