Missjaq

I walk in the Avon 2 day walk. The minimum requirement is $1800.  My first year I had friends who wanted to join me for a few miles of the walk. This is not allowed although I suppose some could sneak in and walk along. All cancer sufferers and survivors would appreciate the thoughts and care. As a matter of fact, I bet a lot more people would walk and show they care at these events. Unfortunately, this would do little to raise the millions raised by these events. These are fund raisers. They pay a staff to organize each event all year, advertise, set up websites, set up and work with the cities, buy insurance for the participants, volunteers, staff.  The expenses go on and on. The cities close down streets for hours to allow for the walks. Police, medical and fire services are provided. I was amazed at all that goes into these fundraisers, and thrilled at the money they indeed raise.  I am also impressed with the huge checks they give at the closing of the events to local clinics, health departments, researchers, etc. 

I was disappointed why my friends could not come along and walk part of the way with me, but 3 years later they still decline to walk with me as I train all year.

Please tell your daughters not to loose the desire to walk.  The money is less difficult to raise than you might think.  I wrote personal letters to friends,(Not computer generated letters, the old- timey hand written letters) to people from work, church, business, and anyone on my Christmas card list. I told them what I was doing, and the amount I needed to raise. I specifically asked for $25 or more.  I followed all these up with a postcard every 2-3 weeks letting them know how my training was coming along. I painted on my T-shirts what I was training for, and gave out notes to people I passed. I raised the money quickly and easily..(except for the training and mailing part, LOL) 

The amount is intimidating, but like all things a plan and tenacity often prevails. Any extra money I raised I gave to others who needed to raise more. Because these events do not let you accrue anything over the $1800 for future walks, I quit asking for donations once I reached my goal.  That in itself is a shame.

Anyway, I just wanted to respond because I too thought it ridiculous that my friends couldn't walk with me, until I realized the enormity of it all. Truth is, we can all get out and walk for free.  It is a great moral and emotional statement of support but it does very little to aid in the financial burdens of the disease. 

I feel great comfort knowing those sparkling eyes watch over me..I adore your legacy and look forward to your guidance.  jacqui

Yes Lori, use that yarn..I am so slack but have a personal rule..10 rows or 15 minutes a day for  our quilts.  Hey once you get started..it is too awesome to stop.If I miss a day

ooops

then I have to give my owed minutes.  Once I get started..it is too much fun to stop..

Once these wonderful ladies post pictures of the quilts they piece together from our efforts..

My heart sings.. My fingers are inspired again.. The hearts we touch, the comforting wraps we give is AWESOME..

As long as there is Need ..we have Needles..

How perfect..  Jacqui 

WOW MADISON..2 AFGHANS..  WOOHOO!!

I mailed a package friday to you.  I keep my knitting in my car so if I get stuck waiting in a line or sitting at the bridge opened for a boat to pass through, I knit!  It really helps my impatient nature for waiting. It also gives me a chance to look at different types of yarn to see how they look and what gauge it yields. Thanks for all you work..

YIPPEE!!  I finally found the pictures from Pink Stock '07.  What a fun group.   The pictures are great but I am sure being there creating the moments was greater. I am still curious about the "wings" you talk about for 2008.  Is this for the Fairy God-mother?  How precious!!

Hi Madison, Hope you find your package..YIKES
I spoke with my friend Ruth the Grand mother of Ryan, the soldier at Walter Reed. He received his Hugaghan and adores it. His mother Dawn will send a note to you soon I hope. She is a nurse and lives in Upstate New York. Her son Ryan is in DC at Walter Reed. She travels weekly to see him so I know time is a precious commodity. But the good news is Ryan has his hugs from us.

WOW, the last 2 hugaghans are beautiful. I am so glad you love yours OZZIE. Thanks for the tip on the varigated yarn that makes into the argyle type pattern. We don't have RedHeart sold here but i will pick it up when I travel. I did find a yarn that makes a pattern. It is fun too. But i want to find the plaid one. i will call my friend and see if Ryan at Walter reed got his package. Madison if you hear, please let me know. if i hear, I will come and share that news too.

Another beautiful Hugahan Madison. I think I even saw one of my squares but I forget what i have made.
I love the SHAWLS TOO. I have made a couple for friends. One I made with some odd yarns and ribbons. It reminded me of Sunflower fields. Sometimes I need the diversion of something else to knit so I like shawls. Some are quick and easy, just my speed. So if you know anyone that a shawl would be good for, I can send some of those too. With summer, sometimes just a hug over the shoulders may feel good in AC.
Let me know. Hopefully have some more squares this week.
Smiles..

Liz the afghan is beautiful!! I know it will be treasured by the highest bidder.
I like knitting with the bumpy and shaggy yarns, It is toughr to crochet with them.
But they are so fun..I love the textures.