I know you mean well, but...

Check out this two-part blog by Jennifer Goodman Linn with some great advice for anyone who has a friend or family member battling cancer. The first part, I Know You Mean Well But… Enough with the Advice! focuses on what's appropriate and, more importantly, what's not appropriate to say to a cancer patient. The second article I Know You Mean Well But…Part II focuses on the “go to” line that most all of us have probably used at one point or another in our lives, but what cancer patients say is the most annoying thing they hear!

Encourage a Friend

Most of us know someone who is battling cancer. Why not send them a note of encouragement? By sending one of the cards found here, not only will your friend be encouraged, but also 100% of Rycky Creations' commissions earned on these cards is donated to cancer research. Below are some of our "Hope" cards, as well as some favorites from our fellow GCU artists.


  
        

          

         

May - National Brain Cancer Awareness Month

New Card Designs

My friend John, who you've read about in previous posts, has often used the phrase "Cancer Sucks." He should know... he's been through surgery, radiation and chemo while fighting brain cancer for over 4 years. After finding out last week that the tumors are growing again, I went to work and created this new card specifically for him. Maybe you know of someone who's in the middle of a cancer battle... send them this card, or any of our other cancer-related cards, and 100% of the commissions will be donated to cancer research. 


Click here to order this card.

 Inside verse:
I hate that you're having to go through this, and pray that somehow, someway, God will rescue you from this awful disease. In the meantime, hang in there and keep fighting! You've been an inspiration to many throughout this whole cancer journey...I am so proud of you. Please know that I love you and pray for you every single day!





Here are two more designs created specifically with John in mind. And yes, that is John on the front of these cards!


Click here to order this card.

 Inside verse:
Unfortunately, there are no words I can say that will change what you're going through right now. But I do want to tell you that your courage and positive attitude during this very difficult time is an inspiration to many, myself included. Just remember, you're not alone... you have many family and friends who are pulling for you, and praying for God's mercy and strength as you battle cancer. Hang in there, and keep fighting!




Click here to order this card.

 Inside verse:
Like flying a kite, living with cancer can have it's ups and downs...at times you can be sky high, soaring with hope and confidence that you're going to beat that awful disease. Then the wind shifts... you hear bad news and the next thing you know, it feels like all your hopes are crashing to the ground.
Always celebrate the hopeful times, but remember...whether you are feeling hopeful or discouraged, you're not alone... you have many family and friends who love you and are praying for your complete recovery. So, keep hoping, and keep fighting!

Did you know?

March is National Colorectal
Cancer Awareness Month

I have to admit it...I did not know that fact until this time last year, when my mom was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. One year ago today, she had surgery to remove the tumor in her colon. At the same time, we found out that the cancer had spread to her lungs. She has made the courageous decision to forego any further treatment. In her case, it was the right decision, and one her doctor supported...as did I. Now, one year later, I’m thankful for the time we’ve had together and pray that when it’s her time to go, I’ll be as prepared as she seems to be! Since she has always enjoyed writing down her experiences (or "her stories," as she calls them), I thought that, instead of me trying to write about her, maybe she would be willing to tell her own story... and she graciously accepted. Thanks mom!

When my daughter asked if I would consider writing a blog for her "Hope for Cancer" website, my reply was... "I will have to pray about that." I enjoy doing a little heartfelt writing until someone asked me to; then I kind of.....freeze.

When I prayed about it, I said, "God, what would you have me say?" My story could become rather long as I am a "little ole lady" whose story began March of last year. I was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer, had surgery on March 23rd, but also found out it had spread with four (yes...that’s 4) tumors on the lungs; plus a large kidney stone in the left side and a cyst on the liver. Oh my goodness... it’s going to take a lot of prayer to get me through these days.

Really, I feel sure my story began 42 years ago that helped prepare me for some of the "journeys" I would take in life. I even wrote a song one time entitled, "I’m on a Journey." Wow... little did I know! In May of 1968, I was over at Kennestone Hospital giving birth to my youngest son and had a near death experience. How very awesome! Now, keep in mind this was years before you read stories or books written about this. It was such a precious experience, but I did not tell it for a long time, only mentioned it now as it sure became part of "My Journey."

Though my husband died at 68 years old after fighting cancer for five years, I found comfort in knowing he was a Christian man. He made recordings and sang for about 40 years with his family, "The Young Family"... he loved flying and was able to get his private pilot’s license. And, after all... he was married to me for 45 years (I do have a sense of humor). Though I grieved his death, I had learned to be a pretty good caregiver, so God led me to be a Hospice volunteer for over eight years at "Tranquility," the hospice for Wellstar. I loved it because I knew it was exactly where I was supposed to be at that time of my life. During the first week of my training session, the Nurse told us some of the awesome experiences we would encounter there and, yes I stood beside many a bed when the patient was "Crossing Over" and they would tell me of the loved ones they were seeing. Oh, how this brought back memories of my experience when it seemed my soul left my body and began to travel towards the most brilliant light and a peace that I just cannot explain. As I stood by these patients, I could not help but wonder if that is why I had the experience so many years ago... only God knows the answer to that. And, perhaps this experience is what is helping me each day as I travel this cancer journey.

So, though I am in Stage 4 cancer...I don’t know what tomorrow holds for me... but I sure know Who holds it. I met Him as my personal Savior and Lord when I was a little 12 year old girl. I know as a Christian, I can’t lose. I will have some more time here to love and laugh with my family and friends, or I will die and go to Heaven.

Some parts of my journey have been smooth, and sometimes the road got a little rough. But... My, what a Journey! All in all... it’s been a pretty good ride.

"I feel like if you want to look good...
find you a pretty tree and just stand beside it."
(Having my picture made was just not my favorite thing.)
                                                    ~ Jeanette

Five Ladies... and Hope

In July of 2010, I was asked to participate in an art project. It would involve five artists, five canvases, five journals and a five month commitment. Of course, my first response was NO WAY!! I did not have enough confidence in my artistic ability to be involved in such a big project. But in the end, I decided to go for it and see what transpired. Although it was a challenge, I really enjoyed the process. Each artist was to choose a theme, divide their own canvas into 5 sections, and on one of the sections, paint something that represented their chosen theme. There was also a journal to go along with each canvas to record the inspiration behind the theme. At the end of each month, the artists would meet to swap canvases/journals, but also to socialize and get to know each other a little better. Each artist had their own separate theme and we didn’t know what the others theme was until we got their canvas/journal. So each month we’d get a new theme that we had to use when working on that month’s canvas/journal.

The theme I chose was something meaningful to me... HOPE. A definition of hope is, "to look forward to with confidence or expectation" or "to expect and desire." The word has become more and more meaningful to me over the past few years as I have spent a lot of time in hope and prayer for family members and friends who are battling cancer.

I divided my canvas, and painted on the center portion. My vision for that section of the painting: "Even in the darkest moments, keep looking to the heavens and never lose hope."

In August, I received Joanne’s canvas and her theme was "Flying." My section of the painting is the mermaid "flying" through the water.

In September, I received Sherri’s canvas and her theme was "Stars." My section of the painting is the hand... "Reach for the Stars."

In October, I received Karen’s canvas and her theme was "Colors." She gave us 5 tubes of paint and we could paint anything as long as we only used the five colors. My section is the small checkerboard part of the painting.

In November, I received Gail’s canvas and her theme was "Moments in the Mountains." My section of the painting is the mountain silhouette at the top with the John Muir quote, "The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go.".


We took a month off in December, and had our final meeting in January 2011 to reveal the complete paintings for the first time to the group. What fun!


 I have made a card out of the "Five Ladies and Hope" painting, and, as with my other "Hope"cards, 100% of all commissions made on this card will be donated to cancer research.

Flashes of Hope

Saw this story on the news recently. Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to take  portraits of children battling cancer and give them to the children's family. It would be worth your while to take a moment and read their story and/or watch the newscast.

Click here for "Flashes of Hope" story

Remembering Dad...Again

Today is the 10-year anniversary of my father's passing, he was 68 years old. Dad fought cancer for five years... he fought with dignity and honor. I feel lucky and blessed to have had him in my life for 43 years... just wish it had of been longer! I miss you, Dad!

Did You Know?

September is the awareness month for several different types of cancer:

• Childhood
• Leukemia
• Thyroid
• Prostate
• Ovarian
• Lymphomia

While researching this fact, I found a great website, "Choose Hope" which was started in 1999 by three ladies, Chris, Paula and Linda. They have all been touched by cancer and started the website to help raise money for cancer research...so far, they have raised over $300,000! Check out their website by clicking here.

Honoring John (Part 2)

If you’ve read this blog in the past, you know about John. He’s the special young man I wrote about in April who is battling brain cancer. John has been a huge inspiration to his family and friends, myself included, during his 3+ year battle. This past Saturday, over 50 of us showed our love and support to John by walking/running with him in the “Race for Research” sponsored by the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. “John’s Dream Team” raised over $2,800 for brain cancer research with the entire race raising almost a quarter million dollars! John worked hard putting together his team and was “blown away” by the response... he says, “[it was] great to see everyone there [in the] bright yellow shirts that showed they were supporting me. You have no clue how awesome that made me feel.” Well, John, you are an awesome young man and I, for one, was extremely proud to walk with you and help this most worthwhile cause!

Send a Card / Support SBTF

Most everyone knows someone who has cancer. Send a “Hope” card to encourage them and, at the same time, give a donation to the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. When you order one of our Hope cards, 100% of the commissions earned will be donated to SBTF for cancer research. Click on a card to order.


Inside verse: 
May God's love give you courage to fight, strength to endure, and hope for the future as you battle cancer.

Cancer Awareness Colors:
Pink = breast and alternate childhood cancer
Gray = brain
Blue = prostate, alternate colon , childhood cancer
Brown = colon/colorectal
Purple = pancreatic, testicular, thyroid,
    also the color for general cancer awareness

Remembering Dad

With Father’s Day approaching, I had an idea to write about my dad. The problem is, I’m not a “writer.” So, I kept asking myself, “where do I start?” The only answer I could ever come up with was... “I just don’t know... wait a couple of days and maybe the words will come.” Well, that hasn’t worked for me yet! I’ve waited a couple of days (and a couple more, and a couple more... you get the drift), and I still don’t know where to begin. So, I’ve decided to just start writing and see what happens. I was a “daddy’s girl,” at least that’s what my mom always said. I guess I can see that...we were a lot alike. Dad was a patient man, kind of quiet, but always friendly. He also had a bit of a stubborn streak... I’d like to think that I’m not stubborn, but there’s a few people that would probably disagree. He enjoyed photography, flying airplanes, and he loved to sing. He was good with his hands... he could figure out how to do most anything he set his mind to. But the thing I remember most about him was the strength and character he showed during his battle with cancer. My dad passed away on December 8, 2000, he was 68 years old. He fought cancer for five years. He fought with dignity and honor. It made me proud to watch how he treated his doctors and their staff whenever he had an appointment or was in the hospital. He was respectful, kind and always kept his sense of humor. It was apparent that he was liked and respected by them as well. Of course, he had his flaws, don’t we all? But, he was a good man, and I’m extremely proud to be his daughter! Happy Father’s Day, Dad... I miss you!

Do you know someone who is currently battling cancer? Send them one of the "Hope" cards below and 100% of commissions earned on the sale will be donated to cancer research! Click on a card to order.

Inside verse: 
May God's love give you courage to fight, strength to endure, and hope for the future as you battle cancer.

Cancer Awareness Colors:
Pink = breast and alternate childhood cancer
Gray = brain
Blue = prostate, alternate colon , childhood cancer
Brown = colon/colorectal
Purple = pancreatic, testicular, thyroid,
    also the color for general cancer awareness

Strands of Hope

Strands of Hope, founded by Atlanta teenager Sarah McCauley was featured on NBC 11 Alive December 14, 2009 during a segment of Presents with a Purpose. McCauley founded Strands of Hope as a means to raise money for brain tumor research after her uncle was diagnosed with a GBM. Sarah donates all of her proceeds from the sales of her handmade knit scarves, wraps and shawls to the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation and has raised almost $20,000 thus far. Click here to view the video

We're Celebrating!

We were so excited yesterday to receive notification that we sold 100 of our gray "Hope" cards! Many thanks to the center in Arizona who bought them. This brings our total "Hope" card sales up to 147 for 2010. Last year, we sold 356 and are really hoping to top that number this year, so we've still got some work to do! Please help us spread the word. And, if you have a friend or family member battling cancer, why not send them a message of "Hope"? 100% of commissions earned on the sale of these cards go directly to cancer research. To order, click on a card image below.

Brain Tumor Awareness Stamp

The United States House of Representatives established May as Brain Tumor Awareness Month in 2008. To bring national attention to this often underfunded disease, the National Brain Tumor Society has requested that the US Postal Service produce a stamp to increase brain tumor awareness. If you would like to join in petitioning the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee to approve a brain tumor awareness stamp, please follow this link and sign the petition. Click here to sign petition

May - National Brain Cancer Awareness Month!

Honoring John

In late 2006, a very special young friend named John underwent surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a very aggressive form of cancer at 23 years of age.
In 2008, I began designing cards, along with another friend, and selling them on the internet under the name "Rycky Creations." Wanting to "do something" not only in John's honor, but also because I had lost my dad to a brain tumor, I designed a card called "Hope." The background of the card is done in gray, which is the color that represents brain cancer. My intent was to donate any commissions earned to cancer research. By the end of 2009, we had sold 356 Hope cards with 100% of the commissions going to the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation.

In 2009, I decided to expand our "Hope" card line to include several other "colors" of cancer (see color awareness colors below). Little did I know when I expanded the line that, in March 2010, I'd be sending my own mother the brown "Hope" card...

We now have five different "Hope" cards...

Cancer Awareness Colors:
Gray = brain
Pink = breast and alternate childhood cancer
Brown = colon/colorectal
Blue = prostate, alternate colon , childhood cancer
Purple = pancreatic, testicular, thyroid,
also the color for general cancer awareness