We Get By With a Little Help From Our Friends.

Fliers that were distributed around town.

If I were to write a cancer survival guide it would include these little nuggets of advice:

1.  Get yourself a cheering squad pronto fast.

2.  Swallow your pride and let others help you through this.

This sounds easier on paper than it is to practice.  It's incredibly difficult to be so vulnerable - physically, emotionally, and financially.  It's even more difficult to admit that help is needed. But cancer is one of those "it takes a village" situations and there's no one I know who could manage it alone.

Luckily we haven't had to.  From the beginning, our family has been surrounded and kept afloat by our incredible friends and family.  Between impromptu get-togethers, funny gifts and just checking in - we've never felt alone in this battle.  There's always been a hand to hold close by.

But what surprised me most has been the outpouring of support from the larger community - often by complete strangers.   It seems everyone has been touched by cancer in some way or another and are happy to show support.  But we have been shown generosity beyond reason - and for that we are so grateful.  My faith in humanity has been restored - and then some.

Case in point:  some of the lovely ladies of the ICU where I used to work *sob* recently put together an extraordinarily beautiful benefit dinner for us.   They did such an amazing job - it was like attending a "this is your life" wedding but with a silent auction instead of a gift registry (which is actually not such a bad idea - everyone goes home happy!).  As an added bonus I had absolutely nothing to do with the planning process so I was free to enjoy the night sans stress.

The event was held at Settlers Creek - just outside of Coeur d' Alene (facebook.com/SettlersCreekIdaho).  I'd never been there before and was pleasantly surprised by the venue.  Grounds were casual but elegant with both indoor and outdoor facilities.

The evening began with cocktails and appetizers then a buffet style dinner of cherry wood smoked pork shoulder, sea-salt crusted baby red potatoes, fresh fruit, house Cesar and pasta salads was served inside.  Yeah - it was as tasty as it sounds. 

There was also live music courtesy Rag Horn - a really fabulous local rock-n-roll cover band who donated their entire night to us.

We dined on the terraced grounds overlooking the silent auction which went on throughout the night.  The sheer number of items that were donated was astounding - we have such a generous community.

Pictures don't do these terraces justice.  They are so lovely.

Tablescapes captured the theme perfectly.

We were welcomed by Shirley (one of the lovelies who organized the night) and crew.

So many people!  Tickets were completely sold out.

Those giant incinerator things in the background are bar-b-ques!  These people mean business.  You could lead a small cow into one of those suckers and still have room to spare.

Some of the baskets donated to the silent auction.

There was some serious shopping going on.

Traci and Tinka - organizers extraordinaire. 

The all important drink ticket sales ladies - Taylor and Kristen!

A few of my favorite people. 

 All Business.

Nicki and Jon - we've been friends since nursing school.  Love them!

Adam and Tami - The ICU crew was out in full force - hope the patients were being taken care of!  : )

Kyle and his lovely wife-y.

Julie and her daughter

Even Joe (from SOARING) came out to show his support!

This is the only picture I have of hunky hubby - he was a complete social butterfly that night.

Well, we all were.  Lotta love in that place.  Oh yeah - and I debuted my new "oncology chic" hairstyle.

Mellon and me.  It really was an amazing night.  We all had so much fun.

Thanks so much to Traci, Kim O, Kim A, Shirley, Trish, Tinka and everyone who helped to make the night a success.  You could not know what it means to us.  We love you all so much!