Nov 14, 2011

Here's To More Birthdays!

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 While most of the western world prepares for Christmas, our family is also in full birthday mode because all the boys birthdays are this time of year too.  And let's admit it, when you're working on hitting that TWO full hands age milestone, birthdays are SUPER special!  Trust me, I know.  My oldest just celebrated his last single digit birthday.  I LOVE birthdays, they were always a big deal in our house growing up.  But when a loved one gets that dreaded diagnosis, birthdays take on a whole new meaning!  
My mom was in her early 40s when she got her first diagnosis, so after her successful treatment, each birthday meant another year cancer free.  They were certainly victories for her, and for our entire family.  When my mom turned 50, I was beyond grateful and I felt the need to really celebrate it so we planned a great SURPRISE party for her.  It was a great time filled with lots of love and laughter!  And I think she was genuinely surprised which was a mega victory for me!
But despite that fabulous evening and many of my own memorable birthdays, the birthday that will forever be etched in my memory will be this one...

This was her last birthday.  She was very sick by this point and we were all aware the chances that this would be her last with us were very real.  I know people lose loved ones every day, but to walk through each celebration knowing that this is very likely your last with someone, is very surreal!  The mix of emotions that continually wave over you are confusing and overwhelming.  But you try to focus on the moment, to not LOSE that birthday while you mourn the ones you won't get to celebrate!


Much like the increased appreciation of these moments when you experience lost, is the increased appreciation for the work of American Cancer Society (ACS).  Some of their projects may seem inconsequential but to the cancer survivor (by ACS definition, someone becomes a survivor the moment they get their Dx) they can mean the world.  Being able to have some one to turn to who understands what you are going through, or to help you get to a treatment, or to help you feel good about the way you look THESE can greatly affect how a survivor feels mentally and emotionally and that makes a BIG difference in their ability to fight this horrible disease.


I truly believe in the work that ACS is doing, which is why I have participated in Relay For Life and raised a significant amount of money over the years.  So I was very moved to see the extensive list of celebrities who have given their voices to the Here's To More Birthdays campaign.


Watch the video below to learn more about the More Birthday's campaign and visit MoreBirthdays.com to send a Birthday eCard to a friend featuring artists from Biebs to Jack Black to Lady Antebellum. 



This post is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

3 comments:

  1. Lisa, this is a beautiful tribute to your mom and the many other cancer warriors out there. The ACS does amazing work and they really do help to make sure that many more birthdays are celebrated as a victory over cancer.

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  2. I am so terribly sorry that you lost your mom, and I can only imagine how truly wonderful, yet bittersweet that last birthday celebration was. You're such a strong voice in fighting that horrible disease. I'm proud of you!

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  3. Many hugs as you remember your mom! We love birthday celebrations too as it is important to celebrate the life we have today and have had the past year! The ACS does great work!!

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