CONDISER THIS: PLEASE!

   I really wish that many of you would read this and the thread entitled FOR EVERYONE and consider trying to get together this summer. So many of us have formed such close bonds in our fight against this beast. When we do try to do this, we want to work with everyone to find a time and place that will be good for all. I know myself that the chance to meet the wonderful women who have been such a source of care and support to me, will be the chance of a life time. We would like for as many of you to come as we can get. So I hope that in the weeks to come we will see a rise in interest. Several have already offered to help in any way and come up with suggestions, and that is what we want. We are a family here, so we want to try and plan this as a family. We will also try to get it as centralized as possible, and in my playing have figured that the average drive will be no more than 4 hours. (Maybe a little more for those of you a little further out) But this is an open invitation to everyone here. The more of us there, the better. Besides I am sure that all of us could use a vacation this summer, even a short one! So I am asking all of you to consider it and get back with us. Who knows maybe if we get enough we could turn it in to a yearly event! Maybe even a media event. (Marty I was thinking this would be a perfect way to start things off!) I know that i am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible.
           Chris

[kimmywah]

Hi there,

I think this is a wonderful idea and believe me, even though I am new here, I would be the first one there, if I didn't live a million miles away.  Lol.
I think that all of you in the USA are so lucky to have each other to support and give/get advice and do encourage you to go for it.  What a privilege to be able to get together and meet in person.
Good on you.

Cheers
Kim

[SimplyStar]

Get a map and some stick pins out,    we all have maps at home  and can see what would be the best place to meet  then set a tenativer date   get up a sign in sheet and lets roll with this.  I drove all the way to Knoxville and also to New York  and Colorado , all after I turned 70   lol   On the Col  trip I had my friend with me,  who was 92 at the time,  Are you thinking Illinois?  Might want to pick  some place near an airport  just in case some want to fly in???

[Shari4444]

I applaud your enthusiasm (I know you all ready know that....that was for everyone else's benefit)!!!!!! Oh, by the way...."every one else" don't bother reading the parenthesis part; it will make the applause die down.

I just know I have come to care a lot about quite a few people in just a month's time. I can't imagine the ties that some of you ladies must have. A media event sounds like a great idea.....just let me know where to write. I know, you ladies mention Oprah a lot....Hey if we're all in Illinois, you'd think she could set up a stage some where. Chris, just let me know; She'll get the letter of a life time from me.

Okay, who's next on the band wagon? I think Chris is just looking for a little enthusiasm, here. The FORUM has been a little "down" lately....We need a purpose...a reason to be enthused....a reason to believe in each other, again!!!!! Who else wants to help out or give an opinion?

Hugs,
Shari

[marie3B]

Chris knows I'm in. I really hope we do this. I live in Peoria, but would travel anywhere to be there. Is there anything I could do to help? I am not sick right now. Starved Rock has a nice lodge. I don't know everyones likes/dislikes. Who is outdoorsy, who likes to shop, etc. Marie

[Shari4444]

What is Starved Rock like? What is available there? Hey, ladies, we have a suggestion for our place!!!! any other syggestions?????....Thoughts???????

Hugs,
Shari

[marie3B]

Starved Rock was just the first thing that popped into my mind. I think they have a website.I don't have a list of where everyone lives. There may be a more convenient spot. For publicity, Chicago area may be best. Maybe e-mail MSNBC and have them invite the 3 candidates to stop in????  Now I'm just dreaming.............Marie

[Shari4444]

you dreamer, you!!!!! Why not, though. I'm going to e-mail msnbc right now. What's the use of dreaming..................if a friend won't do it for you. Don't worry....I'll spell everything right.

Hugs, always,
Shari

[Shari4444]

Message sent to MSNBC!

You know what,
You know who

[Brownie3321]

I am in given I am well enough to travel. I live in Boulder, CO. I'm not sure when you are planning but I will try and make it because this is important. Thanks Chris for setting this up. With love, Deandra

[marie3B]

Shari-----You are just the best!!

Deandra----I pray you will be well enough to join us. I would like to meet you.

[butterflytc]

Soooooooooo Excited to meet everyone, really hope this takes off, and willing to help in anyway I can (will be out of town til May 5th) but anxious to help our as I have told you in email Chris. Chicago is my home town, so whatever I can do please just ask. I run a charity myself with the local hospitals for all cancer patients not just Ovarian, so may be able to ask for a bit of help in return? Also downtown we have the local Ovarian Cancer Foundation, as well as the cancer survivor Garden in Millenium Park ..the American Cancer Society may be willing to help, but would prob. want the credit too. Local parks line the entire lake front along the beach here, so outdoor events or gatherings would not cost us. and we could ask hotels for group rates, and offer to allow them to advertise it in there lobbies for better rates or a conference room to be available for all to use? Say the word Chris and I am on the phone, internet or in person to help in anyway I possibly can....Except for Oprah sorry to say I have never even once been able to get a ticket to her show, never mind get her help now. but would be willing to try? or maybe someone has a connection with her? ok will stop now LOL sorry for going off just so excited!!!!
Love butterflyTc

[butterflytc]

P.S just suggestions..Please do not feel it has to be Chicago, where ever is chosen as the middle spot for everyone is just fine with me. I will be there to help no matter where it is  Chris.

[marie3B]

Chicago has some major advantages. But like I keep saying....I'll go anywhere to make this happen.Marie

[SimplyStar]

I love the Springfield area   so much Lincoln History   not too little or too big    kinda central   getting a bunch of us together  will be the highlight of the summer.   Marty

[crecco]

Thanks guys. I thought the idea sounded great back when we first started kicking it around. And the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. And now, if we can do it, it would men a lot to me. I have met so many very special caring and supportive women here, that I can not imagine never meeting them face to face. I would love to see a huge turn out, but I have decided that it means enough to me that i will go ahead and plan something even if it is for only 4 or 5 of us. I am hoping that we can all pull out of the winter rut we are in and of the bad incidents over the months and get back on track. Get this forum back to where it was, the one big family that brought and kept so many of us here in the first place. We are WARRIORS. We can not let a few rotten eggs ruin what we have. If we can come up against cancer and fight it, then we can fight anything.
So I hope that everyone will take some time out and consider what a great time this will be, and decide to come. Myself? I can't wait!
        Love Chris

[marie3B]

Springfield is great, too. I feel guilty that it would be such an easy drive for me. I hope the plans are still going forward. I would be happy to go even if only a few plan to come. Marie

[PPhelps]

Springfield was on my list of travel plans this summer. Actually my oldest daughter wants to go, she learned about Lincoln in school, and now wants to go there so were going sometime this summer haven't planned it yet.

[marie3B]

Maybe we should start a list and have everyone list their first choice of place and time.

[dian07]

I think it would be a good idea to map our individual locations and consider car-pooling as these stupid gas prices might impact some of us.....just a thought.  We could pick eachother up on the way ....we could actually route our paths accordingly....hmm.....
Peace.
dian

[marie3B]

I would pitch in for someone's gas that has longer to drive. I live pretty much in the center of things. Marie

[crecco]

I just want you all to know, that in spite of all that has happened here in the last few days, I plan on making this work, now more than ever. It will be the bright spot on our horizon. And i hope to see as many as possible there!

( I am getting the idea that Springfield is looking good to many of you)
Say the word and I will take it from there!!
   Love Chris

[marie3B]

Fine with me. I will help you in whatever way I can Marie

[butterflytc]

Word!
so glad you are still on for this Chris
Hugs
butterflyTc

[butterflytc]

Hope your feeling better? giving the trip a "Bump"

[crecco]

Bumping this up for those of you that are just checking in to it.
      Chris