Happy Birthday Julie!

After driving from Alabama to O'Fallon, Illinois on Friday I was tired, but ready to visit with my friends. The Making Strides walk in Belleville was on my birthday so as soon as the walk was over I spent the rest of the day celebrating my 33rd birthday. It was a relaxing day of visiting with Randa, shopping and eating at The Cheesecake Factory and more visiting.

Some fun facts from 1975:

1. FBI agents captured Patty Hearst

2. Americans evacuated Saigon as Vietcong and North Vietnamese took over

3. Jimmy Hoffa disappeared

4. Two assassination attempts made on President Ford

5. Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in the "Thriller in Manila"

American Living Then:

Average Income $14,867, Now $48,201

Loaf of Bread $0.40

1st Class Stamp $0.13

Gallon of Milk $1.39

drum roll please........Gallon of Gas $0.57

Interesting facts don't you think?

I've seen the Gateway Arch hundreds, maybe thousands of times, but it is such a wonderful and welcome sight. St.Louis is a beautiful city full of life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!!

ACS Making Strides Walk in Belleville, IL at Southwestern Illinois College

One of the concerns I most often hear is "I want my money to stay here and help the people from my area". I fully understand that feeling, but if you look at how donations are allotted then it can be understood that those in our communities are reaping the benefits everyday.

Research 15%

Prevention 18%

Patient Support 22%

Detection/Treatment 16%

Total Program Services= 71%

Management 9%

Fundraising 20%

Total Supporting Services= 29%

By looking at the numbers it is clear the patient's needs are of the highest concern and priority. Kudos to the American Cancer Society for their dedication to finding a cure.

The atmosphere at these types of events is usually light-hearted. Seeing shirts like those above reminds of us the seriousness of what we are doing. Yes, we really are having an impact on the future of breast cancer and the lives it will touch.

I was so excited to see Kristin in her crown and sash. She has worked so hard to win this title and is truly making a difference by teaching others about how to establish and sustain healthy relationships. I'm so proud of her!

Just a quick shot of the crowd near the main stage. Amazing corporate sponsors for this event were 106.5 The Arch, At&t, Lipstick and Memorial Hospital.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a pic of Randa wearing her pink survivor's medallion. My heart is full of gratitude and thankfulness to all who helped her on her road to wellness. Most of all I thank God for giving me such a great friend and then letting me keep her.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY-Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

As some of you know I not only work in Women's Health, but I am passionate about advocating the importance of making your health and well-being a priority. As daughters, wives, mothers and friends we often place the needs of our loved ones before our own. While this is something we as women tend to do, we can not neglect ourselves. Wanting to be there for the people you love is important, so take care of yourself.

Randa and I first met in 2004 at the Mrs. Illinois America pageant and have remained close friends since that time. She is a true, genuine friend that I cherish, so when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2005 it was a shock. Randa had no family history, lead a healthy lifestyle and was only 37 years old. She did not fall into an "at risk" category. I am happy to say that today, October 4th 2008, she is still in remission and thriving. It is because of the work through the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, National Foundation for Breast Cancer and countless others that my dear friend received the treatments she needed to continue raising her son and living her life. Never question if the money donated goes to those that need it. Whether it is through research, education, awareness or support the funds given are creating more survivors everyday. Breast Cancer does touch all of us in one way or another, so support the research and encourage the survivors.

Randa registering at the Survivors tent.

Morgan Dickey, Holly Torbeck , Kristin Melton, Randa Allen and myself, Julie Rinehart. The older gentleman in the middle of the group was a sweet man who approached us and requested a photo. He was excited to have so many "queens" in one place. He proudly showed us a photo of himself with our Miss Illinois America 2007 Ashley Hatfield. He and several of his family members are survivors of different types of cancer. It is true everyone has a story, it's just some stories are more colorful.


Here I am prior to the Making Strides Walk with Holly Torbeck and Morgan Dickey. I met each of them at the Mrs. Illinois America pageant. Holly was competing in 2007 when I passed on the title and Morgan was there competing for the 2008 title where I was on staff as a contestant coordinator.