Tag: blog

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Thank you Kaliada!

I must admit that there is nothing more wonderful than receiving a card or gift via snail mail. Especially when that gift is from a complete stranger, with a note full of gratitude and encouragement. Whoa, where did that come from! 😀 ❤

In the package I recently received was a beautiful rose quartz cuff bracelet from an incredibly talented and inspiring young woman named Kaliada, and a special note too. I must say however that this particular note in itself was a gift.

Not only did Kaliada gift me one of her beautiful designs, she also took the time to make me feel incredibly special by acknowledging all I’ve done with Gift With A Pink Ribbon, and what I’ve gone through in my journey. The acknowledgement alone is a gift in my book.

What makes this extra special is that she herself has experienced cancer first hand, and through her very own journey discovered her gift for creating beautiful pieces of jewelry.

I admire her dedication to empowering women to feel beautiful and confident after cancer, regardless of their emotional or physical scars, and I love that gives back by sharing her own journey.

I am  humbled to have received one of her  pieces, and will forever be reminded of her kindness, and her incredible journey each time I wear it.

Thank you Kaliada for your heartfelt gift! I can’t wait to see all of your future designs! 😀

Stay tuned,

Elizabeth ❤ 😀

P.S. If you are interested in viewing Kaliada’s designs, you may do so by  visiting www.kaliada.com. There is currently free shipping on all orders over $100 and, you can also save %20 percent by using code: LOVE at check out! 😀 (This offer is valid until February 13th, 2017)

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Off she goes…

feb-package-1The happiness I feel each time I mail out a blanket, is just to hard to express with words.

Tonight I just finished fulfilling another request, and I can’t wait till it reaches our special recipient in CT, USA.

All I’ve accomplished through Gift With A Pink Ribbon is a result of my own personal journey with Breast Cancer, and it’s nights like these that make me so grateful for that journey.

Through it I learned to take what I could have easily viewed as a horrible life experience, and turn it into something greater than me. A tool which I could use to support others, like those before me who provided a place for me to find comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone.

I never once thought my voice could be heard across the USA, let alone the world, or that I could make such an impact, and meet so many incredible people along the way; But I am truly humbled by this experience.

I hope that I can inspire you to do the same.  Your voice is waiting to be heard by someone who will find comfort in knowing that they aren’t alone in their crazy cancer journey because lets face it, it can get pretty crazy…

Stay tuned,

Elizabeth ❤

 

 

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What are your plans for 2017?

We are almost 2 weeks into the new year, and I am still going through the motion of clearing out the closets, and writing my list of all of the things I’d like to accomplish this year. Can you relate?

Are you still jotting down your 2017 goals, or are you done and already checking some of them off? And if so, what kinds of things are you looking forward to accomplishing this year?

One of my top “to do’s” is getting back into a fitness routine. I have realized that my happiest moments are when I am physically engaging myself in an activity like running, yoga and biking just to name a few. Not only does it energize my soul, but it also provides me with mental clarity, and an opportunity to unwind after a long day.

I’d also like to get back into doing more arts and crafts. I feel like the possibilities become endless, each time I allow myself to explore my creative side.

And I am without a doubt excited about the growth that is to come with Gift With A Pink Ribbon. I’ve had such incredible support in the past few years, and I look forward to all that is to come.

So cheers, to accomplishing our goals, and adding new ones along the way! 😉

I hope that you are able to conquer them, and that they lead you down the path towards making your dreams come true.

Stay tuned,

Elizabeth 🙂

 

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My letter of Thanks…

To those I have loved, hurt, made laugh, offended in some way, made cry, made sad, angered, disappointed, made proud, embarrassed, cared for, neglected and/or even taken for granted…. I thank you.

Thank you for forgiving and loving me unconditionally even though I had my faults, and helping me grow into a better person. Teaching me to forgive and love without holding grudges, just as you have done with me, and for allowing me to take care and assist you the way I knew best.

To those that have loved me, hurt me, made me laugh, offended me in some way, made me cry, made me sad, angered me, disappointed me, made me proud, embarrassed me, cared for me, neglected and/or even taken me for granted…. I also thank you.

I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to put into practice the choice I have to forgive, and to love unconditionally without holding grudges. And for my opportunity to practice allowing others to assist and care for me in the way they know best.

I thank those I have not yet met, that are reading this post right now, taking a moment in their busy day to read what I have put into words today.

I hope that on this Thanksgiving Day, everyone is able to find and express what they are most truly grateful for.

Tomorrow is never promised, but today can certainly be the day to make the most of this gift we call “the present”.

Thank you,

Elizabeth Plaza 😘💖🙏🏽

#feelingimmensegratitude #feelingblessed

 

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2016 GWAPR Annual Fundraiser

I can’t believe that a week has already passed since our Gift With A Pink Ribbon Annual Fundraising event in Naples, FL on October 27th, 2016. Where does the time go?

It was such an exciting night! 😀

I had the opportunity to reunite with people that have been such a big part of my life growing up in Naples, and was also able to meet so many new faces. I can honestly say that I am still blown away by the turn out.

Gift With A Pink Ribbon was able to raise almost $2000 that evening, with the help of all of our Sponsors and Supporters. Wow! 😀

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I definitely had big dreams for GWAPR when I first started the organization, but I am truly humbled to see how many people have come together to support my mission.

The reality is that, GWAPR would not be what it is today without all of the help and support of family, friends, colleagues, our wonderful volunteers and generous sponsors.

I am eternally grateful to the time and dedication everyone has put into making this dream a reality, and I look forward to touching more lives as GWAPR continues to grow.

Stay tuned,

Elizabeth 😀 ❤

 

Are you interested in making a donation or learning more about our cause? Click Here! 🙂

 

 

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Those I’ve met along the way… “The Bartender”

It was within the first few weeks of my being re-diagnosed with breast cancer that I decided to go out to one of my favorite local restaurants close to home called Tarpon Bend. This time, I sat by the bar and did a little people watching while the thoughts of the news I had only recently received flowed through my mind. In fact, I think it was one of the first times I had even given it time to really sink in.

I can’t remember exactly how the conversation started but I do remember sharing the news with the bartender and talking to her about my blog. Bartenders are like magicians, they somehow posses the ability to make you feel like you can just talk about anything. Of course, a mimosa or two can certainly help get the conversation started. 🙂

Her name will remain nameless as she shared some personal details of her life and it wouldn’t be fair for me to attach a name to the experience but, I do want to talk about what she shared.

I believe she was about 18-19 when her and her friend decided to get free mammograms that were being offered. Of course at that age you would probably think to yourself, why would she do that? I believe she had mentioned there was a family history and since the opportunity was there, why not? I’m so glad that she did. When the results came back, she was informed she had to undergo more testing and sure enough, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she told me the story I wanted nothing more than to hug her. My heart fell to the floor at the thought of someone so young going through something so frightening.

After our conversation I excused myself and in the restroom let the tears flow. It finally set in and I just couldn’t be the strong “rock” everyone was so accustomed to seeing. When I finally left the bathroom and started paying for my tab, she did the most thoughtful thing I could have imagined in that moment. She stepped out from behind the bar, gave me a hug and told me that I was a warrior and she knew that I was going to  come out of this okay.

In that moment I felt like she was another sister of mine, giving me the support I so desperately needed. I look forward to one day soon going back and seeing her again. I would love to share all that has happened since, and thank her for sharing her story. She reminded me that even though there were tough times to come, I too could come out of this smiling and living life exactly as I choose to live it…

Stay tuned,

Elizabeth 🙂 ❤

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Wow how time flies…

So I began blogging about my vacation to Mt Shasta and the amazing experience I had, then I became so busy, I never got to finish. Since I returned from vacation, I started a new job and have been on the constant go. I have no complaints though. My new job has been a great learning experience and has opened me up to new opportunities. In fact, I almost feel like I was able to hit the reset button and put aside the sad memories of what I had experienced since being diagnosed with breast cancer. I still intend to blog in hopes of helping others get through their journey, it just won’t be as often as I had before.

To those going through their own journey with cancer, I have this to share with you…. I want you to know that I wish for you all the support and love that I was blessed with to help you through your journey. We are amazing individuals and together we can help each other get through the toughest of times. If there is anyone out there that needs an ear to listen, know you have one here….

Stay tuned,

Elizabeth 🙂