Summit

I had my first training teleconference this week preparing me to work for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Grassroots Solutions at the Summit in Ohio next month and I am very excited.
It is going to be an awesome weekend and I feel very humbled and honored to have been asked to represent local army leaders around the country in the "Grassroots & Advocacy" Track. I am also very anxious to hear what our Presidential Candidates plan to do to "stick it" to cancer.

Signing the "Fight Back Express"

Under Our Umbrella

My husband and I were at St. Simon's Island last week just hanging out on the beach when a little lady about 4 foot tall and a size 0 came up with her twins. As her children went to play in the water she began to make herself at home under our umbrella telling us that in her country (Vietnam) if you had too much sun you were considered a farm girl and you would be looked down on. We began to talk with her and before we knew it two hours had passed by. She was an amazing lady with an awesome story. When she was 16 her mother took her to a ship that would smuggle her out of Vietnam and take her to America. With one apple that was suppose to last her a week and little else she was one of about 120 refugees in the compartment of a ship that was built for no more than 20. It would be 10 years before she would see her mother again. She went on to share her story of determination and perseverance to make a life for herself in America. As her story had seemed to consume me it was as if someone had leaned down and whispered in my ear "ask her about the cancer." I could not believe it as she pulled up her shirt revealing a fading but visible scar from what had been stomach cancer surgery. Even after all of the tragedy and triumph she had shared it was not until she talked about surviving cancer that she began to cry. In fact, we all cried. This lady had such insight and was so strong yet she told us that if it had not been for God that she would never had made it. I will never forget those couple of hours. My husband says that one day we will know why we were suppose to meet her, but I think I already know -
and it all happened under our umbrella.

Lance talks about the LiveStrong Summit

Lance talked about the LiveStrong Summit on an episode of The View.

Special Gift

The Lance Armstrong Foundation sent me this very special gift - Lance autographed a Manifesto of the Lance Armstrong Foundation for me. I was so excited to be able to share it with the survivors at Survivor's Day today.

Cancer Survivor's Day

We had a great time today at Anderson's "Cancer Survivor's Day" - we added more signatures to our LiveStrong Petition and our Banner. There were several more survivors who signed up to join our LiveStrong Army Upstate SC from several different Upstate areas, as well as, new survivors who expressed interest in joining our LiveStrong Dragon Boat Team. It was a really productive, but fun day as well.

We were sorry that we missed Greenville's Survivor's Day this year, but we will get you next year. However, if you are in Greenville or any surrounding area of the Upstate and you would like to sign our petition or get involved, please visit http://www.livestrongarmiesofsc.org/ or email me at ajsuttles@bellsouth.net.

(Please keep checking our website for information concerning our plans to visit to the State House to deliver our LiveStrong petitions, banner and testimonial videos.)

Being Stretched

I was asked today if I would work at the Summit in Columbus, Ohio for the Lance Armstrong Foundation by being an Army "Track" Leader. I am not sure what that involves, but if it means another punch in cancer's eye then sign me up! I will be going up on Wednesday so they can train me on Thursday - so it might be possible that I will know what I am doing by the time the Summit begins.
I know cancer took some things from me, but one year ago when I became involved with the Lance Armstrong Foundation something inside of me ignited and now I have a passion that I can not explain. Recently, I was threatened by the possibility of another bad report and went through, once more, many vigorous test. Everything turned out in my favor, but the taste of that bitter cup was a reminder that we owe friends, family and even strangers this fight! I will say cancer has stretched me beyond anything I could have possibly imagined about myself. I have stamina, perseverance, strength, and peace - and I have learned that God is always there waiting for us to just hand all of the hurt, pain and fear over to Him.