Cheers To You!: November 2007

Happy Thanksgiving! It's so cliche to say that I am thankful for my family and friends, but it's true, I am! This Thanksgiving was extra special to me. It's my family's annual tradition to do the Turkey Trot in Dana Point, and we were there bright and early, but this year I didn't run with my husband and daughter, I walked with my friend Val.

For those of you who don't know, my wonderful friend and long time wedding assistant Val found out she had breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy just a month ago. In early October, Val was at my house, told me about a suspicious lump, and that she was going to see a doctor for a routine check up.

Fast forward three weeks, my friend, my assistant, and now my hero, Val had a double mastectomy. She just started 6 months of chemo. What touched me the most is that Val considers herself one of the lucky ones.

What an inspiration she is.

I hope that you are fortunate enough to meet her at your wedding if you haven't already crossed paths with her. You will love her, you can't not love her. She's Val. She's amazing. She brings to the table what we all should ... love, hope, faith, trust, and have I mentioned the best medicine, laughter.

Before I posted this I asked her if I could share her story with my friends and family. She, of course, (because she's Val) said yes. So better than writing it myself , here you have it...straight from the heart, unedited, untouched, from me to you, please meet Val, my inspiration and my friend: Val's "Hat party", two weeks ago

Hi Everybody,

Sorry to not have emailed in a while. I’ve been living life as normal. I have been feeling pretty good and able to do the things I normally do with the kids. I was able to go to Lindsey’s first cheer competition last week, watch Lauren play a tennis match (she won her first match), and walk the golf course with Brandon (always fun).

About a week ago I walked with Marla over 3 miles! After we were done being sore, we did it again about 4 days later. Then this week I walked the 5K Turkey Trot with Marla. The kids and Marla’s husband Bill ran (we did not envy them).

It was great, and WE WERE NOT LAST ~ VICTORY!! This was my first time doing the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, usually I watch the kids. It was pretty fun!

Now, 3 days later, it seems my hair is coming out more frequently. So today, I’m going to the barber shop to get the famous “Britney Buzz.” Each haircut has been a great transition for myself and the family. I have been buying some darling hats; the girls have helped me with that. We are going to the fabric store and I’m going to sew up some scarves. We’ll pick the fabric. I’m ready to be bald for awhile!

It’s very quick to get ready now! When I say, “give me 5 minutes,” I’m not kidding!

On Wednesday I have my 2^nd chemo treatment. My spirits are still way UP as I am so blessed by your prayers, love and friendship. Thank you so much. Blessing to all of you and your families.

Love, Val

In honor of Val, I am happily discounting any full service wedding package $150 and donating an additional $50.00 to breast cancer awareness for each new wedding coordination service booked in 2007. It's the least I can do to honor my friend Val who will be a each a survivor, my incredible grandmother who wasn't so fortunate,

and for my beautiful daughter,

who I hope will never deal with this disease.

Thank you for the time you took to read this, and for the opportunity to work together. Please tell your mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, daughters, and friends to have their mammograms. And get one for yourself too. It does save lives.

Thankfully Yours, Marla