Racing to Save Lives

On November 9th, I will be running 13.1 miles to help eradicate blood cancer. I am on my way- training for the Two Cities Half Marathon in Fresno to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

As many of you know, since my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in February 2008 I have been wanting to do my part for all cancers. You never know when something will affect you so close to home. By committing to run the Marathon, I have pledged to raise at least $ 1, 800 by October 1st.

I hope you will join me on this journey by making a donation to my campaign. I have a website that you can visit to follow my fundraising progress. http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/TwoCity08/lcastanon

Thanks, Laura

Spending Time with the Family

My mom and the family got together today at my house. Her grand kids had a ball as they played in the pool and the adults visited... My mom will be leaving, tomorrow, to head-down South for her surgery.

Bonding Quality Time at Home

My mom and Dad finally enjoyed an evening together at home... (My mom worked on lesson plans... while Dad caught-up with "Big-Brother".)

School

On Friday, my mom and Dawn went to her school so that she could visit, go to an in-service, and tidy-up loose ends... Amy came by to help, Dawn worked on her own lesson plans, and Aunt Debbie visited the room. Thank you everyone at Annie Mitchell, the room looked GREAT!

"Chemo Mouth"

As we all know, my mom use to be a very passive quiet person before chemo... Recently, though, she has found her voice on opinions which she uses quite often these days... which we have chosen to call "Chemo mouth". On her trip home, Dawn pulled over and bought her a "chemo mouth" time-out timer. (Not sure if she got the humor...)

"Passed the Test"

My mom passed her cardiogram test, today, so she is now cleared for surgery on September 2nd. Now she wants to spend the Labor day weekend, before the big day, with her family and friends... Sooo... my aunt Andrea gave her and Dawn the car to borrow so that they can drive up here.

Millie Came by to Visit

"Game Over"... The wedding is over and Millie survived the big day... :) so... she came by to visit my mom who had a special gift for her...

Still Don't Know...

My mom still doesn't know if she passed her cardiogram test, today. Dawn or my mom will call the doctor, tomorrow if they don't hear from anyone by morning. Hopefully, they will have some answers tomorrow... at least, Let's Hope!

Another Room to Set-up...

Today, my mom did another cardiogram to see if she is now okay for surgery. She kept saying that all she wants to do is pass this test and get this thing over with... So... to kept her mind busy while she waited for the results... Dawn and her helped a friend in need of a room make-over... Mrs. Brocks room is now looking freshly ready for the new school year...

"Not just any prayers..."

My mom is now requesting "not just any prayers, but prayers to past her test, tomorrow". She says she wants no missing around anymore... She wants this cancer out of her!

Tentative Date for Surgery

My mom's new tentative date for surgery is September 2nd if her cardiogram clears her for surgery... so that is what she is hoping for.

The Little Fish Theatre

My mom and Dawn were treated to a show at The Little Fish Theatre and really enjoyed themselves. Afterwards, my mom went to the "Findings" art show and spent money on one of her favorite artists, Corita. Thank you, Book Club!

Out for Dinner

My grandma and grandpa took my mom, dad, and Dawn out for dinner so that my mom could get out of the house... We are all happy to see that my mom is eating a little bit more these days...

Support from Mom and Dad

As many of you already know, my mom has been staying with her parents, in Long Beach, during her appointments and treatments down South. However, you may not know that her mom and dad have also become strong supporters of hers... my grandma has decorated some of the house with pink and the breast cancer ribbon in various places... in addition, my grandma and grandpa take turns checking her pulse.

Prayers on the Island

Thanks to Dawn's neighbor, Mary and her family, a mass was said for my mom on Catalina Island.
In addition, sooo many of you have been sending your thoughts and prayers from the island... which have been greatly appreciated. My mom truly wishes she had the strength and energy to head to the rock... "Maybe one day she will..." is what she keeps saying. Yet, for now, that is something to look forward to in the future when she feels much better...

New Scrubs

See the nice looking scrubs you get for being a support goddess :) Thank you Auntie Donna for all of your support, help, and love. What would we do without you!!!

A Change in Plans...

"We plan and God laughs" ... This saying couldn't be more true these past few weeks... and so... the statement continues... My mom's surgery that was scheduled tomorrow has been postpone to sometime next week, so that my mom can build-up her strength for the procedure...

Keeping in Touch

Hi everyone... Thank you for the many calls, visits, and thoughts and prayers these last few months... My mom has claimed ALL day, today, that it has been over 5 months, since she has had coffee or liked sweets... so she is ready to get this cancer out of her...
If you would like to send a message of support her way you can reach her at her parent's place: c/o Marincovich Family 4200 Virginia Vista Ct. Long Beach, CA 90807. She will be going into the hospital on Thurday at 8am but hopes not to stay there too long.

20 Some Years Later...

As my mom prepares for her surgery date... many friends have called or visited in the last few days. My mom's first teaching job, in Monetary, was with Jane and Marney who came to visit and took my mom out for a great French Dip sandwich at Hoffs Hut today.

Getting Ready for the Big Day...

My mom and Dawn went to the hospital today to prep for her surgery on Thursday. Dawn was taught how to do some medical procedures for my mom when she returns home from the hospital... Dawn is now finally using her medical education...

A Family of Dancers

Grandma and Grandpa started the party with a jitter-bug dance... then the fun continued from there...

"The Wedding"

Last night, my mom had a chance to enjoy a great time with family and friends at Millie and Marco's wedding. A day that many of us had been waiting for... for a long time now... :) Congrats to the both of you! (Marco, we always knew one day you would be family.)

Finally We are Done and a New School Year has Begun

"Whistle While You Work"... Thank You, everyone!

Thank you to the many of you that have given up your time, energy, and support to help my mom through these last few weeks before the start of a new school year. We couldn't have done it without you!!! For fun, I added-up all the volenteered days and hours. My mom better not plan on moving again for a very long time... because next time we're not putting 100 plus hours in...

Ready or not... School started Aug. 14th

Before, During, After many days and hours...

(14 days and 136 volunteered hours to be exact)

My mom has been getting ready for the new school year to start in her new class room at Annie R. Mitchell. She is still very tired, but is determined to complete her room with the help of great family and friends. Thank you everyone for your help!