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Happy Mother's Day!!!!

I hope that today brings each of you joy, laughter, and loved filled memories.  Create as many as you can as often as you can and treasure each of them dearly.  Each person has a struggle to overcome and there has been a very special woman with you through some of them.  Make everyday special for her and yourself as best you can.  Sending you all wishes of love, support and strength.
A while ago I took a chance and entered into a Mary Kay Makeover contest.
I had to do a BEFORE and AFTER picture, wear some makeup and look good (at least try). 
At the very least I was spurred on by the prizes being offered and the chance to play in the grown up stuff. :) 

There are a host of prizes, but my eye is on the one for $5K to charity of choice. 
That would be so AWESOME!!! I could meet my goal, and that of my teammates and make an unbelievable IMPACT!!! I need your help to make it happen. You don't have to buy anything, just click to vote.  You can vote 5 times a day through 5/28!!!
I know you support me, this fight and the need for a CURE!! 
Let's do this - Voting begins Sunday, May 12th for the Mary Kay ONE WOMAN CAN Makeover Contest through May 28th.      
MK is giving away FIFTY 5000$ checks to the charity of choice to winners, and ONE international trip!  Vote for Nichelle and see her story here: pass the word around to vote, so SHE can win money for her precious cause!!! Vote now, vote now!!!
"One Woman Can Be..." see how Nichelle finished the sentence here:
Makeover Contestant
Type in my name - Nichelle and there I am. Please help out as often as you can and share, share, share.

This Ambassador is doing her thang and spreading the word about Raising Awareness!!! 

YAYYY - Happy Mother's Day!!!
I encourage each of you to check your breasts, schedule your mammogram and encourage your sister/friends and women to do the same.

I am My Sister's Keeper <3 span="">

Mothers! Yours, Mine, Ours,and Us

As it quickly approaches it quickly passes by. 
There are so many gatherings, people out looking for gifts.
Yet how many truly appreciate and acknowledge all that their mother's have done? 
Why is she only being acknowledged on this day? 
Do you take the time out to let her know how much you appreciate and love her EVERYDAY?
You should!
 Mothers are special people. 
They are human first. 
They make errors and often times they have your best interest at heart. 
Mothers aren't perfect, they make mistakes, and do all they can so you don't make the same mistakes they did.
Mothers are nurturers, they are the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, the Easter bunny and so much more.
Mothers are there when you're ill, in trouble and doing everything they wish for.
mothers are there to help keep you on the straight and narrow.
Mothers are the ones that set the rules and irk your nerves.
Mothers are the ones that you call on in the middle of the night, in the heightened moments of fear and panic, during the best moments of your life.
Mothers are that go to person.
Mothers are the special people that brought you into this world.
They are the same ones that will remind you, that they will take you out of this world.
Mothers are irreplaceable!
Mothers are special people, they are human
Cherish the moments that you have they are gone far too soon.
Even when you don't want to, love on them.
For all the bad moments, they are far more good ones. Keep those in the forefront of your mind.  Remember all that they went through before you realized that it was a sacrifice.
They aren't here forever, so enjoy them today and everyday!
Mothers are Special People.

I am My Sister's Keeper

Share your acknowledgement of yours 

Why Not Today

I find it very difficult to fathom any reason that any woman doesn't  take the mere 10 minutes to tend to herself.  Literally 10 minutes is the most time it will take to check your breast.  Think of what you do that takes far longer than 10 minutes.  The time it takes to make a pot of coffee is the same amount of time it would take to check your breasts, check your messages, read your emails, etc.


Many of you have seen my post about walking and fighting this potentially deadly disease - Breast Cancer. All too often I learn of a friend of a friend that has been diagnosed with breast cancer or passed on. I have a monthly event that encourage and supports self-breast exams. IF you do your self-breast exams monthly, you have a much better chance of catching it in the early stages.

IF you are not doing your self-breast exams, I encourage you to do so. In addition, schedule your yearly mammogram.

I far from my goal of $3,300 having received $979 in generous donations. I would love to reach my goal to enable me to focus on the much needed training. Don't wait until October, you can make a 100% tax deductible donation securely online at www.the3day.org/goto/nichelle

This tree of ribbons is growing as does the love for our sisters that have received a diagnosis.  Let's put an end to it.

This Mother's Day, I challenge you to make your appointment for a mammogram and then comment with your date.
 
I am My Sister's Keeper

April Wrap-up

Hello world!!!

I hope each of you are doing well as we head into this weekend.
We are nearing the end of the month and the start of a fresh one.
As we slowly wind down there are so many items we need to take note of.
We've had several recurrences of breast cancer posted and shared.
We've mourned the loss of many and have shared in the loss and cried our tears together.
There are so many woman that not getting their mammograms or doing their monthly self-checks and that is very disheartening.  I've expressed many times that early detection is the most common manner in which the cancer is detected.  So I can only continue to encourage you all to do your self checks.  Encourage your friends and family to do the same.  Use the community resources that are available to get your mammograms done. 
Join our face book monthly event - I Great news - many of the various organizations in this fight are sharing information about updates and breakthroughs in the research.  I will share as much as I can on the blog and Foxs Trotters' face book page.  This is fantastic news because we all can use the insight to stay informed.
Each day there is a family that experiences a crisis of some kind and I'm no different. For me it has altered my thinking and will impact my actions.  It's always different when it hits close to home and is knocking on your door and I'm no different.  I've committed myself to this fight and here is where I will be.  But, as of Tuesday, it hit me smack in the face.  I need to focus on the day to day of life and enjoying those moments with those I love because they can be taken in a second.  Whenever you think that the situation you're in can't get any worse, lo and behold you are proven wrong as was I. 
I'm at the point that I'm no longer overly concerned about getting the donations.  If and when they come is great and if they don't that is great as well.  it doesn't alter my passion, commitment or dedication to this fight.  I took a look around and noticed that I'm not asking for donations as much or as often.  Pretty much everyone that knows me knows what I'm doing and I put it out there.  So even when you don't see it, the need is still there.
Moving forward I need to let you know that although an individual is cancer free, there are other illness that come upon them that stems from the initial diagnosis.  So check and stay healthy - your entire body!
Those that love you, care about you and depend on you don't want to accept or hear anything negative in regards to your health.  So if not for them, do it for yourself.

Get your mammograms, do your self-checks and get an annual physical.
You are worth it!

I will end this here and wish you all the best that HE has in store for you.

I am My Sister's Keeper

Shopping with a Purpose

I may have mentioned this previously but I've started an independent business via Stella & Dot.
I'm excited that since the launch in November, it's been going well thus far.
Of course I have large plans for my business as I hope it allows me to become self sufficient and independent from a traditional source of employment.
I love watching women try on the jewelry and get excited when they see pieces they MUST have.
I started this business for another reason to support my passion of advocacy and supporting this fight against Breast Cancer.  I get to work as much or little as I like, I determine how much I earn and I set my own hours.  Isn't that what we all want, sure do!
The business works by having a get together with friends and allowing them to share in the joys of comfortable and private shopping as they catch with their friends and have a good time together.
At the shows, I share my purpose and invite them to make a gift to another that is fighting or request a show to support the effort.

Great for Mother's Day

That means that I will donate a percentage or all of my commission of their trunk show towards my fundraising efforts. Many people that I ask or anyone ask to donate usually would like to receive something in return for their donation.  By doing it this way, they get some great accessories and know that they are helping me to reach my goal, thus donating to the fight.  How cool is that!  The bonus is they don't have to wait until October to get caught up in the excitement or to make a difference.
So I'm inviting you to reach out to me for information to have your own show, earn up to $250 in free jewelry/accessories or make a purchase.
Doesn't this sound exciting.  Great time to do it as the weather is warming up, people are going to be more flexible in their attire and it's an opportunity to share your fashion sense.
There are pictures some of the pieces we have and 1/2 the line is under $50 and great promotions every single month.  I'm having a ball meeting new people and making connections that develop into relationships.
Let me know if you'd like to do this with your friends and support my efforts.  fighting against Breast Cancer is what I do and I'm all about finding a way out of no way to make it happen.  Let's get together and have some fun!

Lower budget, all under $30 

New addition to our accessories, Totes to go

Aren't they lovely, even better in person. I know Mother's Day is around the corner, Teacher Appreciation Day, graduation,anniversaries and of course birthdays.  Don't delay - take a look at my website Love to Shop,
give me a call or send me a message .  I come to where you are and together we make it happen. 

What can I say, WOW under $5

Missing You

 I know that this isn't related to Breast Cancer, but I felt a need to share.  There are and unfortunately will be many that can understand, empathize and share in this post.  Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to share their own thoughts, feelings to this post.  We each grieve and mourn in our own way, but we are not alone in this.  We don't have to be.  All you need to do is just reach a little further and there is someone there for you. 

I awoke this morning and realized that today is the day of the birth of my dearly departed mother.  She was born on this day of April 21^st.  While lying in bed I realized that she would have been 72 years old today.  That just blew my mind.  She was taken from this earth twenty one years ago in the midst of a fight.  She struggled to stay as long as she could to see her upcoming grandchild’s birth but was unable to.  She sought out the permission of her children to let go and once it was given she relinquished unto to HIM.  It was with great pain, sadness and yes, anger that we said our goodbyes.  At the same time we knew she was no longer suffering, in pain or sad.

She watched us watch her go through a horrible ordeal.  In my mind, that was the most difficult thing for her to do.  There were so many things that she despised about her fight and what it did to our family and herself.  Yet, she held on for as long as she possibly could.  I know she was relieved when we/I told her it was okay to go.  Even though it wasn’t what I wanted, I knew it was what she wanted.  Death of a child is horrible for a parent to experience and she did experience that as well.  She lost three sons as a matter of fact.  But for us her surviving children- daughters, that was a horrible experience for us in our young lives. 

I miss her dearly and think of her often.  We talk daily and she continues to provide me that inner strength to move forward throughout all the setbacks, trails, and moments of unbearable pain.  Even in my current crisis, I ask her to guide me to help get me through it one day at a time.  I’m a fighter because of my life experiences and from observing my mother.  I’m stronger because of those very same reasons.  I’m determined to do and be better because of my experiences and hers.  I’m here because she didn’t give up and nor will I.

I’m taking today to pay tribute to my mother on the day of her birth.  I’m sad that she isn’t her to see her only granddaughter move ahead in this life but I’m pleased that she is free.  Free from pain, sadness, and misery. Happy Birthday Mommy! 

In the LORD's name I pray, Amen

I am My Sister's Keeper

My Story

For some reason I thought I shared this a very long time ago, but to my surprise I don't see it.
I apologize in advance if this is a repeat posting.
But I feel it is needed because people want to know.
There are many that ask and want to know why am I on this journey  so here it is -

I will start by stating I have been fortunate to have not received a diagnosis thus far.
I have always been interested in BC from my youth and as I got older the passion became stronger. I know too many women personally that have been touched by a diagnosis and my godmother was first. From there it has just snow-balled in terms of me learning of so many others that have been touched. Each week, month I learn of others.
I don't understand why there isn't a cure, but am determined to do all that I can to raise awareness to communities, women and families. If we are proactive, maybe we can prevent some from being diagnosed.
I know the conversations need to take place so families can share the history and not be afraid by keeping it private as "we" have a history of doing.
I fight so that we can stop this disease in its track and keep other families from suffering in silence, fear, shame and alone. Since I began this journey in 2010 through 2013 I have had the honor of being selected as an ambassador for SGK.  In 2010 and 2012 I had the honor of being a flag bearer during opening ceremony.
  For this year 2013, I anticipate great things to continue to happen.
Each time I hear of another passing or being diagnosed, it tears at my heart and yes, I cry for them as well.
This journey has been given to me and passion has grown once HE realized I was ready to carry it where it needs to go.
I care about issues that impact women.
I began meeting more individuals that were in education and that I knew personally and just from a distance that  diagnosis as well and I knew that this is what I was supposed to be doing. Since that fateful day in 2009 I know 8 additional women that have gotten diagnosed and 4 that have passed on.  So I know the stats of 1 in 8 women are off as more than 8 in 4 years have been diagnosed.

I fight so that we can stop this disease in its track and keep other families from suffering in silence, fear, shame and alone.
I started my blog to allow others to view at their leisure what they may not want to face initially.  It gives them the opportunity to read, share and be a part of this journey in their own way and possibly connect as they realize there is someone out there fighting and advocating for them.   My book, Notes Along My Journey was written based on my experiences and connections along my journey.  It was another way for me to reach out and share the experience with others.

Each person needs to know that they are not alone and words are things that you never forget and their impact can be profound.  This disease doesn't stop and I won't stop fighting.
In essence, this is my story. I hope you are inspired to donate for someone you love.
www.the3day.org/goto/nichelle

Inspiration

Many of us are in mourning over the passing of a very special and important fighter - Bridget Spence.
I'm sure that many wonder what about has impacted so many that have known her and those that may have just heard of her.  She has been and will continue to be an inspiration to others.  It doesn't matter if they are fighting, completed their fight, or are in the midst of recovery.
although she received her diagnosis very early and had been given a short life span, she fought diligently while she lived her life to the fullest.  She accomplished so many things that every woman wants to accomplish, get married and find a partner that will love you unconditionally.  She was Blessed to have found a man that was willing to take on this journey and love his partner.  He too was a dedicated man that loved Bridget tirelessly and whole heartedly.
She inspires other young and not so young to keep fighting.
She is a reminder to never give up.
She inspires others to believe, fight, have faith and to endure.
She is proof that we can overcome most odds that come with a diagnosis.
I hope she inspires you to support walkers, loved ones and strangers that are on this journey.
I hope she inspires you to have those conversations with your families, doctors and strangers.
the more we share the experiences, the more knowledge becomes available.
I hope you are inspired today, tomorrow and as each day goes by.
I want your inspiration to be a driving force to donate, support, walk and talk about what we do - fight to Find A Cure.
I want you to have a moment of silence to acknowledge the lives of those you know and love that have been lost to this fight, today, yesterday, 10 years ago.  They all may be gone but they will NEVER be forgotten.
Be inspired today and each day as we continue to have the Blessing of being here.

I am My Sister's Keeper

I will ask you if you want to donate, any and all amounts are definitely welcomed.  $29 to acknowledge the age of our young angel is welcomed as well. www.the3day.org/goto/nichelle