Upcoming event notice!

WARSAW, INDIANA - I just got word that I will be aboard the
Vera Bradley Hope Garden Float in the Rose Parade and kickoff
Hope Trail 2009, how exciting is that? As usual, I am now calling around to cancer centers and hospitals in the Pasadena, California, area to see if I can meet with them and share a bit about our Foundation. This is always so important. First and foremost to encourage the ladies getting treatment and second, to let the staff know about the research we are funding. My initial research has shown me that this area of California is quite passionate about this cause as well. I will keep you posted as I learn more. Now the biggest question of all – what kind of shoes does one wear on a float? :)

Oh yes, it’s Ladies Night!

HONOLULU, HAWAII - Last Thursday the Vera Bradley store at Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu hosted the largest and most successful company store event to benefit the Foundation ever, and it’s not hard to see why! There were kids, doctors, nurses, even dogs, and most importantly survivors (really, that’s who all these parties are for). The interaction between the staff and attendees was warm and sweet, and at the end of the evening everyone was exchanging emails, phone numbers and big hugs. I can’t thank this store’s great team of people enough for this memorable evening. Like everyone who came said at the end of the party – see you next year, same time, same place!!! Aloha!

Warriors in more ways than one

PEARL HARBOR - Few things are more powerful for me than to meet and visit with cancer patients. They are all different, yet share so much. The Naval base in Pearl Harbor has the most unique position I have ever seen, military or civilian - they have a patient advocate. Her name is Mary, and she is so much more than a nurse or an advocate. She walks patients through their journeys, and is an answer to their prayers. Every hospital, every base in the world would be a much better place if they had someone like her around. The ladies I met today are patients that Mary has helped, and all in various stages. Some of these ladies completed treatment some time ago. Some were just recently diagnosed (in one case just two days earlier). They are all either in the military or have spouses who are serving. Not only have they taken up the noble profession of serving this country in a way that few are willing, but they are also fighting the cancer battle as well. It is an honor to know each and every one of you, my heroes.

My Heroes


Our Angel (Mary, on the far right)

Treat them like princesses…

HONOLULU, HAWAII - For all of you who know someone who is a survivor, here’s the way to treat her - like royalty! Last Tuesday, I was so fortunate to be asked to speak at an oncology nurses’ dinner that was sponsored by a few large drug companies. The company was wonderful, the meal at John Dominis was fantastic, and the scenery was second to none. Thank you, Jacqui and Mary, for making this happen and for treating me the way I think every patient should be treated. No one knows this more then sweet oncology nurses!!!!

United States of America

Today is Veterans Day, my friends. So go out there and find a Veteran or an active duty service member and give them a big hug and say, ‘Thanks.’ These men and women fight everyday to protect our precious freedoms, which we seem to take for granted so often these days. People who have chosen this profession are our true national treasures.

USS Missouri – the “Mighty Mo”

What to wear….

HONOLULU, HAWAII - Ok, so you saw what I wore to the mid-Atlantic events during the Hope Trail – comfy and practical, yet pink. Here’s what I wore in Hawaii – ridiculous and decadent. But, still pink! What do you think?

Locks for love # 2!

WARSAW, INDIANA - My eldest daughter has now donated her hair to Locks of Love three times in her young life. It is always amazing to me how very young people have just as much - if not more - drive and desire to help others as adults. I am so proud of you, my dear Alex, and I love you so much!

The second time