When Trevor and I got married 10 years ago (more on that in a minute), someone told me to take a step back at our wedding and take a moment to look around at all of the people who came out to share our day and love with us.  I have spread this advice to several of my friends over the years as they themselves got married. The other night at our 2nd Annual Fundraiser, I took a moment to do just that; step back for a minute, look around the room at the wonderful people who surround and support us and reflect on everyone who donated – their time, raffle items and money. Thinking of the support that surrounds my family and I, gives me peace. Peace in knowing that when times get tough or tougher, we will have many to lean on and the memories that we share will carry on with all of you.

This years fundraiser was a little tough for me. My heart really wasn’t into it. To be quite honest, I am sick of having, talking about and raising money for cancer. It is all consuming. It takes up my everyday. Sometimes I think that if I stop talking about it, it will go away. Then all of you come in to play. So many people reached out, early on in the year, to see what the date of the event would be so you could mark it in your calendars. So many people came to me with ideas and raffle items. So many people reached out to see how they could help. Like I have said before you are all the force behind our strength in this battle and for that I can never express my gratitude. You remind me that all that WE are doing is worth it and is important. You all made this event what it was and it was AMAZING!

I want to say a special thank you to the following people:

Metacomet Country Club: for allowing us back this year, for taking amazing care of us and providing us with great service and food.

Laura Anderson: Laura organized and ran the beer and wine tasting. When I could not get any wine vendor to help us out or even return my calls, Laura stepped in and made it happen!!!

Zach Kahn: Zach thank you for being the best DJ and friend. You were amazing and kept us all dancing all night long. A big thanks also for putting up with your crazy requests!!

Lauren Brady: Lauren thank you for all of the brainstorming sessions and chats we have leading up the event and for all of your help the day of getting everything set up. You are the best friend, sister and therapist a girl could ask for.

Nicolle, Michelle, Carolina, Beth & Sarah: You ladies are the best friends a girl could ever have. You take care of business during the event and I am thankful that I have you all to lean on; with fundraising and in life.

There are so many more, but to name you all would be impossible. We raised close to $15,000 this year and after paying all of the expenses we are going to be able to donate over $10,000 to the Jimmy Fund. Again a huge thank you to everyone that donated!! We had some amazing raffle and auctions items this year and I truly appreciate everyone that contributed!!!

There was one person I did not mention earlier: TREVOR. Sometimes in this whole ordeal whether it be me having Cancer or the fundraising aspect- Trevor does not get the recognition that he deserves. Trevor is the calm to my storm. He talks me down off of my crazy ledges when it is late at night and I am surrounded by fundraising tasks and raffle items have taken over our dining room!Trevor and I met at UMass Dartmouth (or more specifically the Complex!) when we were just 19 years old. We dated on and off throughout college and basically grew up together. When we got married 10 years ago (May 17, 2008!) we never realized that our wedding vows would be tested so much in such a short amount of time. For  better or worse, for richer or poorer and now in sickness and health. This whole thing is not easy on a couple and sometimes I believe that me having cancer is harder on Trevor than it may be on me. We are not perfect but we are perfect for each other. Happy Anniversary my friend and love and I hope that we are blessed with at least ten more together.

Our Wedding Day