Winners.....

First I want to give a BIG thanks to Sue at Images Under Glass for her wonderful donation. Her work is amazing and her support of Nana's Box is gratefully appreciated!
So, after lots of writing and sorting I now have the winners of the Images Under Glass Giveaway!

The winner of the 'Pink hope with Butterfly' necklace is:

Stacie at Simply Stacie

who said: "I absolutely love anything to do with faeries or angels so my favourite is Handmade Recycled Glass Image Pendant with 18 inch Ballchain Necklace - FAIRY SILHOUETTE."

The winner of the 'Hope Daisies' Necklace is:

Jennifer at Rundpinne

who said: "All her work is lovely and her pendants range from whimsical to inspirational. Something for everyone. I adore #3, as a stroke survivor, I need to remind myself of these things."

The winner of the 'Lil girl with cancer ribbon on her shirt' necklace is:

The Marks at Marks Family

who said: "these are really cool I like the solitary tree or gumby is pretty sweet."

Congratulations ladies!!
You have til Tuesday Feb 3rd to contact me with your info.

Check back next week when I kick off my next giveaway!

And remember if you know someone who needs a little hope and some happiness during their cancer fight send them a Nana's Box.

{Fabulous Feature Friday: Fighter }

Today's Fabulous Feature Friday is Lori from The Downs Gang.

This women is quite the fighter and has been through a lot to get the right diagnosis and treatment that she needed. Today she is strong and still fighting. I am happy to be sharing her story today:

You have papillary carcinoma. What?!? I am too young for that!! It didn’t fully hit for me a few minutes what exactly the doctor was telling me. I looked at my mom who was in tears. Can you imagine sitting there and hearing your daughter has cancer? I was told many times if you are going to get cancer this is the type you want to have. Cancer was cancer to me whether it my thyroid or my boob or my cervix. That was 2005. I was 32 when my life changed.

The Dr. began to tell me the simple procedure: we will take out your thyroid and you will have to be on a special diet of low sodium and then you will have to take radioactive iodine. He referred me to a surgeon, and everything was set up February 13, 2005. They removed my thyroid and some lymph nodes.

I started my low sodium diet; apparently we were trying to starve any remaining thyroid tissue. Thyroid tissue soaks up sodium! The nastiest diet I have ever been on. But I did it just like I was suppose to. Took the radioactive iodine pill, went out crying. Knowing what I had just done to my chances of having a baby anytime soon. A few hours’ later I am hugging the toilet and begging for mercy. I spent a week away from my friends and family, because no one could be near me being radioactive. I had to flush the toilet twice and throw away everything I wore or slept in or utensils I used that week. What a relief when it was all over. But was it really over? For a year and half I never could get the cancer marker out of my blood. We did test after test, went and had a PET scan and a CAT scan done. Ultrasounds every 4 month’s and nothing, nothing was showing up, except in my blood.

September 2007, here we were again, in that same room with me laying on the ultrasound table and my mom in the chair next to me as I sat there and had a needle biopsy again. Finally a lymph node came back with carcinoma. Again I looked at my mom and saw that look on her face. I knew she was devastated. All of the pain and suffering I had gone through did not fix the problem in the first place. You know as well as I do once it is in the lymph nodes it can travel anywhere. They removed a whole strand of lymph node’s and all of them tested positive for carcinoma. Little did I know at the time the fight that was still ahead of me. Somewhere in my heart I did know it, but I was making excuses for myself, that I was all better and everything was fine.

April of 2008, I had gotten so sick that I couldn’t work anymore. I was on the highest dose of thyroid medicine that my pharmacist has ever seen. But still its not working I am gaining 6 to 10 pounds a week. The medicine is making my heart go 90 to nothing, which keeps me up all hours of the night. I start to develop abscesses all over my body. And they keep upping my med’s. Finally I have had enough.

October 2008, I decided to find a new set of doctor’s. They start to test other things in my blood besides just the TSH levels. Low and behold my red and white blood cells are out of whack. I now am considered diabetic, and I have chronic fatigue, Lupus and the cancer marker is still there. I have a much better outlook on my health now that I left that doctor who wasn’t listening to me in the first place. I am not done with the fight that lies ahead of me but, I have realized my own strength in the past few years. Something I did not think I could handle three year’s ago when I started on this path. I have realized that God doesn’t give you anything you can't handle. I have realized my purpose is for doctor’s to learn that some thyroid cancer patients have trouble with the aftermath of removing the thyroid. Would I change anything? Nope, the suffering and the pain and the emotional wear and tear has brought me where I am today. I am happy and I am a strong woman, I know I can win any battle that is out in front of me because of my friends and family!

To read more about Lori visit her blog: The Downs Gang

{ More cancer in my family }

Well, cancer not only takes the lives of millions of loved ones, they also take the lives of family pets. My families sweet dog, Australia, passed away this morning from what might have been liver cancer. Aussie was apart of my family for 13 years. She was the most wonderful and lovable dog. She is going to be missed.

Just another thing that cancer has taken away.

With eye upraised his master's look to scan, The joy, the solace, and the aid of man: The rich man's guardian and the poor man's friend, The only creature faithful to the end.

~ George Crabbe

{Newest Nana's Box recipient}

For Barbara who loves to garden, being by the river, reading, flowers
and being outside.

"Sometimes the question are complicated and the answers are simple."
~ Dr. Seuss

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Have you entered our Images Under Glass Giveaway??

{Fabulous Feature Friday: Big Country Sky}

Today feature is from Ann from AnnOnandOn..... I came across Ann when she won one of my giveaways, it was then that I found out she was a cancer survivor. Through reading her blog and a few emails I was inspired to ask her to share her story:At 20 years old life was about what to wear, the current hair style, friends, boys and college. I canceled my first gynecologist appointment to do a modeling job for boats. One month later, I walked into the doctors office for my first girlie appointment. The exam.... When the doctor asked me if my parents were in the waiting room I knew something was wrong. Even doctors can not hide emotions. The only thing I asked was...if I was going to die. When he said, "I do not know"....I called my mom. What I found out later was, if I had gone in the month prior (my first appointment) they most likely would not have found the tumor and I would have died within a couple months. The man was on my side, walking with me.

Two days after the appointment I was scheduled for surgery. Within one week I was wearing a hospital gown and everything I knew about living was about to change. One thing was for certain, I WAS NOT GOING TO DIE. That is what I decided. I wanted to know if anyone had lived from this type of ovarian cancer. When I found out that someone had I wanted their phone number....I wanted to hear this person tell me the truth. We talked. The truth wasn't pretty. Reality wasn't pretty.

The days were long. My family and friends NEVER left my side. The entire 4+ months that I stayed in the hospital I was never alone. Someone slept with me every night. I can remember my dad carrying me into the bathroom just after my nightly round of chemo, holding my hair and helping me back into bed.(All 89 pounds of me....) I remember my grandparents taking turns sleeping to make sure I was o.k. To this day, when I smell Oil of Olay I can feel the love and warmth of my mom through those frightening days. Talking about this now still brings tears to my eyes. One day, I was wheeled out to the patio for some fresh air...little did I know my family had brought my dog to see me. For an hour I let him lick my face as tears rolled down my cheeks. He just knew that was the medicine I needed most, it was true.

Slowly, my hair grew back. The chemo worked. I got to go home.

There is nothing poetic, romantic or witty that I can say, I am just lucky. I had amazing doctors, family and friends. I had a great attitude and the will to live..... so do many others. Why did I live...I'm not sure, but I'll never stop saying THANK YOU. Here is a post that I recently wrote about my battles with cancer.

Rewind....2005

My life in 2005- It was time to put the Prada away and pull my boot straps up. We're moving to Montana! Giddy-up! Waving good-bye to Michigan couldn't have felt more natural. Jaige and I drove west holding hands, windows down blowing our hair, belting out every country song we knew..... the screeching record came to a dreadful stop.

There was a slight change in plans since I was going to be detained in Blodgett Hospital. Days earlier: I'll get an exam just before I go...

It was thirteen years earlier (20 years old) and my ovarian cancer scare was so-so rare. Bald head and a forgotten 100 plus days. Minus one ovary and some lymph nodes. How could this be happening again? No time to wait, no time to think about the future. After calling my dad for a ride home, my feet were no longer working, my sister answered her phone I could not think of anything else to say, but "how do I tell mom." Silence then sniffles. I spoke the words to my mom that no one wants to hear. It wasn't for sure, but we can not wait...the knife will strike once more. Sleepless nights and quiet whispers.

"My life was going to change in so many ways...just let me get through this... you'll see", I spoke to the sky while laying on the stretcher wearing an obscenely thin hospital gown. Shivering. "You can't have me yet... I'm not done here." "Wait...please." Florescent lights one after another. Jaige held my hand until the bright lights faded. I woke up to the same warm hand and through the storm of tears I knew that he heard. Or, did I hear him? It had been a long time since we talked.

Life.

What do you mean menopause, I'm 33 years old? Hummmmmmmm, "take this pill and wear that patch." The doctor was talking. (The worlds best doctor if you ask me.) I'm quite sure he was talking? Through the humm in my head I heard every third word, nothing was making sense. Alright, alright whatever I need to do, I have a horse to ride in Montana. The night sweats were soon to follow, ummm what did that doctor say? Horse or not this sucks!

Days turned to weeks then the shackles were released. Free to go. The clouds were full of cotton, the wings glided west, my heart was sad to leave my family, but my love was already wear sexy chaps.

Rimel Road, take me home to Moose Can Gully Ranch. Up, up and down the winding road we went. Driving over the cattle guard to the place I will call home, the tires spoke, the animals whinnied, "Welcome home, Ann".

Under "big sky country" I was born.

To read more about Ann visit her blog AnnOnandOn

Images Under Glass Giveaway!!

I am excited to announce that Nana's Box has teamed up with Sue over at
Images Under Glass
to giveaway 3 handmade glass pendants to 3 separate winners!!

{#1: Lil girl with cancer ribbon on her shirt }

{ #2: Pink HOPE with butterfly }

{ #3: HOPE Daisies }

★ Square Pendants are 7/8" square and 1/8" thick.

★ Each Pendant comes with an 18" Steel Ball-Chain Necklace.

★ Glass Pendants are Handmade

★ Glass pendants are sealed but NOT waterproof.

3 separate winners will be chosen on Jan 31st.

Rules to enter are:

1. Visit Images Under Glass then come back here & leave a comment telling us what you like best about Sue's work.

Also include which pendant from above you would like to win (#1, #2, or #3)

2. For a second entry become a follower / or subscribe to this blog

3. For a third entry post about this giveaway and then leave us a comment letting us know where we can read about it. (third entry subject to verification)

{ Guest Writer: Kairol Rosenthal }

I have 'met' lots of wonderful cancer fighting people in the blogging world. Going about doing great and amazing things in their own way to help with the fight against cancer. Kairol Rosenthal is one of those people. Just by chance I happened upon her blog Everything Changes... I was so intrigued with her words and the work that she has done for cancer awareness that I was eager to get her as a guest writer on Nana's Box. Her book Everything Changes: The Insiders Guide to Cancer in Your 20's and 30's hits bookstores on Feb. 19.... but for now she is sharing a bit with all of us on my blog.... YIPPY! Thanks Kairol for taking the time to share some great ideas with my readers.

Cancer-Crafting Therapy

I was diagnosed when I was 27. I’m now 36 and still living with cancer. With each cancer scan, I scheme plans for new curtains in my kitchen, dining room, and bedroom. I buy bargain bin fabric in handsome stripes, with the vision of sewing posh pillows for my couch and bed. But alas, I’m a dreamer, not a crafter. Unused fabric stashes peek out of the filing cabinet drawers in my home office and are stacked among cancer pamphlets in my inbox. Still, the scheming is a soothing distraction.

Recovering from my last surgery, I cast off on my mom an unfinished pillow project. Was she just being sweet, or was it really therapeutic for her to concentrate for a few hours on bobbins and thread instead of my aches and pains? Either way the pillows are stunning.

If you have crafty visions and the follow through to match, or if you have friends and family who are itching to do something productive for you while you are down and out with cancer, check out these free pattern downloads for crafty cancer projects.

Crafty Cancer Projects

* Want a leopard print, tangerine silk, pink taffeta, or camo hospital gown? Dream it up with this pattern from Lazy Girl Designs.

* If you are tired of visitors spying your pee-bag, try this extremely simple pattern for a catheter bag cover.

* In four steps you can crank out a polar fleece chemo cap – super great for this intense cold snap that is plaguing the country.

* For more great projects check out Sewing Stuff.

Penny Pinching

Purchasing fabric can really add up. If you are trying to save money, buy discounted pillow cases at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, cut up your favorite stained shirt or tablecloth, and dig around JoAnn, Hancock’s Fabrics, and other stores; they always have discount bins. AND, if you dive into one of these projects, be sure to take a pic and send it to Nana’s Box. I’d love to see it.

Kairol Rosenthal is author of Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide To Cancer In Your 20’s and 30’s. For more tips, views, and news you can use, visit her blog Everything Changes.

Winner of the Dream Beadery Giveaway

First off I want to send out a BIG thanks to Kathy at Dream Beadery for her beautiful ovarian cancer earrings that she donated to our giveaway!
Second, what you've all been waiting for: the winner of the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Earrings is:

Kathryn at KV Creative Designs

who commented:
Hi, I love the colors in these earrings! I also love the fact that they are for ovarian cancer!
Happy New Year and Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

Congratulations Kathryn! Please contact me with your info before Jan. 23
And feel free to add my "I Won at Nana's Box" button to your blog!

{ Quote of the Day }

" Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way!"

~ Dr. Seuss

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Only 3 more days left to enter our Dream Beadery Giveaway!!
Come check it out and enter to win!

{ Nana's Box & Features Friday }

Do you know someone who needs some uplifting? Someone who needs a bit of hope during their fight against cancer? Then Nana's Box is perfect. A Nana's Box is FREE to anyone who is fighting cancer. It easy to order one and the box usually ships within 7 - 10 days. Each box is personalized and hand made for each recipient. So, if you know someone who needs some extra love while fighting their battle order them a Nana's Box today.Nana's Box is also looking for anyone who has been affected by cancer who would be willing to share their story on our Feature Fridays. If you are interested in sharing your story and being featured on Nana's Box, send us an email: mynanasbox@yahoo.com

{ One Lovely Blog }

To my surprise I got a little comment love from Kelley over at Yeah, sure, you betcha! to tell me that she gave me an award! How nice is that?! YAY!!! Here it is:

So fancy isn't it?

So, I'm supposed to tag 7 blogs to pass on the blogging love and this fanciful award to. Here they are, go check them out!

Spirit Jump: a new blog set up to send out spirit jumps to cancer patients who need some love

This, that, and then some: Joanie does some great Friday Fav's, and she is a cancer survivor

My Cancer Scoreboard: Stacy is a Nana's Box recipient and is doing great things with Spirit Jump

Her Cup Overfloweth: Michelle is a cancer survivor and was featured on Nana's Box

Lauren's Bite: totally not cancer related but I have to throw in a Twilight blog... cuz honestly, I just love those books and this girl is great at discussing them and putting up some great photos ;)

Who put me in charge of these people?: I happened upon this blog and she is great at making my brain tick and think about things

AnnOnanOn: she is a Nana's Box giveaway winner and just a great blog to read

Congrat's ladies! and THANKS KELLEY!!

Now, if you are coming by here to claim the award, here are the details....

Copy, save and add the blog photo to your blog, share the love with 7 of your favorite blogs and be sure to mention who gave it to you (ahem...that would be me...) Enjoy!!

{ Quote of the Day }

THE CANCER CHANT, I WILL RANT.

A poem contributed by a visitor of Healing Cancer Naturally

Cancer I did not give you the right,
To invade my body and take a bite.
This is my body and with all my might,
I will prevail with one hell of a fight.
To the cancer inside, I will battle and kill.
For that is my body's God given will.
To my cancer, these words I do send.
Your life is short and near the end.

(For Lucy & all those fighting cancer) ~J Joens, 10/13/05

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Have you entered our Dream Beadery Giveaway yet??

{ Word for 2009 }

"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow."

Laurie over at Tip Junkie issued a challenge to "identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2009?"

I really thought it was a good idea. For the past couple of years I have been out of the resolution mode.... I always seem to disappoint myself when I fail at another resolution. So as I celebrate new years I leave the resolution part out. But, when I read this post I thought it was a great idea. Something I couldn't necessarily mess up or fail at. And possibly something that I could keep up with throughout the year. However, the hard part... figuring out a WORD..... just one word... to sum up what I want for 2009. Man, that's a lot in one word. After lots of reflection and mind stretching I picked that ONE word:

Contentment

That's all. That's what I want for 2009. Contentment with everything in my life... because contentment brings: happiness, gratefulness, appreciation, devotion and gratitude. All of which would make for a great and wonderful 2009.

Dream Beadery- Giveaway **NOW CLOSED **

Today I am kicking off the

Dream Beadery Ovarian Cancer Awareness Earrings Giveaway!

I've teamed up with Kathy over at Dream Beadery to giveaway this teal colored Ovarian Cancer Awareness earrings. **These earrings are made with silver plated ear wires with teal colored seed beads
and antique silver awareness ribbon.

Dream Beadery donates a portion from all of her sales to cancer research and awareness. Ovarian cancer is the fourth or fifth most common cancer killer of women. It is diagnosed in more than 25,000 women in the United States each year, and approximately 16,000 women die of the disease annually.

Here are the rules to enter:

1. Visit Dream Beadery- then come back here & leave a comment telling us what you liked best.

2. For a second entry become a follower / or subscribe to this blog

3. For a third entry post about this giveaway and then leave us a comment letting us know where we can read about it. (third entry subject to verification)

Giveaway Ends January 18th! So hurry and enter!

{ Generous People }

My Wonderful Sponsors.
These are some giving, generous, kind people.... with some great blogs!
Please take a chance to visit them.

* A2 1st Ward Scrapbook Club

* Christina Butler

* Tim & Andrea

* Heather Thompson

* The Gift Closet

* Joel & Aimee

* Anna Lefler

* Kelley McClure


GIVEAWAY SPONSORS:

* Designs by Reese

* Lyrehc Designs

* Crafty and Contemporary

* Tricky Knit

* K Craine handbags

* J'Ollie Primitives

* Recupefashion

* Finestra Designs

* Afrique

* Kathy 777

* Images Under Glass

* Crafty & Contemporary

* Fruit, Nut, and Candle Gift Baskets

* Silver Dot Jewelry

{ My Mission }

I started Nana's Box, in 2006, in an effort to support and honor my mom as she battled Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. You see my mom lives in another state which has prevented me from assisting her while going through her treatment. In an effort to comfort her as much as possible I made her a box full of pictures, that had quotes on the back, in hopes that it would make her smile, laugh and most importantly feel loved and supported. She absolutely loved it!!! The happiness this box gave her made me anxious to make them for others.{My Mom}

Nana's Box took some time to take off.... since the start of this blog I have been able to get the word out to many people- and I have been able to make some boxes for some wonderful cancer fighting people. I could not have been able to continue to fund this project had it not been for the generous donors that I have met in the blogging world. Thank you for keeping my ministry alive. Thank you for helping me to find some wonderful people and to send them a bit of hope.

If you know someone who could benefit from a Nana's Box please see this post with the information on ordering one. Nana's Boxes are FREE of CHARGE.

Have a HAPPY and HEALTHY New Year!