Spirit Jump Changes Lives

Many of you know about Spirit Jump my charity organization that I run with Stacy. However, I think there are still many who don't so I am taking an opportunity today to post about it.

I started Spirit Jump (SJ) in November of 2008. It was a small idea based on how I felt when all of my friends sent me cards, gifts, flowers and food to me while I was battling cancer. Each day I received something and as the days passed these tokens of love lifted my spirits and gave me the strength to continue fighting for my life. At first I thought the cards/gifts would stop shortly and that everyone would move on with their lives quickly forgetting about me. But they didn't. Each day more and more came and no one EVER forgot about me. I was not left behind, even if I tried. So I decided that I wanted to start a charity that lifted spirits and reminded cancer fighters that they were not being left behind but instead they were being cheered on and loved by many.

"I have received many emails from people SJ has supported and I want to share some of the things they wrote to me with you:

I have been more blessed with Spirit Jumpers then you will ever know. Not because of the gifts...because of the love, the support and the idea that there is someone who is thinking of me and Philip...praying for us...and cares.

In today's busy world..that is amazing.."


"I have been overwhelmed by the heartfelt cards and beautiful gifts complete strangers have sent me."

"I cannot explain enough how great it is to get a package in the mail and know that someone is thinking of me and rooting me on. In the Thankful Thursday Post we mentioned Spirit Jump and what they have done. The simple things really do jump my spirits in ways most never understand."

I just need you all to understand how important what you do is! These are only three out of the over 75 people we currently have who need Spirit Jumps. Think of the lives you touch, the smiles you bring, laughter, curiosity, joy, hope and wonder you bring into the lives of those touched by cancer. And not only the person who has been diagnosed but their parents, siblings, husbands and wives. The power of a small gift is beyond any of our comprehension. Do you understand what you are doing and have done? I dont think you do because it is indescribable!

I just thought it was important to thank everyone who has become a Spirit Jumper and I encourage all of you reading this who are not yet to join and do something that really matters yet is as easy as sending out a card that says I care.

I am posting pictures of some of the things Spirit Jumpers have sent out. There is something I have to address. I get many emails from people saying they do not own shops and/or dont consider themselves creative. I have to admit im one of those people who isn't gifted in the area of creativity but that does not stop me from being a jumper. If you are gifted in the pocket book consider purchasing something from one of the jumpers who does have a shop (their links are listed under jumpers on the Spirit Jump site) and if you are like me and not gifted in the area of hte pocket book simply buy a card or look to see if you have a couple extra in your drawer left over from Easter/Christmas/etc....Remember nothing is too small!

I hope you enjoy the pictures and consider becoming a jumper yourself. Just email me at spiritjumper@spiritjump.com and I will send you an email telling exactly how the program works and then you can decide if you would like to become a member:

DONATED BY:
NORADORA

Donated By:
Carol

Donated By:
Krissy

Donated By:
Kristen's Custom Creations

Donated By: Curly Q Cuties!

Donated By: Silver Sachet

Egg shaped Soap

DONATED BY: Marie Maglaque
Singapore
http://satinetsoie.blogspot.com/

DONATED BY: Barbara Plyler

http://www.cbcrafts.etsy.com

DONATED BY: Noreen Farrington

http://www.noradoramora.etsy.com

DONATED BY: Michelle Kolachi
www.kolachishop.com

DONATED BY: Barbara Plyler

http://www.cbcrafts.etsy.com

DONATED BY: Marie Maglaque
Singapore
http://satinetsoie.blogspot.com/

DONATED BY: Noreen Farrington
http://www.noradoramora.etsy.com

DONATED BY: Jean-Marie
http://daisycakessoap.etsy.com
Jellybean Soap

DONATED BY: Jean-Marie
http://daisycakessoap.etsy.com
Hockey Puck Soap

Hand-Made Pendants Donated by: Erin at Bits of Flair

Donated By: Dana Marie's Art

Hand-Made Pink Ribbon Angel Charms Donated By: Pat from The AngelPatch

Hand-Made Art Donated by: Frannie's Heart

Hand-Made Cards Donated by: Cards By Amy's Angels

Hand Made Cards by: UrbanDebris Artlog

Care Package Donated by: Eye Kandy Glassware & Gifts

Journal Donated by: CBCrafts

Hand-Made Crocheted Hat Donated by: Noradora

Donated by: Tabitha DeGruy

Hand-Made Breast Cancer Awareness Necklace

and Cell Phone Dangler

Donated by: Jewelry By Janine

Donated by: Constance Deeney

Donated by: Just Add Cake

Donated By: Sauk Mountain Lavender Farm

Donated By: Tara's TieUps

Donated By: Silver Dot Jewelry

Donated By: Crafty Moose

Donated By: Silver Dot Jewelry

Painting Created & Donated By: Tracy Griffin

Fellow Fighter Hope

I’ve had many people ask me to share my story, to talk to parents of newly diagnosed children, why don't I post more about it and much more. To be honest, it's difficult for me. I have survivor's guilt. I don't know why I lived while so many others do not. With that being said, I will share some of my story with you. I want my story to give people hope.

Keep in mind as you read this that the amount of chemo, radiation and types of surgery I had were all experimental, this is a long time ago. (Okay, not that long, but……Just sayin…..) I am a case study. They had nobody to compare me to, so they didn't know what was "too much" or not.

Things are done differently now and so much more is known! My mom knew something wasn't right (like most mothers) and wasn't believing the "she must've hit her head to have gotten that knot" and "All babies scream like that, she's not in pain, it's colic....." Finally, after weeks, the golf ball sized knot coming out of my left temple was scanned. I was admitted and was given 3-6 weeks to live. I had Neuroblastoma stage 4. The Cancer had spread everywhere. Liver, brain, lungs, spinal fluid, etc.. My family was told to say goodbye.

At the time of my diagnosis, nobody had ever survived stage 4, Ever. I was dying. The surgeons decided to take me to the OR as a last ditch effort. What did they have to lose, right? I had a radical (for that time) surgery to remove as much cancer as possible. My left adrenal gland, left kidney, partial bowel in more than one location, appendix, gallbladder, over half of my liver, part of my pancreas, surrounding soft tissue and lymph nodes removed. I was taken to the ICU where I was given my Last Rites. I coded many times.

I had very large amounts of radiation to my left temple and abdomen. I also had chemotherapy in astronomical doses. It was even noted at one point that mustard gas killed cancer, so I was even given some form of that too. Crazy, I know, but I was a case study. I will say that the medical staff may have went a bit crazy with their experiments, but they were great people. My parents were struggling financially at that time (not surprising with the medical bills), so the hospital had a phone installed at my parents house. When picked up, they were automatically connected to the oncology/hematology floor. They are like family. They saved my life. (I know He gets the real credit!)

Some people think that once the cancer is gone, then you’re in the clear after a while. What you need to realize is that Neuroblastoma is TOUGH, as all cancer. It takes some nasty, toxic chemicals to kill cancer. Imagine what these toxic chemicals do to your normal cells. It kills them too. It alters them. Not to mention the radiation's effects. The destruction that Cancer has caused is still there, as is the destruction that the treatments caused. Add lifelong effects from the surgeries I’ve had while we‘re at it..

Once you've had Cancer, your chances of a secondary Cancer (different type) goes up. Radiation causes Cancer. Chemo drugs can cause Cancer. Ironic, Isn't it? I'm still checked regularly by Cincinnati CMC. The thing is that we really don't know the long-term effects of these things, which is why I'm still being studied.

I now have a beautiful family. My youngest daughter is battling many congenital birth defects. Among them are an array of upper airway anomalies as well as skeletal problems. Could the treatments that saved my life cause my baby’s health problems? It’s a very distinct possibility. We don’t know how my DNA was effected. Cancer effects your life no matter how long you’ve been in remission.

That is my condensed story of survival. I know I’ve been blessed with an amazing gift. I’ve been given an incredible miracle.

Using Twitter as a tool to Kick Cancers @ss

Hoping everyone had a fabulous day! There are lots of positive things going on my charity Spirit Jump these days. Becoming a part of Twitter has opened so many doors for our charity. If you are on Twitter we have a treat for you. One of our Jumpers, @mccmarianne, designed a beautiful, personalized Twitter Background for Spirit Jump. And then she created another background that included the Spirit Jump Logo along with something personal for my cancerlost twitter account. Further, she did the same thing on her twitter page, the Spirit Jump Logo with her own personalized touch.

So here is my request: If you are a Spirit Jumper and use Twitter Spirit Jump would love for you to use our background on your Home Page. If you would like a little something to personalize @mcmarianne has been generous enough to do that for you.

The reason I would like use all to have this background is it will help bring exposure to our charity. People will visit your Twitter page and will see you are a Spirit Jumper, the website of Spirit Jump and a little info about what Spirit Jump does.

Here are the Spirit Jump Backgrounds you can choose from:

Design #1

Design #2

Example of Design #1 w/ personalization

If you are interested in using one of these as your background please email spiritjumper@spiritjump.com. Please include in your email which Design you like (#1, #2) If you would like to have it personalized please include that request in your email.

Meaghan Is Out of the Hospital

CANCER INSPIRED TATTOOS

If you have a Cancer Inspired Tattoo please email me and I will add it to this list megse5@netscape.net




I have finally been able to put together all the great cancer inspired tattoos. Hope you enjoy looking at all the beautiful tattoos and please leave a comment to let them know how much you like the ink. If you have a tattoo you would like me to post send me an email and I will add it :)


ERICA'S TATTOO



I got this tattoo in honor of my cousin Mark who I lost to cancer.

-Erica



TAMMIE'S TATTOO

I chose to add the angel wings to the ribbon because I felt my guardian angel was taking care of me through out the fight. The word hope because I sure "hope" it does not come back!! I had the tat designed at Tattoo You in Columbia, Mo just a few blocks away from Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital.
-Tammie
KRISTY'S TATTOO

I'm 27 years old and had stage 3 melanoma. I got the hummingbird which is the melanoma foundation symbol which stands for wings of hope.

-Kristy



ALAN'S TATTOO



This is how I am living as a four-year stage 3A Hodgkin's lymphoma. I will livestrong for life! I will do my part. Even though I am in my own fund-raising event with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Trainings, I'm makiing a $100.00 donatio to STand Up 2 Cancer. I believe that we're all in this together. And I received a letter from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society confirming their cooperation with this effort and leading in the fight for 60 years, so I believe what comes around goes around. So if you have donated to Stand Up 2 Cancer or if you haven't, please log into my fundraising page and give to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Not only am I standing up 2 Cancer, I'm running a marathon for a cure!

Click Here to Visit My Fund raising Site
JEN'S TATTOO'S





These tattoos are done for every remission for my son who was born with infant ALL. The first he drew for his 6th remission. I have a total of 20 done for him, ever bday, remission and diagnosis date each year

BOBBIE'S TATTOO



A friend of mine is a tattoo artist, and after the cancer, and life altering surgery he drew this tatt, and then inked me. After it all, he gave me wingz. What an awesome tribute you are creating!!Props to you. Cancer is so hard to deal with. I was 26 when the journey started for me. Uterine and cervical cancer were both just too much for the chemo and my body to deal. Ultimately, last year, I had to have a total hysterectomy.

-Bobbie
SHARON'S TATTOO



I have several tattoos dedicated to my experience, but the photo you see basically says it all. Because I felt so blessed to have survived breast cancer, my life's work has changed dedicated to the Komen promise (thus the running ribbon). The three cherry blossoms are dedicated to three Komen volunteers who lost their lives due to beast cancer recurrences. Since getting this tattoo, we hve lost one more volunteer.
-Sharon


STACY'S TATTOO



Like me Stacy got her cancer inspired tattoo to cover up Cancer scars.

GABRIELLE'S TATTOO


There is soooo much stuff packed into this tattoo. I got the Chinese symbol ten years ago when a friend died. It means little brother. That tattoo got lonely, so I added the rest about three months ago. The swallow symbolizes returning safely home, so I got one for each of my children (Emma is six and Jack is three) They also symbolize my beating breast cancer and returning home to them. The cherry bblossoms are for my dad who died when I was three months pregnant with Emma. He used to take us to see cherry blossoms every year. And dont forget the little pink ribbon! So tthats my tattoo story :) This tattoo means so much to me!
-Gabrielle



JEFF'S TATTOO



Brad Andress inspired my tattoo. He has been my inspiration since I met him a year before he passed.

-Jeff

VANESSA'S TATTOO



"STEALING'S" TATTOO




RAVEN'S TATTOO



"PIORNACK'S" TATTOO'S





LYNZY'S TATTOO



This is the ghost orchid tattooed on my left hip when I was first diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 20. The ghost orchid is known as one of the most elusive orchids in the world, as was my cancer. I designed my own tattoo and it is the exact size of the ctual orchid. Both tattoo and survivor are as vibrant and vivid as they were the day they came into existence.

-Lynzy


JOSEPH'S TATTOO



The purple ribbon is for testicular cancer and cancer survivorship. I am coming up on 1 year being cancer free.

-Joseph

IRISH MAMMA'S TATTOO



HELEN'S TATTOO



My tattoo is the symbol for Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital and is where I go to get my follow-up's and MRI's (one more and i'll stick to the fridge..haha) The symbol actually means several things, the arrow going upwards is the ongoing quest to conquer cancer and each line represents something as well, such as education, patient care and wellness. They have this no where on the website, my Doctor actually told me and loved my tattoo.

-Helen

DEE'S TATTOO



DANIELLE'S TATTOO



CRYSTAL'S TATTOO'S



I got this one done at topnotch tattoos in Elign, IL. I went on my 2ndt year anniversary of being diagnosed with 3C papillary serious ovarian cancer on Nove 15, 2005 at age 22. I went with my 18 year old sister who also designed the tattoo. The words Faith, Hope, Courage are words I live by and so does the rest of my family. The 2 stars I have represent the years I have survived so far. Every year on my anniversary I will add a new star in bright colors. This year I think its going to be hot orange. I have recurrent ovc and have been on about 5 different chemos and will most likely be starting a new one this week. This is my 5th tattoo

-Crystal


I got this one done when my grandma, at age 63, was diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal carcinoma-almost identical to ovca but starts in the peritoneam and not the ovaries. I got the idea because I love rosaries and I bought her one in this color because its the color of her birthstone(july) and I bought her one wrapped around a panda teddy bear.

-Crystal

ANGIE'S TATTOO


This is the tattoo I got after I lost my Mother to cervical cancer. Every time my mom had to go in the hospital I would take her a huge Butterfly balloon. She loved it so much and it made her smile. It was our thing. Before her death she told me she wanted her four grandchildren to write her a letter and then send the letters up to heaven on a butterfly balloon. We did exactly what she wanted and it was so beautiful seeing four big Butterfly balloons making their way up to her in heaven. So now I symbolize the butterfly with my mom and the smile she would get when she saw the balloon.

-Angela
ANGELA'S TATTOO


It is a lotus flower. I got it after I found out I was in remission 2 weeks ago, plus my 30th birthday is September 11. It is a symbol for life and new beginning.

-Angela

ANDREW'S TATTOO



My late husband was a Captain on our Fire Dept., and our son Andrew is on the Fire Dept. Andrew just turned 21 and got this tattoo just a few days before our Relay For Life in June 2008, in memory of his dad. It is the Fire Dept. Maltese Cross with flames. It says Capt. Strong with Mike's Fire Dept. # 9506, his year of birth 1960 and death 2005 and the blue ribbon is for colon cancer, which is what Mike had. Andrew designed the tattoo himself.

-Andrew's mom

Hope everyone enjoyed looking at these great tattoos. Some of the ones I got would not load up so if yours isn't on here I am working on fixing it.

xoxo
Meaghan