Cancer sucks... sometimes it's not so bad, but overall, it sucks. And wine... well, who doesn't like wine?! If you know anything about my Kirkwood girlfriends and me, you can often find us together at the condo unwinding with a glass (or two!). So it was only natural for my roommate to bring up the idea of having a fundraiser for me involving wine. This was discussed in early summer, and I do believe over a glass of wine! Some time after, Sarah and I were having dinner (enjoying our wine as well) and she asked how I felt about her planning a fundraiser in my honor. Well.... I don't know. Of course I'm greatly flattered, and it does sound like a lot of fun.... but very awkward as well! I've been to benefits for others, including a couple for my mother when she was going through treatment. It never once felt awkward being a guest at benefit, if anything I always have enjoyed myself and being able to provide support in one way or another. I took a lot of that into consideration and agreed to Sarah's request. She, Kuhn, and my sister got the ball rolling and set the date for early fall. Funny, this all was discussed months before my Chicago trip and my surprise benefit there! Seriously, I am beyond blessed in life.
The night was fantastic. It started with one of my besties, Berlin, who came over before the benefit. We had our own mini happy hour while I got ready. Then we were off to Grapevine Wines in downtown Kirkwood, filled with anxiety and excitement. I was so eager to see how everything panned out as well as visit with everyone attending! The moment I entered the door I was greeted with hugs and smiles... and that was pretty much how the rest of the evening continued! Girlfriends, sister's friends, high school friends, college friends, parents of friends, parents of my students, family & family friends, childhood friends, work friends, friends of friends, and newly made friends were all in attendance. It was very surreal to stand back and see my entire life surrounding me. There were representations from just about every grouping of people in my life. It was an overwhelming feeling of love and support.
Grapevine provided a wonderfully fun tasting keeping everyone moving around socializing with one another. I tried partaking in the tasting, but instead found myself socializing and enjoying the company of everyone there. The raffle was fun as well - I was so entertained that I knew everyone who won, haha! And my hair stylist, Dawn from Lather Hair Lounge, won one of the biggest prizes of the night! And it was well deserved, she and the girls from Lather donated A LOT to the raffle, love you girls! The best raffle of the night was, of course, a date with me! UMMM, when I found out about this a couple weeks ago I about had a freak out attack! Are they SERIOUS?! Then I recalled after one of our evenings unwinding with our wine at home, Kuhn came up with the idea and I just laughed at it entertained with her comedy. (Lesson learned, even when you think it's a joke, just say NO because laughter does not get the point across as well!). The winner wasn't able to attend, but he made sure to stay in touch with Krissy until the bidding was over. And he is quite possibly the sweetest guy I have ever met. Overall, the night was more of a success than I could ever ask for.
I came home that night beyond humbled. All of these wonderful people came out to support me. And for those who donated their time and efforts I will never be able to explain how grateful I am. Lather, The Dubliner, BLUSH, The Soulard School, and Cafe Provencal all donated to the raffle. My sister and roommate spent hours working out logistics for the event. Sarah, the most selfless person I know, was the powerhouse behind the whole event. She is truly one amazing friend. Anybody is lucky to have a Sarah King in their life.
The night was a great success except for one small aspect... I have cancer. I can shrug it off in conversation and no one would know. But within 24 hours prior to the event I am 99.9% sure I fractured another rib. This time on the left side. It is PAINFUL!!! All of the talking, laughter and hugs finally got the best of me by the end of the night. My cough was worsening. I was exhausted. Sarah, Krissy and I were the last to leave and head over to the after party at Bar Louie. I tried to continue to cover up my pain and exhaustion, but they saw right though it. Krissy and I enjoyed only one round of drinks... and then she brought me home. I was in bed by 10... on the night of my benefit... LAME! I was absolutely bummed I couldn't stay out and enjoy my night. But taking care of my body comes first... and so I listened to what it was telling me - REST!
Despite the pain, I still had an excellent time. I socialized, laughed, cried, provided my appreciation, and felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Funny, I have a terminal disease, but stemmed from this horrible disease I find myself full of complete happiness?! It's amazing how cancer brings out the best in everyone. Cancer sucks. And I do whine about it from time to time, but I am so proud to be able to fight this disease with as much optimism I can muster.... optimism that I find from the support of all of the wonderful people who came out last Thursday. Thank you is not enough.... it never will be. But I am beyond grateful for every one of you. Thank you for your support. Because after all, it is your support that reminds me to stay strong.
so glad it was a success! you deserve every bit of it and more!
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