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! ❤❤❤

Thank You!!!

Weeks ago, when I loaded up our crafts, for our First Growers' Market...I never realized, how much support we'd get. Saturday, was our last day, of the season. And as I look back on these few weeks, I realize that you guys, made it a success!

I can't even begin to tell you, how many people, came out to support us. Even on the cold days. Like Saturday. I'd see smiling faces. I'd take orders. I'd sell items. There were new people to meet. Old faces, to reminisce with. It was a joy!

So many of the nurses, that we'd gotten to know. They supported us, each and every week. They'd bring me a warm drink. Or a snack. They'd come to share stories with me. About my Dad. And they'd purchase items from us.

 

And all those early mornings, in the cold, were well worth it! We did so much fundraising. Spread our message. And touched many hearts. I feel blessed. To know, that people are supportive. As passionate, as I am. About our cause. And remember my Daddy. With love, in their hearts.

This entire journey, is for him. My Daddy. My Hero. And now, my Angel. We started this foundation, together. And I will carry it, for him. I will continue his work. Will try to reach his goals. And work hard, to make his dreams, come true.

I thought of my Daddy, every single morning. As I unloaded boxes, tables, and that tent. Well before, the sun had rose. It wasn't all bad. I had so much fun too. First and foremost, getting our message out. Raising money. And meeting new people.

The other vendors, were amazing! From the very first day! They welcomed me, and our cause, with open arms. They made a difference in my life. Helped to sell our goods. Spread the word. Helped me, to find, other places to sell. And were just kind. Thank You, to any of you, who are reading this. It doesn't seem like enough. But Thank You!

You see, these people became my friends. I looked forward to seeing them, every week. And talking to them. We shared food. Lots of food! Funny stories. And they ALWAYS sent me home, with fresh produce. More than anything, I enjoyed their company.

It's during these difficult times, that God sends us, the people we need. He makes sure, that we have, support. And love. I'm grateful, for all of it. And for the ability, to raise money. For our cause. To continue to work toward, our goals. And I look forward, to next season. All the amazing people. And the many people, we can reach, with our message! ❤❤❤

The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Our last BIG Announcement, is the one I'm most proud of. The one, that I've worked hardest, over the last few months, to be able to offer. The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Scholarship Fund. For $500. To be awarded, to a 2015-2016 APS graduating Senior.

I've talked about it, here and here. How my Dad's passion, was with the youth of his community. How he, wanted them to succeed. In so many ways, he did his best, to see that happen. Donating buses, money, and time...to these students.

Here's a little background. My Dad, only had an eighth grade education. He left school, to help support his family. Blue was the eldest son, in his family, of thirteen kids. Later in his life, he'd regret not going further in school. But he'd never let that, hold him back.

Blue was passionate about education. I knew that first hand. As his daughter, my first and only priority growing up, was my education. All the other activities, that I was involved in, came second to my education.

My Dad told me many times, he wished he would have finished school. At least 12th grade. But his education, took him far in life. He was a successful business owner, for 45 years. What he didn't know, he'd seek out. He'd ask people. And would learn along the way. In his words, "I learned in the school of hard knocks. I don't want that for you. Or for all these other kids."

Years ago, during my freshman year in college, my Dad and I talked about his legacy. What he wanted to be remembered for. What he wanted to leave behind. 14 years ago, I promised my Dad, that I'd do this for him. I'd put together a scholarship fund, in his name. To benefit his community. And honor his lifetime of service.

Maybe that's the reason, I'm most passionate, about this scholarship. I see how far, my Dad, went in his life. On his eighth grade education. And I can only imagine, how far he could have gone, on a college education.

In my heart, I know his success, was based off of will. Pure will, to do better, in his life. But education, would have also allowed more. And he always knew that fact. It's probably the reason, he pushed me, so far in life.

During my time in school, I had many opportunities to attend private schools. And later, private colleges. But my Dad's community, was central to his life. And he believed, in public education. And I'm so glad he did. I'm a proud graduate of New Mexico schools. I'm very proud to say, that I received my first two degrees, from a New Mexico University.

 

Education is a gift. Truly, I believe this. My Dad, single handed, gave me this gift. He valued education. And taught me, how to value it as well. I'll ALWAYS be grateful, to my Dad, for this. For valuing what I learned, every single day, in school. For making books, such a beautiful gift. For realizing, education was my gateway, to a better life.

It's the one thing in life, that people can't ever take away from me. What I've learned. My academic achievements. Those experiences. I'm so grateful, and thankful, to my Dad...for the education I've received. It will ALWAYS be with me. And I'm so proud, to make my Dad's vision, come to life!

Our scholarship is open to all APS graduating seniors. With a 3.0GPA, 20 hours of community service, and who will be attending a New Mexico University in Fall 2016. I've sent applications out, to the APS High Schools. But if you are in need of one, please feel free to contact me here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Our deadline is, May 1, 2016.

I'm so honored and proud, about the Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship. And I look forward to reading all the applications. And hopefully, making a positive influence, on someone's life.

Please pass this information along. We'd LOVE to reach as many students as possible. After all, it was Blue's vision, to see all kids have the opportunity, of a college education. No matter their background, their financial situation, or the fact that they attended an APS school. He wanted all the children in Albuquerque, to have the same opportunities. ❤❤❤

6 Months

It's been six months, since we went public, with our Love for Blue Fundraiser. So much has happened in the last six months. When we began, we had hopes of giving back to the hospital, where my Dad was receiving treatment. Possibly raising money, to donate to research. Maybe helping a family or two, on this journey.

In the last six months, we've changed direction slightly. Still, our ultimate goal is to donate to the Presbyterian Cancer Center, the Cancer Services of New Mexico, and of course...for research in colon cancer. We'd like to add some items of comfort, to the hospital and cancer center. Eventually, we'd like to sponsor a family, for the biannual retreat, that the CSNM hosts. By covering 100% of the cost. And we'd like to know, that some of the money we raise, will go to finding a cure, for this horrible disease. But over the next few days, I will share with you, what my Mom and I plan.

And of course, I will need your help. In many ways. Promoting our next endeavor. Helping us to raise money. And continuing, to do the work, that my Dad was unable to complete. Stay tuned, and check back all week. We have some exciting news! ❤❤❤

Please Wear Blue

As difficult, as the last few days have been, we are trying to find the bright spots. And we are asking everyone, that is attending my Dad's services, to wear blue. We don't want to look at his passing, with such heavy hearts. It is a difficult time. The most difficult, that I've ever experienced.

But weeks ago, my Dad asked me, to make sure his services...were a "Celebration of His Life." And that is what I'm asking you. To think of the good times, your good memories, and my Dad's accomplishments. Think of all the joy, that my Dad brought you. There will always be time to mourn. Let these few days, be a "Celebration of Life."

I say this, because funerals are always difficult. There are many tears to be shed. It's heartbreaking, to say goodbye, to your loved one. But for my Dad, we want it to be different. We want people to remember the good times. It's what he wanted. It's what he asked for. And it's what, I'm going to try and give him.

It doesn't matter the color of blue. We just want, to paint the church blue. Because he was Blue. Because he battled colon cancer, with everything he had. And because, we love him. I hope that you, will join us. And that you will spread the word.

During these difficult days, it's the one thing, that can make a person smile. I'm not looking forward to my Daddy's services. But I know, I will feel the comfort, looking out at a "Sea of Blue." And I know, my Daddy, will be smiling down from Heaven. ❤❤❤

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. ❤❤❤

Love For Blue

Hey guys! If you are here, you are probably friends or family...of my Dad's. Blue. Today is his 82nd Birthday! And we feel so blessed, to share another year with him!

So far, 2015...has been tough. We've definitely spent more time, in the hospital, than at home. But what can you say? We're fighting for the man we love. And nothing will stop us!

But why are you here? A while back, my Dad starting talking. About his good friend, Patrick. And the work that he and his family started. It really has gotten my Dad thinking, after spending a month, during the holidays, in the hospital. And all that we have been blessed with. He wants to start a foundation.

Our idea is, to model it around, "paying it forward." We want to give back to our community. And show the love, that we've been shown. We know that we are very fortunate, to be by my Dad's side. All the time. That he doesn't have to be alone. And as a family, we can fight this together.

But along our journey, we've met many families, that are not as fortunate. Families that struggle, just to visit their loved ones. Families that sleep on the floor, in the hospital waiting rooms. Just so they can visit on the weekend. We've met so many people, traveling a similar journey.

Our hospital staff, has been AMAZING! Thank You Presbyterian! From the oncology unit, to the staff at the chemo office, the staff at the radiation center, the staff at Rehab, and our Homecare Team. They are the best!

But like I said, we know, we are very fortunate. Not many people, have the same resources. We are blessed. And even some of the people that we see at radiation, chemo, or the hospital...they are traveling a much more difficult path.

So with all of that being said, our first goals are...to pay it forward. To help those people, that need assistance. The families traveling hundreds of miles, to get care. Or to visit. The people we see struggling, who need assistance, of some sort.

With all of that being said, we are kicking off our fundraising, with a 5K Fun Run/Walk on April 25, 2015. My Dad was first diagnosed with Colon Cancer on April 28, 2014. My Dad wants the fundraiser, to be a celebration. To say, "Hey, I've got colon cancer. But I'm fighting it. I want to live! And I want to give back. I want to make it easier, for the next family."

So we hope to see you then! Bright and early, at 7AM. Ready to run or walk around Valle del Bosque Park. We will be charging a $25 fee. And you will receive a "Love for Blue" t-shirt. You can sign up, on the morning of the 5K Run. And you can also purchase t-shirts, or make donations here. Thanks everyone! Let's make our 1st Annual Love for Blue Event a special one! ❤❤❤