Remember the Walk

I thought this was fun. I got this email from the Fargo YMCA this week. We participated in this event last year, And here's my little family [top picture on the flyer] on the advertising for this year's Walk. We're so cute!!! Too bad we weren't in Fargo to participate.

Join us for the Red River Valley Breast Cancer Walk 2013! Formally the Fargo-Moorhead Breast Cancer Walk and the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, we have now united to strengthen our impact on the community and the movement!    Sunday, September 29 | Scheels Arena    Schedule of Events: 11:00 - Registration, Activities, Games and Bouncy Houses 12:30 - Fashion Show featuring beautiful survivors of cancer - Z-Bo "Unique Traveling Boutique" 1:00 - Opening Ceremonies and Walk begins 2:30 - Guest Speaker- Kathy Honey Murphy 3:00 - Closing, Walk and Event Ends  Registration: There is no charge to walk, however individuals and teams are encouraged to participate in fundraising efforts for the walk and support the two causes.   Rally your team - grab your friends and family and sign up a team today! When you register online you can set up a fundraising webpage, making it easy to spread the word and get donations.   (Registration and fundraising packets are also available at either YMCA location.) Funds Support: The Red River Valley Breast Cancer Walk is unique in the fact that the proceeds benefit both local and national wellness and research programs. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA - A free program that builds strength and self-confidence in cancer survivors.     More information American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer  More Information For more information or to register, visit us online at rrvbreastcancerwalk.org.

Volunteering at the Run or Dye

Since my diagnosis, I've had several of opportunities here in Fargo to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Events. One of my favorites has been the Run or Dye. ***At Run or Dye, you get showered with safe, eco-friendly, powdered dye all throughout the 5K course...turning you into a technicolor canvass of fun! *** I think it was my favorite because it was something I got to do with my family.

I'll just copy the day's events from my Family Blog:

The members of this Seamons Family are NOT runners!!! But this particular Run or Dye teamed up with Fargo's YMCA to help fund the local LiveStrong Program. The Livestrong Program has changed my life. I am extremely grateful (and continue to be because of the very generous discount my family receives at the Y for the next year for completing program). I have wanted to be able to give back somehow and this looks like their last big event before we leave. But instead of running, my family and I decided to volunteer.
Unfortunately, that entailed being at the Fairgrounds at 6:45 AM. Holy Moly! That is WAY early for our family. But they were all quite the troopers. Lucky for us, we live 3 minutes away and got to park in a special Volunteer parking lot. They did feed us donuts and we all got a Run or Dye T-shirt so people would know we were volunteers. We were excited to see Katelyn and get a picture with her. [She was my LiveStrong Trainer and we LOVE her!]
Then, we joined Volunteer Team 9 which was assigned to handing out Waters at the Finish Line. Our team was great! They were way friendly with the kids. We had a lot of fun and really had the best seat in the house for the race. It was awesome! Liberty and Dad handed out waters at the finish line the entire time. (like from 9-12) The other kids helped keep waters stocked, painted each other and helped clean up. I was way proud of everyone for being willing to serve so early and so long!

Run or Dye's signature quality is the color dye they throw at the crowd before, during and after the race. Right next to the finish line, they had a stage for the After Party. They played music, danced and did lots of "Color Throws". Because we volunteered right there by the stage, we got to see and participate in a lot of them. They were crazy!!! So gorgeous at the beginning and then a big huge cloud of dust for several seconds after. *Cough*Choke*Blindness*LOL* And then of course.... being covered in color. Lots of fun!

One of the ladies in our volunteer group had bought the kids each a packet of dye. They spent hours painting each other and throwing dye. We will be lucky if we ever get all the color out of the girl's hair! LOL By the end, we were all covered. We even got Katelyn to stay with us for the last Color Throw. So fun!

We definitely had one Color-rific Day!

Thanks Run or Dye & LiveStrong!

3rd Annual SUPPORT THE GIRLs Fundraiser

I received an email a while back from Lisa V, one of the Breast Friends Support Group founders asking for volunteers for their annual fundraiser. I haven't gone to the group much and am not planning on going to the conference that the fundraiser is helping pay for so wasn't sure if I wanted to go. But I'm always looking for some kind of Adventure to blog about. LOL
I ended up signing up to help at the admission table for a couple hours. Then I called KBro and begged (OK... Maybe I didn't quite make it to the begging stage) her to come with me. It's been a long time since we have had a Cancer Date together so she agreed. Yeah!
It was a windy, freezing' night but after stopping by the bar (oops! Wrong place) and making our own parking space close to the Speedway Event Center door, we braved the temp to make it inside. It was fun to see people I recognized. First, KBro and I checked out the place- all the silent auction tables, the Boobie Shop, the raffle drawing table and the food. Then, we got a quick training on our duties for the evening. It was our job to sit at the table by the front door, visit, smile, welcome people and collect money. We were awesome at it!

While we were there, I bid on a couple of things, bought a raffle ticket, and got a few fun things at the Boobie Shop. I love themed things!! How cute are these things?

We also got to eat a bite of dinner and listen to the Front Fenders band! And we were even out of there before everyone got sloshed. (There was a bar in the corner) When we finished up our shift, we went out to Applebee's afterwards. I always love hanging out and chatted with my best Fargo girlfriend. With her youngest (but not for long LOL) in school we haven't hung out as much as we have in the past. I didn't realize how much I've missed her. Thanks lady for joining me in my cancer adventure this evening. You're awesome!!

Oh.... The next day, I got a call to say I had won one of the Silent Auction baskets.  Lucky day! Someone dropped it off to me. It's full of BC-themed items! So fun!

Support the Girls Program for the evening:

Embrace: Bottles of Hope

Every time I have been up to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, I have seen this cute little bottle display on the wall. Although I have adored it from afar, I don't think I've ever stopped by and figured out what they were because it's down the hall where the nurses come to pick you up for your appointment. By the time you've spent your fair share of time in the waiting room and the nurse finally calls you back and weighs you, looking at clay bottles (despite how cute they are) on the wall isn't you're priority.  Until... today! I was actually checking in for my 10th Herceptin drip when they had a little promotion for them on the check-in desk. I read it and it sparked my interest. The nurse told me that I was welcome to pick one out. What? You mean I get to have one???? Holy cow! Awesome! Add that to my list of Cancer perks!!! LOL

Bottles of Hope are glass medicine bottles decorated with polymer clay and given to cancer patients as a sign of hope and comfort. You can join us in making and giving these bottles to Sanford cancer patients. It’s easy and everyone is welcome!

Bottles of Hope – Join Us in Inspiring Cancer Patients

The Bottles of Hope project was started in 1999 by Diane Gregoire, a cancer survivor and polymer clay artist in Rhode Island. It has since spread internationally and is a meaningful, easy way to help bring comfort and hope to patients as they undergo cancer therapy.
“I was actually getting a chemo treatment at the Woman and Infant's Breast Health Center and playing with my clay. On the days of getting TAXOL I was there for 6 to 7 hours every week, and I noticed that the nurses threw away tons of small, glass medication bottles,” Diane writes on her website. “After making sure they were non-toxic, I took some home, covered them with clay and made tops for them. When I brought them back in for the nurses, they loved them and so did some of the patients who saw me making them. They seemed fascinated with the clay and the colors, and for a while, they made people forget where they were. I started giving them away to the friends I had made at the center and called them "Wish Bottles."
Diane had no idea how a simple act would inspire thousands of patients around the world, including patients at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo and the Sanford Cancer Center in Sioux Falls.
“I told my friends to just make a wish, write it down and put it in the bottle, and it would come true. I don't know why, but we all just believed this... maybe because we just wanted to, or that it was something to hold on to. It brought together - for one moment - women sharing pain without having to speak about it,” Diane writes.
The bottles are cleaned, covered with clay and can be sculpted, textured, blended or stamped to create unique pieces of art. Then they are baked and can be painted. Each bottle is an individual expression of hope and love and are gifted to Sanford patients. Cancer patients can also make Bottles of Hope for themselves and others.
To learn more about how you can participate, call (605) 328-6050 or (701) 234-7587.

I was so excited to pick one! Let me tell you though. It's not as easy as it sounds. There are so many to choose from. I spent my entire time until the nurse came to get me trying to pick one out. Even then I decided to think about it and choose one after my appointment. Seriously- I could have taken 4 or 5 home if they would have let me! There was some really fun red ones- cuz RED is my favorite color, you know. There was some ones that I thought would look good in my china hutch in the front room. There were some red, white and blue ones.... do I need to say why those would be great?? LOL Some had the cutest HOPE word stamped on them. And a couple had some pink on them but non that called my name. Decisions. Decisions.

So after picking up tons of them, this is the one I choose. I love it because it looks like the bottle is being all wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Something every Cancer patient needs! ;) Second, it was the only one that had a few "fancy" things added to it. [even if they are just tiny beads] That's so me-- take the idea and add a little flare. Luv it! Finally, it's a beautiful rainbow. Fitting for my wish! I HOPE it serves as a reminder that THIS (cancer) won't ever happen again! ;) I LOVE it!!!! Thanks you, Embrace!

Work-out Freak

A common phrase around our home lately is... "What have you done with my wife?" LOL Since starting the LiveStrong Program 6 weeks ago, I have become a Work-Out Freak! For the past 16 years of our marriage, I have "worked-out" less than a handful of times. [I seriously can probably count them on one hand] Many times over the years, Brett has been known to say, "All I want for my birthday is for you to work out with me." Unfortunately, he usually got Peeps and a box of cereal instead. ;)
BUT... Now I work out on Monday and Wednesday with my LiveSTRONG Group. Then I do either a Pilates or Zumba class once a week. On top of that, I have had the family start going to "work-out" every Friday night for our Family Fun night. I LOVE trying all the new things and getting other people to go do them with me. It's invigorating! So far, I've tried an Aquatics Aerobics class, a Cycling class (almost died, btw), Zumba, Circut Training, Cardio & Weight Training, Yoga, the treadmill, the bikes, the Elliptical and the NuStep. We're scheduled to soon try the Stair Stepper, Pilates, Body Pump, Body Flow and Cardio AM. Can't wait! Yeah!
Now don't get me wrong- I still do not like to sweat! (and for the record, Robbie and I "glow" not sweat! LOL) And I still have a few not-very-nice things to say under my breathe to my trainer, Katelyn when she moves the weights from 25 to 75 on the Leg Press. We just love her INSANE enthusiasm for working out! LOL But I can't even believe that I LOVE to work out!
Here's to trying out EVERYTHING @ the YMCA! Go LiveSTRONG!

Bras on Broadway

I think I mentioned it before but it still shocks me how I never paid attention to Breast Cancer Events before being diagnosed. Where was I? LOL Especially during the month of October, they are everywhere! One here in Fargo that is really popular is called Bras on Broadway! This is their 7th year doing the event. 

For the Cause
Bras on Broadway supports those in our area fighting breast cancer by providing accommodations, gas cards and wigs. Last year, Bras on Broadway donated more than $102,000 to the American Cancer Society. More than $264,000 has been donated in its first six years.
Supporting the Fight
Throughout the month of October, teams and individuals raise money by collecting old bras and monetary donations to support the efforts of Bras on Broadway.  Any old bra and a minimum $5 donation helps create the Bra Garland that is strung the week of October 22 on the Hotel Davidson building in support of breast cancer awareness month.  Learn more about supporting the fight at the Join the Fight tab.
Bras on Broadway Event
Join us Thursday, October 25, 2012 for the Seventh Annual Bras on Broadway. Local hearts and local art come together to raise money for those in our area fighting breast cancer.

My Breast Cancer Support Group started a team and I wanted to participate in some way. I had actually just gathered together a bunch of my old bras to throw away. (I have no use for them anymore ;) Perfect timing! I was excited to be able to donate them (rather than throw them away) and give a bit of money for the cause. I love it when my stuff I get rid of- finds a new home! Yeah!

They also had a Bra Decorating night which I forgot about. It would have been fun to go to. Bummer! Maybe I'll do that next time!? They took the bras that were donated and "fancied" them all up. That sounds like my kind of thing!

Although I didn't make it to the Decorating Night or to the Thursday night Bras on Broadway event at the HoDo (it's a huge event with appetizers  an auction and bra models- and costs about $80 a ticket to attend), I wanted to make sure I went and checked out the Bra Garland hung from the Hotel Davidson. Glory stopped by with me to check it out! So neat! The bras covered 3 sides of the building. How awesome is that??? Go FM area!!!

What a fun Breast Cancer event!! I was glad that I got to participate a tiny bit in it!
Here's the EMAIL our Support Group received from Lisa (Co-founder of the FM Breast Friends Support Group) after the event:

Ladies-
Just wanted to thank everyone for helping FM Breast Friends team raise $4300.  To those of you who attended the show, thank you for your support.  Your cheers were incredible.   Thank you to our courageous bra models this year, Abby, Alishia, Judy and Janell.  You girls were amazing!   A Big congrats to Janell for getting a $1000 bid on her bra, I believe this will be the highest bid in bras on broadway history.   woot woot!  
It hasn't been confirmed by the HoDo but I'm pretty sure the FM Breast Friends team won a party at the HoDo for coming in second in total team donations, only to be beaten by team Miracle on 25th who beat us last year (Janell, you know how I hate to lose but it all goes to the same cause).
I talked with Karen Stoker (owner of the HoDo) and she is really wanting to have more breast cancer survivors in the bra auction so keep that thought in mind for next year.
Thanks Again! -Lisa

 Go FM Breast Friend Girls!!! So awesome!

FM Breast Cancer Walk

Even with my "little" bit of Cancer, I wanted to figure out how to be part of the Breast Cancer Survivor Family. Well, it just so happened that up at the YMCA, they recently started promoting the  

http://fmbreastcancerwalk.org/

"Walkers will unite to raise awareness and funds for those affected by breast cancer, whether as a survivor or supporter. This three-mile walk will begin and end at West Acres Shopping Center." The proceeds from the Walk benefit LiveSTRONG at the YMCA and the Breast cancer Research Foundation. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity of participating in the LiveSTRONG program that I decided I wanted my family to be a part of the Walk. So we signed us up!

Of course, our family is always up for "Festive" dressing. Today was no different! We got PINK shirts as part of the Walker's fee but we also wore pink hats, pink shoelaces, Breast Cancer earrings, a pink Beauty Queen sash, pink boas and pink ribbon face tattoos  How cute are we??? We were told by one of the photographers that we were the best dressed family there! Modesty aside... I know! ;)

As soon as we signed in, found the Stephens (thanks guys for doing this with us!) and got our T-shirts, the kids ran to find Katelyn. They adore her! We took the chance to snap a picture with her. Oh my heavens- we are a good-lookin' crew!

Along with taking of our own pictures, there were a few Radio Stations at the Event. A couple of them took pictures of our group or family. We even made it onto the Popster 104.7fm website. Fun! Check us out here under "Loving Dad's Pink Hat" and "Mother's Day Crafts": 

http://www.1047popsterfm.com/powergallery/galleries/grid_lightbox/index.php?gallery=49;theme=light

We got to the Event a little early so we could "enjoy a variety of activities including games, stroller decorating, frame and button making, posing with your friend and family at our photo booth", and getting treats! The kids had a blast!

We tried to meet up with our LiveSTRONG buddies to get a group shot. Katelyn had to go out for the opening ceremony so we let her skip out. Caleb was M.I.A. as usual. LOL Nicole was at a Viking game with her boyfriend. Kiona was still sleeping. Jennifer never picked up her phone (good job, lady! LOL) but we did find Denise! Go Denise! So here's the group shot we got! I absolutely LOVE it! We are so funny!

http://www.memories-online.net/BreastCancerWalk2012 password: YMCA

Then it was time for the FM Breast Cancer Walk to begin! We went out for the end of the Opening Ceremony. They had a Survivor share her story and then we were off! Everyone walked through the archway decorated by Bras on Broadway and headed down the route. Our little group was the back of the pack. Partly because the boys were playing football in the Mall parking lot beforehand and mostly because we are very slow walkers! OR we could blame it on the 6 children. Whichever works for you! Joshua just said it was cuz we are "UNIQUE". LOL I love it! We did meet up with Denise somewhere along the trail so we got to cross the finish line with her and take a picture of all of us! Way to go, everyone! Awesome job!

Being the Walker caboose didn't have all disadvantages. Somehow we missed the sign directing us to the "shorter" version of the walk. Oops! So we decided to blaze our own trail aka "make up our own shortcuts" along the way. We cut across a couple fields and a playground. LOL It worked out good though cuz the little ones were dragging by the end and Robbie's feet were thanking us for shortening the trail!

Along the Walk route, we snapped a shot by a TEAM SHAY sign they had put up for the event! How fun! We even got to bring the sign home afterwards. Thanks again to the Stephens for participating with us! It was way fun to spend time with you! You guys are awesome friends!

Here's our cute PINK, Breast Cancer shoelaces! So fun!

Last but certainly NOT least, I had to share some pictures I got with my LiveSTRONG buddies! First, Robbie has been such an amazing Cancer Supporter for me. She has been there every step of the way. Thanks lady! Sure luv ya! You are awesome! Next, Denise walked in a Cancer Walk yesterday so she didn't think she'd make it to this one but at the last minute decided to come. I'm so glad she did! Robbie, Denise and I got to take a picture with BOB. So funny! Denise is such a great woman and a fellow Breast cancer Survivor! We got to chat quite a bit about our treatments while we walked. (She got to do part of her treatment in Hawaii!!! So fun for her but totally not fair! LOL) Then, just as we were leaving (in fact we were all in the van and I ran back in to get my TEAM SHAY sign), I ran into Jennifer and Denise. We decided to find Katelyn and grab a picture. AND get this--- Caleb was actually there! It's a miracle! So we got a fun group shot! The Cancer Survivors and our Trainers. How awesome is that????

What a fun day! I'm so glad we decided to participate! Thanks to Katelyn and all the YMCA staff that put in all the hard work to organized the Event. We loved it!
More of of Katelyn's Livestrong Pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/111503550070915712854/albums/5785086979850704113?banner=pwa

Party in Pink

Back in  May, I went to my first meeting with the FM Breast Friends Support Group. It was a good experience but then... life diagnosed with breast cancer happened. I haven't been able to make it back until now. Tonight, Shawn Roehrich (Justice's last year teacher) picked me up and we headed uptown to the the HoDo Restaurant for a Party in Pink. The FM/BF group won a party at last year's Bras on Broadway event and saved it for now. In place of their monthly meeting, Pam and Lisa (co-founders of the group) wanted us to be able to get-together and enjoy each other and our survivorship  I was able to meet a couple more people so I'm glad I went. Thanks Shawn for going with me. It meant a lot!

CELEBRATION OF SURVIVORS!

Host : FM Breast Friends Support Group

When : Wednesday, October 3 at 6:00 PM

Where : Ho Do Lounge - Stokers Room

             101 Broadway

             Fargo, ND 58102

Message From Host : 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a chance to Celebrate our status of Survivors! . We will not be having a Support Group Meeting in October - instead we have decided to treat you to a night and a chance to enjoy each other and Embrace the friendships that we share!

We hope all of you will join us for a fun night! Please wear Pink - we will be having a photograph taken at 6:45 pm   

They had a bar with a group tab and some amazing appetizers. Being almost the only one NOT drinking, I ordered a pitcher of lemonade. Which Shawn and I teased that they must have freshly squeezed since it took forever for them to get it! Who knew I could be such a difficult non-drinker! LOL All the ladies were so much fun to visit with. It is awesome to be able to swap stories with those that have experienced similar life adventures. 

We also got some group pictures. It was a lot of fun! Here's everyone in the group that made it up this evening. 

I'll POST this one when they send it out!

Then we did SURVIVOR pictures. There were too many of us so we broke up in smaller groups. Here's those of us that are 2 years and under Survivors! Aren't we cute?! 

LiveStrong Brochure

I have been really enjoying the LiveSTRONG Program at the YMCA. It has been fun to be brave enough to  go to the gym and get this--- actually workout! Wow! Are you surprised???? Can you believe that I just said it has been fun to work out! There must be something seriously wrong with me. OR maybe there's finally something seriously right with me. LOL
I have made some amazing friends in the Program. It's been a lot of fun to have October be Breast Cancer Awareness Month because it has given us many excuses to get together at the events. [And yes- I know it's only the beginning of the month] It feels like I am going to them with a big group of friends. I love it!
Also, our little group had the opportunity to help update the Fargo YMCA LiveSTRONG brochure. At one of our sessions, we took a little time to have the marketing director take pictures of us. We had a blast! We smiled, hugged, threw leaves at each other, hiked to the river in the freakin' cold, and even took some in the weight room. So much fun! But then again- I'm always up for having a camera around. It made my day!
Here's what the new brochure looks like. Isn't it so beautimus? Our whole group is on the back in the leaves including our amazing Trainer, Katelyn and our fun intern, Nicole. On the front, Katelyn's encouraging Denise and Jennifer to step it up and go faster on the bikes. (She's so mean! LOL) Then in the inside, there I am working out! See- there's even proof! Go me!
I'm so glad Robbie talked me into signing up and being brave enough herself to go with me. You are awesome! Wouldn't want to "GLOW" with anyone else. Luv ya, lady!

Here's some of the other fun shots we got during our photo shoot. Aren't we so cute?

 We went out to Island Park where we threw leaves in the air.

And then threw leaves at each other!

Then we walked over to the Red River. Nicole stuck her foot in the water. Silly girl!

Back in the weight room, Katelyn was such a hoot. She's such a great motivator and a ham for the camera. She should be a model. LOL We love her!

https://picasaweb.google.com/111503550070915712854/YMCA?locked=true#

What a fun experience! Thanks Katelyn for letting us be a part of it!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's amazing to me how easily things can escape your attention until you are forced to see them up-close and personal. For example, it can be as simple as deciding to buy  a certain kind of car. Then all of a sudden noticing them on every street and in every parking lot. I'm sure something like that has happened to you before, right? OR it can be as complicated as seeing PINK in every direction during the month of October after you are diagnosed with Breast Cancer. (Today is actually 6 months from my diagnosis. Can you believe that?)
I'm not completely blind so I'm sure I had seen PINK things in prior years but it had never crossed my mind that I should stop and contemplate what it really meant. So... what does the color pink, ribbons, October and Awareness mean to me now?
It means-
* My life will never be the same!
* Life is precious!
* I am worth fighting for!
* I am not alone!
* People care about each other!
* Even in the midst of trials, you should find an excuse to Party!

Happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

So next time you walk past a display full of pink ribbons, clever sayings and all sorts of pink attire- pause just for a moment for those who's life's have changed forever!

Hope Soars Cancer Dinner

At my LiveStrong class, they mentioned this Picnic that was being put on for Cancer Survivors and their families tonight out at Trollwood in Moorhead. Brett is out of town but Robbie offered that her family would go with me if I wanted to go. So.. we braved it. I'm so glad we went! It was a lot of fun. 

We met the Stephens there in time to see them blowing up the Hot Air Balloons. The kids were so excited! Unfortunately, the famous Fargo wind picked up and this is as high as they ever got them before they took them down. At least we got to see them. When we checked in, they had a drawing for a chance to win a ride on them at a later date. How cool would that be?

Inside, they had a few information booths from the embrace program @ Sanford Health. Everyone got a Livestrong bracelet and got to tie a ribbon on the hot air balloon (out of fabric) that will hang in the Sanford Hospital. They also had a guest speaker that is comical and sings beautifully. The kids were running like crazy out in the open field having a blast so we only heard the parts that she sang. But what a great way to celebrate survivorship then through humor and music!
For dinner, they had pulled perk sandwiches, beans, cookies and drinks. It was really good! Then we met up with some of my LiveStrong friends. Robbie, Liberty and I chatted with Denise and Kiona before they left. Liberty loves Denise! She thinks she is so funny! When the Stephens had to take off, the kids and I went to look for Katelyn (my awesome instructor) and Jennifer and her family. We took the chance to get a group shot. Glory hopped right into Katelyn's arms for the picture. How cute!

The kids absolute favorite part of the night was the Golf Cart ride back to the van! LOL They had them available at the door of the building and the guy offered. The temperature had dropped significantly and we had parked out pretty far so it actually worked out well. The kids giggled the whole time! One problem now though-- they all think we should buy a golf cart! LOL Silly kids! Thanks a lot Embrace and Sanford!

LiveStrong! @ the Y

Shortly after I was diagnosed, Robbie found this program put on by the local YMCA called LiveStrong that she thought sounded neat and possibly beneficial to me, the Cancer Survivor.

"LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a wellness program that builds strength and self-confidence for cancer survivors. This FREE 12-week program is designed for cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their disease and/or treatment. The focus is on cardio-respiratory fitness and strength training with the outcome of the class being overall wellness. Individuals will work with an Exercise Specialist to develop a personalized wellness program. Participants of LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA also receive a full membership at the Y while enrolled in the program and may have a support person enrolled in class with them."

She mentioned it but since I am NOT a Work-er Out-er (and I hate to sweat! Kuck!) I put it in the back of my mind. Besides, I was a little preoccupied by other things at the time. LOL Then fast forward 5 months plus post-surgery and Robbie mentioned it again. We looked it up and found one session beginning soon. So we decided to go for it! It's free so what do I have to lose, right? Except maybe a little human dignity since I'm so out of shape! LOL I contacted Katelyn Anderson (the LiveSTRONG Coordinator at the Fargo YMCA) and she sent me all the paperwork to sign my life away to them for 12 weeks. OK... not really but there was tons of paperwork to fill out and have signed by my doctor. Lucky me! I'm tired already and I haven't even set foot in the gym. I'm in trouble! ;)

But I am now an official LiveSTRONG Member. I got the official Guidebook, the Planner and Journal and of course the awesome yellow wristband. I'm set! Wish me luck!

For the first day, we just met everyone and shared our stories. I cried when I shared! Dumb! It caught me off guard and I was the only one that was a Ba-hu-ber so I have already lost a little human dignity. Remind me again why I signed up for this? LOL We all have such different stories (there's one other breast cancer survivor, one had thyroid cancer, another was diagnosed with Hodgkin-son Disease 35 years ago and all our support people) but I think we'll all be great friends. They also took us on a tour of the facility. It's a very confusing building setup but there's lots to do. I know I haven't even worked out at all but I think I'm gonna like it! I'm always up for doing a GNO and this is twice a week. Score! ;) My goal for participating is to change my mentality about working out from a scary thing to a "being healthy" thing. Next week, we do our Assessments. We'll see how it goes!
Here's our little group on our first day!

P.S. Brett happened to be finishing his work-out when our 1st class started. So he introduced me to his Y friends that work the weight room. Muff and Cortez are gonna look out for me! ;) I love making new friends!