A Banner of Hope

When I think of the word 'Cancer', it brings out many emotions in me. Anger, fear, sadness - all those are adjectives that have lived in my heart when I consider the lives of those close to me that it's affected. There is not a day that goes by that I don't feel the loss of my lifelong best friend Missy. She was that friend who knew everything about me and loved me anyway and I miss her every day. I think about my Aunt Jo, taken too early by breast cancer. And I think of Mark's step-mom, Peg, who thankfully fought the disease and won. There are many others like my friend Angela at church, who is going through her own battle now - and still sings like an angel each Sunday in the choir. So, in a way, this post is for ALL of them, but most of all at this moment, this post is for my friend Dawn. Dawn has been a dear friend for many years. She and I met while I was still on the Police Department here and have remained friends through many life changes. Well, Dawn was recently diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She is currently going through Chemotherapy after having her lumpectomy completed. In fact, today is her third of eight chemo treatments. She has lost all her hair and is currently sporting a really cool pageboy pink and blond wig. And if you knew Dawn, you'd know that reflects her personality to a "T"! She is full of spunk and life and is determined to not let this disease get the best of her!
Dawn embodies the next word in my Cancer vocabulary -
"HOPE".
And because she does so, I was moved to create this banner to encourage her in her battle.

My friend Jan Wakeland created the original of this banner and shared it with us on her blog in October for her Breast Cancer event. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to make my own version for Dawn, but with lots of Purple! That's her favorite color!

There are so many different products and goodies used in the creation of this banner, I won't try and list them all here for you, but here is a close up of each letter.

I made each section with the Pennant Die on my Big Shot and each letter was done with the Chunky Pink Glitter. All the supplies I used are Stampin' Up!, although, some are now retired.

All of the Perfect Plum cardstock accents were glitzed with Smooch Spray so they would sparkle like Dawn does. And of course I had to use Glimmer Brads too.

Lots of Pretty in Pink ribbons, buttons and Antique Brads added some special touches.

And even more glitter on the stamped phrases.

Dawn and her family loved the banner and have hung it in their living room so all that come to visit her can share in the hope she feels. She is determined to beat this disease and if I know her like I think I do, she will succeed! Her husband, Tom will be walking in the 2011 Avon walk in her honor and has started his fundraising page. Here is the link so you can read her story, see her photo - pre cancer- and donate if you are so inclined.
The Thin Pink Line

Above all, I know they covet your prayers. As a family of faith, they know that God is in control - and His hand is evident in every aspect of her story.
Thanks for visiting today and for sharing in this story of HOPE!

Stamped blessings,
~~Robin