A New Year, A New Name, A New Beginning

There's one thing about living in Chicago that you begin to think about this time of year...Spring.  In comes January and along with it, it brings the bitter cold, short days and long nights.  We Chicagoans look forward to the crocuses peaking up from the snowy ground.  Then, we're on the look out for the first robin signaling that we've rounded that winter corner and now headed towards longer days and brighter sunlight. Ahhhh, a new beginning.

A fresh new beginning and, a fresh new name of the breast cancer support group at our local hospital. We will no longer have the title of a support group, but a Survive and Thrive group.  Much more fitting for some of todays cancer patients that go on to lead and live a long life.  Leading by example to those still in treatment that there is life after cancer.  Showing them the ropes.  Talking about what's important to them in todays world as a cancer survivor.  Maybe it will be their hopes, their dreams or their new found passion, but one thing the "newbies" of  survivorland will experience with this group; a new program, a new location and a fresh new start on their brand new life. 

Damn Cancer! Again....

A few weeks ago I wrote about a friend of mine that had been recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.  There was a vintage fashion show held in her honor to help raise money to offset some of her medical bills. All of the vintage jewelry, clothing, and hats that were modeled came from Pats store in downtown Elgin. 
Tonight I received a phone call from another mutual friend of ours.  He called to tell me that she passed away this evening, losing her 2 month battle with cancer.
Word has spread quickly in our town of her passing.  More than likely it will make not only the local news in our community paper, but the Chicago news as well.   Her illness, having no medical insurance along with all of the support from local volunteers to run her store made nationwide headlines.  She was very moved by all of the help along with the positive attention that this gave our downtown which has been undergoing some major revitalization.
On Thursday evening at the same restaurant that the fashion show was held, we will honor this local icon.  We will toast to her life, and her family legacy....Godspeed my friend.