As I sit and think about the past few days of experiences, I
find myself reminiscing about where I was this time, several years ago. The
last time I went for a UCAAN Trip, was with my friend Sara in 2011. We had just
been on a phenomenal trip. Exploring the country, the wonderful hospitals that
provided so much support and information to their patients they served. I was
only 3 years our since my transplant, three years since I was cancer free and
going through all the health issues caused by my life saving treatments. I was
and still am excited to be alive, every moment that I have, every experience….
I enjoy it all no matter what happens.
First off I want to thank everyone who believes in UCAAN, our
wonderful volunteers included, our mission and all that we do, without your
support we wouldn’t be growing and doing what we are doing! I want to thank our
donors for supporting us over the years and for supporting us throughout this
trip. Even if we help 100 patients, that’s 100 more that will share what we do
with others, that’s remarkable.
From all of us at UCAAN, Thank you!
Part 1
On Saturday morning I woke up in a beautiful little town
nestled in the trees of Connecticut, the streets were filled with life, even at
8:30am. A Farmer’s market was across the street and we were steps away from
where I would be speaking about UCAAN, our Preventative Dental Information and
sharing stories with patients and survivors in the community, one of which
included Audrey Treymon, who Doryn and I had just spent dinner with the night
before at the Fife and Drum with her hubby Dolph (who started it all in 1973).
Doryn and I woke up and got ready enjoying some delicious
homemade bagels from the bakery across the street. I paired it with goat cheese
and fruit as well. Our hosts Elissa and George suggested to get the best
exposure in the small community that we should park the car in front of the
restaurant, we agreed. We knew that the UCAAN Change a Life Road Trip photo
would for sure attract some attention! As I walked into the restaurant, I saw 3
people sitting around a round table in a special room of the place. I walked up
and greeted them, they were all either going through cancer or had completed
treatments, each of them with a different diagnosis.
As I talked about cancer and it changing my life, we had
other point join the room, all listening to the information I was giving. I
shared about how our Preventative Dental Program UCAAN CARE (Caries &
Restorative Education) came about, how the road trip in 2011 was only a tiny step
in starting that and spoke about the different ways to add health into their
lives. They were attentive and really liked the speech I gave. Even with a room
of 8, I knew that my speech had made an impact, especially on those still going
through treatments! The longest living survivor was in remission for 40 years,
WOW!
When I was done talking I asked to see who wanted to share a
piece of their story and what their biggest financial assistance needs were. 3
of them volunteered for our nationwide video, which was amazing. Each attendee
received samples of our sponsor Zatik Beauty’s organic and all natural soaps,
one of our handmade mini bags, an informational brochure (printed by our friend
Nancy Haberman of OakCreek Printworks), a UCAAN glow silicon bracelet and much
more goodies!
I was thankful to be able to speak to the group and to make
some new friends and great connections!
Once I finished the talk, Doryn and I had to get on the road,
but Elissa & George invited us to stay for lunch. We couldn’t say no, but
choose to pack our stuff at the house first. The food at the Fife is always
good, lots of flavor and several options. We spent some more time with Elissa
& George (our wonderful hosts) and talked. It was wonderful seeing them and
spending so much time after all these years had passed. Before we left, we all
took a photo and I told them I’d be back before they knew it. Elissa who
coordinated my speech in Kent, offered to help make the next one even bigger….
I Agreed. Audrey was there too and before we left she said “Come back sooner
than 20 years next time!!” We were beyond blessed to stay in the red barn, near
the Fife & Drum Inn and Restaurant, next to the old Yellow Victorian, all
of these have been in this town since the 1800’s! Still just as beautiful!
Doryn and I were well on our way, to NYC, with a stop at
Walmart in New Milford. After we stopped, we continued on our journey to New
York city. We once again split the driving, I drove first and Doryn drove the
remainder of the way to my aunts place. We hit some traffic, but luckily with
some tips from George & Elissa, we avoided the high tolls into New York and
made it in a pretty good amount of time.
We had arrived in New York, the big apple, surrounded by the
trees, the sky scrapers, the loud bustling of the city streets and the life! So
much life! So many people!! We got a special deal for the same place we parked
last year and were close to where we needed to be – we had ARRIVED!
That night, we enjoyed some time with my fabulous aunt and
went out to a fabulous Chinese restaurant called Pig Heaven. The place was
perfectly themed with piggy banks across the room, pig plaques with messages on
the walls, pigs in the bathroom, pink walls and just fun décor around us. This
was a unique and fancier version of the other local spots and BOY! Was it ever
delicious!! We each got our own meal, but shared. Doryn and I enjoyed the
wonton soup, aunt Jaymie enjoyed the cold sesame noodles (a HUGE favorite of
our families’ and my mom’s!!) Aunt Jaymie got the Chicken in Garlic sauce, I
got the Chicken and Asparagus with mushrooms and Doryn got a chicken something
delicious with crispy noodles. Everything
was delicious! The company at our table was the best!! Our days in New York
have only just begun, but for this blog, I’m ending it with…. Sleep dreams….
Tomorrow is part 2.
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