Join Team DeAnne and enter to win a full conference pass to BlogHer '10
My beautiful, hilarious, 38 year old sister has breast cancer.
She's endured countless medical tests, appointments, a double mastectomy and is fighting her way through 8 aggressive rounds of chemotherapy. Once the chemo is complete, she is facing reconstructive surgery and five years of hormone therapy.
She's lost her breasts, her hair, her ability to taste (half the time), her boundless energy and sometimes even her sense of humor.
Sometimes.
She's self-employed, and is doing her best to stay on top of her piano teaching schedule. It's hard to welcome a constant parade of possibly germy kids into your home each day when your immune system is being compromised by the relentless bombardment of chemo drugs. She's hanging in there as best as she can. I tell her she's doing so well. And she is.
DeAnne has always been the healthiest member of our family. She's a vegetarian. She runs marathons and swims mile after mile in the pool. She takes pride in her strength and her independence. And as a self-employed person, she made a decision to go with a health insurer that provided limited, catastrophic coverage, with a $5000 deductible. She's always been healthy, you know? We've got no family history of cancer, so it made sense to skip that particular rider on her policy.
Although we have been able to obtain help for expenses accrued after her official diagnosis, we still have over $5,000 in bills related to the diagnosis that are not covered.
So, here's my offer:
As many of you know, I am an employee of BlogHer, and as such, I'll be attending the 2010 conference as part of my job. I had purchased a full conference pass a while back, hoping to entice my sister to join me in NYC this summer. We now know that she'll be unable to attend due to surgery and recovery (assuming we stay on schedule with the whole chemo thing.)
So, I'd like to raffle off my sister's Full Conference Pass to BlogHer '10 in New York City. This pass gets you into all sessions on Friday and Saturday, Breakfast and Lunch both days, plus into the evening events and parties. The value of this ticket is $300, although I paid the early bird rate.
For every $5 you donate, you'll receive one entry into the drawing to win the pass. Donations received by midnight, PDT on March 31, 2010 will be eligible for the drawing.
Please include your email address so that I know how to contact you if you are the winner, and your mailing address if you'd like a thank you card.
Hi, everyone! It has been brought to my attention that PayPal donations are not supposed to be used for raffle entry purposes, and they've asked me to remove PayPal as a payment option. Since Chip-In uses PayPal to collect funds, I've had to end the donations through their service.
For those of you who have already donated - I think we'll be able to proceed (and I've already created the raffle tickets.) If I find that I need to refund everyone's donations, I'll let you know.
For those who would like to participate, please leave me a comment below and I will email you and we'll figure out some other method of entry into the raffle. As I said above, the raffle entry time will last until March 31, 2010 at midnight, Pacific Daylight Time. Comments received by that time will be eligible (provided we are able to figure the whole payment thing.)
If you simply want to donate, and do not wish to participate in the raffle at all, I think we're going to try to set up a paypal account for DeAnne at her blog - if and when we can establish that, I'll update here.
We've collected over $3,500 so far, and we're over the moon thrilled to be able to sit down and write paid in full on so many of DeAnne's medical statements. This is one of those times where paying bills is going to put a huge smile on all of our faces.
Good luck - and THANK YOU!
Comments
Please, if I win, use it for another giveaway like this! I was more than happy to donate money. My Dad died of brain cancer in January, and my stepmom has liver cancer. My prayers for your sister!
Posted by: Sara Childs | March 23, 2010 11:16 AM
Steph sent me.
Best wishes to you from another cancer survivor. Remember - sometimes it takes a lot of rain before you get your rainbow... but hang in there, yours is coming.
Lyndsay
PS - I forgot to include my email address with my paypal info:
lettersforlyndsay (at) hotmail (dot) com
Posted by: Lyndsay | March 23, 2010 11:24 AM
I donated but I don't need to be entered into the raffle. Prayes for your sisters complete recovery.
Posted by: Margaret | March 23, 2010 11:35 AM
Saw you at Stephanie's blog. Hope every little bit helps!
Posted by: Sarah | March 23, 2010 11:51 AM
Keep fighting. We're all fighting with you.
Posted by: Myg | March 23, 2010 12:34 PM
Aloha! I donated, but because I live so far I won't be able to attend if I win so no need to enter me in the raffle. When I was 18 my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 48 at the time. She will be 60 in a week and she is cancer free! Here's a post I wrote about her not too long ago http://tanuvasacasa.blogspot.com/2009/08/womans-worth_07.html
I wish the best for your sister. It's a long, exhausting road, but nothing makes it easier like a loving support system, which I can see she has in you! You are lucky to have each other!
Posted by: Molly | March 23, 2010 12:45 PM
I donated but don't need to be entered into the raffle. My husband just finished 12 chemo treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma, so I have a vague idea of how you're doing. My sympathies!
He also worked from home throughout his treatment, and as naps started to consume his day that became harder and harder. But he made it, and so will your sister. The sense of humor, hair, taste and energy are all on their way back.
Posted by: Pamela | March 23, 2010 12:59 PM
Saw this at Stephanie's blog.Tell your sister to keep her head up! She has a lot of people out here wishing her well. You guys are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Katie | March 23, 2010 1:22 PM
I followed Stephanie's link to you. I will keep your sister in my thoughts and I will make a donation shortly. Wishing you all strength, love and continued support at this time!
Posted by: Andrea | March 23, 2010 1:45 PM
No one should have to worry about finances when she's fighting hard to get rid of those nasty cancer cells. We are all rooting for your sister and sending good vibes and prayers her way. Hope the donations mount so she won't have to think about anything except getting better. It would be great to win the giveaway but the best thing would be to know your sister gets better. Thank God she has you to help her through this.
Posted by: Ciaochowlinda | March 23, 2010 1:59 PM
I donated to the very worthy cause. We all know someone who has been touched by this terrible disease.
no thank you note necessary--but a raffle ticket couldn't hurt :)
Posted by: jennifer | March 23, 2010 2:01 PM
I donated but please don't enter me in the raffle (I wouldn't be able to attend). Best to your sister and you.
Posted by: nancy | March 23, 2010 2:22 PM
Both of my grandmothers suffered from breast cancer (both survived), and my brother-in-law fought brain cancer at the age of 28 (we just celebrated his 10th year of being free of cancer). I am more than happy to donate. Stay strong, DeAnne! We'll be praying for you and your family!
Posted by: Angela | March 23, 2010 2:43 PM
Good luck with your fund raising!! My family has been effected by cancer, so I am happy to help!
Posted by: Kelleigh @ Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs | March 23, 2010 2:50 PM
Donated. I hope it helps.
You and your sister are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Jenny, Bloggess | March 23, 2010 3:22 PM
Your sister sounds like my kinda gal, fighter and staying strong! Sending much support & healthy vibes. I also tweeted this to help with the donations: http://twitter.com/skinnyjeans/status/10946724063
Posted by: Stephanie Quilao | March 23, 2010 3:22 PM
You sound like a wonderful caring sister and she is so blessed to have you in her life! I will keep your sister in my thought and hope for the best for both of you!
Posted by: Sara Carbaugh | March 23, 2010 3:35 PM
I sent in a donation. Please do not enter me in the contest. My best to your sister.
Posted by: Mel | March 23, 2010 3:40 PM
Came here via Jenny the Bloggess...donated and re-tweeted! Will be praying for your sister!
Posted by: Mama Kat | March 23, 2010 3:43 PM
Hi Jenny,
I donated, but you don't need to enter me into the raffle. I'm sending my prayers and best wishes to your Sister and your family.
Posted by: alison | March 23, 2010 3:46 PM
Keeping your sister in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you.
Posted by: * TONYA * | March 23, 2010 3:55 PM
Just have to say f*ck the cancer. twice!
Posted by: MommaKiss | March 23, 2010 4:10 PM
Just entered. Thoughts and Prayers for your sister's recovery. May her positive and healthy energy shine through. She sounds like one amazing gal :)
smmuconn@gmail.com
Posted by: Sarah | March 23, 2010 4:32 PM
I'm also one of Stephanie's readers. I contributed but don't need to be in the contest. Best of luck to your sister.
Posted by: Jed | March 23, 2010 5:38 PM
Donated. F*ck cancer.
tuppence@panix.com
Posted by: Charlotte | March 23, 2010 5:42 PM
I sent you a comment through chip in but see I should have done it here. Your sister's story is very moving. I hope with the new health care legislation this won't happen to so many people! I have a sister who is so precious to me too. I'm sending positive thoughts to you both. Good luck!
maria@rstuartandco.com
Posted by: Maria Stuart | March 23, 2010 6:09 PM
Came here from Jenny the Bloggess. I don't need to be entered in the raffle
Keeping your sister in my thoughts!
Posted by: Caitlin | March 23, 2010 6:10 PM
I had breast cancer in 1985. Yes, I'm older - a great-grandmother. Don't let the pain of what you have lost cause you to lose the joy of what you have. Our trials strengthen us and gives us time to reflect on what is truly important and how much we love the people in our lives. Life will still be fun! God bless you!
Posted by: Joyce | March 23, 2010 6:51 PM
I'm sorry we have know extra money. But I believe in the power of pray. I will be praying for all of you. Gods blessings. <><
Posted by: Marjorie | March 23, 2010 7:15 PM
being newly self employed here in Canada, we are now trying to muddle thru the varied options of coverage. thank God we dont have to pay for Chemo or hospital stays etc. but there is always a gap and a friend of ours has breast cancer and requires some injections that would normally cost $1000 each and needs 12 of them. Her hubby's retirement health benefits will cover them thankfully. from where we sit, over here, America is on the road to allowing it's citizens access to fair medical coverage, but as it is in many circumstances, not everything is covered by everyone. God Bless you as you journey through the world of Health Care.
Posted by: nanjan | March 23, 2010 7:24 PM
Steph sent me :-)
My Mom has gone through 7 brutal rounds of chemo since December for Stage IV peritoneal cancer so I know that your sister needs big hugs right now! Praying for her (and your family) and hoping that through this fundraiser her medical bills will be paid in full.
No need to enter me into the raffle.
Posted by: Wendi P | March 23, 2010 7:49 PM
I wish I could help, but I have my own mountain of medical bills, and we are barely paying our bills. My prayers are with your sister though! God Bless! Hope you raise enough!
Posted by: Katrina | March 23, 2010 8:11 PM
Hey Jenny,
I contributed what I could - no need to enter me into the drawing, though. Hugs & kisses to Dee Dee - hope to be seeing her soon!
Love,
Julie "Frog" Mager
Posted by: Julie | March 23, 2010 8:56 PM
I forgot to say in my comment to you through PayPal that I came here from Jenny the Bloggess :-)
I'm praying for you and your family! I wish you all the best. <3
Posted by: Alyciabaleesha | March 23, 2010 10:32 PM
May God bless your sister and keep her. I'll be praying to St. Michael to assist in her healing and for her complete recovery.
Posted by: Tam | March 24, 2010 12:04 AM
"With God All Things Are Possible"
Keep The Faith And Know That Your Sister Will
Be Well! God Bless!
I would be happy to donate.
Posted by: Maryann | March 24, 2010 12:21 AM
With family and friends affected by way too much cancer, I'm happy to donate and wish it could be more (come on, you mega lottery ticket winners!). Sending all positive thoughts to you, DeAnne.
No need to be in the raffle.
Posted by: MJ | March 24, 2010 3:52 AM
I just entered. My best friend is a five year breast cancer survivor, still on Tamoxifen. Sending all good wishes, diva happiness and strength to your sister and her family.
Posted by: Evette | March 24, 2010 5:51 AM
I wish the best to your sister. I donated to the very worthy cause. Hope it helps. Fight the good fight. I will be praying for all of you. God bless.
christine@roomsrevealed.com
Posted by: Christine Trebendis | March 24, 2010 6:10 AM
Sent. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. (I came from Steph's blog.)
Love to you.
Posted by: Melanie | March 24, 2010 7:02 AM
Found you via A Year of Slow Cooking. I donated while the tears just came down... all my best to your sister. Love the photo..., and I plan on linking this to my blog as well.
If I happen to win, please hand the invite to someone you KNOW really can and wants to go, ok?
Thanks.
-Kelley
Posted by: kelley@myislandwedding | March 24, 2010 7:44 AM
Donated, but I don't need to be entered in the raffle.
Posted by: Cobwebs | March 24, 2010 8:01 AM
Hello,
My Mom passed away of colon cancer in 2008 I think of her and miss her everyday my thoughts are with you.I have donated but don't need to be in the contest
Posted by: Peg Maynard | March 24, 2010 8:40 AM
Donated, but I couldn't afford a trip to NYC even if I could find the time. Posted on my Facebook and blog. I'll be praying for your sister and you. I know that every bit helps.
Good Luck
Posted by: Shannon | March 24, 2010 9:32 AM
Hi Jenny,
Cancer is a terrible thing. My sister died 3 years ago from small-cell lung cancer. Please tell your sister about Jerry Brunetti, and have her watch his videos. He's an animal health specialist who was diagnosed with lymphoma and used his scientific analysis abilities to change his diet and beat cancer.
http://www.msue.msu.edu/objects/content_revision/download.cfm/item_id.372947/workspace_id.-30/Food%20as%20Medicine.pdf/
And
http://www.google.com/search?q=jerry+brunetti+food+as+medicine&hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBR_enUS207US207&tbs=vid:1&tbo=u&ei=yT2qS6WSH8T_lgf0lJC1BA&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBwQqwQwAA
Bless you and your sister.
Lois
Posted by: Lois Carter Fay | March 24, 2010 9:33 AM
I'm fighting cancer, too; halfway thru my 8 chemo appointments. My friends have been so helpful that I want to be helpful in return. My health care insurance covers most of my bills, thankfully...so I donated a bit. I wish your sister the best of luck!
Posted by: Janet | March 24, 2010 10:15 AM
Donated. My best to your sister & family!
Posted by: LilyB | March 24, 2010 1:05 PM
I donated, but no need to enter me in the drawing. My prayers are with you all!
(I came from Stephanie's blog.)
Posted by: Mandy | March 24, 2010 1:51 PM
I've been following your sister's blog and rooting 100% for her.
You've got a heart of pure gold Miz Jenny. I'm so glad you're here to help your family get through this.
And I have to say, she looks stunning in the wig. :)
My aunt beat breast cancer, but my grandmother did not (too busy looking after my aunt). I pray your sister kicks a$$.
Posted by: LeftofOrdinary | March 24, 2010 3:59 PM
Donated, but please don't enter me in the raffle--no way I could attend.
Steph sent me .
--G.
Posted by: Greg Weber | March 24, 2010 4:07 PM
Health care reform now! It shames me that an American citizen would have to resort to this to pay for life-saving medical treatment, while our Canadian neighbors just show up at the hospital. All the best to Deann, Jenny, and family!
Please don't enter me in the raffle, thanks.
Posted by: Shannon Fountain | March 24, 2010 6:37 PM
I came over from Steph's blog and as a cancer survivor myself am touched by your sister's fight. Don't need to be entered in the drawing,or get a thank you. Just want to wish your sister well and let you know I'll be pulling for her.
Posted by: Marti | March 24, 2010 7:14 PM
Came here from Steph's blog...just made my donation. It's almost 5 years since my mom passed away after a 2.5 year battle with cancer. Sending many, many, many positive thoughts and best wishes to you and your sister.
Posted by: Julia | March 25, 2010 5:30 AM
I also heard about this over at Stephanie's blog. Just wanted to encourage you that ALL of my dear friends who have had breast cancer in the last 10 years are well and happy and doing great today! Cindy, my childhood buddy since we were 10, is now 48 and 10 years out of her cancer, Robbilyn and Connie are 3 and 4 years clear, respectively. SHE'S GONNA BE FINE, YOU'LL SEE! (Just wanted to send a little encouragement and prayer your way!)
Posted by: Kelly Welch | March 25, 2010 6:58 AM
Best wishes, always.
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | March 25, 2010 7:21 AM
Just donated and am praying for your sister and your family!
melissa@organizedlifebdydesign.com
Posted by: Melissa Multitasking Mama | March 25, 2010 7:28 AM
Best wishes for your sister's recovery. I can't imagine how devastating that would be. I have donated and I would like to post a link to your blog on my blog if that would be okay. Thank you.
Lina
Posted by: Lina | March 25, 2010 7:55 AM
Sorry unable to donate but wanted to let you know I'm praying for your sister and tweeted about it.
Posted by: Amanda | March 25, 2010 1:28 PM
Your sister is a strong woman. She’s an inspiration to all the women out here. Thanks for posting this very touchy story.
Posted by: Gift registry | March 26, 2010 1:52 AM
I can tell you love her so dearly, if I have a sister I would do the same thing, she is very courageous woman.
Posted by: Web Designer Philippines | March 26, 2010 1:53 AM
I LOVE seeing the internet come together like this! Sweet Jenny, I'm praying and I certainly want to do what I can for your lovely sis.
Posted by: QuatroMama | March 26, 2010 1:54 PM
hi, i'd love to donate and be part of the raffle. congrats on the impressive sum of money raised. i'm inspired by the hopefull narrative you've created out of this discouraging situation.
Posted by: mary allison | March 26, 2010 2:39 PM
What about https://www.revolutionmoneyexchange.com/ for the raffle? I'm not sure of their policies, but I have participated in a non-non-profit raffle with them before. It's pretty similar to PayPal and I have used them fairly often with no problems so far.
Posted by: Jen | March 26, 2010 3:56 PM
Hi. I'd love to donate; can you send where? (Specialgirl@mac.com) Thanx.
Don't need the ticket, but came here from a tweet from Worth The Whisk.com
Loving your spirit and caring; several extended family members battling too. Sincere light your way.
Posted by: Cathy/ShowFoodChef | March 26, 2010 6:07 PM
Can you email me so we can talk about how I can pay? :) I want to purchase a chance.
I will pray for your sister... she is a fighter, especially with you fighting FOR her!
Posted by: Katherine | March 26, 2010 8:59 PM
Saw this tweeted by @Worththewhisk
My grandmother had breast cancer and is now in remission, and if she could beat it so can your sister. My sister is everything to me and I know that if something happened to her I would be doing everything in my power to help. I would like to help. Please email me.
hotpinkmanolos (at) gmail (dot) com
Posted by: Hot Pink Manolos | March 27, 2010 12:15 AM
She may be eligible for help from Chronic Disease Fund (cdfund.org)
Just wanted to share a possible resource. She'll be in my prayers!
Posted by: elizabeth | March 27, 2010 5:59 PM
I would love to donate (but not really interested in the raffle). Please let me know how to proceed!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 28, 2010 5:55 AM
Why not put the paypal button back so we can just donate?? I will!! Couldn't go to conf even if I wanted to; I teach!!
Posted by: Kay Talbott | March 28, 2010 8:39 AM
I would love to help out! Let me know how!!
Posted by: Sue Downey | March 28, 2010 11:45 AM
I just wanted to share with you how much this story has touched my heart. On my 31st birthday in 2004, I had a double mastectomy followed by months of chemotherapy. This last week marked five years since my last dose of chemo. I have been truly blessed in those five years and in November of 2007, I gave birth to my fifth child, a beautiful baby girl. Praying for both of you and sending cyber hugs!
Posted by: Brenda | March 29, 2010 12:44 AM
Hi, I'd be happy to donate. Do you want to send me an address and I'll mail a check?
Also I'll pray for DeAnne!
God bless you both.
Posted by: Judy Bourret | March 29, 2010 3:28 AM
I'd love to enter and help out how I can. I hope your sister kicks the cancer's backside!
Posted by: Tracey | March 29, 2010 5:26 AM
I really wish I could donate to help you and your family out.
Instead, I offer my prayers, good thoughts and all the healing energy I can muster towards your sister.
Best of luck!
Posted by: Jen Norton | March 29, 2010 10:17 AM
Can you send me a snail mail address where I can send a donation? thanks.....
Posted by: Mary | March 29, 2010 10:26 AM
I'd love to participate in the raffle. Please let me know how,thanks! Best of luck and prayers to your sister.
Posted by: elz | March 29, 2010 1:34 PM
We were in a similar situation about 3 years ago and the internet community came to our rescue. I have never forgotten the kindness of strangers in a tough time. I don't need the pass but really want to help. Paypal, check? Where can I send some $?
Posted by: Allison | March 29, 2010 4:17 PM
Be sure to update when you have a new donation vector. We've gotta kick breast cancer's *ss.
I don't need to enter -- I just wanna donate.
Any woman who can carry off Marie Antoinette's hairdo needs to do it more often.
Posted by: bjvl | March 30, 2010 7:01 AM
I would really like to donate but not enter the raffle. I am (so far) a survivor of a bone marrow cancer. I know the struggle and send prayers and best wishes for strength to recover. Please send me donation info. Roslyn
Posted by: Roslyn | March 30, 2010 8:45 AM
I'd love to donate a small amount (all I can afford) and would really like an entry in the BlogHer raffle. E-Mail or call me to let me know how, please.
I'm lighting a candle for your sister, for strength and bravery to keep up the fight. You're a great sister, and we're all sisters in the war on cancer. Blessed Be.
Posted by: MzLissa (Lisa Arkfeld) 3097941025 | March 30, 2010 5:33 PM
I would love to donate and enter. I have a soft spot for piano teachers--anyone who teaches music, really. A music teacher saved my soul and sanity as a child, and gave me hope and beauty in a miserable existence. I want your sister to go on bringing the joy of music to others the way Mr. Neary brought it to me.
Please let me know where I can mail my check. Thank you.
Posted by: Barbara in NH | March 31, 2010 7:05 PM
Came here through Steph's blog. I am a 10-yr survivor having gone through very similar experience. Believe and fight!
Am happy to donate, just please let me know how.
Posted by: Jill | April 11, 2010 5:18 AM
I know the raffle is over, but was on Stephanie's site and saw the post. I would like to contribute and also wanted to ask a favor in return.
My son's best friend is fighting cancer as well and their family is in financial straits as well. He has osteosarcoma and recently had his leg amputated and both lungs had surgery.
We are doing a bike-a-thon to raise money for them. I'm not asking for a contribution, but wanted to see if you might say something about my son's blog on your blog. His blog is www.smilesforsam.blogspot.com .
I am planning on emailling Stephanie as well. Even if you can't help, I will still send something for your sister if you email the information.
Posted by: Rickki | April 12, 2010 9:41 PM
Jenny--I came via Steph ... I'm just a little late. ;-) I'm not worried about not entering for the giveaway, but I would like to make a donation still. Can I do that? My mom and cousin are breast cancer survivors and my dad is dealing with a recurrence of prostate cancer right now. My heart goes out to you all. BTW, I'm a BlogHer blog so we've chatted VERY briefly by email before.
Hugs,
Shirley
Posted by: gfe--gluten free easily | April 16, 2010 6:39 PM
Please send me an address where I can send a check. Thank you
Posted by: Susan | May 2, 2010 8:31 AM