Meet Our Ultimate Warrior Blanket Recipients 10/10/2013

I apologize for my rather delayed (Okay...REALLY delayed) update. I can promise you that behind the scenes, us pink warriors have been very busy. 40 blankets have been sent out since my last post and many more blankets have been stitched and tags sewn applied. We have many blankets to give, so please keep submitting names!

Please take time to read about these ultimate warriors. Reflecting upon the struggles of our ultimate warriors, I realize how lucky I am to be able to be a part of this grassroots effort of brightening someone’s day.

Diana, nominated by Vicki, was diagnosed in May with breast cancer.  She underwent surgery in July to be on the road of ridding the beast called cancer from her body.

Mary, nominated by her friend Natalie, is a US veteran who lives in the state of Washington.  She served in Iraq where she lost both of her arms when an IED exploded in her hands. As if that wasn't enough, she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and is undergoing chemotherapy. She is a tough woman and rarely complains. However, we know this is wearing on her. Mary is a fighter. There truly is no one like her.

Maddy is a 17 year old girl who is Laurie’s daughters best friend. She is a Dance party motivator. In early March, she thought she pulled a muscle in her groin while dancing at a party.  We are now in July and she was just diagnosed with cancer in her bone and will be needing a hip replacement once she is through with her Chemo. Maddy is a wonderful girl who is always happy and laughing and makes you feel happy just being around her.

Sandy, nominated by her friend Barb, was diagnosed 2 years ago with Lymphoma and has recently been diagnosed with another cancer.  She is a soon-to-be first time grandmother. She lives in Florida and runs her own business “The Olde Country Cupboard”.

Heather, nominated by her mother Marg, is fighting breast cancer for the second time.  here is what Heather’s mom shares about her daughter: “When myself and family, or her husband, friends, get frustrated or stressed she remains calm. She is always positive and never complains. She is living in a truck camper because before she was diagnosed they sold their mobile home to build on land that was given to them by a friend. They had to use their money after diagnosis for living expenses and she is waiting on disability. She loves where she is living, and makes sure everyone knows how happy she is. That is just the tip of her story, but she is my hero.”

Joanne was nominated by her daughter Hollie. Hollie says this about her mother: “My mother is the strongest person I know. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago I thought our family was headed down a path of disaster. My mother stood strong and went to chemo and radiation like a warrior. She would be so sick and would look so defeated but she never gave up and she never let the cancer overcome her. She is not in the clear yet but she is getting closer to remission every day. She truly is a pink warrior inside and out.”

Lea is a fourteen year old young woman, unexpectedly diagnosed with leukemia when she went to have pre-surgical blood work done before she had a bone spur removed.  Lea has recently learned to fence, was to enter high school in the fall - but most of all gave of her time and care to Sebastian Riding Associates, a therapeutic riding barn that teaches special needs children and adults to ride.  She was a dedicated volunteer there, along with her mother and sister.  She has bravely endured chemotherapy and all of the surrounding bone marrow tests and other procedures, along with a lengthy hospital stay.  Lea will have to undergo a bone marrow transplant in a month or two. She is an inspiration to so many in the battle.

Beth was nominated by her best friend Brooke. She is a young mother of 2 who has been battling breast cancer since she was diagnosed just over a year ago. She has been going through chemo for about a year and has also gone through radiation. She has recently found out that the cancer is spreading. She is feeling defeated and tired but we know she can beat this!

Dorothy was nominated by her niece Deann. This is Dorothy’s second round of chemo within a year and a half. She is Deann’s godmother and has always been there for her without asking anything in return.

Melissa was nominated by her friend Jamie. They have been training dogs together for 10 plus years and this year Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is in her early 40's. She is currently going through chemo and then she will have to have her breast removed after that more chemo then radiation. She has had 2 treatments already and can use the comfort.

Adina, of North Carolina, was nominated by an acquaintance who wanted to send her love. She was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.  A blanket is exactly what she needs at this time.

MaryAnne was nominated by her neighbor Cathy. About 6 months ago MaryAnne's daughter received a blanket as she underwent chemo for lung cancer. Now MaryAnne herself has been diagnosed with the same cancer. Now mother and daughter are going through the same treatments and can each take along their stylish chemo blankets.

Pam, nominated by her best friend, received a blanket to comfort her during her most recent battle with cancer.

Marty was also nominated by her friend Jamie. According to Jamie, Marty has a heart of gold and is a great friend. Last year she found a lump and was diagnosed with lymphoma. She went through chemo for over a year now she has to be on prednisone and has to keep up with her chemo every 3 months.

Carol was nominated by her daughter Tina. Carol is battling cancer for the second time. Throughout her journey’s she stays positive, never complains, never loses faith and comforts others. Tina says her dad has been her best Nurse. God Bless! Tina goes on to say this about her mom: “My Mom is very kind and giving. Always helping others. Everyone loves her. She always comforts other chemo patients. (Talking, snack, drink, hat, etc.)”

James is the father of Cathy’s long time friends. He was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.  He did not want to proceed with chemo, but because his Granddaughter is getting married in a little over a year, he is trying to hold on to be there. The blanket will let him know that others are routing him on during this difficult battle.

My mother’s birthday was August 12th. She would have been 61 year young. In remembrance of her birthday, my daughter and I delivered 12 blankets to the office of Medical Oncology Associates of the Wyoming Valley where my mom was under the care of Dr. Saidman. The nurses distributed the blankets to a dozen patients that day in the infusion room. I do not know them and they do not know me (as far as I know). One woman looked up our website from our tag and wrote a beautiful thank you message. She said she could feel my mom’s spirit and our strength and love in that blanket. I am sure she was not alone in those feelings that day. We had such positive feedback from the staff in the office, that most recently we delivered another 12 blankets as well as a special edition blanket that will be raffled off in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month.