Team Heather

The Robbery of a Smile

impersonaltrainers — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:43:00 +0000

One simple question for you: DO YOU HAVE A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU LOVE?

I watched one of the women in my life handle her battle with breast cancer with more STRENGTH and DETERMINATION and FAITH than I knew one person could possess. The only time I saw my sister Heather cry was when breast cancer robbed her of her ability to SMILE; Heather so loved to SMILE!

The muscles in her face no longer worked, and at that moment I thought to myself that I would do ANYTHING to prevent another woman in my life, or yours, from experiencing the same ROBBERY OF A SMILE!

We are nearly a week away from the most important breast cancer event in the world – THE SUSAN G. KOMEN GLOBAL RACE FOR THE CURE – and I stand before you asking one last time for your support.

Tonight, in an unprecedented Congressional Event on Capitol Hill, UNITED STATES SENATORS Tom Coburn, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mary Landrieu, Barbara Mikulski, Mark Pryor, Olympia Snowe, Debbie Stabenow, UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES Charles Boustany, David Camp, Marcy Kaptur, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Mark Schauer will stand together in support of the efforts of Team Heather…..

…..won’t you join them in making a donation today of any amount, and helping to stop the next ROBBERY OF A SMILE?

HTTP://GLOBALRACE.INFO-KOMEN.ORG/SITE/TR/GLOBALRACEFORTHECURE/GLOBALRACE?PX=3968650&PG=PERSONAL&FR_ID=1370&REFRESH=1

Thank you in advance,
Shawn Gardner
TEAM HEATHER CAPTAIN – 2010 GLOBAL RACE FOR THE CURE

Join Seven U.S. Senators & Four U.S. Representatives Serving as Honorary Chairs for the 1st Annual Congressional Event, at Van Scoyoc Associates, Benefiting Team Heather in the 2010 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure

impersonaltrainers — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:35:55 +0000

Join us for this Congressional Event at Van Scoyoc Associates (101 Constitution Ave.) on May 26 from 6:30-8:30.

This Evening Reception, with Honorary Chairs U.S. Senators Coburn, Stabenow, Landrieu, Snowe, Mikulski, Gillibrand, Pryor, and Representatives Boustany, Kaptur, Camp, and Ros-Lehtinen, will benefit the efforts of Team Heather in the 2010 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.

Regular Individual Admission tickets are $50 and Special Individual Admission tickets are $100. Special Individual Admission tickets automatically enter you in a drawing to win fun prizes like an iPad, Diamond Seat National’s tickets, and more.

To R.S.V.P. by May 21, please contact Stephanie Roehl at sroehl@vsadc.com and visit this Facebook Event.

For more information on, or to donate to, Team Heather in the 2010 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure, please visit: http://tiny.cc/TeamHeatherEvent.

To view the official Congressional Event Invitation, click here: Capitol Hill Congressional Event Benefiting Team Heather in the 2010 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure

Send Team Heather Donation Request Email to Friends

impersonaltrainers — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:51:21 +0000

Greetings,

In 2002, 26 year-old Heather Gardner lost her battle with breast cancer. Heather was the youngest sister of my friend, Shawn Gardner. In order to continue Heather’s fight, and support the millions of women and men affected annually by breast cancer, Shawn formed Team Heather, a fundraising group in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.

In the past seven years, Team Heather has raised nearly a quarter-of-a-million dollars for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and for breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment. Last year alone, Team Heather raised $55,193. Their fundraising goal in 2010 is $50,000, and they need all the help they can get; this is where you come in.

I would be honored if you considered supporting Team Heather in their efforts this year by making a donation of any amount. (To make a donation, or to read more about Heather’s story on the 2010 Team Heather Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure website, click or copy and paste this link – http://tiny.cc/TeamHeather2010)

Team Heather’s involvement in this global battle to end breast cancer, and their commitment to finding a cure, is best summed up in the reasons Shawn still participates in these efforts, seven years after Heather’s death to breast cancer.
_ _ _

I am often asked why I still participate in the Global Race for the Cure, seven years after Heather’s passing. My response is always the same, “How can I not participate?” How can I not do absolutely everything within my power, or outside my power, to help find a cure for the disease that took the life of my 26 year-old sister?

Within each person, there is a fundamental, physiologic, pre-determined response one chooses to a perceived attack on ourselves or our loved ones. When faced with the choice to “fight” or “flee” from the threat breast cancer presents, we either grab the disease by the throat with a death grip, or we shut down.

Two years out from Heather’s death, seven years out, 20 years out, my reaction will forever be the same – to grab breast cancer by the throat, wrap my legs around its waist, head butt it into unconsciousness, and not let go until the disease that indiscriminately takes the lives of our best and brightest and strongest takes its last breath.

As an 8th grade English teacher, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t use this metaphor of physically killing breast cancer. As the son of a breast cancer survivor, and the older brother of Heather Gardner, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t do the hard work of fundraising.

In a recent piece I wrote for Komen, on the best practices of fundraising, I spoke of the intense difficulty I experience every year when asking people like you for money – whether in donations or team membership. 95% of you never met Heather; how bold and brazen of me to ask. But fundraising is supposed to be hard, and I accept and embrace these challenges as part of this journey towards finding a cure.

In my writing, I suggested that one way they begin their fundraising process is by telling a story. We have been telling Heather’s story for years now, and a quarter-of-a-million dollars later, thanks to folks like you, it seems to be working.

I wrote that we first tell Heather’s story, and then we, very bluntly, ask for money. A funny thing happens as a result – folks like you give money. So, again this year, please join our team or make a donation to Team Heather in our 2010 Global Race for the Cure efforts. Very big things are on the horizon for Team Heather, and whether it is through joining the team or donating to our efforts, we hope you will be a part of things to come.

Why do I still participate in the Global Race for the Cure? I do so in order to give meaning to Heather’s death. If I didn’t continue Heather’s battle in her absence, what would be her legacy? What would her life have meant? What would her death be for?

Why do I still participate in the Global Race for the Cure? I do so to help ensure the next 25 year-old woman, diagnosed with breast cancer, will have that much greater a chance at becoming a survivor.

Why do I still participate in the Global Race for the Cure? I do so because when I think about fundraising to end breast cancer, I am reminded of a quote from Tom Hanks’ character in, “A League of Their Own.” In response to a baseball player who cries about baseball getting “too hard,” Hanks’ character says, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.”

Fight or flight? I choose to fight! Please fight alongside me.

Finding a cure to breast cancer will be hard, but how great it will be!

Thank you!
Shawn Gardner
Team Heather Captain
gardnershawn68@aol.com
_ _ _

With the knowledge that every 68 seconds a woman dies of breast cancer, please take a minute or two today to consider Shawn’s request. The four websites included below give more specifics, and Shawn’s contact information is Shawn Gardner – 202-286-4405 (gardnershawn68@aol.com or shawn.gardner@fcps.edu).

On behalf of Shawn, and the millions of women and men engaged in their own personal battles with breast cancer, thank you in advance – together, we CAN find a cure!

Websites:
Team Heather’s Global Race for the Cure Website: http://tiny.cc/TeamHeather2010
Team Heather Wikipedia Page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_Heather
Team Heather on Twitter (@teamheather): http://tiny.cc/TeamHeatherTwitter
Team Heather’s Facebook Group: http://tiny.cc/TeamHeatherFacebook

Email Soliciting Silent Auction Items

impersonaltrainers — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:43:05 +0000

Good Morning,

My friend, Shawn Gardner, is organizing South County Secondary School’s 4th Annual Silent Auction benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and he needs your help – http://tiny.cc/SouthCountySilentAuction.

To date, this dedicated school has raised over $22,000 in the battle against breast cancer, and they intend on hosting their most successful fundraising event ever for the 10th anniversary of Team Heather’s involvement in the Global Race for the Cure – http://tiny.cc/10thAnniversary.

Team Heather is named after Shawn’s 26 year old sister who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2002; in 2010, this team will top a quarter-of-a-million dollars raised in this global battle to end breast cancer.

So, is there any way you might consider donating an item for their silent auction? Tickets to professional sports franchises, gift certificates, professional services, hand-made items, etc. Additionally, do you know anyone in your address book, neighborhood, religious community, or family who would consider donating a silent auction item and who might have connections to businesses like Best Buy, Apple, Brookstone, Target, I-Kea, Wegman’s, Whole Foods, Border’s, PetSmart, Home Depot, Lowes, restaurants, spas, salon, etc.? Shawn has compiled a generic list of silent auction items to give folks ideas – http://tiny.cc/SilentAuctionItemsList.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or questions, you can email Shawn directly as gardnershawn68@aol.com. Either way, I thank you for your consideration in assisting Team Heather’s efforts and hopefully they look forward to your support as they begin their 2010 fundraising season in a little over a month – http://tiny.cc/TeamHeather2010.

Thank you!

Team Heather Celebrates Our 10th Anniversary in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

impersonaltrainers — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:07:42 +0000

What does Team Heather have in common with the following?

1. “O: The Oprah Magazine”
2. Rascal Flatts
3. Crews aboard the International Space Station
4. CBS’s “Survivor”
5. The Sydney Olympics
6. The Bush v. Gore Election
7. Playstation 2
8. Senator Clinton
9. Movies like “Cast Away,” “Gladiator,” “X-Men,” and “Meet the Parents”
10. World population tops 6 billion

We are all celebrating 10th Anniversaries of some kind in 2010.

For Team Heather, it’s 10 years of working as a team. 10 Years of carrying on the battle Heather began. 10 Years of celebrating survivorship. 10 Years of raising money and awareness. 10 Years of writing, informing, speaking, running, advocating, walking, teaching, advocating and educating in this global battle to end breast cancer.

Help make 2010 our greatest year ever; visit Team Heather 2010, today.

Silent Auction Items Needs for South County Secondary School’s 4th Annual Talent Show/Silent Auction

impersonaltrainers — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:50:14 +0000

SCSS Silent Auction and Show Item Ideas

Gift Certificates or Items Donated from Businesses Like:

ELECTRONICS:
1. Best Buy
2. FYE
3. Radio Shack
4. Apple
5. Brookstone
6. Gamestop
7. Office Depot
8. OfficeMax
9. Staples

DEPARTMENT/CLOTHING STORES:
1. Target
2. Walmart
3. T.J. Maxx
4. I-Kea
5. Sears
6. J.C. Penny’s
7. Costo
8. Sam’s
9. Men’s Warehouse
10. Gap
11. Banana Republic
12. J. Crew

GROCERY STORES:
1. Wegman’s
2. Whole Foods
3. Trader Joe’s
4. Giant

SPECIALTY STORES:
1. Border’s
2. Barnes & Noble’s
3. Bed, Bath, & Beyond
4. Bath & Body Works
5. Container Store
6. PetSmart
7. PetCo
8. Sunglass Hut

HOME IMPROVEMENT:
1. Home Depot
2. Lowes

GENERAL:
1. Restaurants
2. Potomac Mill’s Stores

SERVICES:
1. Salons
2. Spas
3. Beauty salons

Home and House
1. Gift certificate for maid service
2. Tool box filled with new tools
3. Electronics: stereo system, iPod, television, etc.
4. Set of CDs around a certain theme
5. Digital camera or video camera
6. Artwork
7. Gift certificate for a painting of your house
8. Gift certificate for a room makeover
9. Gift certificate for a session with a professional organizer
10. Handyman gift certificate
11. Box/bucket of fancy cleaning products
12. Handmade pottery
13. Gift certificate from a local photographer
14. Handmade cards, photo album, etc.
15. Gift basket related to a specific craft (for example, stamping, or knitting)
16. Gift certificate for a craft class
17. Handmade quilt or certificate for handmade quilt
18. Baskets themed around a holiday (for example, a Christmas basket could include ornaments, holiday candles, a tree skirt, stockings, etc.)
19. Electric tools
20. Silk or dried floral arrangement
21. Household items such as vases, bowls, platters, candlesticks, pillows
22. Complete tabletop: includes set of dishes for eight, table cloth, napkins, candle holders, silverware, crystal, etc.
23. Gift certificates from local gift shops
24. Piano tuning
25. Collectible doll/figurine
26. Artificial/decorated Christmas tree
27. Longaberger basket
28. Dyson vacuum cleaner
29. Use of a dumpster for a week

Trips, Getaways, and Just Fun
1. Use of vacation home
2. Bed & Breakfast
3. Downtown hotel stay
4. Resorts
5. Limousine service
6. Airline tickets
7. Hot air balloon ride
8. Sailing or boat cruise
9. Tickets to local arts and culture events (music, theatre, dance, opera, museums etc)
10. Gift certificate for dance lessons
11. Limo ride
12. Horsedrawn carriage ride
13. Hot air balloon ride
14. Tour of a local winery with a private wine tasting
15. Gift certificate for bowling
16. Gift certificate for a bed and breakfast
17. Small getaway packages
18. Weekend in a cabin or condo
19. Weekend hot tub rental
20. A musical performance in your home

Sports and Sporting Events
1. Rounds of golf or tennis
2. Tickets for a professional or college game: hockey, basketball, baseball, football,
3. Memorabilia signed by professional players (baseball, bobble head, photo, jersey)
4. Sports equipment: golf clubs, tennis racket, fishing rod, tackle box filled with lures
5. Gift certificate for golf, diving, tennis, riding, skiing, etc. lessons
6. Gift certificate for round of golf at local club
7. Sunglasses
8. Half day of guided fishing
9. Gym membership
10. Tent, sleeping bag, cookstove, etc.
11. Binoculars
12. Ski lift ticket certificates

For Her
1. Classic jewelry (for example, a single strand of pearls)
2. Gift certificate from a local jeweler
3. Handmade jewelry
4. Gift certificate for manicure, pedicure, massage, haircut, spa day
5. Basket of spa/bath products (for example The Thymes, Crabtree and Evelyn, etc.)
6. Basket of fine soaps, lotion, etc.
7. Handmade/hand-knit scarves
8. Relaxation basket: bubble bath, aroma therapy candle, CD of quiet music, etc.
9. Handbag from Coach, Brighton, etc.

Children
1. Family Fun Box: a plastic tub filled with various board and card games, snacks (such as microwave popcorn, licorice, Goldfish, Skittles), and/or a Blockbuster gift certificate
2. Baby basket filled with lotion, powder, bibs, blanket, toys, etc.
3. Set of childrens books
4. Set of childrens toys
5. Set of childrens DVDs
6. Playhouse (outdoor)
7. Gift certificate for admission to the Childrens Museums, Museums, Zoos, etc.
8. Toy store gift certificates
9. Gift certificate for a visit from Santa at your home
10. Gift certificate for a clown at a birthday party
11. Gift certificate for a pony at a birthday party
12. Bicycle
13. Admission to a water park or other theme park

Food and Drink
1. Gourmet foods
2. Cooking lessons or gift certificate for a cooking class
3. Gift certificates from local restaurants (both fine and casual)
4. Fine bottle(s) of wine
5. Single bottles of hard liquor (such as scotch)
6. Themed bar baskets (for example, everything you need to make a martini: vodka (or gin), a shaker, martini glasses, olives, etc.)
7. A sample pack of exotic beers
8. Gift certificate from a make and take business
9. Sets of cookbooks
10. Set of good kitchen knives
11. Small (but somewhat fancy) kitchen appliances: a KitchenAid mixer, espresso machine
12. Gift certificate for a cookie a month, dessert a month, etc. (could be donated by a professional or by someone within your organization who bakes just like a professional)
13. Baskets: Chocolate basket, coffee basket, bread basket, wild rice basket: any type of theme can work! Include actual product, gift certificates for product, ingredients and tools to make product, cookbooks be creative!
14. Gift certificate/basket from a local food coop or food artisan (such as a chocolate, honey, cheese or wine maker)
15. Dinner prepared by a local chef or someone within your organization
16. Certificate from a local brewery to learn how to make your own beer
17. Set of wine glasses or barware
18. Set of BBQ tools
19. Year supply of Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies

House and Garden
1. Antiques
2. Oriental carpets
3. Appliances
4. Kitchen equipment
5. Gift certificate from a local nursery
6. Gift certificate from a local florist (could be a single certificate or for a flower/plant a month)
7. Tote of garden tools
8. Garden bench
9. Garden boot cleaner
10. Copper fire pit
11. Garden sculpture
12. Bird feeder and bird feed
13. Gift certificate from a local landscaper
14. Gift certificate for dirt, rock, mulch
15. Gift certificate from a lawn service
16. Use of a piece of heavy landscape equipment for a weekend
17. Adirondack chairs
18. Porch swing
19. Patio furniture
20. Lawn mower
21. Snow blower
22. BBQ grill
23. Yard cleanup/gutter cleaning/window washing gift certificate

Professional Services
1. Accountant
2. Personal trainer
3. Photographer
4. Interior designer
5. Landscape designer
6. Computer consultant
7. Lawyer (simple will or other service)
8. Massage therapist
9. Florist

Arts and Crafts
1. Paintings, Drawings, and Prints
2. Ceramics
3. Fine jewelry
4. Quilts and hangings
5. Handmade clothing
6. Art classes

Electronics
1. I-Pod
2. Digital camera
3. Laptop computer

Gift Certificates
1. Restaurants
2. Books and CDs
3. Clothing and accessories
4. Beauty salon
5. Car wash

Cultural Events
1. Concert tickets
2. Theater tickets
3. Movie tickets
4. Personal museum tour

Special Events
1. Hosted dinner
2. Hosted kids party
3. Catering
4. Music for a party
5. Facility rental

Miscellaneous
1. Gift certificate for tax preparation
2. Personal coaching sessions
3. Teeth whitening gift certificate
4. Basket of pet related items
5. Gift certificate for veterinary services
6. Items signed by celebrities
7. Gift certificates for car washes or detailing

The Craig’s List Posting Soliciting Items for South County Secondary School’s 4th Annual Silent Auction

impersonaltrainers — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:59:19 +0000

(The Craig’s List posting soliciting items for South County Secondary School’s 4th Annual Silent Auction)

Spring, 2010

Dear Community Members and Business Owners,

In 2002, 26 year old Heather Gardner lost her battle with breast cancer. In order to continue Heather’s fight, and support the millions of women and men affected annually by breast cancer, the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society in Fairfax County Public School’s South County Secondary School will hold their 4th Annual Talent Show & Silent Auction on April 15, 2010.

This event was established in 2006 to raise funds for Team Heather’s (www.ourteamheather.wordpress.com) annual efforts in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure (www.tiny.cc/teamheather2010). Of the over $241,500.00 Team Heather has raised since Heather’s death, South County Secondary School is responsible for collecting an astonishing $22,000 towards breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment.

To ensure the success of our 2010 fundraising efforts in the battle against this disease, our student-driven event desperately needs community and business involvement in one of two areas.

First, we are in need of high-interest items (item ideas listed below) for our two-week long Silent Auction, kicking off on April 1, 2010. While the Silent Auction is held in conjunction with our school event, it is designed and intended for adult bidding: parents, teachers, and staff. High-interest items from past auctions have included donations from Gold’s Gym, Pizzeria Paradiso, Louisville Slugger, Hotel Rouge, Dante Ristorante, Bobby Van’s Grill, and many more.

Second, we are in need of smaller prizes (item ideas listed below) for the event’s raffle, highest pledge winners, and show finalists.

During these difficult financial times, we realize that participating in a breast cancer fundraiser might take an extra effort on your part. We hope you take inspiration from 7th-12th grade students playing such an active role in this global movement to end breast cancer and contribute.

It is very easy to do so, simply read the list of silent auction item ideas below; search your address books, neighborhood connections, religious institutions, and local businesses for folks who might be able to and are interested in supporting the cause of breast cancer, contact Shawn Gardner (gardnershawn68@aol.com) and add to our event’s growing list of items.

In a recent dinner celebrating Team Heather’s accomplishments, Ambassador Nancy Brinker, sister of Susan Komen and founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, spoke of her profound appreciation for this community’s commitment to the battle against breast cancer. If you are interested in supporting this commitment, please contact Shawn Gardner (gardnershawn68@aol.com). Thank you in advance; together, we CAN make a difference!

Sincerely,
Shawn Gardner
South County Secondary School Event Sponsor
gardnershawn68@aol.com

SCSS Silent Auction and Show Item Ideas

Arts and Crafts
1. Paintings, Drawings, and Prints
2. Ceramics
3. Fine jewelry
4. Quilts and hangings
5. Handmade clothing
6. Art classes

Electronics
1. I-Pod
2. Digital camera
3. Laptop computer

Gift Certificates
1. Restaurants
2. Books and CDs
3. Clothing and accessories
4. Beauty salon
5. Car wash

Cultural Events
1. Concert tickets
2. Theater tickets
3. Movie tickets
4. Personal museum tour

Special Events
1. Hosted dinner
2. Hosted kids party
3. Catering
4. Music for a party
5. Facility rental

I Will Always Love You

impersonaltrainers — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:33:46 +0000

By Suzanne Perry, Ph.D. (Thanks Sonia!)

Like most elementary schools, it was typical to have a parade of students in and out of the health clinic throughout the day. We dispensed ice for bumps and bruises, Band-Aids for cuts, and liberal doses of sympathy and hugs. As principal, my office was right next door to the clinic, so I often dropped in to lend a hand and help out with the hugs. I knew that for some kids, mine might be the only one they got all day.

One morning I was putting a Band-Aid on a little girl’s scraped knee. Her blonde hair was matted, and I noticed that she was shivering in her thin little sleeveless blouse. I found her a warm sweatshirt and helped her pull it on. “Thanks for taking care of me,” she whispered as she climbed into my lap and snuggled up against me.

It wasn’t long after that when I ran across an unfamiliar lump under my arm. Cancer, an aggressively spreading kind, had already invaded thirteen of my lymph nodes. I pondered whether or not to tell the students about my diagnosis. The word breast seemed so hard to say out loud to them, and the word cancer seemed so frightening. When it became evident that the children were going to find out one way or another, either the straight scoop from me or possibly a garbled version from someone else, I decided to tell them myself.

It wasn’t easy to get the words out, but the empathy and concern I saw in their faces as I explained it to them told me I had made the right decision. When I gave them a chance to ask questions, they mostly wanted to know how they could help.

I told them that what I would like best would be their letters, pictures and prayers.

I stood by the gym door as the children solemnly filed out. My little blonde friend darted out of line and threw herself into my arms. Then she stepped back to look up into my face. “Don’t be afraid, Dr. Perry,” she said earnestly, “I know you’ll be back because now it’s our turn to take care of you.”

No one could have ever done a better job. The kids sent me off to my first chemotherapy session with a hilarious book of nausea remedies that they had written.

A video of every class in the school singing get-well songs accompanied me to the next chemotherapy appointment.

By the third visit, the nurses were waiting at the door to find out what I would bring next. It was a delicate music box that played “I Will Always Love You.”

Even when I went into isolation at the hospital for a bone marrow transplant, the letters and pictures kept coming until they covered every wall of my room.

Then the kids traced their hands onto colored paper, cut them out and glued them together to make a freestanding rainbow of helping hands. “I feel like I’ve stepped into Disneyland every time I walk into this room,” my doctor laughed.

That was even before the six-foot apple blossom tree arrived adorned with messages written on paper apples from the students and teachers. What healing comfort I found in being surrounded by these tokens of their caring.

At long last I was well enough to return to work. As I headed up the road to the school, I was suddenly overcome by doubts. What if the kids have forgotten all about me? I wondered, What if they don’t want a skinny bald principal? What if . . .

I caught sight of the school marquee as I rounded the bend. “Welcome Back, Dr. Perry,” it read. As I drew closer, everywhere I looked were pink ribbons – ribbons in the windows, tied on the doorknobs, even up in the trees. The children and staff wore pink ribbons, too.

My blonde buddy was first in line to greet me. “You’re back, Dr. Perry, you’re back!” she called. “See, I told you we’d take care of you!”

As I hugged her tight, in the back of my mind I faintly heard my music box playing . . . “I will always love you.”

Letter to Local Businesses Soliciting Silent Auction Items for the 4th Annual SCSS Talent Show/Silent Auction on April 15, 2010

impersonaltrainers — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:28:34 +0000

Spring, 2010

Dear Community Members and Business Owners,

In 2002, 26 year old Heather Gardner lost her battle with breast cancer. In order to continue Heather’s fight, and support the millions of women and men affected annually by breast cancer, South County Secondary School’s National Honor Societies will hold our 4th Annual Talent Show & Silent Auction, April 15, 2010.

This event was established in 2006 to raise funds for Team Heather’s annual efforts in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure (www.tiny.cc/teamheather2010). Of the over $241,500.00 Team Heather has raised since Heather’s death, South County Secondary School is responsible for collecting an astonishing $22,000 towards breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment.

To ensure the success of our 2010 fundraising efforts in the battle against this disease, our student-driven event desperately needs community and business involvement in one of two areas.

First, we are in need of “high-interest” items for our two-week long Silent Auction, kicking off on April 1, 2010. While the Silent Auction is held in conjunction with our school event, it is designed and intended for adult bidding: parents, teachers, and staff. High-interest items from past auctions have included donations from Gold’s Gym, Pizzeria Paradiso, Louisville Slugger, Hotel Rouge, Dante Ristorante, Bobby Van’s Grill, and much more.

Second, we are in need of “smaller” prizes for the event’s raffle, highest pledge winners, and show finalists.

During these difficult financial times, we realize that participating in a breast cancer fundraiser might take an extra effort on your part. We hope you take inspiration from 7th-12th grade students – playing such an active role in this global movement – and contribute.

In a recent dinner celebrating Team Heather’s accomplishments, Ambassador Nancy Brinker, sister of Susan Komen and founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, spoke of her profound appreciation for this community’s commitment to the battle against breast cancer. If you are interested in supporting this commitment, please contact the school sponsor listed below. Thank you in advance; together, we CAN make a difference!

Sincerely,

Shawn Gardner
School Sponsor
gardnershawn68@aol.com

112 of the Most Favorite Tweets I’ve Written on @TeamHeather

impersonaltrainers — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Egypt celebrates its first Race for the Cure, bringing a focus on breast cancer to North. Africa & the Middle East – http://tiny.cc/Egypt552

Men, when a woman in your life gets breast cancer, remember, she’s the Commander in Chief in fighting this disease – www.standbyher.org

1 of the most creative & comprehensive breast cancer directories ever seen. It is in AU, and US programs, take note! – http://tiny.cc/h4n3C

VERY interesting, touching, and diverse “group journal” blog written by breast cancer survivors – http://tiny.cc/oL6yL

MaryEllen Locher Found. provides secondary ed scholarships 4 kids who’ve lost a parent to breast cancer & of breast cancer survivors: http://tiny.cc/5NVAw

Breast cancer survivors who’ve had a mastectomy, some tips 2 help you become more comfortable w/intimacy after surgery: http://tiny.cc/oUyHl

In breast cancer journey, women need a boyfriend, husband, fiancé, girlfriend, or a partner who is patient – http://tiny.cc/DWk2W

Spouses of breast cancer survivors find a safe place to share anxieties and experiences at support group – http://tiny.cc/gxEJa

One of the FEW resources for young women! Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program offers personal support & ed for young women: http://tiny.cc/WDb3V

Study of over 44,000 women shows more evidence linking obesity to likelihood of developing diseases like breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/7saQC

The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early. Check out this thorough self-exam “How to” – http://tiny.cc/P6Yw3

AWESOME video on breast cancer survivors recovering through a military style exercise called Breast Cancer Boot Camp – http://tiny.cc/K0o9z

New development in detecting breast cancer combines mammo & CT scans, using comfortable device to detect single photons: http://tiny.cc/Es7sl

Wonderful book survivors can read free online! “Dancing With Fear: Tips & Wisdom From Breast Cancer Survivors” – http://tiny.cc/iOAoI

Pres. Obama awards Pres. Medal of Freedom, highest civilian honor, to breast cancer activist Nancy Brinker, founder of Komen for the Cure!GREAT read! “B.O.O.B.S.: A Bunch Of Outrageous Breast-Cancer Survivors Tell Their Stories of Courage, Hope & Healing” – http://tiny.cc/Uax6G

Komen for the Cure Ambassador, René Syler, speaks about how to cope with the fear of a recurrence of breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/nwBM4

Evid shows when women are more involved in making own surgery choices, w/less Dr input, they are more apt 2 choose mastectomy: http://tiny.cc/B8XfN

Program to educate Amish & Mennonite women on importance of regular breast self-exams & provide them w/free health screenings: http://tiny.cc/s8oVs

Slide show of stages of breast cancer; stages give your doctor idea of your prognosis & the likely outcome of disease – http://tiny.cc/FHUcU

100 Dubai hosp staff to take basic training in breast cancer detection prior to 12 month Emirate-wide aware camp in Oct: http://tiny.cc/OvHJq

Computer program created that uses artificial intell. to help doctors predict earlier whether breast cancer has metastasized: http://tiny.cc/86ujT

My mother survived, my 26 year old sis did not; how to deal w/survivor guilt & “why am I here?” after breast cancer is gone – http://tiny.cc/hOh8Q

Breast cancer & women in prison: few self-examined, little knowledge of symptoms & risk factors, in need of health education: http://tiny.cc/v7Oeq

New study shows women who smoke while undergoing therapy for breast cancer are more than twice as likely to die – http://tiny.cc/Smoking552

Books for breasts cancer survivors as they recover & need advice, inspiration, motivation or a good old fashion laugh: http://tiny.cc/Books84

Artificial Lighting & Breast Cancer: Blind women have low rates of bc. Nurses & night shift workers have high rates – http://tiny.cc/Light74

“Discovering Hands” is training blind women to use developed tactile skills to detect breast cancer earlier & better than drs http://tiny.cc/MsLI7

Proposed legislation would help make women under 40 aware of their elevated risk for breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Under40

Deceptively simple non-med tips to help breast cancer survs. cope w/emotional & physical challenges – http://tiny.cc/BCTips

Guys can feel so helpless in their loved ones’ fights against breast cancer. No more! – http://www.breastcancerhusband.org

A great support for couples as they face breast cancer together – http://fbctogether.org/

Find a convenient place to have a mammogram near you – http://tiny.cc/FindMammos

Don’t know WHAT to do for your friend/loved one diagnosed w/breast cancer? Helpful gifts/gestures – http://tiny.cc/Gifts853

Find breast cancer clinical trials near you or targeted at you – http://tiny.cc/FindClinicalTrials

A friend just had her 1st mammo; I thought info on how to prepare for a mammo might be helpful – http://tiny.cc/Preparing

6 Breast cancer symptoms most women don’t know about – http://tiny.cc/6Symptoms

Considering BRCA1 & BRCA2 genetic testing for breast cancer? Everything you need to know about benefits and limitations http://tiny.cc/FDKGi

Are you a breast cancer “pre-vivor?” One who, either through family or genetic link, needs to prepare for the possibility of bc? http://tiny.cc/HJpvA

The Bipartisan Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act needs your support! Bill – http://tiny.cc/Bill908; Petition – http://tiny.cc/Petition850

Breast Cancer Awareness Contest for best & most unique celebrations of ’09 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: http://tiny.cc/Contest686

Check out movie “Living Proof,” true story of Dr. Dennis Slamon, the UCLA doc who helped develop the breast cancer drug Herceptin – AMAZING!

Meet four women who survived breast cancer thanks to Herceptin: medicine whose discovery is documented in movie “Living Proof” http://tiny.cc/Survivors

Man’s best friend might specifically be woman’s best friend; studies show dogs can smell breast cancer on breath – http://tiny.cc/Dogs785

You, and not your doctors, are in charge of your breast cancer medical care. How to train your doctors – http://tiny.cc/Doctor683

Have friends/family members who smoke around you or loved ones; secondhand smoke linked to breast cancer for years! http://tiny.cc/Smoke294

Every relationship is tested by breast cancer; SEX & INTIMACY afterwards: http://tiny.cc/Sex327, http://tiny.cc/Sex41, http://tiny.cc/Sex490

Happy inside & out helps fight breast cancer; tips for survivors: http://tiny.cc/Beauty967, http://tiny.cc/Beauty438, http://tiny.cc/Beauty242

First mammogram? Time for your annual one? Prescribed one cause of a lump? Are you nervous? Use the Buddy System! http://tiny.cc/Buddy858

In some cultures, there’s no word for cancer. How Asians, Native Americans, Latinas, & Muslims deal w/ breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/Oprah510

My surviving sister experiences this every year: How to make it through breast cancer false alarms – http://tiny.cc/Oprah679

Study found women living in brightest neighborhoods were 73% more likely to suffer from breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Nocturnalillumination

“Why I Cut Off My Breasts!” Cameras follow René Syler through this extreme surgery to prevent breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Oprah963

Had a mastectomy, or know a woman who has, and having a hard time finding a swimsuit that fits? Excellent resource! http://tiny.cc/Oprah577

One virulent fast-acting type of breast cancer attacks more than twice as many young black women as all other women: http://tiny.cc/Oprah729

“Lump!” “Cancer!” “Mastectomy!” “Radiation!” “Chemo!” “Reconstruction!” How to explain this to kids? RESOURCES! – http://tiny.cc/Children672

Telling kids about breast cancer is hard. Use these huggable dolls (& accompanying 34 pg book) as a comforting tool – http://tiny.cc/Kimmie

Breast cancer costs $200,000, so when it is present and health insurance is not, turn to Pretty in Pink – http://tiny.cc/Pretty770

Diagnosed w/ breast cancer? Understand your pathology report by getting past medical jargon & knowing the facts – http://tiny.cc/Pathology132

What’s your breast cancer IQ? Take quizzes or share: http://tiny.cc/QuizA, http://tiny.cc/QuizB, http://tiny.cc/QuizC, http://tiny.cc/QuizD

How do we change this? “African American women tend to refuse late stage breast cancer treatment” – http://tiny.cc/AA574

You’ve heard of “What Not To Wear” – This is what not to say when a loved one tells you she has breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/WhatNotToSay

For any young woman in your life diagnosed w/ breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Young937

- It was SO hard for my 26 yo sister to find support!

For guys like me, brothers, husbands, fathers, & friends, great site for supporting loved ones fighting breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/Guys370

Great resource for African-American women diagnosed with breast cancer – http://www.lbbc.org/african

Great resource for Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer – http://www.lbbc.org/latina.asp

Great resource for high-risk women or “pre-vivors” who know they’ll battle breast cancer – http://www.lbbc.org/high-risk.asp

Great resource for lesbians diagnosed with breast cancer – http://www.mautnerproject.org

All male breast cancer info! How common, causes, risks factors, types, symptoms, staging, treatment, & prognosis – http://tiny.cc/Male616

From dogs, cats, fish, birds, horses, pigs, and others, pet therapy can do WONDERS when battling breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/Pets763

Ladies recently diagnosed w/ breast cancer: need help? have questions? talk? Call this 24 hr hotline & speak to a survivor – 1-800-221-2141

Men w/ a woman in their lives recently diagnosed w/ breast cancer, check out the 24 hr support network, Men’s Match Program @ 1-800-221-2141

Knowing the 10 emotional responses one diagnosed w/ breast cancer experiences will help others support & nurture her: http://tiny.cc/SVgq5

Teens feel helpless when someone they love is diagnosed w/ breast cancer! Check out list of things they can do in the fight: http://tiny.cc/x24Pi

At risk for breast cancer or know someone who is, take a look at the Top 10 foods that will help reduce that risk – http://tiny.cc/Top10259

In ’07, I told Heather’s story in the Senate before a hearing looking into funding for diseases like breast cancer: http://tiny.cc/Senate312

“My illness has a first name it’s b-r-e-a-s-t. My illness has a second name it’s c-a-n-c-e-r” Songs from a survivor: http://tiny.cc/BCSongs

Alright, I promised breast cancer humor here as well, so here it goes – http://tiny.cc/Funny606

Check out this AWESOME animated & video navigation map for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: http://breastcancernavigationalmap.org

The Mayo Clinic announces lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer – Know the facts! – http://tiny.cc/Tips283

Check out these myths about breast cancer; know yourself and know the facts! – http://tiny.cc/Myths848

One of my favorite names fighting breast cancer; “Knocker Walkers” – 1) Get friends; 2) Pick a breast cancer event; 3) Get a good name 4) FIGHT!

Meet Lea Yekutiel, a woman who loves her breast cancer and what it has done for her – lemons into lemonade folks! – http://tiny.cc/Love781

Pledge to get your mammo now w/Mammograms for a Million Moms – for every 1,000,000 screened, 1,000 lives can be saved: http://tiny.cc/3m4Ef

Suzan St Maur had cancer twice and believes humor & laughter helps survivors & co-survivors through it – GOOD LAUGH: http://tiny.cc/6AlDo

Contrary to belief, pregnancy-associated breast cancer doesn’t appear to be any more deadly than bc in non-pregnant women – http://tiny.cc/rpHw5

Check out Making Memories! Their mission is to grant wishes for metastatic breast cancer patients: http://makingmemories.org

In the battle against breast cancer, you GOTTA get creative! Enter, ME’s Barron’s Bottles for Boobs – http://tiny.cc/Bottles

A collection of breast cancer podcasts, from survivors, on many ways to make like w/breast cancer a bit easier – http://tiny.cc/BlogRadio

DON’T KILL THE MESSENGER! Not sure about accuracy of this study, but you have to admit, it’s funny: http://tiny.cc/Housework

Great read! “The Victoria’s Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming : and Other Lessons I Learned from Breast Cancer” – http://tiny.cc/Victoria829

Spectacular short films about breast cancer, survivors, co-survivors, treatment, and so much more – http://tiny.cc/ShortFilms695

This is appropriate coming from a teacher – “An apple a day keeps the breast cancer away?” – http://tiny.cc/Apples

The size of a female baby at birth might affect the likelihood of her developing breast cancer later in life – http://tiny.cc/BirthSize

Presented at American College of Sports Medicine’s Conference: Working out after age 30 may lower risk of breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/WorkOut801

My interview about Team Heather & the battle against breast cancer on DC’s ABC News Channel 8 – http://tiny.cc/NewsChannel8

Alternative ways to support the breast cancer fight – http://tiny.cc/Ways1, http://tiny.cc/Ways2, http://tiny.cc/Ways3, or http://tiny.cc/Ways4

View Komen’s new global focus in emotional video – http://tiny.cc/Global32

An unbelievably inspirational story of one woman’s mental battle prior to her mastectomy – http://tiny.cc/ABodyResculpted

Producer of Charlize Theron’s “Monster” makes “Decoding Annie Parker.” Story of bc survivor’s research that led to disc of BRCA1 http://tiny.cc/SilverScreen

Guide to save people time & energy in finding key breast cancer information online (GREAT RESOURCE) – http://tiny.cc/BCGuide

Article I wrote in Family Magazine for Susan G. Komen on experiences of being a co-survivor – http://tiny.cc/FamilyMagazine

192,370 women will be diagnosed with and 40,170 women will die of breast cancer in 2009; know your risks! http://tiny.cc/2009Stats

Don’t know WHAT to do for your friend/loved one diagnosed w/breast cancer? Helpful gifts/gestures – http://tiny.cc/Gifts853

WHY does anyone smoke, especially when more and more is learned about its link to breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/WhyDoYouSmoke

Take a minute to sign the “I Vote for the Cure” Petition, which outlines 3 critical goals for Obama – http://tiny.cc/Vote354

After watching Marley & Me, I think it appropriate to highlight this unique take on battling breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/CFTC

Literally, one of the best support systems I’ve seen; my sister, Heather LOVED this place! – http://tiny.cc/GatheringPlace

A look at the impact of prenatal-to-adult environ exposures that may predispose women to breast cancer – http://www.bcerc.org//home.htm

Deceptively simple non-med tips to help breast cancer survivors cope w/emotional & physical challenges – http://tiny.cc/BCTips

Get empowered by those things you CAN control; look at the 7 ways to help prevent breast cancer – http://tiny.cc/7Ways