Mustache Mayhem Contest to benefit CureSearch for Children's Cancer Research!!

Team Sassy Pants is hosting a fundraiser to benefit CureSearch for Children's Cancer Research. I "Mustache" you a question...Did you know that every day, 36 children are diagnosed with cancer? The money raised by American Cancer Society or Susan G Komen only donates 1% to Children's Cancer if any at all. 100% of your donation will go directly to Children's Cancer Research by participating in our Mustache Mayhem contest starting May 1 and going until May 31. Below are the details and contest rules:

1. Every contestant MUST start off clean shaven and submit a photo with absolutely NO facial hair on Tuesday May 1, 2012. You can email the photo to: mustachecontestforcuresear​ch@gmail.com and for fun post it under the event page on Facebook for all to see.

2. Every contestant MUST donate a minimum of $5 (feel free to donate more) no later than Tuesday May 1, 2012 under Team Sassy Pants on the CureSearch website listed below. Click on the green donate button in the middle of the screen once that is complete we will match your email address to your photo for your entrance.
http://​www.curesearchwalk.org/​saltlakecity/teamsassypants

3. Every contestant MUST abstain from taking any steroids or growth pills to enhance or cheat your way to a finer 'stach.

4. Every contestant MAY grow a full beard during the month, but on the day of your final photo(Which must be submitted by May 31, 2012) you MUST have it shaped into some sort of mustache. You can however have accessories (i.e, sideburns, chops, soul patch.)

*Please note you will be disqualified if you shave prior to Thursday May 31, 2012 or don't follow and agree to the above rules*

We are striving to get a minimum of 300 contestants ($1,500 to help find a cure for Children's Cancer), so help us by spreading the word and inviting your friends, family, and co-workers. For each person you refer to the contest you will receive a raffle ticket for some of our exciting prizes that will be announce in the next few weeks. Make sure to email me with your name and referral at: mustachecontestforcuresear​ch@gmail.com

Prizes and plaques will be awarded to the winners in the following categories:

Best In Show
-Best In Show runner up

Most Creative/Original
-Runner up

Most Disturbing
-Runner up

Best Impersonation
-Runner up

Bushiest

Most Pathetic


Judging will take place by a secret panel of HOT judges that will later be announced. They will take everything into consideration including, but not limited to: your stache, your wax, your attitude, and your personality. So have fun with it!

Here are some varieties of mustaches to get you motivated. Also, we know some of you have been growing your facial hair since (let's admit it) you've been able to grow it, but think of these incredible cancer kids who don't have a choice when their hair falls out. Did I make you feel guilty? I hope so!

- Handlebar Mustache
- Fu Manchu Mustache
- Pancho Villa Mustache
- Walrus Mustache
- Errol Flynn or Pencil Thin Mustache
- Zapata Mustache
- Chaplin or Toothbrush Mustache
- English Mustache
- Imperial Mustache
- GG Mustache

If you have made it to the bottom of this events page, scream a Hell Yeah, because I know you are all excited. Any questions or concerns can be addressed at JAbernethy07@gmail.com

If you know of anyone who would like to help sponsor the event please have them email me (JAbernethy07@gmail.com). We are also still looking for great prizes and items for our raffle, items that guys that can grow or attempt to grow a mustache might like.

Peace Out and Much Love,
Jennie

Izzy's 1 year in remission anniversary drive

I am thrilled to announce that April 11th will mark Miss Sassy Pants 1 year in remission anniversary. In celebration of this milestone we are collecting Play-Doh and bubbles to donate to Primary Children's Medical Center. It's important to our little family to make a big deal of how far Izzy has come because we know she is very blessed and fortunate to be where she is now. We have been touched by far too many of our cancer friends relapsing or losing the battle to cancer and earning their angel wings at far too young of an age.

If you would like to participate you can drop of Play-Doh or bubbles at my house up until April 10th. I asked Izzy what type of things she wanted to collect to donate to the hospital she decided on bubbles and Play-Doh. When Izzy went in for her weekly chemotherapy appointments she would always ask the Life Specialist for Play-Doh to keep her entertained while she was hooked up to an IV and being pumped with poison to fight her cancer. Bubbles were also very special because she used them as a coping method when her PORT was being accessed and the dressing around her wounds were changed. When Izzy first came out of surgery from having her tumor removed she was required to blow bubbles in order to clear her lungs.





There items will help so many children who are treated at PCMC. When I spoke with one of the administrators at the hospital I told her of our drive and she said the hospital could really use these types of items. She also gave me some inspiring statistic that I hope will put things into perspective for you. PCMC sees an average of 195 patients per day, out-patient registration is around 160,000 per year, in-patient is 70,000 per year (that means they stay overnight), and ER 40,000 per year. The more Play-Doh and bubbles the better so please feel free to invite your friend, family, and colleges to also participate.

Along with Izzy I have been amazed with the response we have already received for the drive. It means so much to have our friends, family, and complete strangers help us give back to the hospital that helped Izzy fight the fight. It only makes sense for us to help stock the shelves of the hospital with the items she most frequently used and making sure to celebrate every year she remains cancer free!

*If you would like us to do the shopping for you, you can send money through PayPal to JAbernethy07@gmail.com*




Much Love!!

Jennie

1 year ago...

It's been a while, so much has gone on in our lives. We had an amazing time in Florida and are so grateful for Make-A-Wish!

Last night marked the day we rushed Izzy to the hospital after finding a lump in her belly. It was technically Nov 29, 2010 (a date I will never forget), but it was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I remember driving in the snow and having to put Primary Children's hospital in my navigation because I had only been there one other time and it was for my nephew. I still don't know how I got through it. I guess the saying "You never know how Strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have" rings true. I can remember trying to convince Izzy to drink the contrast so the ER doctors could do a CT scan. I remember dialing my parents number at around 2am and not being able to say a word because I was crying so hard, so Dustin had to take the phone and explain what was going on. I remember my parents getting to the hospital so fast and while I was trying to process everything my Mom as asking the doctors questions I never thought of. I remember being so afraid. I hate you cancer! My little girl kicked your butt, but you took so much from me and my family that I will forever do what I can so that one day we can conquer childhood cancer.

More to come...

Much Love,

Jennie

http://youtu.be/eWBaMu7pMJo

First ever CureSearch for childhood cancer walk in Salt Lake City,Utah!

Wow, it is amazing to see this walk turn out the way it did. I cannot thank those who got involved enough. We had 1,400 registered walkers (including virtual walkers), there was 40 teams, and we raised a whopping 72k and counting! Our team alone had 280 team members and raised over $6,400! Wow, when I first became passionate about CureSearch I was determined to get at least 100 walkers on Izzy's team, when we hit 100 I KNEW we could double it, but to almost triple my initial goal is outstanding! I could not have done it without each and everyone who signed up and participated. I found you will always be surprised at who will be there for you. I had people I hadn't seen in years register for the team or make a donation. It is amazing what you can accomplish is you just ask!


This picture isn't the best, but it's the only one I got of my little family. Dustin was in Cooperstown, NY umpiring baseball so unfortunately he wasn't there.

My regret is not getting a big team photo with all the Sassy Pants Supporters. I hate that I wasn't able to visit with each and everyone that came to be a part of this extremely important event. It was so hard juggle being part of the committee, the team captain, and with our cancer friends. I know some people don't understand why it means so much to me seeing as how Izzy is done with treatment, but cancer and specifically childhood cancer will forever be apart of me. How can you go through something so traumatic and not learn and want to give back and make a difference? I can understand that childhood cancer isn't going to be every one's cause (however, it is a brilliant one), but I do challenge everyone to have a cause and make a difference.



This is most of our CureSearch 2011 committee. These ladies are absolutely amazing, there is no doubt in my mind that they have some of the biggest hearts and will continue to make a difference in the world of childhood cancer. Our committee consisted of cancer Moms, each one of us has a child who has or had cancer. Some of these incredible women were jumping in on our planning conference calls, while in the hospital with their child. So, when I hear people say they don't have time for something I think of these ladies who on top of taking care of their child they helped plan an outstanding event that celebrated and honored children with cancer. And really who better to plan something of such nature than people who really know what it's all about? My part of the walk was coffee (props to Brew Monkey and Destiny and Bart Quarnberg), and some of the entertainment. I was touched by so many great people who came out to help with the event. It definitely wasn't easy asking people to come volunteer their time, and I had LOTS that turned me down. So those that were able to come just thrilled me. We had jugglers from BYU, clowns and balloon artists (thanks Tiny, Sammy, and Jeremy), face painters (you were awesome Sharon, Leah, and Macy!), Julie the awesome air brush tattoo artist, all the mascots with Utah Furries, Cinderella with Princess parties, Salt Lake Police Department, and Salt Lake Fire Department. I don't know if people realized that this event was planed with ZERO budget. We had to get every thing from the food to the entertainment donated or volunteered.

Opening ceremonies started with a balloon release for all of the children who lost the battle against childhood cancer. It was very hard to watch, and when I look at this pictures and see the pain in the faces of these loved ones, it breaks my heart and it makes me want to fight even harder to find a cure.



Then they asked all the cancer kids to come up and announce their name is the microphone. These are just a few of Izzy's cancer friends (Cami, Livi,and Ashlynn), while they were waiting to receive their medal for being a champion.



Izzy saying her name is the mic, I was pretty proud!



All the CHAMPIONS! Huge thanks to Kristina Partridge for all the great pictures!



So again, thank you for all your support! I know we wouldn't have been able to raise the amount of funds that we did without every one's help and it's not too late you can still donate for another 2 months.

At the end of the walk I was interviewed by Jessica Gail of KCPW, you can click on the link below to hear the interview.

Walk for Children’s Cancer Boosts Research Money Hit by Recession

Much Love,

Jennie aka Miss Sassy Pants Mom

youtube video of Izzy's cancer journey

My sweet friend Destiny and I spend a LONG time putting all these pictures together and making a video of Izzy's fight with cancer. I hope you will take a few minutes to watch it.



Much Love,

Jennie

Camp Hobe

Both Tommy and Izzy were able to go to Camp Hobe this year and they LOVED it! Tommy actually went for 4 nights and when I went to pick him up after missing him so much I said "Did you miss me" and he said "Mom, why I was having fun". Somehow I knew he'd be just fine, although he was completely covered in dirt and I'm not sure how well he brushed his teeth or if he even did at all. I'm just happy he got to meet some friends and have a good time. He deserves it! Because he was up at camp the week before Miss Sassy Pants I only go the 1 picture of him below. I wish I wouldn've taken one of him when we picked him up.



Izzy went to Camp Hobe the next week for Monday and Tuesday during the day. She also had such a great time and was able to hang out with her cancer friends and meet new ones too. Now almost everyday she asks me if she either gets to go to camp tomorrow. I tell her she won't go for another year, but she doesn't seem to understand.











It was so neat to see all the volunteers at Camp Hobe! They have nurses, doctors, teens, life guards, cooks, and just about anything else you can think of that you need to run a camp. The hearts of these volunteers must be so big that they would sacrifice 1 to 2 weeks of their Summer to help out at Camp Hobe.

I had a great time hanging out with other cancer Moms while Miss Sassy Pants was at day camp. I have really met some amazing people through this cancer journey. One day we had craft hour and the next day we had a support group. During our support group we went around the room and told one good thing and one bad thing we've taken away from our child having cancer. To hear some of these ladies talk about the good and bad of childhood cancer is very touching.



There is only 12 days left until the CureSearch for childhood cancer walk on July 9th at Liberty Park. Izzy's Team "Miss Sassy Pants Kicks Cancer" has 171 members and we really want to hit 200. We also have raised $4,418.00 and I know we can get to $5000! Please walk with us and support childhood cancer research. Registration begins at 8am and opening ceremonies and the walk is at 9am. The walk is 2.1 miles around the park. Being on the committee it hasn't been easy to plan an event with zero budget, but we've been lucky to have people volunteer and donate. We will have clowns, balloon artists, face painters, princesses, music, food, and more! To register and walk with us click on the link below. It's only $10 for adults and FREE for kids under 16. Make sure to register your kids so we have an accurate count for food and entertainment. I hope to see you all there!

Join Izzy's team "Miss Sassy Pants Kicks Cancer"

Much Love,
Jennie

Wish Granted!!

If that isn't a happy face I don't know what is. Izzy's wish to go to Disney World was granted and we are all so excited. I haven't been able to update Izzy's blog as often as I would like, but I can assure you she is doing well. Miss Sassy Pants is going to Summer school at Aunt Sand's because she basically missed her first year of preschool, plus we just love Aunt Sand's.

On Mr T's birthday we were able to go to the Bee's game with HopeKids. We sat in a suite and had such a great time. I was able to meet some wonderful families all of which had a child who had/has cancer. It is amazing to be able to talk to these families and see how much they have gone through. Check out these cute pics of the kids getting their faces painted. I was able to get the face painters to come to the CureSearch walk on July 9th, so I'm super excited for that.





And my most favorite picture of all...




That's all for now, but please don't give up on me I'll be back to post more. I'm off to send messages to my AMAZING CureSearch team. I'll leave you with a link to register and join us for the walk on July 9th at Liberty Park. This event is so important to me and with the help of others we can REACH THE DAY when every child with cancer is guaranteed a cure!!

http://www.curesearchwalk.org/saltlakecity/misssassypantssupporters388

Much Love,

Jennie