Wow, we are home from an astonishing whirlwind trip to LA where we made a commercial for the 2008 Komen 3-Day. I am glad David and I traveled despite the fact I had chemo on Thursday. My mom asked if I had a chance for a ‘do over’ would we still go; my answer was ABSOLUTELY! All the people we met were awesome and inspiring. Each of you has an amazing story. They all include as a core: love, devotion, commitment, beauty and inner strength. I can’t believe we all just met on Friday. This weekend was truly a “God trip”. I believe, much like I heard Amy and others express, he placed all of us together with divine purpose. When I used the words “all of us” I mean everybody involved in making the PSA: Jason, Jerry and the entire Sticks & Stones crew, Liza, Rex and all the Radarworks agency team and of course the “Talent”.

I am continuing to add photos from the 3-Day to the Gallery. I only have a few loaded which means I have lots of work to do this week. I was so tired, I hardly pulled out my camera this weekend. The Sunday morning session was the only time. After looking at the photos I had, I wish I had gone to support the Saturday group and taking pictures of their experience. Of course I say that now after coming home and napping from 7 pm until 10 pm tonight. I can’t wait to see everyone’s pictures from the weekend.

Since March, when I was diagnosed with recurrent stage 4 breast cancer and given 18 months, I have received so many blessings. God is constantly opening doors and putting me in unique opportunities to meet remarkable people. It has been a never ending supply of renewed strength, spiritual growth and encouragement. I cherish these moments and find myself surrounded by special people when I need them most. I am never alone. The poem Footprints has become a blueprint or reflection of his presence in my life. It sounds weird to say but breast cancer has become a blessing in my life. It is also a horrid disease that is likely to steal milestones from mine and my family’s life. The picture of Mary and her Mom at her wedding was so beautiful. I pray I have the opportunity to be there in person and share a wedding with both Jennifer & David. We must find a cure to eradicate this wicked disease! If not in my lifetime, please can we do in Jennifer’s?

I cherish my autographed t-shirt & group photo and the very special gift of FAITH. This weekend is just the beginning of our relationship. I promise to keep in touch. I love you all!

Steph & David

We awoke at 9:30 (11:30 CST). I feel almost human. We went down to breakfast, most of the group was already there. It seems half the group is working today and half tomorrow. We have decided to rent a car and slit it with a group that is working tomorrow. David and I will have it to see the town Sunday. They returned from the rental car place with a Mercedes. Yea… nothing but the best for the “Talent” they said. David and I headed back to the room to rest, I am planning on taking a nap and he is playing video games.

I have uploaded some of the pictures from the 3-Day in the Gallery. Enjoy, there are tons more but I won’t get to those until after we get back. Time to nap so we can go be “Talent”.

Wow what a long day! David and I departed the house at 9:00 am to head to the airport. I had been up since 5:30 am. We met up with 6 other inspiring ladies at the airport and flew to LA with an 1 hour connection in Phoenix. We gathered our bags and were picked up around 3:30 pm (5:30 CST). Chris, our driver, had us sign some brief paper work which identified us as “Talent”. It has become the joke of the trip and we now refer to each of us as “Talent”. 

The group is crazy and cameras are constantly snapping pictures of our BIG adventure. We were introduced to LA traffic and finally arrived at our hotel a little after 6pm (that’s 8 pm CST). I didn’t have my nap and I thought I was going to crumble. If David had not been here I would have done just that, instead we all dropped our luggage and nine of us headed to dinner. During dinner we received our casting call and David and I “work” at 4pm.

We had Italian food and I fell into bed at 8:30pm (11:30 CST).  Day 1 after round 11 of chemo and I don’t think I had more than two or three deep breaths before I was fast asleep.  Dear God, Thank you for the strength to make it to the end of the day and the opportunity to make this memory with David. AMEN

Make sure you are sitting down when you read this entry… I received a voice-mail from a fellow named Jason. He is producing the PSA (Public Service Announcement) for the  2008 Komen 3-Day. They will use this to promote the 2008 3-Day Walk all across the country. Anyway, they saw the video clip of our interview and they would like for David and I to travel to LA to be in the PSA. We will travel this Friday, shoot Saturday & Sunday, returning home Monday.  What a great memory for David, he and his mom in LA shooting a commercial. We will have the opportunity to share our story to a national audience. WOW, can you believe it? OK I’ve got to admit, this one never made my list for lifetime accomplishments, guess I will have to write it in.

This past weekend wore me out and it was a non-chemo week.  I am asking for help from my prayer warriors, Friday is my regular chemo day. My oncology team has agreed to move it to Thursday. Please pray for extra strength and good health so David and I can make the most of our adventure. I promise to use some common sense and rest when I need to. I am wearing a mask on the airplane to protect me from the “dirty air”. I will try not to wear myself out; I just couldn’t say NO to a once in a lifetime event like this. As my sister Kim said, we have been giving a chance to appeal to the American people in help in the fight against breast cancer. I will have the occasion to make a memory my entire family and friends will cherish and have to look at over and over again.

Grace & Peace - Stephanie

Sunday, Day 3, David walked with his pink crown his Aunt Kim made him. It said Prince David on it. He has really enjoyed the crazy costumes people wore in the walk. David finished, crossing the line arm & arm with his teammates and a huge smile across his face. I am so proud. I believe David has learned more about himself and others these past three days than he thought possible. The personal sacrifice by himself and others all in the name of breast cancer. He had the opportunity to share his story and hears others peoples stories.

After the race staff from the 3-Day asked to interview David and I. They filmed our interview to use in some of their training films and staff promotional videos. It was a lot of fun to watch and listen to David. He did a great job. Kim (my sister), David and I all attended the closing ceremonies in different roles: Kim as a spectator and fan, David as a participant and I was allowed to shoot from the risers on stage. It was a perfect closure to the 3-Day weekend.  Kim is planning on walking with David next year. God willing and my health allowing, I plan on participating in one facet or another.

Day One and Two are behind us. David got dehydrated and required 2 liters of IV fluids Friday night. He got “red carded”. The red card meant he could not walk on Saturday until the medical team re-assessed him and cleared him to walk. Walker safety is priority one with the 3-Day organizers. The medical team cleared David at lunchtime and he was able to join his team and finish the day. Go my son; walk with pride and drink, drink, drink.

He is enjoying the walk and really getting into the crazy shirts and hats people wear. He wore a pink shirt today that said real men wear pink and a pink feathered boa that one of the walkers gave him.  His aunt is making him a pink “Prince David” crown to wear on Sunday. The ladies he is walking with are friends of my parents. They call David their young buck and he calls them his harem. They had him dancing on the grass at camp Saturday evening. He is becoming famous as he is the youngest walker this year.

Thank goodness Friday was my off day for chemo. I receive chemo every other Friday. I do not believe I would have the strength to take photos if chemo was this week. I am tired but having the time of my life. I am so thankful the 3-Day team allowed me to be an official photographer at the event. Leslie & Erin I love you both. Thank you for taking care of me and providing me the oportunity to live a dream.  Between Friday and Saturday I have shot over 600 photos. Boy do I have a lot of photo processing to do!

Congratulations, today is Opening Day of the Breast Cancer 3-Day. It a 60 mile walk benefiting Susan G Komen For the Cure, a National Philanthropic Trust Project. The DFW walk will raise over a million dollars for research to help find a cure for this disease so that one day no one will have to sit down and explain to their family and friends they have breast cancer. No one will have to apologize to their children because they will miss their wedding or birth of their children. No mom will have to apologize for passing along a deadly gene that might take their life too.

Today, walkers will stroll a little over 20 miles. Many will develop sore muscles and blisters. They will make new friends. Some might find themselves overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the community, friends and family that cheer them along the way. I will do my best to capture the event “Through the Eyes of a Survivor” with my digital camera. My son,a sophomore in high school, will walk for me. Go my young son, walk proudly and determined. Perhaps it will be one of your dollars that finds a cure for me. Then I too might have a lifetime to spend with you, your dad and sister, Jennifer. David, you are my hero.

Walkers, you will find photos from the walk posted in the gallery under 2007 3-Day. It will take me a bit to process and post the photos so check back. I should have them all posted by 11/03/2007. Enjoy the photos, remember each step, every new friend, the stories you heard. I plan to walk in 2008 and I hope to see you then.

Grace & Peace - Stephanie

Well I’m sitting in my big lazy boy at The Center getting my pre meds for chemo. My counts are all good. I will receive all four of my drugs today: Abraxane, Gemzar, Avastin, and Zometa. I have about 20 minutes before I get my IV Benadryl and then it will be time to take my nap.

We are excited and very greatful to everyone that has helped David with his fundraising. He has reached his goal.  As you know David is walking the 3 Day but due to my current circumstances I will not be able to walk.  I was very disappointed. I had an idea and decided to write the 3 Day and share my story. I asked if it would be possible for me to capture the 3 Day “through a survivor’s eye” with my camera. I receive chemo every other week and I am off the Friday of the 3 Day. I received an email from the 3 Day. They said they would love to have me shoot the 3 Day and be their guest. I will share more details as I learn new information. I am so jazzed to think I will still be able to be apart of the event.

As always things work out for the best when God is in control.