Pink? Men in Pink? On a Saturday? Playing football? In public?
You betcha.
The game on Saturday April 23, our Allen Wranglers wore pink jersey's (courtesy of Eagle Designs thank you Nancy and crew!) for Cancer Awareness to honor men, women and children who have battled Cancer in the past and the present. No one knows how hard it is, was and may be for those who are fighting for their lives. Can any of us walk in their shoes?
These shoes belong to a strong Christian woman and friend, Marsha Johnson who has gone through three bouts of Cancer. Through prayers, deep friendships, a loving family and caring doctors, Marsha is a true testament to the Power of the Pink. With her bright eyes and infectious smile, Marsha will proudly tell you she is not a victim but a SURVIVOR.
Marsha was one of three honored guests being represented before the game. Along with her were Sheila Archie, Sue Sewell and her sons, Preston and Norman who also brought their friend Kyle Rivell. Sue lost her loving Husband to Cancer one year ago. (You will see their pictures in a later post)
Shelia: Why me Lord?
The Lord: I know YOU can handle it Sheila and you will be strong for others.
It was not an easy fight for Sheila, but she held to her faith, and is determined to make a difference. Sheila is an Advocate for the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, a sought after Guest Speaker and participates in the annual The Race For The Cure, which will be June 11, this year.
One particular person came up to Sheila and said, "You don't look like you have cancer." This statement got Sheila to thinking, "Does cancer have a face we would recognize?" How does one answer that? Cancer doesn't need a face...just a cure.
DO NOT assume everyone with short hair or a fashionable hair piece is a Cancer victim. It is a sign of our times to wear short hair or Bieber Hair, Dreadlocks and Do-Rags. {India Arie's song , I AM NOT MY HAIR, I AM NOT MY SKIN - all through the ceremony those words kept cropping up in my mind. Those few words ring true.} Do we expect "Cancer" to be written upon their foreheads? Should it be the norm to wear a shirt that states "I have been invaded by The Big C"! Maybe we all should wear just that shirt - because we are invaded by the ignorance of not knowing what causes it, who may battle with it and if it will ever be defeated.
I myself have a family history of The Big C. Both sides of my family carry the gene - all females on my Mother's side, yes all, have dealt with or died from Pancreatic,Ovarian or Breast Cancer. A BIG SHOUT OUT TO MY SISTER CASSANDRA who is a one year Survivor!!!!! I Love You - and you know this!!
The men of my clan suffered through Testicular, Lung and Prostate Cancer. 75% of my relatives who have dealt with Cancer - have never smoked, "strut"a healthy lifestyle, belong to Jesus, have a wicked sense of humor and think I am twisted like a load of soggy towels, so don't be fooled - Cancer is a Random Player and it doesn't play fair. Yeah, it scares me that I may be the next victim, but it doesn't stop me from living. With Cancer, you don't stop living, you keep hoping, praying and donating funds,donating time,sharing hugs and kisses and well wishes everyday. EVERY DAY.
During the intimate ceremony outside the Event Center, balloons were given to those in attendance and I was amazed to read the inscriptions:
I Have Faith there IS A Cure
I Love You, God Bless
We CAN Beat This
You Will Never, EVER be Forgotten
I did not write on a balloon. I would have used all the balloons John was holding so I prayed instead when the balloons were released to the heavens.
It must take a lot of spirit and heart to come forth and tell a group of strangers about your ordeal. Through Sheila's and Marsha's testimonies, their desire to educate the masses is so prevalent you could feel it in the air. The quiet wisdom of Sheila, the bubbly personality of Marsha, two women from two different worlds sharing and living through their worst nightmare. I am truly blessed to know these women. To see in their eyes, feel it with the touch of their hands, to hear it in their voices, life is precious. Help us find a cure.
I was thrilled to know that our Allen Wranglers took the time to think about others, to auction their Pink Jersey's for the cause, to honor those living and those that have succumbed, and I can guarantee there will be a cure, maybe not in my lifetime but it's coming. Little Brother here may be the one to find the cure. A happy thought. Can I get an Amen?
Here is a list The Colors of Cancer
All Cancer Survivors | Lavender | |
Bladder Cancer | Yellow | |
Bone Cancer | White with Gold Outline | |
Brain Cancer | Gray | |
Breast Cancer | Pink | |
Childhood Cancer | Gold | |
Colon & Colorectal Cancer | Brown | |
Esophageal Cancer | Periwinkle Blue | |
Gynecological Cancer | Lavender | |
Head & Neck Cancer | Red with White Stripe | |
Hodgkins Disease | Violet | |
Hospice Care | Burgundy | |
Kidney/Renal | Kelly Green | |
Leimyosarcoma | Purple | |
Leukemia | Orange | |
Lung Cancer | Pearl | |
Lymphoma | Red | |
Male Breast Cancer | ½ Blue and ½ Pink | |
Melanoma | Black | |
Mesothelioma | Royal Blue | |
Multiple Myeloma | Burgundy | |
Ovarian Cancer | Teal | |
Pancreatic Cancer | Purple | |
Prostate Cancer | Light Blue | |
Renal/Kidney | Kelly Green | |
Retinoblastoma | White | |
Testicular Cancer | Orchid/Violet | |
Thyroid Cancer | Light Blue | |
Transplant | Green |
