Taking a Stand: 3-Day for the Cure

A few weeks ago, my mom signed up for the 3-day for the Cure. She's talked about walking it for a long time and finally decided to do it this year. As a dental hygienist, she has many patients who have walked or are walking the path of breast cancer. She's had friends and family who have fought the battle. Some have won, and some have lost. She decided to take a stand and walk because she can.

Last weekend, I signed up to join her in walking the 3-day. I have always loved to be a part of things that are bigger than me. Because when many come together, change happens.

This is an excerpt from my page on the Susan G Komen website about why I am walking:

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As a junior at Point Loma Nazarene University, I had the honor of being a Resident Assistant (RA) and mentoring 24 college girls for a year. During that year, I was mentored by an incredible woman and Resident Director (RD), Pat Ours. Pat exemplified her faith and love for people daily, and she inspired me continuously. She was a breast cancer survivor. 
Two years ago, she relapsed. 
Last June 2010, Pat passed away from breast cancer.

Pat is the first person I have known personally to pass away from breast cancer. 
Unfortunately, I know she will not be the last.

As a Registered Nurse, I am passionate about my patients. 
I am walking for them - those I have met and those I have yet to meet.

My mom signed up to walk after talking about it for years. Inspired by her, I am walking this year. 
If not now, when? I am walking for her, and for the rest of my family.

I am walking because I care. I am walking for those who cannot. 

I cannot cure breast cancer. But I can walk 60 miles in three days. 

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In order to walk, we each have to raise at least $2300.
100% of the funds raised go towards breast cancer research, education, and screenings.

In the next days, weeks and months, I may talk about this a lot. Because this is life-changing. And because I cannot do it alone. My mom and I are planning some creative fundraisers to raise money, which I'll share with you when it gets closer. I'll be training, because I know my feet would hate me if I tried to walk 60 miles tomorrow. :)

If you have any interest donating, you can go here and type in my name as a donor - Jordanna McGovern. Or my mom's name - Lindy Goble. :) Please don't feel pressure to donate. I just wanted to share my heart with my blogging friends, and offer the opportunity for you to participate if you so feel led. We never see the money - it's not for us. It's for a cure.

How have you been affected by breast cancer? Or cancer as a whole?

Pray for Kate

I've been following Kate's story and praying for her and her sweet family for over a year now. 

I love this family. Aaron and Holly love their three kids so very much, and they treasure their little girl, Kate. 

In summary, Kate was diagnosed with brain cancer June 29, 2009 at the age of five. 

A year later, after multiple surgeries, chemo treatments, and radiation, her brain scans came back clean. 

She continued to have scans every three months to check for any new growth. 

She's a little miracle.

Last week, she had another MRI.

This one came back with two new spots.

This week, Kate's neurologist and medical team shared with the family that the spots are cancer.

This seven year old little girl needs our prayers more than ever.

Please pray for her parents, Aaron and Holly.

Pray for her little brother Will, and her big sister Olivia.

 [source for all photos] 

Isaiah 43:1-2

"But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.""

Shout Out: Handmade, Heartmade

I had the honor of taking some pictures of my friend's new project.

Ashley's little cousin was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. Wanting to help from across the country, she began by knitting him a little beanie, and it grew from there. She ended up knitting and donating 27 little caps of all sizes and colors to Children's Hospital here in San Diego. Those little cancer fighters get to keep their little heads warm this winter. 

 Ashley and I are YMC friends, and when she asked me to take a few pictures of her hats for her, I was so excited. I'm so impressed with how hard she has worked in just a few weeks, pouring her heart into her work. I know children and families will be blessed by those little hats.

If you want to help, leave Ashley a comment and let her know!

Thanks for putting your faith into action, Ash, and setting an example for the rest of us.

[Markie, from Ashley's facebook]

And I'm praying for your little cousin, Markie.

Shave for a purpose

Remember my special friend and RD who passed away from cancer two weeks ago?

She worked at a camp in New Mexico, and
this is what her friends and coworkers did for her. 

She made a difference. 

One life affected so many lives.

And now those people are making a difference. 

For even more lives.

What a gift to witness God's compassion being poured out through His people.

In loving memory

Today, a special family said goodbye to a very special lady.

Pat was my resident director (RD) during my junior year of college when I was an RA. She was a woman of strength, love, compassion, and hope. And she loved Jesus with all her heart.

Pat suffered over the past year from a relapse of breast cancer that metastasized. She fought a long and hard battle, with her amazing husband, Howard, alongside her. Her two daughters, Sara and Amy, went to be with her last Sunday - just in time. She chose to go on Hospice on Monday.

Pat showed so many what it means to have hope in the midst of difficult times. She was an inspiration to me, along with her family. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to gain wisdom and insight from her.

Pat has been in good spirits during this entire battle. She has always been full of laughter and life. We had so much fun with her as RAs. Her joyful and genuine spirit was infectious.

You are so missed Pat.

But how amazing that you got to meet Jesus today.

In the arms of Jesus

Sweet Layla Grace went to be with Jesus this morning.

Remember her?

Her website is down, probably because of the traffic, so a few other places to read about her are here or here or here.

What an awful thing to die from cancer. And to die so young. I don't really understand it all. But I know Layla has touched more lives in her 27 months I think I can touch in my lifetime. I am so thankful for her little life and her huge testimony.

God, I pray for your perfect peace and love to fill the Marsh home. To fill Ryan and Shanna's hearts, and the hearts of their little girls, Jenna and Claire. I pray that they would cling to each other and to you in this time of heartache and confusion. Remind them why they can trust you.

Pray for Layla Grace

I recently started following this blog about a family of five. Mom, dad, Jenna - age 9 (today), Claire, and Layla Grace - age 2. Layla has stage 4 neuroblastoma. Cancer. She has about a day or two left. You can follow her on twitter here to get updates. Tonight, her big sisters said goodbye and are going to stay with their grandma. Layla is at home with her mom and dad.

Layla Grace needs God's peace. Her family knows the peace and love of Jesus. Pray that there would be an outpouring of His grace and peace and love on this family tonight. In this moment.

This is Layla when she got a puppy a few weeks back. The puppy hasn't left her side.

I am truly humbled at the faith of this family. They trust God completely. Even though they don't understand. They understand His love. God loves this family and God loves Layla Grace.

Just as much as God loves me and you.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Kutless - What Faith Can Do

Pray continually

I don't know Daisy, but I know Daisy needs our prayers.

Daisy's story

"Pray continually."
1 Thessalonians 5:17

A bigger cause

Today I had the opportunity to walk in the breast cancer walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society. My RD from college (also my boss when I was an RA) had breast cancer before I knew her that was in remission. Last December, it returned and had metastasized to her bones, liver, and lungs. She has been fighting it for the past ten months with chemotherapy and radiation, and has had the best attitude.

When I think of her and her struggle, I am reminded how fortunate I am. And how I have a responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. Which is the first reason I ever wanted to be a nurse. Knowing what I know now about cancer and the body, and how it can be attacked by disease, I have such a better understanding of what people go through when they fight disease.

So, this year, a couple friends from my class and I walked in the walk for Breast Cancer. There were thousands of people all walking together for a common cause. I love being a part of something bigger than me.

This is me with Nancy, Mahea, her fiance Jade, and their dog Chloe. She was such a trooper!
And we're off! Headed through Balboa ParkYou have to give us some credit. This was taken while walking with Chloe between all of our legs.This was my first time walking on the freeway. We walked for two exits down the 163 south. People were honking on the north side - so cool!We made it!My fellow nursing stars. We raised $545 between the two of us. Thank you to those who supported us and the cause.

I really recommend picking a cause and doing something for it. There are walks for pretty much anything you can think of - suicide prevention, all cancers, MS, animal adoptions... I was humbled today as I realized that although I am small, every person can make a difference. Be a part of something big.