Beanies for Brain Cancer

It is Humpday and I thought we could tackle a serious and sensitive issue. Let’s talk cancer and the affects it has had in our lives. Or truth be told let’s talk Brain Cancer and the affect it had on my life. It is time to get personal and share a bit about why I went to Thunder Bay for a funeral. It is time to share how my story and the Hacio Girls story is forever connected. Shared stories, shared grief and yes even shared hope, for a cure. Beanies for Brain Cancer is the next step towards hope, hope that one day no other girl has to watch her father fight and lose.

The Story of the Hacio Girls

Hi! ? We’re Amanda, Melissa, and Andrea Hacio and we founded Beanies for Brain Cancer, #B4B. This fundraiser is dedicated to our Dad, Chris, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2018. Their story can be found on their Facebook page.

In early Fall of 2018, we noticed that our Dad was acting a little out of character. After we expressed our concerns about his behaviour, he went to his doctor who could tell that something about him was different. As a result,he was then admitted to the hospital in Thunder Bay, ON, where an MRI revealed swelling in his brain and a tumour on his right side. This news was difficult to take in, and in many ways it still feels surreal, but we developed a plan. A couple of weeks later, we traveled to Toronto where our Dad underwent brain surgery.

A few weeks after the surgery, he began radiation and chemotherapy at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, ON. He was also enrolled in a promising clinical trial.

There were some unexpected bumps along the way, but their Dad was still determined to beat cancer.Unfortunately for all of us and his family in particular that optimism could not defeat the beast we call Cancer. Chris reached the end of his battle on February 19th, 2019. However his girls will continue the fight. They believe in the power of the research that is being conducted. It is with the efforts of the Hacio’s and many others that will help us find a cure and beat this monster. It is time to slay the dragon, time to stand up and do our part to stop the effects of this disease.

My Story and Brain Cancer

Brain Cancer killed my dad, there I said it. Believe it or not after thirty two years that is still hard to write or say. February 4th, 1987 the day this beast took my father. I was only twenty three and still today find it hard to comprehend what happened. How can a disease reside in one’s body undetected for so long. Why is it that once diagnosed the end comes too quick. How is cancer at all fair?

Dad was diagnosed in December of 1986. It probably took the doctors two weeks to figure out what was wrong but once they did life changed. A diagnosis of Cancer changes everyone not just the patient. Families wonder why. Why my dad/son/mom/papa? Why is this happening to us, what did we do wrong? The patient wonders the why but also the what. What is happening to me, what will become of my family, what can I do? So many questions and often not enough conversations or time to get the answers.

Our Cancer Story

Cancer changes lives and families and futures. My family only had two months, truly not enough time to reach denial yet alone guilt so forget the other six stages. Today I wonder if we ever really went through all the steps or if I am stuck somewhere back on anger and bargaining.

Watching the girls go through this even at a distance brought back so many memories. Being at the funeral and watching how they stood with grace beside their mother made me sad, yet proud. Resilience is what makes us who we are. Grief and sadness shape us in to what we can become. They are taking the grief and the sadness and using it to push through. Shaping a future where hopefully their children will not have to go through this. They are the generation to help us fight the monster and find a cure.

Beanies for Brain Cancer

Lou wants You to wear a Beanie

My Outfit and my Beanie

So feels weird to talk outfits after talking cancer but hey that is actually how cancer rolls. One moment we scream or cry and the next moment we laugh. Cancer moves forward and so too shall we. Today’s look is totally about my beanie. The black beanies sold out but I did manage to grab a grey one.

My Grey tri-colour skirt paired with a tweed cardigan and tights just seemed right. This skirt has made a few appearances. Actually,truth be told everything but the beanie has made several appearances on the blog. Today’s look is perfect for work or for play. However, for today that is the extent of my “fashion post” . I want you to focus on the Beanie and how you can help us. Thanks for listening and the support you have shown

TUESDAY

Style Sessions, Walking in Memphis in High Heels , Style with a Smile, Turning Heads Tuesday, Spread the Kindness, Color and Grace, Style Perspectives, Myriad Musings | I Do deClaire/ Not Dressed As Lamb |

WEDNESDAY