Almost two months ago, I told you about my friend Terri Orr, a cancer survivor who volunteered to host The American Cancer Society Relay for Life event in her county here in Georgia. Terri planned a birthday party for the participants (“celebrating more birthdays” is such a beautiful tagline) and wanted to collect gorgeous hand-made cards to give to the attendees. You can see my original post here.
I was not shocked to hear that you all responded in droves and gave Terri quite an abundance of beautiful cards. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each of you who participated. The event took place this past weekend, and here’s what Terri had to say:
You and these ladies together provided me with 205 cards. I truly can’t thank you enough…I’m a very overtly emotional person anyway….and Relay always makes my emotions even more “raw and real”–basically, I cry like a baby (some tears of sadness, some tears of joy) over all the stories that are shared by survivors and their families and friends at each Event. Knowing that folks who are technically total strangers to me would ‘reach in and give’ so generously had SEVERAL of us in tears over the weekend as we looked at these cards. It is both humbling and empowering to feel that kind of connection and shared purpose. So, um, well…a big sloppy THANKS. 😀
I had originally expected that I might get about 50 cards total–at MOST–and was fully expecting to have to make the remaining 300 myself…and had already cut/assembled bases and background papers for about 100 when I realized just how amazing the response was going to be. Some of your folks included a bit of personal history in with their cards–how cancer had impacted their lives, etc. And all of them thanked ME for doing this. It was a truly, truly phenomenal outpouring of support.
I can’t thank you enough–really. Whatever else you do in your lifetime (and it has been, and obviously WILL BE an amazing life!), you can know in your heart that you helped bring good wishes to people who really NEED it…from folks literally across the United States…from sea to shining sea. No small accomplishment there, my friend!
I am so pleased and so thankful that you took the time to contribute to this great cause. I try my best to make my corner of the world a better place, but I don’t really expect that from everyone else I know. Somewhere in my heart, though, I knew that if I asked you to send cards that you would (at the very least) want to send them. Here’s a rundown of the folks who contributed (I got my list from Terri, so some might have been missed if you didn’t include that you heard about the cause from my blog). Basically, this is a list of people who really rock!:
- Carol Coneeny
- Maggi Blocker
- Sonny Peterson
- Shannon Avdukovic
- Pat Stewart
- Joyce Osburn
- Julie Norland
- Louise Borders
- Lisa Poe
- Donna Wakefield
- Michelle Whitlock
- Dianne Cavaness
- Diana D’Arminio
To these ladies (and anyone else who participated), thank you! If you aren’t listed here, please send me an email to let me know.
Cardmaking is, indeed, a special craft. I’ve come to know that papercrafters are generous and giving. We love to communicate with our paper goods, and we love to share with others. I love that you shared with Terri and the people who mean so much to her.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Brian
way to go everyone! Together, you do make a difference. I am glad your friend was overjoyed Brian.
Thanks to Terri for letting us know that our cards made a difference . It gives a card sender and especially a card maker a warm fuzzy to know that . Thank you , Brian for being so thoughtful to share that news with us . That was a thursday treat !
Kudos to everyone! Would of liked to see all the cards submitted for the cause. This was a complete success! Terri’s letter makes my heart feel good. A standing ovation to Brian for being so caring to help Terri.
Thank you Brian–and all your wonderful followers–again! –Terri O.
I’m so happy to be part of such a wonderful response! Thanks Brian and Terri!
Having a daughter who is a two year breast cancer survivor and having participated in the Hartford, CT Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk for Life I can tell you that Terri is totally right in stating how much those cards were appreciated. Participating in any cancer program be it Relay for Life or a Breast Cancer walk is a very uplifting and emotional experience. To see people crossing the line with Survivor ribbons on will make the most macho man you have ever met shed tears. I too would like to thank you for making and sending those cards, to thank Brian for posting the request and to thank Terri for all she does for Relay. As a note, last year my daughter’s
“team” raised over $6,500 for breast cancer research and the walk raised over $2 million dollars total. It is an awesome experience to attend and I would invite everyone to participate if you can. You will come away a different person.
Grace–that is SOOOO awesome that your efforts were so successful!! My Mom died from breast cancer in 1990; I am so thankful for the strides that all our efforts together have made in fighting this disease. A BIG congrats to your daughter–and big hugs to you both!! –Terri O
Thanks Terri – great strides in treatment are being made every day and all due to efforts of people like you and millions of others who give up their time and talents searching for a cure. God Bless.
Fantastic Brian! This is simply wonderful.
It’s heartwarming to read Terri’s letter of appreciation and caring. This project was so full of kindness and giving by many. I’m so glad I was able to be part of contributing to this wonderful cause. Thanks to Terri for starting the effort and to Brian for sharing it so we could help.
Just wanted to say what an honor it was to make cards for such a worthy cause. Thanks to Brian for letting us know about Terri’s project. Thanks to Terri for today’s heartfelt thankyou. Now I am crying as well. Here’s to more Birthday’s!