It's been a while since my last update, but I didn't have much news to share until now. My last post was about getting genetic testing done and I don't have much news about that except that they are in the process of getting my insurance to authorize the testing. I found out that even if my insurance does NOT okay the testing, it will only cost me $100 out of pocket...so I should be able to get it done either way.
I am planning on participating in the Race for the Cure on April 12, 2014 in downtown Indianapolis this year. I have created a team of my own called Brittney's Beauties. I would love for anyone and everyone, male or female to join my team. You can either join me in person on April 12th and walk with me ($35 registration, 5k) or if that doesn't suit you, you can make a donation to my team. I pledged to raise $500 for my team and I'm hoping to get at least 10 members, so that each member will raise $50. I have participated in this race three other times, supporting my mother's friend, but this will be my first year walking as a survivor and I am SUPER EXCITED!!! Please support me in whatever way you can. Go here to donate to my team (click on donate to team and search for Brittney's Beauties). Go here to register for the race and my team (click on join an existing team and search my team name).
Several months ago my nurse sent me paperwork on a couple different Breast Cancer Foundations that assist breast cancer patients with their needs. I filled out the paperwork, sent it in and didn't think much of it, as it was a few weeks before my surgery. Then, two weeks ago I received a call from both foundations in the same week. The first foundation is I.W.I.N (website), based in Indianapolis. I received a $250 grant from them. I will be using half of it to hire a house cleaning service and the other half was sent to me as a grocery gift card. The second foundation is the Megan S. Ott Foundation (website), based in Noblesville. This foundation is so unique and wonderful. They assign two ladies to each recipient, who then meet with you and take you out to dinner. During this meeting, they tell you all about the foundation and who Megan was, they give a giant basket of cancer goodies, and they discuss with you what your needs are. This organization is giving me a sizable donation that will allow me to take a trip. Once I learned of what other recipients had used their money for, I knew instantly what I wanted to use my money for. My parents have been my major support system throughout my cancer journey and without them I wouldn't have made it through the struggle. I wanted to repay them for all they did for me, and with this generous gift I knew just the perfect way. I have been telling my parents for a few months that I wanted to celebrate the end of my cancer journey in someway this summer, when everything is completed in May. So.....with the help of this organization, we are taking a trip to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK!!! We are sooo excited and cannot wait! We started planning immediately :) I think this will be an amazing way to both celebrate the end of my cancer journey and repay my parents for all they did for me.
I have a friend who is also going through breast cancer right now and she was also a recipient of the I.W.I.N. Foundation. They are having a Pink Pajama Party this month as their fundraiser. They sent her 2 tickets to go and bring a guest. She invited me as her guest! So, I'm really looking forward to that. It will be the weekend after my birthday! Yea!
I'm so excited for all the upcoming opportunities. Lots more pictures and blog posts to come.
