Dear Friends and Family,
As most of you know in 2001 , I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During my treatment and recovery, I came to realize that I am blessed with an amazing circle of family and friends. I am also extremely fortunate to have a good healthcare plan, and live in a city where great doctors and quality care is readily available.
On March 15th and 16th I will proudly walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston as a 9 yr survivor. I walk for those who are not as fortunate, for those who can’t afford proper medical care, for those who are seeking a cure for this disease.
I will walk a marathon and a half(that’s nearly forty miles) and I plan to raise at least $1,800 but hopefully more. To do this, I will spend the next few months training and fundraising. I am one of thousands of people all over the country who will be doing this to raise funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and support their mission to advance access to care and find a cure. I’m honored to help others get the same chance at survival that I have. I’m looking forward to a special Avon Walk Weekend of celebrating my own survivorship among a community of people who are just as passionate about this cause as I am.
Please help me-and all who are impacted by breast cancer-by making a tax-deductible contribution. Just visit my fundraising page at http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Boston?team_id=76100&pg=team&fr_id=1920
If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and send it to me at
409 Franklyn Ave
Indialantic FL 32903
As I cross that finish line as a survivor, I will carry with me the hopes of each and every person who has helped me thrive since that life-changing day when I first heard the diagnosis. And that includes you! As my Doctor told me yesterday “No one should die from Breast Cancer”, and he did have some encouraging news about new medicines coming.
On behalf of tens of thousands of people whose lives may be saved by your actions, thank you.
Warmest Regards,
Joann Rootsey

A letter from My sister in law

Hello friends and family, you know me, I am not a high tech person and barely understand email and could never really get blogging so here is my own Gillespie blog as I am so concerned and outraged (actually...) about this new government report today regarding mammograms and breast cancer. I am sure you all heard that a "government report" was issued yesterday that said that women under 50 do not really need mammograms and even over 50 maybe every other year! ANNNd that doctors don't really need to spend time teaching women about self breast exams as they really don't find much and if you feel a lump it "causes undue anxiety in women and needless biopsies". I can hardly speak about my thoughts on this never mind blogging! (That is what I think blogging is all about) So hear goes, please let's not kid ourselves that this is a way to limit health care in a major way. This is what this is about. And since I am actively in the health care field this is getting really scary. Now the insurers will not pay for these before 50 because of a study like this never mind the woman that may miss early detection.

Several years ago I was at a major health care meeting is Washington DC on health care and Brain Injury. This was a historic meeting that I am proud to say I was present even though some of the results were not at all positive. One "statement" that came out of the conference was that there was not enough evidence to show that cognitive rehabilitation for brain injury worked. The field is working to document this. BUT right after that BC/BS wrote right into their policy that they "do not reimburse for cognitive therapy" Patients and families still loose out because of this ruling today.

Also, while I am on this getting really scared kick, I may have shared with some of you the unbelievable high increases that my company had to face this fall with 24 - 78% increases in purchasing health care for my staff. I went on and on about that too that this was how we are really paying for everyone in MA to have health care for all. And yes the governor and the President can say that there is no real effect on our pocketbooks, because small business's is MA are paying the bill. My company's roster of staff is young, single, female and hasn't really changed in the last few years but our rates went up so high. WELL... this weekend in the front page of the Boston Globe was an article on just that, it sounded like my work partner and I wrote the article and I urge you to read it. (I have copies or you can google the globe the front page Sunday). Last week Eileen and I went to testify before a state committee for insurance in MA about this issue - there was only a handful of insurers there! This is scary....

So what can we do - I urge you to speak to friends and colleagues we can't just sit by and let these things happen. Call or write your congressmen and senators. If you have any great ideas let them be known.

Whew I feel better. This surely must be what blogging is all about......Yours always AG

new blog

www.TenGoodThingsToday.bogspot.com
I am trying to come up with ten good news stories or inspiring articles on a daily basis. It's harder than I thought, sadly. I would love some help. please contact me here or on FaceBook for your ideas. if you are a create person and would like to contribut(book reviews, local stories, thoughts ideas) please let me know. I'm counting on you.

Happy Nineteenth

Rick and I had a great anniversary yesterday. Nineteen years!
Can't wait til 20!
He's stuck with me now for sure.
Life is pretty quiet here at our home. Still working to get our house back together. We are sort of at a stand still as far as painting and building. Sort of burnt out.
am homeschooling my middle son and it is a bit challenging at times. We sort of get on each others nerves, like right now, and I am taking a break.
Breathe-
We are hoping that this year will boost his confidence for High school. He has such a hard time focusing. He has fallen behind and many times I blame myself because I was so wrapped up in my own issues with cancer , that my children took a backseat. Well, hopefully , this is what is neded to help him and get him back on track.
As you can tell, I am a bit stressed right now. I love the kid but boy does he know how to push my buttons.
Well, in just a sec we are going to move onto Language Arts, that should be fun.. Working on Indirect objects today --wahoo!
I feel confident that this is the right thing for him. I have been praying and this neat opportunity presented itself. It's also a blessing that Rick has been home with us, so I have a little back-up at the moment.
Well, time to start LA, farewell!