September 30 Day Challenge

I've decided to try something a little different and take on a blogging 30 Day Challenge. So here goes 30 days of being transparent, honest and enjoying God's gift of the written word.

Cheers,

The Traveling Cupcake

All Woman Cancer isn't Pink: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

When you think of September, what comes to mind? Changing of the seasons, warm sweaters, jeans, chunky knit scarves, Starbucks PSL, steaming hot stew? While all those things might be true there is also one thing many people don't know about September: it's Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. 

Ovarian Cancer, represented by a teal ribbon, is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries and is "a growth of abnormal malignant cells that begins in the ovaries- the women's reproductive glands" according to Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. One of the saddest aspects of Ovarian Cancer is that it often goes undetected, earning the nickname of the "silent killer". Why does this type of cancer have a terrifying rate of late detection or no detection? Women typically don't realize something is 'wrong' until it's spread, mostly because the symptoms are so common to women: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms. As a woman, these symptoms can be extremely common during certain times of the month, so it's so easy to let things slide by and go unnoticed.  

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance believes that symptoms, although common, are still extremely relevant, but they aren't a definitive diagnostic tool. Since there is not currently a diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer, one of the most important things is to KNOW YOUR BODY. You are your best advocate; you, more than anybody else in the whole world, know when you're just feeling a bit "off", when these symptoms happen more than normal. 

Ovarian Cancer Awareness is something that is super close to my heart for many reasons, but one of those reasons is the incredible women I've met, survivors, warriors, battling soldiers who have or are still going through this awful disease. It's a beautiful thing to witness, the sisterhood that they have formed around such difficult circumstances. The women I have met, the families that have been affected, the stories I have heard are why I support Ovarian Cancer research and awareness.  

September is a month to come together and stand up against this silent killer. September is  a month to spread the word about Ovarian cancer. September is a month for women to understand their bodies, and more importantly listen to their bodies. September is 30 Days of Teal. 

For more information, please visit Ovarian Cancer National Alliance webpage for more information. Also please check out Teal Diva for support & information and The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition webpage.

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion" Psalm 103:2-4

Last Saturday of September!

My second weekend in England was actually full of sunshine which was an absolute pleasure. I’ve made a “British Bucket List” which are stereotypical British things I want to do before I leave England, and one of them is to join “british” societies that we don’t offer at UNCW. So Saturday morning I went to try out my hand at archery again; mind you I haven’t picked up a bow since Keystone days (which goes back to sophomore year of high school so you do the math). It was actually quite a success! I ended up hitting a bulls-eye or 10 point shot and several 9-points and not to mention they have pretty awesome shirts with the Keele crest on them. 

Then one of the things I have been most looking forward to- ballroom/latin and salsa dancing. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past two decades, I really love dancing and basically all types: belly dancing, ballet, hip-hop, salsa, zumba, line dancing- but I’ve never had the chance to do ballroom dancing. The room was packed full of people tasting out the society which was fantastic. They taught a basic waltz and the cha-cha before we switched over to salsa. I definitely plan to continue back in the States when I return. The taster session was great, so I’m definitely going to the join society next week.

After the taster sessions a few of the girls I had met earlier from the team were talking about some salsa party that night. Completely unlike me, and completely out of my comfort zone, I decided to head out with them to Coventry which was about 1 1/2 hours away. Let’s just say I’m really stoked that I went, it was one of the most fun nights ever, and I got to learn several new Salsa moves and some Stylin. Thank goodness I had done salsa before for a semester at Appalachian, because I was able to kind of follow along with the guys who were leading. I can’t wait to learn more :)