Join us at WildFlower August 1…

Dear Family and Friends:

Before I get started, I would like to invite you (and everyone you know) to join us at the Wildflower Bread Company on 44th St and Indian School on August 1st between 5-8 PM. Wildflower is donating 15% of all proceeds to the Ovarian Cancer Institute on my behalf which is truly humbling. The money will go to continued research and awareness and will hopefully put us one step closer to a cure. We would really appreciate all your support. Afterwards, we will be heading over to the Tee Pee, our favorite local watering hole, for a drink!

I just went back and read the comments that have been posted on the blog. As I was reading them and literally tearing up, I realized I have never acknowledged the wonderful comments you have left for us. I humbly apologize. Your comments and inspiration have meant the world to me. Please believe me when I say that you keep me pushing forward and encourage our family to continue to be strong and we are all thankful for you. I truly appreciate all the support you have given. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Well the past several weeks have been busy for all of us. Shortly after we returned from our river trip, which again was the best trip ever, we were supposed to leave for Hawaii. However, Bill ended up in trial. So, from the river to the fire we traveled. Luckily the trial ended early, the day before the 4th of July. At this time Billy, Nicole, Chloe and Danielle had already left for the Big Island of Hawaii to stay with our friend Nikki who had rented a house for three weeks for her family.

Bill and I stayed home on the 4th of July and literally watched a 4 hour Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers special. At first we thought we would just watch an hour or so but the documentary and music was a lot of fun to watch. He is coming to Phoenix in August and I am really tempted to buy some seats from a broker and go watch the old rocker, he has always been a favorite!!

The next day, Bill and I were able to use some frequent flyers and traveled to Hawaii to meet up with the family. We had such a great time. The friends, family, weather and food were excellent. Bill and I stayed at the Hapuna Beach Hotel which was just a 1 and 1/2 miles from the house Nikki rented, so it was easy to walk there and hang out. The house is on one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. There were trees overhanging the beach so we could take the baby and sit in the shade all day with her. The coral reefs had plenty of large turtles to view without even having to snorkel….but the snorkeling was just as great!

We got home early on Thursday and then on Friday morning Billie and I headed to Tucson for my chemotherapy treatment. Dr. Chambers continues to be pleased with my progress and things are going well. However, this particular treatment hit me pretty hard and had me down and out for a few days. I am now back up on my feet a bit and have even been working a few hours for the office. I think maybe I was really tired from traveling and helping out with the trial, but who knows?

On August 5, the day before my next treatment, I will be having outpatient surgery to remove the port in my abdomen. I told Dr. Chambers this feels like a real milestone for me and she agreed. I cannot wait to have this removed, it has literally been the biggest pain in my side!!

Last Sunday, Chloe was baptized at the Prince of Peace church. It was a very nice ceremony and mass. I met Pastor Rick who baptized Chloe and learned he had lost his wife 8 years ago from ovarian cancer. He said she squeezed every bit out of life she could in the three years she lived after the diagnosis. Good for her!!

We often take for granted each day but it is truly important to enjoy each and every moment! Tell and show people how much you love them, reach out to strangers, smile, let go of the heaviness you may carry around for others and never forget to love yourself as well. I don’t mean to sound fatalistic but… we all need to live our lives to the fullest… just “imagine”…

I am asking for prayers for a former co-worker from the office, Tracey, who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Tracey we are thinking of you. Stay strong in mind, spirit and body.

Below is an article from the Georgia Force about Carlos and his tremendous success with “Kicking for the Cure.” Wow!! The difference just one person can make.

For those of you who planned to match donations, Carlos made 5 field goals and 112 point-after-touchdowns.

Carlos you are amazing!! We love you and are so proud of you. We appreciate all you have done.

FORCE KICKER CARLOS MARTINEZ NAMED TO THE AFL’S AL LUCAS HERO TEAM
The Arena Football League has announced that Georgia Force (10-6) K Carlos Martinez has been named to the Al Lucas Hero Team for his contributions in the community.

Martinez, 5-8, 180 pounds, had an extended–family member, Colleen Drury, diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer prior to the start of the regular season. As a result of the development, he decided to partner with the Georgia Tech based Ovarian Cancer Institute to start the “Kicking for the Cure” Fund. Over the course of the season, Martinez donated $25 for every field goal made (five) and a $10 donation for every PAT made (112) to the Ovarian Cancer Institute in Colleen Drury’s honor. Fans were given the opportunity to join Martinez and his support of the Ovarian Cancer Institute by pledging to donate a monetary amount per field goal and PAT made. With the help of the fans, Martinez was able to present the Ovarian Cancer Institute with a check for $6,459 at the team’s Divisional Round Playoff Game vs. Cleveland (7/7).

Martinez also enjoyed a successful season on the field as he posted franchise single-season highs in PATs attempted (127), PATs made (112) and points scored by a kicker (127) in 16 games this season. He also tallied 36 touchbacks on 131 kickoffs, which ranked fifth in the AFL. On two occasions this season, Martinez split the uprights on 10 PATs (vs. Kansas City, 4/4 and at Utah, 3/29), which tied the second highest total in a single-game in Force history.

This honor marks the first time a member of the Force has been named to the Al Lucas Hero Team.