At Home Screening

We all know, just how important cancer screening is. Especially, if you are considered, "High Risk." Often times, insurance companies, aren't so happy to approve screening. Especially if you are young. It doesn't matter to them, that you are carrying a high risk. That means nothing, to them. They just see dollar signs.

And the reality is, it would probably cost them less, to screen these types of people. Like myself. If it's caught early, there is less care needed. Therefore, it costs the insurance companies less. And it gives us, the high risk people, a better shot at a long and healthy life.

I found this article. And was stunned. I'd never heard about, at home screening. A simple little test. That possibly could save lives. Or at least, grab the attention of your doctor. Cologuard was even approved by the FDA, in 2014.

While I still think, a colonoscopy is the best way to go, for screening. I would definitely like to try this. It's another safety precaution, to take. Especially, if you have the risk, in your family. And are a young adult. I know on the website, they talk about people who are 50+. But I think, this is a good option, for those people, who can't get colonoscopy approval.

Even with the amazing doctor, that I have in my corner, I'm fighting to be approved for a colonoscopy. I'm 32 years old. Healthy. And I appear, to have nothing wrong with me. In today's world, that gives the insurance company, all rights to say no. No to my screening. Until I'm 50 years old.

It's crazy. The doctors in my corner, are all fighting for me. Just so I have a better chance at life. A sense of ease. With knowing, if I am a true risk, or not. But with a HUGE list, of people waiting for colonoscopies, and just to see GI doctors....I know I have an uphill battle.

So here are my thoughts. Our health, is in our own hands. If we don't fight for ourselves, who will? It took my Dad, almost 3 1/2 years, to receive a colonoscopy. And he was sick. Hospitalized many times. For weeks, at a time. He had ALL the signs, of colon cancer.

For me, the relatively healthy young adult...must fight. And if this is what I have to turn to, well I'll be going to my doctor. Asking for a prescription. And you know what? I'm thankful, to have something like this, to lean on. At least, it gives me, a fighting chance. ❤❤❤

2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser

I wanted to share a little more, about our plans. For our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk. This year, we've had more time, to plan. And to get things together. I've also asked, more people to help out.

First and foremost, we will have a 5K Fun Run/Walk. On April 23, 2016. At the Valle Del Bosque Park. Located at Sunset and Sunset Gardens SW. It comes out to, 4 times, around the trail. The entry fee is $25. Which will include a t-shirt.

Next, we will be having a Car Show. Same location. Again, the registration is $25. And will also include a t-shirt. And one voting ticket. We will be selling tickets, to vote on people's favorite car. For $1. And will have a 1st place prize.

There will also be food for sale. Hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos, frito pie, desserts, drinks, and snacks. We are asking for help, on the day of, to cook. Also to set up, and tear down.

My Mom and I, will also be hosting a sale. Where we will be selling the items we collect. And also our craft items. With the money going towards our scholarship fund.

Lastly, we'll be hosting a raffle. I am making a blanket. And we have begun to collect items, from the community. Gift cards, donated items, and such. With the tickets costing $2.

If there is anything, that you are interested in helping out with, please let me know. Volunteering on the day off. Advertising. Collecting items for us. Donating items. Helping to organize the event. If you would like to participate, let me know. You can always contact me here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), and on Facebook.

And of course, feel free to spread the word. It's the only way, we will make this event, a success! Please share this post on your social media. And if you know of anyone, that is interested in donating items, please let me know. Happy Friday! ❤❤❤   

Show Your Support

There is so much, that goes on in March. But the one thing I ask all of you, is to show your support. Please, sport your colors, this month. It matters. It makes a difference in people's lives. When they see you, sporting their colors.

This month, is Colon Cancer Awareness month. And I ask you, to not just wear blue, this Friday. But every Friday, in March. It's a small gesture, but one that means a lot. To so many people, that are fighting colon cancer. Who are survivors, family, and friends. Also, to me.

 

I will be sporting my blue, all month long. And thinking about my Daddy. And his fight, against this disease. Please, show your love. You are more than welcome, to post to social media, and tag your posts #LoveForBlue. I'd LOVE to see your pictures! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

I don't know, if I've ever mentioned this before, but my Dad also had epilepsy. For over 60 years, my Dad lived this disease. He NEVER let it stop him, from doing what he needed to. He worked, he lived life, and he learned over time, how to live with seizures.

March 26th, is Epilepsy Awareness Day. This is another disease, that I'm passionate about. Mostly, because I watched my Dad, for my entire life. At a young age, I learned how to take care of him. When he had seizures. I learned the pattern. What was needed. And how to care for him.

As an adult, I've learned even more. Including my risk factors. And the possible risks, for any future children. I'm very passionate about this illness. For all the suffering, that I've seen. For the way, most people don't understand it. And for the way, it would crush my Dad, every single time...that he had a seizure.

For this month, I'll be sporting purple. Every single Monday, in March. And I hope you do the same. Know that this is a tough disease too. It's one, that often times, is silent. People, like my Dad, try to maintain their disease. They take their medication, try to keep stress at bay, and go to the doctor regularly. But it's not a disease, that can really be controlled.

It's embarrassing, many times, for the person who suffers from epilepsy. They struggle. Seizures come, when they least expect it. In places, they'd never expect. And they have no control. Not of their body. Not of their seizure. Many people don't know how to react. Make fun of, the person having the seizure. Take advantage of them. Steal from them.

This month, I ask that you take the time, to remember these people. There is not a lot of "support" behind the disease. You don't hear of people organizing runs, fundraisers, and the such. But I ask you, to have compassion. More than anything at all. Be understanding. Be kind.

Unlike most "Wishful Wednesdays," this one is about support. Not in terms of items, or money. But in terms of, being kind. Being thoughtful. And being supportive. Choose a blue or purple shirt. Wear it. Proudly. And I'm sure, someone you least expect, will be touched. That there is some support out there, for them! ❤❤❤

Dress in Blue Day

Today, is Dress in Blue Day. The day, when we ask you, to sport your favorite blue outfit. Why? To support those people, battling Colon Cancer. Showing them, and their loved ones, that you support them. And their cause. That they, matter.

 

I'll be the first one, to tell you, before my Dad was diagnosed...I didn't know about this. But now that I do, I'm wearing my blue. And asking you to, as well. It's very important. To all those people, touched by Colon Cancer. The patients, family, friends, caregivers, and medical team.

Because the harsh reality is, colon cancer, is on the rise. It's not rallied behind, like breast cancer. you don't see HUGE fundraising efforts made. Corporate companies aren't making Colon Cancer items. And selling them in your local Wal-Mart, Target, and Walgreen's. But the numbers are growing. And we need to be supportive, of the people battling this disease. ❤❤❤