This post is something that has been on my heart for a while. I have a vision and a dream to turn what started out as a blog into something that is so much more. "Keeping Ballance" was established at the beginning of my breast cancer journey so that the people who cared about me could keep up with all the going ons, and also to help bring awareness and information to others who may have to travel the same path. Along the way this blog became much more to me than I ever could have realized. It became my lifeline. A way for me to express in written word things that my mind wouldn't or couldn't allow me to say out loud. It will take time for Keeping Ballance to become what I want it to be. Baby steps. In time I have confidence that it will surpass even my expectations.
The first step in the new adventures of "Keeping Ballance" is to highlight an organization that has been an important part of my cancer journey ~ The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (HICF). The HICF is an all volunteer based non-profit organization that was established by Laney Howell, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to repay the island because of the generosity shown by family and friends while she herself battled this disease. The mission of the HICF is to provide support to Hatteras Island residents and their families who are battling cancer. Since being founded in 2000 the groups goal is to raise funds to help cover medical costs not reimbursed by medical insurance and travel expenses associated with doctor appointments. In addition to the financial support the foundation sponsors monthly support group meetings, and they work closely with other cancer resource organizations that provide other services that may be needed. The HICF has helped many families on the island since it was founded, one of these families being mine. You can find more information on the foundations website ~ http://hicf.org/ or you can find them on facebook.
Throughout the year you will see many fundraisers sponsored by the foundation to help them raise money... Spring Dance, Coins for Cancer, Day at the Docks Chowder Cook-off, and Fun Run... just to name a few! Support this wonderful organization any chance you have! It might be one of your family members that is in need of their help!
Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation 5K Run is Oct. 11.
The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation will have its 11th annual Fun Run, a 5K race, on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Sun Realty in Avon. Before, during, and after the race, there will be music, food, and other fun events for all participants and spectators.
The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under who preregister. Children in strollers are free. Registration includes a T-shirt. You can preregister at the Cancer Foundation’s secure, online site, http://www.hicf.org/
The Cancer Foundation urges all participants to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. A prize will go to the most “pinked out” participant.
You can run or walk in the 3.1 mile course or just come to support the cause.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer contact HICF to apply for financial assistance. The process is easy and confidential.
Thank You HICF for all you have done for me and my family!
Throughout the year you will see many fundraisers sponsored by the foundation to help them raise money... Spring Dance, Coins for Cancer, Day at the Docks Chowder Cook-off, and Fun Run... just to name a few! Support this wonderful organization any chance you have! It might be one of your family members that is in need of their help!
Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation 5K Run is Oct. 11.
The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation will have its 11th annual Fun Run, a 5K race, on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Sun Realty in Avon. Before, during, and after the race, there will be music, food, and other fun events for all participants and spectators.
The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under who preregister. Children in strollers are free. Registration includes a T-shirt. You can preregister at the Cancer Foundation’s secure, online site, http://www.hicf.org/
The Cancer Foundation urges all participants to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. A prize will go to the most “pinked out” participant.
You can run or walk in the 3.1 mile course or just come to support the cause.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer contact HICF to apply for financial assistance. The process is easy and confidential.
Thank You HICF for all you have done for me and my family!
Part 2...
Part 2 of my post does not relate to my cancer journey... it relates to something that happened to Karlene, my oldest daughter.
Karlene is a cheerleader, on a competition team, and she is a flyer. For anyone not familiar with cheerleader lingo that means she is the one being tossed in the air or at the top of all those crazy stunts they do. Karlene LOVES what she does, and although I have had some reservations about the safety of this sport (yes it is a sport!), I have always tried to support my children in whatever dreams they decide to pursue. On Tuesday night at cheer practice, her team was practicing a stunt and she was dropped, from a ways in the air and landed on her head. What should have happened at this point is that she should have been taken to the ER. Thus the reason for my post...
As a mother, and in hindsight I feel that I should have known and been more aware of the dangers and risks involved with a hit to the head.
I took Karlene to the doctor the following day, where she was diagnosed with a concussion and put in a neck brace and sent to OBX Hospital for CT scans and X-rays of her head and neck. Thank goodness, she had no breaks. In addition to the concussion she had a sprained neck and back. All things that will heal in time. We were very blessed. This could have turned out so much worse. I am hoping that our experience will help others who may find themselves in a similar situation have the knowledge to make the right decision in seeking medical attention. Crazy I know, but I was very much lacking in knowledge about concussions, their severity, and the importance of correctly treating a person who has or thinks they may have a concussion. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is a great resource and has lots of information about the signs and symptoms, and treatment of a concussion~ http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/
Karlene is recovering and through the direction of her doctors she is being staged back into normal activity. I am very thankful for the doctors at Vidant for taking excellent care of my girl.
I have come to the understanding that being a voice is quite possibly my calling... I certainly have never been accused of being quiet! Isn't that right, Dr. Slagle?
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