Miss December

I know a colondar girl! Way back in 1999, I worked a hellatious job where I met a girl named Heather. We became fast friends and even went through our second pregnancies together and our daughters were born a day apart. Heather moved off to California and while driving through there we stopped off each time for a visit. As most people know in the military, true friends are friends forever.

About two years ago Heather was diagnosed at the age of 28 with stage IV rectal cancer that had spread to her lungs and liver. During this time Heather created a blog in order to let people follow her courageous battle with this cancer. Heather is candid in her blog and lays it all out on the line as she went through treatment, went into remission, and once again had the cancer return.

I recently got a letter from Heather that she said I could share, and I am hoping that others will support a good cause. I'm so proud of her and all that she does to make people aware of how colon cancer CAN happen to those that are young. She speaks out on the issue and is active in several organizations all while being a single parent to two beautiful children.

Dear friends,

For those of you who don't already know, in June I became part of a really cool project - the 2008 Colondar.

The 2008 COLONDAR is a 12 month wall calendar of 12 colorectal cancer survivors who have been diagnosed under the age of 50, and I am featured as Miss December. Each months model/survivor's photo is accompanied by a short bio about his or her experience with colorectal cancer.

I do have to warn you, its a pretty "sexy" calendar, although it was designed to be beautifully artistic and tasteful. All of the models (including me!) are "showing off" our scars by baring our bellies - so if you are easily offended by things like this, you might want to skip looking at the Colondar!

Our goals with the Colondar are 1) to show that anyone can get colorectal cancer at any age, 2) that colorectal cancer can be detected early and BEATEN, and 3) that it is beautiful to be a survivor.

Go to www.colondar.com to check out the pictures, read the stories, and find out more. The 2008 Colondar makes a great gift for friends and family, and of course your nurses and doctors! You can order them online or from me and save yourself the shipping!

We hope that everyone enjoys the 2008 Colondar - please let me know if you have any questions!

Thank you for all your support!

Heather