Friends, I am writing today with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Just a few days ago, a dear friend told me that her breast cancer has returned, after ten years of remission.
I think that’s one of the things I hate the most about cancer; it sneaks in and sucker punches you. A year or two after you’ve battled it with every ounce of energy and will that you own, you start to think that maybe you’ve beaten it. Four or five years down the road, you’re starting to breathe again. And after ten years–well, by that point you’re thinking it’s just a terrible memory and you start to plan for your future again.
So this is particularly cruel news for my friend. I know you understand; you probably have friends and family who have gone through similar trials. I don’t doubt that despite her faith and will to fight, her spirit is tired and questioning why; I know I would be.
Before I heard this news, I had already agreed to participate with Rust-Oleum and Bright Pink in their October #PaintItPink campaign. Many of you know that I was an oncology and hospice nurse for years, plus I’ve lost my sweet mother and my best friend from high school to rotten cancer, so this is a subject that will always be near and dear to my heart.
Last year’s post that I wrote on chemo and cancer care package ideas is still one of our most popular posts ever {see it here}; I highly encourage you to take a look at it for some super ideas shared by our readers.
Today’s project is a good addition to that more practical list; this is something cheerful, pretty, and encouraging; a bright-pink framed printable.
I found a lovely 5 x 7 frame and gave it a couple of coats of Rust-Oleum‘s Gloss Berry Pink.
Then I searched for a LONG time for just the right Bible verse; one that would be encouraging and remind my friend of God’s love and faithfulness. Deuteronomy 31:6 was perfect: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I found this beautiful downloadable floral printable from Etsy seller Two Brushes Designs {the exact print is here}. Although the print itself is sized as a 8 x 10, all I had to do was ask the seller to email it as a 5 x 7, and she was happy to do so. It matches the frame perfectly, and now I can print it over and over again when I have a friend who needs a pick-me-up.
After I took a few pictures of the finished project to show you, I packaged it up to put in the mail:
Another option is to mail a printable like this as a photo or greeting card and enclose a gift card for a local restaurant. When a mama is going through chemo, she might not want to eat dinner, but her family is still going to be hungry. You might not live close enough to drop off a meal, but you can mail one!
If you create a pink-themed project like this one, post it on Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter/ Pinterest, etc. using the #PaintItPink hashtag. For every project posted, Rust-Oleum will donate $10 to Bright Pink {the only national non-profit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women}.
It all adds up, so PLEASE share this post with your friends! And by the way, this isn’t sponsored post, we’re just trying to spread the word in honor of our friends who are fighting during Breast Cancer Awareness month.
And if you’d like a monthly text reminder to do your breast exam, just text PINK to 59227 and Bright Pink will add you to the list. Here’s a graphic that you can pin–the more ladies who sign up for this, the better.
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Also, friends, if you would add my sweet friend to your prayer list, I’d so appreciate it. God knows exactly who she is, even though you might not. Thank you so much!
Other related posts:
| Printable Casserole/Meal Label | My Mom’s Story | My Cousin’s Story |
| Cancer & Chemo Care Package Ideas |
So sorry to hear about your friend, I will pray for her! I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was a teenager. What a blessing to her to have you as a friend!
Thank you, Claudia. And I’m so sorry about your mom; I know I still miss mine every day!
Christy, I’m so sorry to hear about you friend’s struggle. I will include her in my prayers. I’ve had several friends in the past 10 years who have gone through breast cancer and thank God, all are doing well and in remission. I hope I never have to get a phone call like you did. Great choice of verse. That one is always a comfort.
Thanks so much, Carol. I’m so very glad to hear that your friends are all doing well!
Christy, I am so very sorry about your friend. I will certainly hold her and her family in prayer. Cancer is so vicious and horrid! A dear friend of mine was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and given such a short time. She had breast cancer years ago so she knew about treatment, etc. She elected not to do anything and her oncologist said he agreed…she should be as comfortable as possible for the time she has. Hospice has been wonderful thus far…I believe they are angels on earth. They were incredible when my mother was ill. I’m still having difficulty wrapping my mind around this diagnosis for M!
Thanks a million for this beautiful gift idea! I think I mentioned in the past that I’m a volunteer with Chemo Angels and out of 3 ladies I’m angeling now, 2 have breast cancer. I will definitely be using this suggestion! Oh yes, and your other suggestions are posted in a private forum for other angels to refer to if they need ideas. 🙂
Have a wonderful week! (I know it will be a bit difficult.)
xo
Pat
Christy…I am so very sorry to hear about your dear friend. Yes, talk about sucker punches. My thoughts and prayers are with her and you as you go through this very difficult time. What a great gift idea…beautiful.