On Sunday November 10th, almost 40 of my family and friends battled the crazy traffic and tons of people to participate in Austin's Race For The Cure. It was a moment I'll cherish and hold close to my heart. Again, a big thanks to all those that came out! If couldn't make it, no worries! I imagine Team Bros and Bras will be back in 2014!
After Team Bros and Bras got together for the final team pic, I wanted to thank everyone, but I knew it would NOT be easy. I could already feel the lump in my throat. The first few words did not come out clear, and my emotions took over! I cut myself off quick before the ugly cry, ha!
Sunday's Race For The Cure was my niece Ellie's first 5K. We walked the 5k together hand in hand, and it is a memory I'll treasure and cherish. She didn't have a bib, so after the race, I gave her mine :). As I took pictures with Team Bros and Bras, my heart was full of joy knowing the moment was BIG and BEAUTIFUL because of God. I am surrounded and blessed by such amazing family and friends. Rather than talk about Austin Race for the Cure and revisit why "this fight is personal," I thought I'd share a lil something to capture the day along with the memories that consumed my mind throughout the walk.
(second video is mobile phone compatible)
A few weeks before Race for the Cure, I did another photo shoot with Robin Jansky. This was my remission shoot. She did such an awesome job, and there was one thing I wasn't prepared for. I brought the scarves and bandanas I wore through treatment. When Robin asked me what they meant to me, I almost broke down. Zelina didn't let it happen though! She did something crazy and made me laugh, ha. I by no means mind being asked personal questions, but sometimes I don't know how I will react. In this case, the scarves meant more to me than I thought.
My mom and dad laid my scarves on a old fence at Floore's Country Store. My scarves and bandanas symbolized just how personal it is. The scars I see on a daily basis. My short hair. My aching and stiff joints. My fatigue. My setbacks. My chemo nails. I could go on. There are days I feel great, then there are days I feel-mmmm...not so great. Post-chemo has been rough-October was a mess! A couple of weeks after my appendectomy, I caught an inner ear virus that causes vertigo. It knocked me off my booty! I was so sick, and it put me out of work for another week. Lesson learned-again. NEWSFLASH---Evidently, your immune system doesn't bounce back a few months after chemo. I knew it took about a year for chemo to run its course through your body, but overlooked my immune system still takes a hit from that. Not groundbreaking-I know this! I admit sometimes I forget (chemo brain) and have to be reminded. The journey continues to have its ups and downs, but thankfully November is being extra nice to me. So nice I was able to run my first 5K since May! No walk breaks…and it was slow, but I am making a running comeback! Below is the link to the photo session I had with Robin. She is awesome! A huge thanks to Robin, Martin Flores, and Stephanie Cortez for taking care of me!
http://robinjanskyphotography.com/she-woke-up-each-morning-with-her-boxing-gloves-on/
My mom and dad laid my scarves on a old fence at Floore's Country Store. My scarves and bandanas symbolized just how personal it is. The scars I see on a daily basis. My short hair. My aching and stiff joints. My fatigue. My setbacks. My chemo nails. I could go on. There are days I feel great, then there are days I feel-mmmm...not so great. Post-chemo has been rough-October was a mess! A couple of weeks after my appendectomy, I caught an inner ear virus that causes vertigo. It knocked me off my booty! I was so sick, and it put me out of work for another week. Lesson learned-again. NEWSFLASH---Evidently, your immune system doesn't bounce back a few months after chemo. I knew it took about a year for chemo to run its course through your body, but overlooked my immune system still takes a hit from that. Not groundbreaking-I know this! I admit sometimes I forget (chemo brain) and have to be reminded. The journey continues to have its ups and downs, but thankfully November is being extra nice to me. So nice I was able to run my first 5K since May! No walk breaks…and it was slow, but I am making a running comeback! Below is the link to the photo session I had with Robin. She is awesome! A huge thanks to Robin, Martin Flores, and Stephanie Cortez for taking care of me!
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| My dad and Tom Banda. Tom held pictures that belonged to my dad for over 20 years ago. Over 8 years ago, my dad not only got the pictures back (pics of my aunts), but he was reunited with his "brother" from Vietnam. |
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| It was honor having my dad and Tom at the HHS Veteran's Ceremony |
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| My dad is not just a veteran, but a co-survivor as well. |
I don't know about you, but I am WAY excited for the holidays and welcome 2014 with open arms! On Thursday November 21st, I will have my first 3 month check in with my oncologist. I'm not nervous…I know it will go well! It's onward and upward for me, and I will continue to keep updated!
Much Love to You,
Clari
"All women can do wonders if they're put to the test." ~Wonder Woman
I absolutely love you and love the Race for the Cure memory video! I know you weren't the only one with a lump in your throat. You are dear to me and always are amazing me! Love you.
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