Two Years Ago Today...

I was resting comfortably in my first hospital room at Hahnamann Hospital in downtown Philly. I absolutely cannot believe that two years have gone by so quickly.



I came home this morning from a weekend trip to Scranton, PA to visit some friends I've been missing and have some cuddle time with their new baby. When I checked the mail, I had a card from the Elske's. It was a get well card (I recently had some minor knee surgery) and inside was Charlotte's basketball picture. God is so good! That I received the card on the morning of my 2 year donation anniversary is just PERFECT timing. Charlotte even signed the card in her own hand.

Charlotte had her 2 year post transplant check-up last Thursday and her doctors said that she is doing "perfect, perfect." They told Amy and Lon that they should now be less concerned with relapse and more concerned for long term effects of the treatment which is such great news! She is really doing great. Playing team sports and going to school several days a week and being a wonderful big sister to Molly. This has been such a wonderful experience to be a part of and I'm so thankful for this opportunity.

Life, otherwise, is great. Nothing major or new to report. I just can't believe how quickly two years can go by and I'm very much looking forward to another opportunity to visit the Elske's (hopefully) this summer.

Happy March and enjoy the renewing that is Easter and Spring!
Erin

A New Year

Well, it's only been 4 months since my last post, but boy has life been busy!

I was traveling quite a bit for work and was even stranded in Florida for a few extra days thanks to Hurricane Sandy. Luckily, I was staying with some dear friends, so the stay wasn't all that bad. We had a wonderful girls weekend retreat in October with most of the ladies of my family in Arizona and I spent quite a bit of time in California during all the holidays. Here are the highlights:

1. My best friend gave birth to her first son, Liam and he is perfect! One of my favorite little people in the world. He was born just before Thanksgiving so I had the opportunity to see him on the ultrasound before he was born and then hold and snuggle him tons over Thanksgiving and Christmas. I just adore him and am so thankful to Stephanie and Mike for letting me be a part of his life!

2. My brother got engaged on New Years Day! It was not a huge surprise as he and Elizabeth have been together about a year and half, but we are so excited for all the fun times this year will hold with planning and preparing! They are a perfect match, and Kristen and I adore her as a new sister!

3. Charlotte has been doing wonderfully. She is in school and passed all her physicals and continues to progress as a normal 5 year old. She recently started basketball and according to her blog, she really likes it! I skyped with them last week and was able to see the whole family (including Broadway the dog) for about 30 minutes. It took Charlotte a few minutes to warm up, but Molly was on the desktop chatting and smiling away. The girls showed me many of their Christmas gifts and Charlotte even shared one of her favorite story books with me. She held the book up to the camera and then turned the page. It was such a treat! I email with Amy (Charlotte's Mom) at least once a week, so we didn't have too much new to talk about, but it was just wonderful to have some facetime with them. I miss them terribly!!!

4. Now for the not so happy news. In October, my Mom (Sherri) was diagnosed with breast cancer. I know what you're thinking, give the woman a break! But she handled it with grace and dignity. We were actually relieved if you can say that, that it wasn't the lymphoma. She was diagnosed with invasive ductile carcinoma and underwent a double mastectomy. The good news is that she did not need any further treatment. No radiation and no chemo. Radiation actually wasn't an option, which is why she went with the mastectomy, but luckily they caught it early. I was home over Thanksgiving to take care of her after her surgery and then she was good as new by Christmas. So we actually got to spend a little time together and even spent a night in the Presidential Suite at the Riverside Marriott! That was a treat!

Lucky for you, I'm writing this blog from work, so I won't let myself get too emotional, but it really has been a whirlwind few months. I think I have moments of such overwhelming emotions that I don't even know what to do with them. I cut and died my hair dark between Thanksgiving and Christmas because I just needed a change (and to do something for myself I think). I am so thankful for my Mom's health and just want it to last. It really makes me take stock of what I'm doing with my life and whether the time I'm putting in to unsatisfying endeavors is worth it. I swore I'd never move back to CA, but I find myself pondering it on a regular basis.

Do you ever feel like even though you're surrounded by people, you are alone? You are carrying so much weight, but it's your job and you're healthy, so suck it up, you can do it? Me too. Do you ever want more or different? Everyday, right? It's nice not to feel alone.

The geneticist says that although my Mom didn't have the BRAC gene mutation causing breast cancer, my sister and I have a 27% chance of getting breast cancer. That's 17% more than the average woman who is 1/10. So that's exciting! I'm pushing 32, single, no prospects, and now I have a 1/4 chance of losing my boobs to cancer. Fun fact for the day! :-)

So what do I do with all this information? ... I live. I live each day as if it's my last. Love every person so they remember. Invest in people and relationships every moment I can. All our days are numbered, and these challenges are just reminders that we can do so much with what we have. I challenge you to do the same.

Hopefully my next update won't be too far away...I think I may have a few more thoughts soon... Happy January!

18 Month Check-In

Happy Fall! Isn't it lovely outside? Sleeping with the windows open and even needing a sweater at night? I absolutely love Fall!

I wanted to share some updates that have been going on for both me and Charlotte. Tuesday, September 11th marked the 2 year anniversary of Charlotte's diagnosis. And Monday, September 10th marked the 18 month anniversary of my donation. I've been emailing with Amy, keeping up on their life and the girls and I can completely understand the nervous, anxious time they've been facing as these dates have passed. It is all one can do to focus on the positive and the future, but there is always a time of butterflies waiting for test results and confirmation that the cancer is still at bay. We deal with this with my Mom as well, always around the July mark of her transplant and relapse.

Well, good news! Yesterday, Charlotte had her 3 month check-up and her blood work is just "perfect. perfect." The doctor and nurses were so happy to see her looking strong, healthy and full of energy. Little sister Molly even got in on the fun jumping up on the examination table and wanting to be checked out. Another major milestone, Charlotte started her first year of pre-school last week! She loved it and continues to enjoy going. Most days she doesn't even need a nap, so it seems her energy is returning and she really is a normal, healthy, four-year old! All of this is music to her family's ears and makes me so happy that I was able to contribute to the gift that is Charlotte!

There are some new photos and even a video of Charlotte as one of the spokespersons for Make-A-Wish Wisconsin on her blog: http://cjelske.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/september-13th-2012-day-552/.

As for me...last Sunday, was a brunch sponsored by Be The Match for donors and a guest. I was in Atlanta for work, but made the trip home early so that I could attend. It was wonderful to meet the staff of BTM who I have been working with and communicating with over the past 2 years. Many of the hospital staff from Hahnemann were also there, so I was able to give an update about me and share my pictures of Charlotte. It was also wonderful to meet other donors, hear about their stories, their recipients, and why they joined. Each person has such a personal and unique story and it is amazing to learn about the ways in which our lives can impact others. One woman's stem cells traveled to an international recipient. Another man learned that he donated to his childhood neighbor's second cousin now living in California. Incredible! There were two speakers; one was a cord blood recipient who received her transplant during a relapse of leukemia when she was in her early twenties. There were no matches in the database, but a cord blood donation saved her life. The second speaker was a donor who joined because of her Father's diagnosis. His brother was a match and gave him nearly 5 more years of life. He was able to see his daughter graduate college and walk her down the aisle before losing his battle this past spring. But his battle (like my Mom's) encouraged his daughter to join the registry and she donated last year to a man in his 20's, saving his life. It was a powerful morning and reinforced the opportunity and the gift that we all possess in our blood. It was a great morning at the National Constitution Center and I'm grateful to my friend Sarah for joining me.

We of course couldn't leave without having a little bit of fun...

I hope you are all well and I'm looking forward to being on the road over the next few months traveling for work and catching up with family and friends. I'll update again when I have something fun to share!

Erin

Meeting My LG!

I had an incredible first trip to Chicago! I can't believe that with all my travels, I have yet to spend time in the Windy City, but now I know why. It was meant to be a city etched on my heart in a very special way.



Erin & Charlotte after dinner on Saturday night.



On Saturday evening, after 2 days of work, 2 restless nights, and bundle of nerves, my Mom and I ventured on a walk that would forever change our lives. We arrived at a beautiful restaurant near the river and waited to meet Charlotte and her family. When they walked up, tears were already being shed and Charlotte had a big smile on her face. She shook my hand and promptly introduced me to her toy frog and shark. She and Molly were wearing beautiful new dresses for the occasion and Molly even gave me a bit of a smile...after a minute or two. :-) Hugs and tears were shared and Mom and I hugged each person in turn, Amy (Charlotte's Mom), Lon (Charlotte's Dad) and grandparents Jean, Louise and Lyle. Once we were finally seated at the table, Charlotte broke out into song...veggie tales...so of course, I joined in, because what 31 year old doesn't know all the words?! She is quite the little star...definitely NOT in her DNA. ;-) While we ordered our deep dish pizza and pasta, I handed Charlotte a present (wrapped in purple paper, her favorite color), and she was so excited to open a new book! I bought her the book The Giving Tree because not only is it a great book for children, it is also a story that I think demonstrates the relationship we will always share. Then, my Mom shared a gift with Charlotte, a book of children's bible stories/prayers. That was an even bigger hit and I'm told she even read that one before bed Saturday night.



Charlotte opening her gift - The Giving Tree



Charlotte and Molly and I hamming it up for the camera.



Amy and Lon shared some gifts with me as well. They handpicked several Pandora charms, each of which symbolizes something different. They are so precious, and each was wrapped in a labeled box letting me know the meaning behind them. I can't wait to put them together and wear them! The grandparents also gave me a beautiful silver necklace of 2 entwined hearts, one little, one big, to symbolize that Charlotte and I will always be linked. It is beautiful and I still haven't taken it off. Along with handwritten notes, I was speechless by the love and generosity of the Elske family. We told stories and laughed and cried and it was as if we had been friends forever. At the end of dinner, I actually looked and Amy and said, "I'm not ready to leave." They all agreed and we went for a walk...after pictures of course!



The Elske family - Amy, Molly, Lon, (me), Lyle, Jean, Louise, Charlotte.



On Sunday, we met at the Shedd Aquarium for a day of exploration and laughter. I am told that when someone asked Charlotte what they were going to do that day, she replied, "We're going to the aquarium to see Erin." So sweet! She came right up to me and gave me a hug and walked with me, hand-in-hand, to redeem the tickets. We were thick as thieves all day as we watched the beluga whales and dolphins, searched for spiny lobsters and hidden tarantulas, and gazed at jelly fish. Charlotte saved a seat beside her at lunch for me, and when we hugged at the end of the day, I told her I loved her, and she said, "I love you too". No moment was sweeter.



Charlotte, Cocoa the jellyfish, and I outside the Shedd Aquarium, just before goodbye.



 There was a moment on Saturday night when I looked at this precious, smiling and lively little girl, and I actually said, I can't imagine this world without her. I am so grateful we don't have to find out. I am so thankful to the Elske family for coming to Chicago and spending so much time with us. It feels like we have been family for ever and I am very much looking forward to seeing them again soon. If you want to keep up with Charlotte's life, here is her blog: http://cjelske.wordpress.com/.

I am also so thankful to my Momma for coming to Chicago to be with me as my support and also my inspiration. It is because of her - her cancer, her strength, her survival and her faith - that I am blessed to have been chosen to help this precious little girl. My Mom is the one who ultimately saved Charlotte's life and I hope that is an inspiration to those who face potentially insurmountable challenges. There is always a way. Together, we made a difference.



My Mom Sherri, Charlotte and I happy to be survivors!



Gratitude

I have the best church! It's called Epic, because it is epic. Our mission is to serve, and our pastor wears flip flops! What more could you ask for? Free bagels and donuts? We do that too! haha!

Well yesterday, (lead pastor) Kent preached on gratitude. He shared the story of Luke 17, where Jesus came into a city on the border of Samaria and Galilee and there were 10 lepers who asked to be healed. He told them to show themselves to the priest (which you only did if you were healed) and on their way, they were healed. Only 1 of the 10 came back to thank Jesus. "17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?"19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

At first glance, you think, man, those other 9 are ungrateful because they did not thank Jesus publicly. But, do you think they were ungrateful? The Bible says nothing about what they did the rest of their life, but I'm pretty sure if you think about what they experienced, you would agree that they were GRATEFUL! They got their life back, their jobs, their families, their health. But they didn't say thank you to Jesus.

Kent challenged the church to express our gratitude in a physical way. "Say what needs to be said, and do what needs to be done." It is easy to forget to say thank you, especially to someone who is a part of your everyday life. When you forget, you come off as ungrateful, or worse, entitled. We don't want that. That is not who we are, or what we are feeling. So my challenge to you is to BE grateful, SAY grateful, and DO grateful. It's much easier to say "thank you" than it is to say "I'm sorry".

In that vein, I want to say some thank yous:
Mom - thank you for your heart and your ears. You've taught me to love unconditionally and you listen to me even when you've heard it a thousand times (and disagree). You've taught me to live for today and say what needs to be said, because we might not have tomorrow. Thank you.
Dad - you've taught me to plan, think ahead and be self-sufficient. This has turned me into an adventurer who travels to foreign lands and is able to stand on my own two feet, all by myself. Thank you.
James - you've taught me to listen, to not always be the boss and let others have opinions and maybe even be right once in a while. You've also taught me to be vulnerable and let others in even when it's hard. Thank you.
Kristen - you've taught me love and kindness. You teach me the necessity of kind words and unbridled passion for life and faith. You've also taught me what the unconditional love of a best friend looks like. Thank you.
Aunt Judi - you've taught me to love books and to believe in myself. You have a way of looking at life that is clear, and positive and you get me even when I feel like no one else does. Thank you.
Uncle Jerry - you've taught me to see things in myself that I didn't see before, and because of you, I believe in myself. Thank you.
Grandparents - you've taught me that unconditional love conquers all and that money is just paper. You've all risen out of sober circumstances to become incredible examples or life, love and strength. I strive to have a story like yours. Thank you.
Stephanie - you teach me joy! You bring so much happiness into every moment and I am so thankful for your infectious positivity. Thank you.
Sarah - you've taught me accountability and to stand strong in my faith and beliefs. You challenge me to the person God has planned and remind me that I am strong. Thank you.
Jami - you taught me the power of positive thinking. To overcome the negative by accentuating the positive. You taught me that I am a triathlete. Thank you.
Eastern Girls - you've taught me that friendship grows and molds to your life. No matter how near or far, friendship can stand the test of time and will be there when you need it most. Thank you.
Colleagues - you've taught me to believe in my talents and to depend on others who have gone before me. It's not all about forging a new path, sometimes, the paved path is the best. Thank you.

There are so many more people that I could thank individually, but I think my word count is running low. I hope this encourages (and inspires) you to do the same. Reach out to those who have impacted your life and say thank you. They may brush you off because they don't like to be the center of attention, but believe me, it will mean the world to them.

Look for a Chicago update in 1 week!!

Cover Girl

Happy July! It's been a while since I've posted, but that is because life is good. I've been in contact with Charlotte's family both via email and her blog and she is doing fantastic! In fact, she is currently featured on the cover of Inspire Magazine, a magazine about women's cancers. She is the cutie on the right in red. Take a look and you can read a little more about her story and the family's mission to get everyone registered with Be The Match! http://www.inspiremag.biz/story/

In other news...I am Chicago bound next Thursday for work and I will be meeting Charlotte in person! I am beyond excited! Charlotte's family and several grandparents will be staying at my hotel and we will be meeting up for deep dish pizza on Saturday night and then a day at the (indoor) aquarium on Sunday! I am beyond excited to meet this little firecracker in person and it will be wonderful to meet her parents and grandparents as well. Everyone knows how much I love aquariums so I'm sure I'll be excited as the girls (Charlotte has a baby sister, Molly)! If you know of any "must see" or "must eat" places in Chi-town, please pass them along. I'm staying right on Michigan Ave across from Millennium Park! Prayers requested for good health, safe travel, and that my Mom is able to make the trip would be greatly appreciated.

Look forward to an update after next weekend with lots of pictures!!
Enjoy your weekend!

I am a Triathlete!

After 4 months of training and endless hours of stressing, I completed the Upper Dublin Sprint Triathlon last Sunday in 1:45! My goal was to complete it in under two hours, and there were definitely moments (like during the 6 major bike hills and the entire 5k run) when I didn't know if I would make my goal, but I did! I crossed the finish line in tears and out of breath, but with a smile on my face because I accomplished this goal I set out to do so many months ago. Actually, it was about 5 years ago when I wrote "complete a triathlon" on my bucket list. I am so proud to say that it is another thing I can check off my "Before 31" list!

The day was beautiful. It was in the 60's and 70's and it was a pool swim. I started number 108/325 so I knew I wouldn't be the last to finish. The town was beautiful with big houses, oak tress and manicured lawns. There were over 100 volunteers in orange t-shirts guiding us and cheering us on. I wore my "Don't Worry Be Happy shirt" in honor of all those in my life who fight and conquer cancer (http://www.dwbhshirts.com/ - Crystal Hofmann). Of course everyone else just thought I was encouraging them to be happy. Well...I was! Haha! Every time the road got hard, I just kept saying over and over again, "I am a triathlete". There were moments of tears, happy tears, that I was accomplishing this feat. There were also moments of pleading prayer with God (mostly during the run when my shins were aching) to heal my body and give me strength. There is a major thing I've learned through all this training: no matter how hard I work out, I will always survive in the end and if I don't accomplish what I set out to, I'll be upset at myself.

I want to encourage everyone to pick a goal or an accomplishment and make it happen. Devote some time to yourself, your life, your adventure, and write your own story. I am still living the high and am so thankful to those who supported, encouraged and challenged me throughout the adventure. I can't wait until the next one!

Also, today, Charlotte is undergoing some serious teeth reconstruction surgery, so I just ask for prayers for her healing.

Live the Dream!