Friday, day 15, I walked 10 miles on behalf of Millie Peterson and loved that Millie was in the office helping to inventory and organize wigs in the wig salon. Thank you for your beautiful smile, your enthusiasm and assistance with Flagstaff Community Market tabling early on Sunday mornings, and for your participation both as a cancer survivor and a volunteer. I am delighted to know you and work with you, Millie. Thanks for letting me walk in celebration of your survivorship.
Today, Saturday, July 29 I am walking in memory of Don Blanton and in celebration of the Blanton family and all they have done and continue doing to support those on a cancer journey. Don and Barbara are close family friends and my parents Shirley and Harold Pippin had such fun when the Blanton’s, the Pippin’s and other close friends the Wilson’s went on world-wide adventures. Don was the planner behind those excursions and I have so enjoyed hearing the stories and seeing the pictures from each of their journeys together. I am so thankful that my mom has Barbara Blanton and Sally Wilson in her life as the men have all passed away and are playing golf together, laughing and drinking beer, at some beautiful golf course in Heaven.
Barbara provided me with this reflection on Don’s cancer journey:
“Don was diagnosed with Leukemia (AML) in the fall of 2006. He was a healthy, active 72 year old! Since we live in Conroe so close to Houston we went to MD Anderson Cancer Center for treatment. Several treatments were tried but we were finally sent home with no other options for now. He passed away on June 23, 2007 two weeks after our 50th wedding anniversary which we had celebrated at MD Anderson.
Our family is very involved in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Our son Barry has worked with LLS for 19 years and in that time our BLANTON BUNCH has raised $500,000. LIGHT THE NIGHT is usually in October and we ” walk for a cause and remember for a reason!” Barbara Blanton
Thank you Barbara for sharing these words and allowing me to walk in memory of Don. Blessings to you and your family.