Blogiversary with a City That Doesn't Sleep

I have so much to tell all of you.

First, many of you already know and have congratulated me.  I'm one of 15 bloggers that won a trip to New York City to meet Kelly Rippa through Foodbuzz and Electrolux.  I'll blog about this in February.  To say I'm excited and thrilled is putting it mildly!

We will be participating in a cake decorating event to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detectionand ultimately a cure for Ovarian cancer.  This topic hits really close to home with me.

I don't know how many of you have ever heard of a drug called DES or Diethylstilbestrol. This drug was prescribed to women beginning in 1941 through about 1963 who had a high risk of miscarriage or who had miscarried before.  My mother was prescribed this drug when she was expecting me because she had two previous miscarriages.  It was later found that the daughters of DES mothers had a multitude of reproductive problems including clear cell cancer which usually showed up when the daughters were in their late teens and early 20's.  I was a DES victim diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24.  Thankfully, I did not have to undergo chemo or radiation; surgery and constant survellience was all I needed and I have been cancer free since.  However, I was told that my chances of ever conceiving were slim and none and if I did conceive I would NEVER carry to term.  I did suffer miscarriages but was lucky enough to have two beautiful daughters and both pregancies were uneventful...the power of prayer over medicine!

Even though my cancer was not ovarian, I feel strongly about research for for early detection and a cure.  Maybe you have had a close friend or relative stricken with this deadly disease and feel strongly too.

More to come on this as Foodbuzz releases information to us.

Today, January 15th is the second anniversary of Smoky Mountain Cafe'.  Thank you for reading this blog.  Thank for commenting and keeping me going.  Thank you for continually raising the bar.  Thank you for your inspiration and friendship.

Thank you!