When I was first diagnosed and presented with teal gift bags at my oncology appointments, my first thought was “I am not going to be a cancer color” and quickly puth these gifts aside. It wasn’t until I started fundraising for NOCC that I even gave TEAL a thought. The more I got into it the more focused I became. My goal of raising $1,000 was blown away due to the generous support of my family and friends. TEAL did not creep back into my head until this summer when I got the first email indicating that enrollment was open then the wheels started rolling in my brain. Around the same time I started to feel a growing sense of aloneness after a dinner that I hosted for my former colleagues left me with the feeling that I was not part of that group anymore. I had already come to terms with not working and being on disability, but up til that moment, I still felt part of that group. In retrospect, perhaps I felt that coming on for a while but it was clear that my focus needed to shift. I started to look towards ways that I could still be a nurse without being employed. I have found my place. I am not only a cancer survivor, but also a nurse with a strong voice, who will advocate for my cause, who will shout if needed to be heard. I AM TEAL. Perhaps I was trying to reinvent the wheel when I started my blog. Only time will tell if it grows or is helpful for patients or merely a place to ramble and share my thoughts. Regardless of my success, I will continue to pursue volunteer opportunities. I realize my fundraising fanaticism may be annoying but I am determined to explore every option I can to earn your support! My main message is I’m not just sitting back asking for money--this is something I am passionate about and working hard for What I am doing to earn your support…
Barb's NOCC fundraiser |
AuthorBarb Schlatter Archives
May 2022
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