Erin's Ark, My Cancer Journey
Donation protected
A friend recomended I start a fundraising campaign, and after some thought, figured it couldnt hurt. Cancer does humble us. In 2011, I started Heart & Soule Designs, primarily for our Relay for Life Team, Donnas Piglets. I designed the Save 'Em Chick Magnets to raise awareness for breast cancer. I had lost an Aunt, a grandmother, a friend, and even my precious dog to breast cancer. I soon learned that I had a calling to help others, and I always knew there would be a mission behind Heart & Soule Designs to raise cancer awareness, and bring a little bit of joy to those who have either lost the battle, or surviving the battle, and their families. What I didnt anticipate, was that I would become one of the very survivors I aimed to support. Asking for help in any capacity, whether financial or emotionally, has never been something I did, so naturally this campaign idea seemed awkward for me.
On May 5th 2014, I heard the words, you have breast cancer. Not only was I in shock that I was in for the battle of a lifetime, but I was shocked it was me, the one who set out to raise awareness, to cheer up those affected, donate endlessly to cancer charities. Maybe it was this very reason that it was detected early in my case. I was diligent on my annual mammos, and also knew how important laughter and positivity was going to be in my survival. I often tell people cancer messed with the wrong chick, but God chose the right one! I have a great support system of family and friends, but even with that, I have fears. I have now started my fight, I have had numerous biopsy procedures, scans, and now my first surgery. I know the road will be long ahead of me, but in my opinion that is better than a short road! I know I can beat this, and with the help of friends, the road will be a little less bumpy.
The devastating news brought along many emotions. I was scared I wouldnt be around to watch my kids accomplish all their dreams, or that the financial burden of less work hours and added medical costs would affect my Sons college stay, I was horribly sad, that my new found passion of bringing hope to cancer patients, would wither and die along with my spirit. I was stressed that this would take a financial toll on my husband who is already working 6 days a week to make up for lost work hours of mine. I was scared that now my girls (and boys) are faced with this disease in their family, along with so many other thoughts. The thought of fundraising was furthest from my mind, until now, watching my family struggle financially during this time showed me that it is ok to ask for help in a time of need.
The name Erin's Ark came from my son Joey, who said this battle would become my Ark, he said, "Moses didnt want to build an ark either Mom, but it was what he was given to do, start with one piece of wood at a time until its finished". Every challenge will be a new plank to the ark. This campaign will be my first piece of wood, to humble myself and ask for help.
I am asking for people to look into their own hearts for our family, to see where their help can help us. I never ask for help, Im usually the one helping, but my fears are real, college costs are real and our financial situation very real. Every dollar raised will be set aside to use every time an expense comes up, to cover college tuition, medical bills, or during that time that money just isnt there, while I am not able to work. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and vow to pay it forward when I finally slay this dragon. I would be happy to send you one of my art pieces as a thank you for your donation, please just ask.
I was recently nominated by a dear friend Sherry Watts to become a recipient in a Skate-A-Thon by Beach Cities Roller derby, I feel honored and privledged to be a part of something so caring and wonderful! These awesome ladies are non profit, and dedicated to helping others in the community. Please, if you can, show them a little support by visiting their page, sponsor a skater, or even give them a "Way to go" at http://www.beachcitiesrollerderby.com/. I am this months cause, along with a fellow breast cancer warrior here in the Southbay...so helping them, will help us too in our fight against cancer.
On May 5th 2014, I heard the words, you have breast cancer. Not only was I in shock that I was in for the battle of a lifetime, but I was shocked it was me, the one who set out to raise awareness, to cheer up those affected, donate endlessly to cancer charities. Maybe it was this very reason that it was detected early in my case. I was diligent on my annual mammos, and also knew how important laughter and positivity was going to be in my survival. I often tell people cancer messed with the wrong chick, but God chose the right one! I have a great support system of family and friends, but even with that, I have fears. I have now started my fight, I have had numerous biopsy procedures, scans, and now my first surgery. I know the road will be long ahead of me, but in my opinion that is better than a short road! I know I can beat this, and with the help of friends, the road will be a little less bumpy.
The devastating news brought along many emotions. I was scared I wouldnt be around to watch my kids accomplish all their dreams, or that the financial burden of less work hours and added medical costs would affect my Sons college stay, I was horribly sad, that my new found passion of bringing hope to cancer patients, would wither and die along with my spirit. I was stressed that this would take a financial toll on my husband who is already working 6 days a week to make up for lost work hours of mine. I was scared that now my girls (and boys) are faced with this disease in their family, along with so many other thoughts. The thought of fundraising was furthest from my mind, until now, watching my family struggle financially during this time showed me that it is ok to ask for help in a time of need.
The name Erin's Ark came from my son Joey, who said this battle would become my Ark, he said, "Moses didnt want to build an ark either Mom, but it was what he was given to do, start with one piece of wood at a time until its finished". Every challenge will be a new plank to the ark. This campaign will be my first piece of wood, to humble myself and ask for help.
I am asking for people to look into their own hearts for our family, to see where their help can help us. I never ask for help, Im usually the one helping, but my fears are real, college costs are real and our financial situation very real. Every dollar raised will be set aside to use every time an expense comes up, to cover college tuition, medical bills, or during that time that money just isnt there, while I am not able to work. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and vow to pay it forward when I finally slay this dragon. I would be happy to send you one of my art pieces as a thank you for your donation, please just ask.
I was recently nominated by a dear friend Sherry Watts to become a recipient in a Skate-A-Thon by Beach Cities Roller derby, I feel honored and privledged to be a part of something so caring and wonderful! These awesome ladies are non profit, and dedicated to helping others in the community. Please, if you can, show them a little support by visiting their page, sponsor a skater, or even give them a "Way to go" at http://www.beachcitiesrollerderby.com/. I am this months cause, along with a fellow breast cancer warrior here in the Southbay...so helping them, will help us too in our fight against cancer.
Organizer
Erin Doheney Soule
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
