Wow! Today is October 1st! Time really does fly. October has become widely known as Breast Cancer Awareness month and a time to wear pink and raise awareness. This is all well and good and I love pink just as much as the next person, but I caution you to think about where your hard-earned money is going this year. As we all know, a buck just doesn't go as far these days. Some charities may not be promoting your cause as much as you think they are. 

Thinking about making a donation or looking for an organization to support? Go to Charity Navigator and do some research. They provide in-depth information on non-profits and their financials. I tend to favor organizations that are supporting research with a goal of finding a cure like The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Other organizations that directly help support cancer patients and their families are also important, like Pink Warrior Angels. It's not just about raising awareness, it's about making an impact! 

There are many ways to support the cause this October and they don't all involve donating that hard earned cash! Check out these ideas for helping make an impact in your community.

There are many ways and places you can volunteer your time this October - or anytime really! Check with your local hospital or cancer center for volunteer opportunities. Search the web for organizations in your area looking for help or go to the Pink Warrior Angels website and fill out their contact form. There are countless ways, just do a quick Google or Facebook search for something in your area!

Unfortunately, we all probably know someone battling cancer these days. Whether it's a family member or friend, or someone at church, chances are someone in your circle has the dreaded C word. There are many ways to offer a helping hand to someone undergoing treatment. Offer to drive them to an appointment, pick up meds, take them a meal, or just sit and chat. If you're unsure what they need, contact a person close to them to see what they need. They will appreciate the offer! If you'd like to send them a gift, check out my list of Chemotherapy Must-Haves on Amazon!

Who me? Create a fundraiser? Why not??!! People love to support good causes. Choose an organization to donate your proceeds to and off you go. Hold a bake sale. Host a 5k. Throw a gala! The sky is the limit here. Partner with a local organization or some friends for help. You never know. It may become an annual event! Check out this list of 100 fundraising ideas!

Use your voice to advocate for more cancer research, policy change, and important changes to insurance coverage.  Many insurance companies don't cover mammograms under 40 unless you're considered high risk. And in those cases, screenings often don't start until the age of 30. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 11% of all breast cancers occur in women under 45 and an estimated 26,393 of them will be diagnosed this year. While rare, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women ages 15 to 39. I have personally experienced push back from doctors not wanting to do additional screenings for me even though I have a history of cancer. Changes need to be made in the industry so we can catch the disease earlier and save lives. 

If you know someone fighting the battle, see how you can support them financially through monetary gifts, gift cards for food or gas, helping with child care or by hosting a benefit to help them with medical bills. Someone without insurance can quickly find themselves in a mountain of debt. Even those with insurance have deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses to pay. According to an article on WebMD, one study showed that 1 in 3 women found the cost of treatment to be more than expected and skipped doctor visits and medical care to save money. It's sad to think that lives are being put at risk because healthcare and insurance is so expensive! Anything and everything helps!

Praying for those battling, for the community, and for a cure is one of the best ways to offer support. You may not directly see an impact or think you are making a difference, but you are! Prayer works. I could feel the prayers flooding over me during my treatment. I know I had so many people offering their support. I've had people I didn't even personally know tell me they were praying for me because a family member put me on the prayer list at church. Make a prayer list and spend time with it each day. Add someone to your church's prayer list. If your church doesn't have one, start one! If you don't have a church, find one! Prayer opens doors to healing, peace, and opportunities to serve and support others. 

Take time this October to support the breast cancer community and pray for those affected by this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. I personally know 4 women from my hometown that have recently been diagnosed and undergone treatment (not including myself and my best friend.) In a town of about 1,200 people, that's a pretty large number! So I will continue to advocate for a cure and help raise awareness so that I can keep my sisters (and brothers too!) healthy!

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It's really a crazy thing. Before undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, I had super fine, long, STRAIGHT hair. After treatment, I now find myself with a head of fluffy curly hair! Managing the curls has been a learning process but now I think I've discovered the products that work for me without a lot of harmful ingredients! Let's take a look at my hair journey and hopefully it can help you find something that works for you too!

My hair was naturally long and straight but I always wanted it to be curly. I spent many years, hours, and dollars on perms. (see my pic from Junior High!) Oh the irony!! The perm never gave me the wavy beach curls I wanted, but I did have nice hair nonetheless - at least for the 90s! It seems we always want what we don't have, right?! I think I still have a can of RAVE hairspray in my mom's bathroom!

Here is a pic of me at the salon getting my hair chopped off before I began treatment - long and straight. I donated it to Wigs for Kids, a program that provides hair replacement systems to children dealing with hair loss. I was hoping that my hair could help a child going through treatment and brighten their day. ​

It took about 2 weeks after I started treatment for my hair to really start falling out. And I was never completely bald. I always had this thin layer of gray peach fuzz! When it started coming out in big clumps I had my husband shave the rest off  with these clippers so it wouldn't get all over the house or clog up the drain! For me, losing my hair wasn't the worst thing. I knew it would grow back in a matter of time and it never bothered me much. I did hate losing my eyelashes and eyebrows though. But those grew back too!  ​

When I finally rang that bell and finished chemotherapy I was ecstatic! It's one of the best feelings. I made it through some of the worst days and I survived! Praise Jesus! But the journey doesn't end there. It's a lifelong journey actually. Full of changes, doctors appointments, fears, and so much more. Navigating the changes to your body is an ongoing process. One of the many things that changes for most people is their hair. Chemo is a very powerful drug and it is killing the fast-growing cells in your body, including the good ones like your hair follicles. When the hair grows back, it's often a different texture, color, or curl pattern. At first, my hair grew back completely gray with a curl to it. They recommend not coloring your hair for at least 6 months after treatment to allow it to detox. I couldn't wait to color mine because everyone thought I was my son's grandmother! Sometimes I got angry but most of the time I smiled and let them know he is my son! 

I was finally able to color my hair - just in time for my sister-in-law's wedding! I went to a salon that uses organic hair dye without ammonia to use the least chemicals as possible. I had to get rid of the gray! Since then, I use products without ammonia or use a salon that uses organic or natural products. And weirdly enough, my hair went back to being mostly brown after the first color and trim. I just have to deal with touch ups every 6 weeks or so. 

I've learned a few things about curly hair in the last few years. I am a very low-maintenance kind of gal when it comes to my hair. I like to wash it and let it air dry. I don't spend a lot of time styling it. And living in Florida, there wasn't much point in it anyway! We're going for taming frizz and keeping it as healthy as possible. I wasn't aware until my hair dresser told me, but curly hair is much dryer than straight hair and requires more love. So, I tried several products and finally found the brand that works best for me! Trying to balance between something that actually works and a brand that doesn't use harsh chemicals has been challenging. If you'd like to see how your products stack up, use an app like Yuka or visit the Environment Working Group website to find verified products. That's where I found the Shea Moisture brand of products. They have a whole line of products for curly hair. I love the Curl & Shine Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo and theCoconut & Hibiscus Hair Mask. They leave your hair silky smooth and super hydrated. After I started using these products my stylist commented on how much healthier my hair looked! After you shampoo and treat with the hair mask, finish your easy style with the Curl & Style Milk. This gives you a little definition while still remaining soft. Forget the 90s mousse and hairspray! Your hair will have that wavy beachy look you've always dreamed of! 

Should I call it an epidemic? Have we gotten there? ​It seems like every day I hear about a new case of cancer. Whether it be from a family member, friend, acquaintance, or celebrity, it all hits close to home. For me, it's a constant worry lurking in the back of my mind. Sometimes I let it rear it's ugly head but, for the most part, God has given me a profound peace over it (check out my cancer story here). He has assured me of my healing and I know He walks along side me and that gives me great comfort. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let Him do ALL the work! God has given us this body here on earth and we must take care of it to the best of our ability. We only get one chance at this! I know we cannot control everything that happens with our bodies, but we need to be as diligent as possible. I've compiled a short and simple list of the best things we can do to prevent cancer.

This seems fairly simple but why does it seem so hard sometimes?! I know I struggle with it. There's a great debate on whether we should be Plant-based, Keto, Vegan, Vegetarian, dairy-free, grain-free or just plain crazy maybe! I believe every body is different and every person is going to require a different diet. What works for one may not work for another. There's actually a great documentary on Netflix right now about this called "You Are What You Eat." You can come to your own conclusion about the study on the show, but the bottom line is that we need to consume a diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, with limited meat and dairy. A key element to any healthy diet is to eliminate sugar, processed foods, and added ingredients. Stick to the basics of healthy farm-raised organic products and keep all those toxins out of your body! Check out these healthy recipes to help you get started!
*As always, consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Again. Easier said than done, right? But it's crucial for our bodies to eliminate unnecessary stress whenever possible. Kick those bad habits (too much screen time, drinking, smoking, burning the midnight oil and so on), get plenty of rest, remove yourself from toxic environments and relationships, take time to do things that make you happy, pray, spend time with loved ones and focus on things that bring you joy. There are a lot of simple things you can do to unwind and de-stress and other things may be hard - like quitting a job you hate or getting out of an abusive relationship. Reach out to a professional or trusted friend for help if you need it and take some time every day to talk to God and be in the Word. Here are some great devotionals to help!

Get that body moving! You don't have to go out and run a marathon, but you do need to get off the couch! Make the time to get at least 150 minutes of activity in per week. Break it down into small amounts if you have to. Take a 10-15 minute walk at lunch or after dinner. Do a workout video or ride your bike. The key here is to find something you enjoy doing and get in a routine. I know that if I workout before I go to work in the morning I'll feel better all day and I don't have to worry about it when I'm tired at the end of the day. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting anything too crazy!

I am a firm believer in the power of supplements. And not just any supplements - good supplements. I have been blessed with being under the care of some very good naturopathic doctors since my cancer diagnosis. One kept me going during chemotherapy and radiation and the other is now helping me through menopause and my post-cancer issues. I highly recommend finding a doctor that will work with you and help you find the right products for you. This will require doing some lab work and some diligence on your part, but it is well worth it. Since I have been working with my current doctor I have gained so much energy and my aches and pains have subsided. I feel more "normal" than ever! Check out this great book by my very own doctor, Dr. Pamela Smith! I also suggest using websites recommended by doctors to order your supplements (like Fullscript, Integrative Therapeutics, or Metagenics to name a few)  or find a good compounding pharmacy. Always buy from a trusted source!

Finally, it's important to stay on top of your health. Have those yearly physicals, do the mammograms, visit the doctor. I made the huge mistake of putting it off because I was scared. (Read about it here.) Don't be me. The sooner you identify a problem, the better. Cancer is not patient. It is not kind. And, yes, it is scary. But there are wonderful doctors out there that can help. We've made a lot of advances in treatment and a cancer diagnosis is no longer an automatic death sentence. One of the best defenses we have is early detection!

We are reading through James at church and it really resonated with me. It's chock full of life lessons and reiterated the fact that life is full of obstacles. Some are big, some are small, but all are challenges that we have to face at some point. Whether we're battling a physical illness, struggling with mental health, or just trying to overcome everyday hurdles, it can be tough to keep going. But there is one thing that can help us find the strength to push through: faith. In the book of James, we're reminded that trials and obstacles can actually be opportunities to grow and become stronger. Let's take a closer look at James 1:2-3 and how it can help us overcome obstacles in our lives.

The Power of Perseverance

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3

These words may be hard to hear when you're in the midst of a difficult situation, but they offer a powerful reminder that perseverance is key. When we push through tough times and keep our faith, we're building up our strength for the future. Every obstacle we overcome helps us become more resilient and better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Growing in Faith

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." - Romans 5:3-4

It's important to remember that our obstacles can have a deeper purpose. In the book of Romans, we're reminded that trials can actually help us grow in faith and character. As we navigate tough times with grace and perseverance, we become more like Christ and develop a deeper understanding of God's love and goodness.

Trusting in God's Plan

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

When we're dealing with obstacles, it can be easy to feel like we're alone in the fight. But as Christians, we know that God is always with us and has a plan for our lives. Even in the midst of our struggles, we can trust in His goodness and promises. By keeping our faith and focusing on His plan, we can find hope in even the darkest moments.

Community and Support

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

Finally, it's important to remember that we don't have to face our obstacles alone. God has given us a community of believers to support and encourage us. When we reach out for help and support, we're reminded that we're not alone and that there are people who care about us and want to help us through our struggles. Through prayer, encouragement, and practical support, we can push through even the toughest obstacles.

​Obstacles may be tough, but they're not impossible to overcome. As we keep our faith and trust in God's plan, we can find the strength to persevere and grow in character and faith. So whether you're facing a physical illness, mental health struggles, or just trying to overcome everyday obstacles, remember that you're not alone. Reach out for support, keep your focus on God's goodness, and trust in His promises to see you through the toughest times.

​The phrase “Jesus is my co-pilot” has been said for years. And it sounds good…until you realize that you have no right being in the cockpit. Releasing control is counter-cultural but it is Biblical. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (ESV).
 
Being a passenger might seem like taking a backseat to life, and in our fast-paced and ambitious society, why would anyone do that? Why would we yield to someone else’s map for life? When the storms of life loom ahead, why wouldn’t we re-route?
 
Isaiah 40:28 states, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”
 
Taking a backseat to God’s direction isn’t laziness, but rather trust. It’s trusting that the Lord knows what is best. It’s a “Jesus take the wheel” moment. He is in full control. And that is scary! But when life gets thrown at you, when you receive a diagnosis you didn’t expect, or when you lose your job—you soon realize how little control you had to begin with.
 
Storms of life come, and we don’t have the view that God does. We just look through our double-layered windows and see gray puffs of cloud. And isn’t that just how life goes? We don't have detailed charts of what we will be traveling over in the next year, we can only see what comes into view at the moment.
 
Sometimes you get a warning that the ride is going to be a little bumpy, and other times turbulence strikes out of nowhere. Like air currents, life cannot be manipulated to suit our comforts. We don't know when life is going to throw a curveball and send our diet Coke spilling out of the glass. And sometimes bad air is inevitable when traveling over certain areas.
 
Life is not smooth sailing, there are different terrains. But with a skilled pilot, though hitting “air pockets” is scary, you know you’re not going to crash. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
 
Sometimes when people are scared about riding in the sky, they’re anxious that if something goes wrong they can’t fix it. They don’t have literal boots on the ground or the knowledge to change circumstances. By stepping on the plane, you silently relinquish control.
 
I wonder if they knew the pilot if there would be a greater sense of peace. God is good. He may fly us through some storms, but he is always with us. He doesn’t eject himself from the plane, leaving us hopeless in our trials. The Lord has his chart and knows exactly the end goal.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” There’s something beautiful about an adventure you don’t have all the pieces to. Allow the Lord to truly pilot your life, sit back, and trust him. 

Hola! Thank you for stopping by. I hope something catches your eye or you read something that resonates with you. Please continue to check back as this is a work in progress! We recently moved into our new hangar home in Florida so there's a lot to come! I'm very excited and blessed to be sharing this with you. Never in a million years did this farm girl from a small town in Indiana think she'd be writing a blog post about living on an airport in Florida and talking about airplanes. But here we are! It's so amazing. God has really blessed us in so many ways. 
In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out! I'd love to hear from you!
Love,
Hangar Mom