Friday, September 26, 2014

Pink Tickets

In just a little over a week, thousands of racers, survivors, their friends and families will all be hitting the central Arkansas area to take part in the 21st Susan. G. Komen Race for the Cure.

We have a team registered for the race:  The Bookends!  (kinda fitting, don't you think, since we all work at a library?)
The Arkansas State Library first had a team way back in 2000.  We started out with one Survivor, Wanda, then not long afterwards, added another, Martha. And then another name was added, Barbara. This year we add another staff member, Emma.   In between these 4 wonderfully brave women, we've had other staff members, including myself, who have had their own scary moments after mammograms didn't come up "all clear".
Fortunately for us, our biopsies came back all good.  But for our four staff members, they ended up with not a Golden Ticket, but, a Pink Ticket.  All four underwent treatments.  Three of our four have heard the words, "good news! you are cancer free!" 
Unfortunately, for one of our warriors, Martha, even though she fought as hard as she could, she lost her battle early this year.
This is why, year after year, I send out the call to come fight the war on cancer.  So that we don't lose anymore Marthas.  So we can keep our Wandas, our Barbaras, and our Emmas.

If you haven't registered yet for this year's Komen Arkansas Race, please consider doing so.

The race will be October 4th in downtown Little Rock & North Little Rock, with a brand new race course!
Registration is still going on-- you can log on to www.komenarkansas.org and register, or you can go out to register at  the Race Space (11619 Pleasant Ridge, Little Rock, 72212).   If you can't go out to the Race Space, I will be happy to take your registration form & money and pick up your race packet for you.
 If you will not be able to participate in the Race itself, but would like to help, you can always register for the Sleep in for the Cure--you still get a race shirt, and you can sleep in! (but why sleep in when there's always so much going on Race Morning?!!) 
Guys, you can participate by being a "3 Miles of Men" member--sign up, and you get your own special 3MOM shirt, and you can come cheer on all the ladies as they run/walk through downtown.

If you don't want to participate in the Race, but would like to donate some money, we will be happy to accept your donations!  Generous folks such as Mindy, Karmelita, Inell, and our own Emma gave heartfelt donations, as well as a wonderful Anonymous Donor.  Thank you all!

Again, you can go to www.komenarkansas.org to donate online or find the address to mail it in.        If you do not wish to go online, again, see me, and  I will be happy to take your donations to the Komen office. 

Let's not lose anymore.   Join us in downtown Little Rock on October 4th.
Let's win this war on cancer.
 Let's not hand out anymore Pink Tickets.



Monday, August 25, 2014

Sizzling!


I want to say 'Kudos!" to all the volunteers who showed up to help get the 2014 Kick-Off Party for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure off and running yesterday at the Promenade at Chenal.  Or should I say, off and sweating?!
It was plenty hot out there, as the event was outside, in the afternoon heat.  Afternoon heat.  100 degrees hot. Don't even think of looking at the heat index temps.
But these volunteers would be there in the sizzling heat or the freezing cold if it meant getting the upper hand on beating breast cancer.   They are serious about finding a cure. 
And you should be too.
Cancer is claiming the lives of too many people. So come on and join us in finding a cure.

there are tons of ways you can help:

Race for the Cure will be October 4th at 8:00 a.m. in downtown Little Rock. 
Register for the race, and don't forget to look at the NEW Race Route for this year!
You say you're not in shape for a 5k?  Pshaw---there is help out there for you---when you register for the race, you can also sign up for their program, Train for the Cure.  An easy six week program that will have you ready to go on Race Day!
Still not motivated to work out, but want to to help?  Just register for the Sleep in for the Cure!
That way you can still register, but on October 4th you can comfortably snooze away in your awesome tee shirt that you received just for registering.
Want to get the men in your life involved?  Search no more--3 Miles of Men is just waiting to welcome your husband, boyfriend, father, son, brother, grandson.  They want all your men to line the Race route and cheer you on as you stride down that route! They also get to enjoy their very own Tailgate Party on September 25th!

Want to do something else besides just participate in the Race?   Friend, we have just the sort of thing you are looking for!
you can Fundraise--one example--Go Pink Day.  Encourage everyone to wear pink on Friday, October 3rd.  Plan an event for that day, such as a bake sale, or have everyone pay $5 for the privilege of wearing jeans.  Have a raffle.  There are all sorts of ideas.

If you are part of a team (and why aren't you?), have your team participate in Tinkled Pink.
For $100, your team can decorate, inside and out, a port-a-potty! Show your creative side!

On Race Day, after the Race, you can Dine out for the Cure.  Several restaurants will be participating that day, so go eat, drink, and be merry, and raise money, all at the same time!

One long-term project that has been going on, and continues to need volunteers, is Spit for the Cure.
You fill out a form, do some spitting in a vial, and help medical researchers.  It's free, you just need to fill out an update form that they will send to you once in awhile.

Did I hear someone say, "Volunteer?" Yes, you, and I am looking at YOU--can volunteer!
Whether it's folding tee shirts, working in the Race Space, setting up or breaking down Race day activities, helping at the Pasta Party, or like those brave souls yesterday, standing outside to help at the Kick-off Party.   (I think they would have heartily welcomed an ice bucket challenge!)

There are so many other different ways you can participate, so go to www.komenarkansas.org and find a way that you can help find a cure. 

Move. Be Moved.  Help find that cure.

Peace,
Judi King
2014 Captain of The Bookends

Friday, June 28, 2013

Running


I know it's summertime, and it's too hot to even think about walking, let alone running.

But I am here to start pushing and nagging, because before you know it, October, specifically October 19th, will be here.
"What is so special about that date?" I can hear your mind wondering. (yeah, I know, I really can't, but humor me....it's hot out).
October 19th is the day that thousands, yes, thousands of feet will be pounding the pavement  during the Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure in hopes of finding a cure.

And we really need to find a cure.  Too many people are losing their battles with cancer. I know this all too well--I have lost 3 family members this year to cancer. 
3 people who won't be around to watch all the silliness and fun that goes on the morning of Race Day. 
3 people who won't be around to encourage and support those who will be participating October 19th.
3 people who won't be around to tell their stories about their battles. 
I'm sure you know cancer warriors too, some who have lost their battles, and some who have been victorious in their fight.

So, won't you join those of us who will be lucky enough to go to downtown Little Rock on October 19th?

Please go to www.komenarkansas.org and register.  you can join our team, The Bookends, if you want--we love having crazy, funny, spirited warriors on our team!

So, on this hot sunny summer day, join us.
Run for those who will get their diagnosis this year.

run for those who are still fighting.
Run for those who can't.


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

20th Anniversary Komen RFTC info

We are excited to announce the 20th Anniversary of Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure. In celebration we are planning a number of events honoring the Affiliate's history and work in the fight against breast cancer.


Events Celebrating the 20th Anniversary include (some names are linked to additional information):

February 18th Past Race for the Cure Chair’s Valentine Brunch

March 29th Grants Presentation Luncheon

April 20th Fired Up for the Cure Judging, Woody’s Sherwood Forest

May 12th Illuminate the Cure, Big Dam Bridge

June 23rd Picnic in the Park

July 20th Fashion Shows

August This month is a surprise - be watching for us!

September Scavenger Hunt

October 19th Race for the Cure

November Pink Postcard Campaign

December 5 Race for the Cure Anniversary Book Reception for Sponsors

Most of these activities are open to anyone and we hope that you will come have fun and help us celebrate. We are proud to announce that again in 2011 we were the 4th largest Komen Race for the Cure. (2012 rankings have not yet been released.)

Magic happens on race morning in Downtown Little Rock/North Little Rock thanks to you (and 44,000 other participants). This one day raises enough money to allow over $1 million each year to be used to help with awareness (early detection) and to pay for mammograms for the underserved, uninsured and underinsured women of Arkansas.

This is a crucial time in the treatment of breast cancer. While we proudly proclaim the five year relative survival rate for U.S. women with localized breast cancer is 99%, we are concerned about a disturbing new trend. Recent studies are showing many women are not following the recommended guidelines for mammography screening, by either not having one at recommended intervals or by having their first screening later than recommended. This could lead to a more advanced tumor size and stage at diagnosis.

So this year, we want to celebate how far we have come, continue our campaign for breast health awareness and not lose sight of our goal to keep fighting until a cure is found.

Thank you for your past support! Come have fun in one of our nonrace activities to help us celebrate.



Ellen Kreth, Board President

Sherrye McBryde, Executive Director



Fired up for the Cure Calendars on January special $5 plus $3 shipping.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

hmmmm.......

Hey y'all---
Yes, it is October.
Yes, I usually bug you all about the Race.
Yes, I said I wasn't sending anything out about it.
Okay, so I fib occasionally.

I am not participating this year because Komen National officers upset me with their actions about Planned Parenthood.
However, I still think very highly of the Arkansas affiliates.  They are very dedicated to the cause--and are very caring people, as is the 2012 Race Chair, Kristy Moody.  Awesome people indeed!
So I am going to send this out, as I am having people still asking me how to register with the team.
The Bookends are taking a "sabbatical" this year, but if you still want to participate in the 2012 Arkansas race, which is October 20, here are 3 ways to still register:

1)Register online (until after the race), and pick up your shirt at Race Space.


2) Register at Race Space - now open. Located in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell - same center as Belk and Fresh Market. Hours are: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 a.m. - 6 p.m. Important!! Friday the 19th we close at 2 p.m. SHARP - so we can make our way downtown.

3) Register Race Morning. Registration tent is located at 4th and Arch.   I know Sherrye, Emily, Kristy & all the volunteers will appreciate your support. And thousands of  Arkansas breast cancer survivors will too.   Peace,   Judi PS  don't ask me about registration!  go to www.komenarkansas.org to register & get more information.

Friday, October 21, 2011

You

Tomorrow, October 22,is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in Little Rock. It's a wonderful event, with lots of entertainment, freebies, and all around great morning.

I know the Komen Committee and its hundreds of volunteers have been working hard all year preparing for the race. But really, all the events, all the planning, all the preparation can't happen without one thing: YOU.
YOU put the heart and soul into everything that is done, has been done, and will be.
YOU care enough to donate money, to volunteer, to offer your time, talents and energy to make the Race for the Cure possible.

Tomorrow, thousands of YOU will make your way downtown to participate in one of the largest races in the U.S.
Whether you will be walking, running, or being with the 3 Miles of Men--
enjoy the morning, drink it in, savor the moment, and relish the thought that someday, hopefully very soon,because of YOU, we won't have to be massing together on an October morning to wage a war against breast cancer.

Because of YOU, Arkansas women will be able to get a mammogram. Because of YOU, they will be able to go on living and enjoying life.
Because of YOU, their families won't be facing an empty chair at Thanksgiving.
Because of YOU, cancer research will continue seeking a cure.

May YOU be blessed with peace, love, happiness, and good health.

YOU are wonderful.
Thank YOU.

Friday, September 30, 2011

things to do! people to see! places to go!

Tomorrow is the first day of October. Are you ready for a brand new month?
I hope so--there are so many things to do, especially just this weekend! Kathy Seymour sent a list of fun things to do, so I'll put them in this post in case you missed Kathy's email.

Also, please check www.komenarkansas.org if you would like a list of all the upcoming activities.

If you haven't registered yet (why not?!), or have friends or family who need to register, they can still do so online at the Komen website.

Remember, the Race Space opens one week from today!
Komen items always make good Christmas gifts, plus you are helping raise money for Komen when you shop there.

Thank you for being such an awesome team---Go Bookends!!

THIS WEEKEND
October 1st - Raise Your Hood for the Cure
Learn basic automobile care tips and the many expo booths at the Metroplex in Little Rock from 10 am to 2 pm
Sponsored by Bumper to Bumper, this activity is focused on assisting women with car maintenance
For more information, call Elizabeth Estes or email at elizabeth@btbautoparts.com


October 1st - Bowl for the Cure
Enjoy an afternoon of bowling at Enterprise Lanes at 1515 Military Road in Benton.
Great prizes and awards!
For more information, contact Stephany Eubanks at 501-772-5659 or email at stephony@sbcglobal.net
To print an entry form, visit www.CAWBA.com

October 2nd - Try It On For The Cure at Coldwater Creek at Chenal Promenade
Try on a pair of pants and $1 will be donated to the Arkansas Affiliate. In addition, enjoy $25 off for every $50 purchased on any clothing. While supplies last, receive a pink bracelet with every purchase.
For more information, contact Coldwater Creek at Chenal Promenade at 501-821-4085