Well today is a sad one.  We have lost one of our brightest and best breast cancer advocates, but we have gained a new angel watching over us.  Jan Bolla, mentioned and with photo in a recent blog, passed away peacefully this morning.  I was Jan’s Reach to Recovery volunteer 11 years ago when she first came to Kirklin Clinic, so I truly have been with her during her entire journey!  I will never forget – Jan came to the clinic, as expected, somewhat in shock about her diagnosis, and she had stubbornly decided that she would have surgery, but that was all.  No chemo for her.  I think this is often a typical reaction to the news that you have cancer.  But of course, it didn’t take Jan long to do all her homework, gather all the facts, and begin her battle.  Early on, I volunteered to be Jan’s research helper – whenever her doctors suggested a new drug, a new treatment, or whatever, she called me, and I helped her do her homework.  I have a file on my computer called “Jan’s Cliff Notes,” because she wanted the information in bullet points, just the facts!  How typically Jan.    Jan started a group she called the Angel Squad - comprised of breast cancer survivors who ministered to newly diagnosed women while they waited in the clinic at UAB.  Also, many may not realize that UAB has a breast MRI because of Jan!  She made up her mind that women should not have to travel to Arkansas like she did in order to have a breast MRI, so she set upon the task of raising the funds (and shaking up the UAB system) in order to get one here.  (One of my own daughters has benefitted from Jan’s determination – my Ann had a breast MRI last year at UAB – with the equipment that Jan brought to us.)  Jan has also been a pivotal influence with the UAB Breast SPORE, leading the rest of us SPORE advocates to help improve the research that is funded at UAB.  Jan was an inspiration in every sense of the word – and she will be greatly missed and always remembered!

On another cancer note, a while back, Susan, one of the Grove Girls, wrote to us about a young student friend, Karina, who had just finished cancer treatments at St. Jude’s in Memphis.  Susan wears her yellow wristband frequently when she is with “her kids,” so Karina knew all about the wristband and its significance.  I wrote to Tina (Doug’s executive assistant) at the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and I asked if she could get a card or something from Lance to send to Karina.  I got a package today, that I am shipping off directly to Susan, so she can deliver it personally to Karina.  There is a card that reads, “Karina, I just heard about your battle with cancer.  I want you to know that you are not in this alone.  I’m in this fight with you.  This year, I’m on my bike racing for you and cancer survivors all over the world!  LIVESTRONG.”  And it is signed by Lance himself!  Also the box contains a package of youth-size yellow wristbands for her to share with friends, two Livestrong water bottles (that contain filters – I really want to keep one, but I won’t), and a cool Nike Livestrong t-shirt.  NOW, when you watch the Tour de France updates, you will KNOW who should win!

One of the Grove Girls recommended a book, The Girls from Ames, for us to read.  It is the story of 11 girls who grew up together in Ames, Iowa.  The girls are now in their 40’s and still get together every year or so, even though they are spread across the country.  It reminded Susan of us – the Grove Girls.  I just finished the book.  It was written by the same man who co-wrote The Last Lecture with Randy Pausch, one of my favorites.  The Girls from Ames did indeed remind me of our group of ten.  In fact, it is sort of strange, but they had a Sheila, Cathy, Karen, and Jenny in their group also.  But I really think our stories are much more interesting!  And we were nicer girls!  And funnier!  And probably prettier, too….  I do know for sure that my Grove Girls have been there for me and that I could not have gone through all of my medical traumas these past two years without their love and support and wearing of red shoes and yellow wristbands.  I love them all! 

Well, I’m glad I was at work all day today, because, from what I have heard, the only thing on TV was Michael Jackson’s “celebration of life,” or whatever they called it.  As Mom said, they probably wouldn’t have made as big a deal if it had been the Pope!

I’m still enjoying the Tour de France, and I am still trying to learn more about cycling.  It seems there is more involved that just hopping on and balancing (smile…).

Here’s Emma (Susan’s grandbaby) and her pink cast.  Is she really beautiful or what?!  I think I feel sorriest for Jen, Emma’s mom, because the doctor said Emma isn’t allowed to put weight on the leg for 3 weeks!  Yikes!  Good thing Jen is a kindergarten teacher and knows a thing or two about dealing with little children.