For those of you who have nagged me to quit smoking (and even for those who haven't!) now is the time to put your money where your mouth is!!

As some of you may already be aware, my oldest and dearest friend was recently diagnosed with Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix (SCCC).  This is extremely rare with only approximately 1% of all cervical cancers presenting as SCCC and is generally not picked up during routine pap smears.

SCCC is an aggressive form of cervical cancer, and unfortunately due to its rarity there have been very few clinical studies done and most treatment options are based on the treatment for Small Cell Carcinoma of the Lungs (SCCL).

We all think "it will happen to someone else" we all think that when something is so rare that it could never possibly enter into our world.  But cancer does not discriminate, this particular type could strike your sister, your mother, your daughter, or even you.  More research is desperately needed to find better treatment and diagnostic options along with providing doctors and patients with more information about SCCC.

Life can be turned upside down in a heartbeat, and while my best friend and many others fight this cancer I am inviting cancer in by smoking poison rolled up in paper... absolute insanity!

So how can my stupidity help raise funds for SCCC I hear you ask!

Well let me tell you :)

On 31st May 2012 I will smoke my last cigarette. 1st June 2012 will be the start of a new smoke free me.  I will donate all of the money that I would have spent on cigarettes for 3 months to this cause.

And what can YOU do, I hear you scream!

Well you have all done such a wonderful job of nagging and harassing me over the years for my disgusting habit, that you can help by putting your money where your mouth is and sponsoring my efforts to quit smoking!  And there is even a money back guarantee!

If I fail to quit (which I wont, but say that I do just for the point of the story), say you donate $25.00, SCCC will still get your $25, they will still get 3 months worth of cigarette money, but I have to then pay you back double your original donation of $25.00.  So if I fail you get $50.  Pretty costly for me if I fail!

My hope is that my own stupidity of smoking for way too long (or even starting in the first place) will actually benefit others, create more awareness of SCCC and contribute in some small way to this research project.



Below is an except from the main SCCC fundraising page:

Jessica McGinnis wrote -

"We do not have the luxury of widespread public fame, or celebrities raising funds, in big-time football games.   Ours is a grassroots effort.  We are all we've got.  And if you can help even a little bit, we'd appreciate it alot!"

The SCCC Sisterhood is raising money for our Small Cell Cervical Cancer research fund at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Due to it's rarity, there are no clinical trials that can be done for SCCC. We are working with Dr Michael Frumovitz at MD Anderson to start an online global database for SCCC. We will also be including Large Cell Cervical Cancer (LCCC) in the research.  LCCC is a closely related and even rarer form of cervical cancer.  Please help us!!! Small Cell Cervical Cancer- Rare But There, Please care!!!

SCCC gets NO FUNDING from other sources......We need to work together to HELP FOR HOPE.  We HOPE you will HELP.

Please meet the SCCC Sisters by visiting our public facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/SmallCellCC



I love you all very much and even when life gets busy, I am reminded how blessed I am to have so many wonderful & amazing people in my life.  You are one of them :)

Lots of Love

Nic

XOXO

 

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