Who knew there were benefits to breast cancer? Well, maybe 'benefit' isn't the right word, rather 'perk'. Either way, yesterday I was invited to a golf outing and dinner event hosted by the Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, Inc.
I had never golfed before and learned after my first swing at the golf ball, that it would be quite challenging with my right arm. I didn't bring my compression sleeve so I ended up only doing the putting (and the drinking). I left the driving (golf ball AND golf cart) to my brother Paul, my sister-n-law Amy, and our good friend Brian. On our opposing team, was my Mom Gail and good friend Debbie, along with Bonnie and Terry.
I had never golfed before and learned after my first swing at the golf ball, that it would be quite challenging with my right arm. I didn't bring my compression sleeve so I ended up only doing the putting (and the drinking). I left the driving (golf ball AND golf cart) to my brother Paul, my sister-n-law Amy, and our good friend Brian. On our opposing team, was my Mom Gail and good friend Debbie, along with Bonnie and Terry.
We all had a blast and thankfully, none of us melted in the rain. Both of our teams ended up winning a prize at the awards dinner later that evening. (No idea how that happened).
One moment in particular that stands out for me was the opportunity for a huge hug from my friends Peter and Mandy. Mandy is a survivor and I have known her husband since I was in high school. They have been an instrumental part of my support system this past year and I have been waiting for the moment to thank them with a hug and a smile!
Peter wrote an amazingly heartfelt blog post about what its like for the spouse during a cancer diagnosis. You can read it here --> CLICK.
Peter wrote an amazingly heartfelt blog post about what its like for the spouse during a cancer diagnosis. You can read it here --> CLICK.
After the lunch and golf outing, we attended the dinner that was held in the Oneida Room at Turning Stone. There was something about being in that room full of supporters and survivors that made me feel empowered and enlightened. This was the first breast cancer event I attended since completing my active treatment.
 Alec and Jacqueline Baldwin |  Beth Baldwin and Shelly Straub |
Beth Baldwin, an angel who walks the earth, is daughter of Carol M. Baldwin and also the cornerstone of the fundraising organization. She gathered up her family, including Alec Baldwin who spoke about the importance of the "breast cancer business", as he called it. He was funny, charming and direct, as expected.
I realize that the purpose of the event was to raise money, but for me - as a new survivor, it held a different meaning. I am part of a pink club that I never wanted to join, but if I have to be here I am certainly grateful to be a 'living' and 'surviving' member that was honored to be sitting among others like me, listening to people talk about making a difference.
I realize that the purpose of the event was to raise money, but for me - as a new survivor, it held a different meaning. I am part of a pink club that I never wanted to join, but if I have to be here I am certainly grateful to be a 'living' and 'surviving' member that was honored to be sitting among others like me, listening to people talk about making a difference.
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