Whew! I’m exhausted but feel wonderful. There is nothing more rewarding than to give back and help much less fortunate cancer patients and future generations. And to memorialize Tracy while being surrounded by family and friends. There were two major events this week: The Seattle Seahawks “Crucial Catch” game on October 5^th at home which was dedicated to breast cancer and the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” family walk on October 10^th.

Media leading up to the big events

As the Survivor Ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” family walk, I was honored to do a number of TV and Radio interviews.

Here is one interview at 7:30am on the Seahawks game day: http://www.king5.com/videos/news/health/2015/10/09/american-cancer-society-raises-awareness-about-breast-cancer/73659992/

King5 live outside the stadium for game day

Joyce was so sweet

Interview being filmed_100515_KING5

Here is a 2^nd one at 1pm before the Seahawks game:    http://www.king5.com/story/sports/nfl/seahawks/2015/10/05/seahawks-go-pink-for-breast-cancer-awareness/73414374/

Seattle Seahawks Game on October 5^th – Dedicated to Breast Cancer Survivors

In spite of press that indicates otherwise, the NFL does a lot during the month of October to raise awareness about early detection/screening, raising dollars for research, and partnering with local organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, to support programs that are so important to patients, caregivers, families and more. You can read about the NFL’s Crucial Catch program here: http://www.nfl.com/pink?campaign=dk-nf-bc-ro-nf-1100880

For the first October home game, the Seattle Seahawks featured survivors and patients, before the game, at half time, and during the entire game. We were on the field during the anthem, and at half-time and my short stint in modeling the Seahawks Pink Gear were on the jumbotron throughout the game.

The pink semi-circle around the performer were all survivors, including me!

We were out there to form this ribbon…so fun

Jumbotron featuring 3 survivors and I throughout social media all month!

And, finally, the big Breast Cancer Walk: “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” for the American Cancer Society.

Mom (Ilse), Milo (Tracy’s son) and my sons, Shane and Chad, all flew in for the weekend. Plus, my team, “Dana’s Gladiators” raised over $22,700 for this wonderful cause, about 12% of the day’s fundraising success. Thanks to friends who had their own teams hanging under my team, and to donations by so many, we not only made a huge impact on breast cancer (supporting research, support programs, screening and more), but we had 50 gladiators walking together, showing our power.

I gave a speech at the beginning about celebrating three things:

1. Surviving and thriving. We are not just survivors and cancer-conquerors, we are all advocates for so many who are less lucky than we are. We, at the race, are blessed with being survivors and that we need to consider those cancer patients who are sick today, out of treatment options and relying on research to deliver trials. That’s where our dollars go.
2. Birthdays. Use October as a birthday to remember to get your mammogram and, men, encourage all of the women around you to do so, as well. Beating breast cancer is all about screening to catch it early.
3. Gratitude. Those of us here today came from our cozy beds, wearing layers of clothes, and drove in our nice cars. However, what about the medically disadvantaged who don’t have access to health care and can’t afford cars to get to treatment? The NFL’s Crucial Catch program and the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program are just a few examples of efforts to help the disadvantaged.

Dana, Shane, Ilse and Chad

Dana’s Gladiators after a wet walk

Mathis and Dana singing in the rain

Dana, Gwen and Breeze

The ‘Survivor Ambassador’ speaking!

Treasuring the moments

My #1 Supporter – I love you, Mathis

Dana, Milo, Ilse, Shane, Mathis and Chad

Daughter-Mommy time on the walk

Milo Frank and me at the end!

To see all of the pictures (thanks to Greg Manciagli), please go here:

https://www.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcM2LFq1Zt2jIvA&emid=shareprintviewer&linkid=link

Every one of you who donated, sent warm wishes, and who walked in the rain, THANK YOU!

Stupid Cancer Update:  Finished week one of radiation – only 5 ½ more weeks to go!

At 9:45am every morning, Monday through Friday, I go visit my Virginia Mason radiation oncology department. I leave my house at 9am, then I am on the table at 9:45am for about twenty minutes then done. They are radiating 3 separate areas so I’m a complicated case, they say. I also hold my breath for about 20 seconds multiple times to separate my heart from the radiation field.

Note: Puzzles and fish are standard equipment for waiting rooms. So are hideous olive green robes that make me look washed out.

Puzzles n’ Fish, Puzzles n’ Fish, etc.

Beautiful green robes…not my color

Thank you for listening and being so wonderful every day.

With love and hugs,

Dana Manciagli

cell: 206.849.1000

DanaManciagli@hotmail.com