My Journey: Turning Up the Volume with Zeal for Teal

Get ready for a blast from the past! Zeal for Teal 2011 - our third annual Ovarian Cancer Canada fundraiser is coming to town April 30th, 2011 and our theme is "The 50's"

We are looking forward to a great crowd and I know we will have a 'rockin' good time!'

The Drayton Arena will be alive with scrapbookers and cardmakers as we gather together to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to do our part to help raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada.

I am a speaker for Ovarian Cancer Canada and when I get talking to women of all ages, I am always amazed to discover how little is known about this disease that is often dubbed the silent killer (I was one of those women who knew little!) I am still considered to be in remission and am being a good girl attending the cancer clinic appointments and following protocol. I make my next appearance at the London Cancer Clinic in March.

I am thankful for every sunrise and every breath these days and am immeasurably thankful for those who have supported me in a million ways over the past two and a half years since my diagnosis.

Zeal for Teal is the highlight of my year and Amanda - the original founder and incredibly talented and organized big cheese - and I, along with our trusty team (Rosemary, Darlene and Amber) are really excited this year about what is going to take place. We had an early bird registration and 50 people took advantage of it. We are head over heels happy with this initial response.

We do have to put a limit on registrations this year because of how we want to set up the hall. We need a spot for our soda shop, after all! So the first 100 people to register get to spend a fantastic day in their bobby socks and poodle skirts...okay whatever is comfy...scrapping away to their heart's content and being entertained with everything from endless door prizes to hula hoop & bubble gum blowing contests, a silent auction, a delicious diner dinner, snacks, games, goody bags and much more.

Again we are inviting anyone who wants to visit and browse our Vendor's Alley, to pop in anytime during the day. For $5 visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a muffin and fruit. They are welcome to join in on our silent auction and check out the Ovarian Cancer Canada [OCC] table, too. The whole $5 will go to OCC.

In Vendor's Alley, so far this year our companies include Stampin Up; Close To My Heart; First Choice Trophies and Scrapbooking; In A Scrap Creations and my book table.

Zeal for Teal 2011 actually coincides [wonderfully] with the release of Hot Apple Cider 2 - a book that contains a story about my cancer journey - along with some other incredibly stirring stories written by other Canadian authors. I will be selling copies of HAC2 and $5 from the sale of every book will go directly to Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC).

There is so much to do and the planning keeps us busy. But what a privilege to be able to be here and to partake of the excitement. I pray for my OC sisters. I pray that the volume can be turned up and that early detection will be the name of the game for more and more women. I am honoured to be part of Zeal for Teal 2011. Would you care to join us?