A wonderful weekend of celebration, friendship and fundraising

Posted on: April 21st, 2011 by Erin Kieper

It was great to return to the Midwest to see friends and family and participate in the Shades of Pink Foundation’s annual Walk at the Zoo. The day before I traveled my Dad made the trek to Cleveland Clinic for his bi-annual visit to his oncologist. I have to admit I am always on edge when Dad undergoes these scans and anxiously await his phone calls hoping the good news will continue. Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer nearly 4 years ago and he continues to defy the odds and thrive. It would be a trip of celebration for our family.

Saturday morning my friend, her daughter and I made our way to the zoo for the walk while the rain pummeled the tent. The weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the huge crowd and the participants walked the zoo and raised money for those needing financial help while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The tent was energized by Dr Pamela Benitez and the  Shades of Pink team who work tirelessly to help those facing breast cancer in the Detroit area. Check out the Shades of Pink website to learn more and see the pictures from the walk. Congratulations to all who attended and contributed to this fundraiser.

Chris and Grace

The day was a huge success for Shades of Pink and Luna’s Landing was thrilled to be a part of the event. We donated 10% of our sales to Shades of Pink and can’t wait to come back next year.

Thanks to my friends and family for a wonderful weekend! Together we do make a difference for those needing help along the way. Rain or shine, every day brings something good for all of us.



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Patient Assistance Funds, desperately needed!

Posted on: January 24th, 2011 by Erin Kieper

For those of us who are healthy or relatively so, the term patient assistance fund probably sounds foreign and possibly unwarranted. For those who have chronic conditions or a diagnosis of a life changing disease, these funds can bridge the gap between making a mortgage payment, staying on treatment, feeding the family, buying medications, keeping the lights on, or not. Where does this money come from? For Cancer Lifeline, it comes from donations, grants and working with different government agencies and companies to reduce what is owed and helping patients focus on their health instead of bills.

Cancer Lifeline has a 37 year track record in our community and during the past year the calls to their Lifeline have increased by 40% over prior year. The help they provide covers the patient financial navigation, patient and family support, the 24 hour Lifeline, exercise and nutrition classes and the “share the care” program. Cancer Lifeline is one amazing nonprofit group working tirelessly to keep cancer patients focused on their health and treatment.

The Annual Luncheon is the top fundraising event for Cancer Lifeline and is an incredible opportunity to hear what they do and to see people who have benefited from their services. glassybaby has put together a beautiful set of their popular glass candle holders to benefit Cancer Lifeline. 10% of the sale of this “Refuge” set will be donated to the Patient Assistance Fund. You can ask for the set at any glassybaby store or online. The orange and green are spectacular and purchasing them will help someone during their cancer journey. The keynote speaker for this year’s luncheon is Molly Wizenberg who is a local Seattle talent. She has written A Homemade Life stories and recipes from my kitchen table. She has a popular blog Orangette which is fun and charming. Molly has been touched by cancer with the loss of  her beloved father to the disease and will be an incredible addition to the afternoon.

I would be honored to send an invitation so you can join our table at the luncheon. We will be at the Westin in downtown Seattle on March 24, 2011. For details please  contact me and I can provide the invitation and details.

Nobody should go through cancer alone. Cancer Lifeline can help.

Lindsay & Verna at the glassybaby studio

Lindsay & Verna at the glassybaby studio



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Roller Derby & Charity

Posted on: January 22nd, 2011 by Erin Kieper

Most would have a hard time thinking roller derby and charity would fit in the same sentence but nothing is further from the truth when talking about the Rat City Roller Girls in Seattle. These women skate fast, sacrifice their bodies for the sport and also work with nonprofits to raise money and awareness. Last Saturday the Throttle Rockets partnered with Young Survival Coalition for the RCRG charity bout. The skaters wore pink t-shirts and raised $300 for  the local YSC affiliate. YSC also raised money at the information table where they raffled off the “Bust” of  the Throttle Rocket’s own Co-Captain, Sirius Mischief.  I have to believe many fans came away with a better understanding that breast cancer has no age boundaries and we can have fun talking about our breasts and keeping them healthy. Here are a few pictures from the night. I know I will return for another night of roller derby and cheer for the Throttle Rockets!

Sirius Mischief and her “Bust”

Winner of Sirius Mischief’s Bust

Beautiful YSC Girls at Rat City Roller Girls charity bout



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Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Posted on: January 5th, 2011 by Erin Kieper

For those who have been touched by breast cancer personally or know someone who has, Living Beyond Breast Cancer is an amazing organization to be aware of. LBBC provides support and information for those who have been diagnosed and their loved ones. Their website is comprehensive and informative, addressing the issues and topics in the minds of the patients and caregivers. Take a look at their beautiful website and share it with those who could benefit from this resource.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer www.lbbc.org and Young Survival Coalition www.youngsurvival.org will be hosting the Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer in Orlando, Florida from February 25-February 27th. Check out the agenda and information at www.C4YW.org. This is an amazing conference with informative sessions, reunions of old friends, new friendships, support and a little pampering. We will be there too. We can’t wait to see you in Orlando.



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