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Idaho Statesman Goes Beyond Pink Edition

October 3, 2016 by Cathy Miller 2 Comments

Most of you probably know October is breast cancer awareness month.

The last several years, the Idaho Statesman issued a Pink Edition in recognition of the month.

The newspaper invited the community to share their stories. I wrote three articles for them in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

When I inquired about this year’s Pink Edition, I was told only a few pages would be pink. I would not have the opportunity to share my Lucky #13 story or others.

Beyond Pink

When the paper arrived yesterday (Sunday), I saw the reason for the change. The following is the paper’s explanation.

We’ve gone pink — and more

You might remember that for several years each October, we printed an entire day’s Idaho Statesman on pink paper in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and included stories in that day’s edition about breast cancer and Idahoans fighting the disease.

Over the years, many of you wrote in asking us to focus on other types of cancers, too, and to highlight more Treasure Valley residents who have faced the personal struggles that the disease — in all of its forms — brings.

So we are doing something different this year. Each Sunday in October, we’ll feature personal stories and more about screenings and treatment in the Explore section — covering several types of cancer. We also will have stories about some of the Treasure Valley groups that are working to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

Our aim with these stories is to raise community awareness. The Idaho Statesman also will continue to support our community by donating at least $10,000 to local charities and research.

Idaho Statesman, October 2, 2016

While I admit, I wished they had shared their vision prior to publication, it is certainly something I can get behind. In fact, I already had. I know the fight against cancer is beyond pink.

Stopping Cancer in any Form

Just weeks before the publication, I had purchased the above bracelet from Hidden Hollow Beads on Amazon. The colored beads represent the many different forms of cancer.

Those of you who know me, know for years I wore a pink bracelet, in honor of my sister who is a breast cancer survivor (and my three teammates, good friend, and all affected by breast cancer). I also wore a yellow Livestrong bracelet after my Aunt Mitzi lost her battle to lung cancer.

I have had far too many personal encounters with cancer – in all forms.

My life-changing experience of over a decade with friends, family, and all the wonderful participants of the 3-Day Walk for the Cure
My own encounter with skin cancer
In addition to three teammates who are breast cancer survivors, two others battled other forms of cancer
My Aunt Rita (a long-time contributor to my Walks), recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer

I purchased the bracelet to show my support against all forms of cancer.

My walking 60 miles in 3 days goes way beyond pink. This morning I received a call from one of my cousins. Aunt Rita passed away this morning.

Crush cancer – in any form
We are all way beyond pink

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Walk on.

Life Robs the Best Laid Plans

March 15, 2016 by Cathy Miller 2 Comments

How often have you been excited for a new venture only to have life get in the way?

That’s what happened here at this blog.

I so want to share the stories of the incredible survivors and loved ones touched by cancer.

As well as the journey that brought me to this blog.

But then life got in the way.

Business to do
And cancer, too – thankfully, on a much smaller scale

Isn’t that just like cancer? Getting in the way of life?

Cancer Interrupting Life

My mom had her first diagnosis of skin cancer at the age of 92. Thankfully, it was the highly curable basal cell carcinoma. I guess if you live long enough, everyone should expect some form of cancer.

She had a large lesion removed from her temple. Then she went through six weeks of a topical treatment for a superficial basal cell on her nose. That was no fun.

Mom has always been very sensitive to medications. Her skin became so inflamed and nasty-looking, her doctor cut her back from five-times-a-week treatment to three.

About half way through her treatment, I discovered a lesion on my ear. With my own history of basal cell carcinoma, I called my doctor.

Turns out it was benign; however, the physician assistant diagnosed pre-cancerous cells on my nose. He used cryotherapy treatment (freezing the cells). My nose became an attractive mini-version of my mom’s.

What? Were they having a two-for-one special on basal cell?

The good new is – my mom is otherwise very healthy and turned 93 years old this month.

Plan B

So what do you do when life gets in the way of your best laid plans? You go to Plan B.

At least for now, I am giving in to the fact that the posts here are hit and miss. You’ll see the most activity as I gear up for another 3-Day Walk for the Cure. I’m going for Lucky #13 this year.

I also decided to share my free ebook===> 60-Mile Walk Survival Guide from an old lady walking.
^ Click on the link ^

You don’t even have to sign up. Thanks to those of you who did!

If you want to know when the next post comes around, you can sign up in the sidebar.

At least you know you won’t be bombarded with emails. Even the more regular posts immediately before and after the Walk do not exceed a couple per month (if that).

I’ll still draw a name from those who already signed up or those who sign up in the future. That person will win a $25 gift certificate to the Old Lady Walking Store. I’ll hold the drawing on November 1. That’s the start of the month for my San Diego 3-Day Walk.

Sound like a good deal? Hey, it’s a free signup.

Who knows? I may move on to a Plan C or D or back to Plan A. Please know how grateful I am for your support.

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Walk on.

Winner Will Fight Like A Girl

September 30, 2014 by Cathy Miller 2 Comments

The Old Lady Walking store made room for some attitude with its Fight Like A Girl merchandise.

It’s not surprising that our second winner of a Why 60 Miles gift certificate was attracted to the kickboxing bad girl.

Lori Widmer relates to that attitude.

Her Words on the Page blog for freelance writers kicks low-paying gigs and self-professed gurus to the curb.

That’s between her busy career as a top freelance writer specializing in insurance and risk management and her training for a Tough Mudder event. After recuperating from a prior surgery. You go, Girl.

Fight Like A Girl

I met Lori (through the magic of online) after I started my own business writing company. I knew from the start, Lori was my kind of person.

She has been one of my biggest supporters in my 3-Day Walks for the Cure. And has become one of my treasured trio of online connections who banded together for support, laughs, and okay – gossiping.

So, of course, I was thrilled when a random drawing for the second Why 60 Miles contest produced Lori’s name.

Lori chose the kickboxing Fight Like A Girl apron. It goes great with her newly renovated kitchen. Something else Lori squeezed into her schedule.

Kick Up Your Odds

Lest I be accused of fixing the results (the first winner I also know personally), kick up your odds for winning the next $25 gift certificate to the Old Lady Walking store.

I bet you can find something that strikes your fancy.

It’s simple.

Sign up at the pink (of course) sign-up box in the sidebar
A random drawing will be held at the close of December 31, 2014 (Happy New Year’s Eve!)
The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store

All subscribers (excluding previous winners) are eligible for the contest. If you are already signed up, your name will be included.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. There’s only 8 weeks until my 11th 3-Day Walk for the Cure!

Walk on!

P.S. If you would like to Share Your Story, send me a quick note through my Contact Cathy form.