Accomplished Goals and BIG Thank yous for my Jimmy Fund Walk fundraiser partners!

I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

At the beginning of July I posted a big announcement on the blog - I am participating as a virtual walker for the Jimmy Fund Walk, a cancer research fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund Clinic and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. I was chosen as a blogger ambassador for the event and I had a big personal story to share about why I wanted to participate too. 

My dad battled GIST (gastro-intestinal stromal tumor) for 9 years. He received a big part of his treatment from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and I visited the clinic with him while I was in high school. I met with his oncologists, surgeon and the care specialists that he had come to know very well. He traveled from Seattle to Boston 3 times during an 8 week period for over 2 years to receive care.

The Jimmy Fund Walk has raised over $100 million in support of the mission to help find cures for cancer in children and adults. Both the Jimmy Fund Clinic and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are leaders in their field for research; and I couldn't think of a better place to send my support to. You see, my dad owed huge thanks to cancer research and clinical trials for prolonging his life in his fight against cancer. He took a risk and joined clinical trials when traditional care was no longer an option. His participation in clinical trials led to FDA approval of the cancer fighting drug, GLEEVEC.

Today I'm proud to announce that through The Pierogie Mama, I have raised $541 in support of cancer research! My initial goal was to raise $500 and that was quickly reached by the help of friends and several very awesome Pierogie Mama sponsors! Today I'd love to highlight those sponsors so that you can be sure to check them out too!

Over the last month I've shared three very special stories with you on why supporting cancer research is important. If you've missed out, here's a recap:

Candice shares her story on A 911 call receiver's reason to support cancer research. Candice is also the owner of Comfort Chickens Homestead, where she pours her own All-American Soy candles that are inspired by the simple and heartwarming smells of home. Her candles are by far my favorite because they smell true and her commitment to using non-gmo soy and the highest quality materials possible. 

Theresa was the glue, an anchor and the matriarch to Sheila's family. The memory and of her beloved grandmother is why Sheila wrote about the importance of cancer research, because she doesn't want anyone else's family to be robbed of their loved ones by cancer either. Sheila and her husband are the owners of the new Just Between Friends Marysville/ Mt. Vernon children's consignment event. I am excited to share about this event in the coming weeks! 

As a health care professional, Eunice has seen many practical applications for seeking alternative medicines to help with the side effects of traditional cancer treatments. When her father-in-law, Diony, was diagnosed with a very serious and aggressive prognosis of liver cancer, he was encouraged to research the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine and naturopathic treatments. "The simple act of helping him feel better emotionally and physically through these treatments gave him the hope and strength to continue on," and through these additional treatments he survived an additional two and a half years. Eunice is the owner of Just Between Friends Everett/Monroe, a longtime partner of The Pierogie Mama and you'll find more info on her upcoming fall sale in a few days.

Three of the Just Between Friends Sales in my local area committed to partnering with me in my goal to fund raise for this special event. Just Between Friends is a nation wide consignment event for children and maternity and I have shopped at each of these events for the last three years! I can't even begin to tell you how much money I have saved on my children's clothes and toys. In the last year I've also started to consign our unused items and I have made over $1,000 in CASH. There is literally no easier way to make money back on your children's items and to save on the new sizes each season. I encourage you to check out Just Between Friends of Everett/Monroe, Just Between Friends of Lynnwood and the BRAND NEW Just Between Friends of Marysville/Mount Vernon!

Create with Coco

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Create with Coco offers handmade designs to accessorize your home and lifestyle. All pieces are original designs, and many are one-of-a kind works featuring vintage accents or precious stones. Each piece is lovingly handmade by owner and designer, Courtney, "Coco", who blends colors and textures to achieve a unique modern bohemian aesthetic. Courtney wanted to honor the memory of her grandfather, Eldon, who battled esophagael cancer and taught her the strength and honesty throughout his fight.  Follow Create with Coco to keep up with her adventures and beautiful pieces!

Grow With Me Boutique, Monroe WA: My favorite local mama and baby boutique and consignment store has partnered with The Pierogie Mama again! We've worked together in spreading the word on cloth diapers and helping set a World Record in this past year and I've been blessed to get to work intimately with Janae's awesome business. In addition to finding some of the most darling children's outfits (my favorite has been the very dapper suspender and bowtie set that I got for my nephew), I love that I'm able to get awesome mama styles for very fair prices. If you're in Snohomish County, check out my upcoming Cloth Diaper Basics + Fluffy Meet Up at Grow With Me Boutique in Monroe, WA!

Finally, a very special thank you to the friends and family who have also contributed to this very important fund. I've been touched by the stories that everyone has shared with me about their loved ones who are battling or have battled cancer.

There's still time to donate 

to meet the new goal of $750 towards cancer research! 

 You can help me reach my goal by donating on my personal fundraising page and if you have a story like mine, you can sign up to walk too! Virtual walkers are free, but if you are in the Boston area and want to physically walk on September 27 - use the discount code BLOG to get $5 off your registration.