The Gathering

[Sandymac]

Hi,
     I hope I'm not horning in.. but just got a thought regarding "The Gathering".. through the years, I've been to a lot of conventions, etc. and there are always separate conferences and  meetings for "Board Members Only" .. I don't think anyone would get their feelings hurt if time was set aside just for those with or recovering from cancer. My opinion only is that folks SHOULD be able to spend time with others sharing their experiences, etc. The rest can brainstorm on fundraising, public awareness, etc.. or just visit...
     And regarding the fear (well founded) that just anyone can meander in; Why not have a "cutoff date"  after which time, all public postings about the get together stop. Only through E-mail. The new people wouldn't even know about it and their feelings would not be hurt. I think now everyone is pretty familiar with the names  on this or the Ovcy forum.
     Anyway, just a few thoughts while in the shower (I guess the steam clears my head or something) And forgive me if this post shows up elsewhere.. it didn't look like it went through..so I started another thread.

Take care,
Sandy
    

[Jan214]

Sandy you are right in so far as keeping it off the board.  I suspect that when we all get together some will naturally hang out more with some than with others.  I don't know how much time we will have for brainstorming, but I was under the impression that the local chapter had thought this was so great that they could get us news coverage of some kind.  I think they liked the medhelp group meeting for the "unusual story" angle.  

[Sandymac]

I hope you get LOTS of media coverage frankly.. And if it were to be held in Fl. or NC. I'd definitely pop in just to match some faces with the names and get to know some of you better.. I know it will be a huge success. And.. who knows where this will take this group--- You know all the successful "charities" probably started out very much like this; a group got together, helped one another, raised awareness and, as they say, the rest is history..
     If it's being planned for the entire weekend, you'll surely have some "presence", even if it's just at the hotel. And, it does sound like a fun time too..

Have a great weekend (what's left of it)
Sandy

    

[Sandymac]

Hi
     Thought I'd best clear up something in my original post.... When I mentioned some time for just those with cancer or recovering from cancer, I didn't mean the WHOLE weekend.. I just meant for those that wanted a little time to spend with only those other ladies, a small chunk of time could be carved out.. Nothing formal mind you... I surely didn't mean for it to contribute to any divisiveness..I don't have cancer, but I've known many that have. I understand there are many times that "patients'  would just like to sit and chat with others that share that experience ..without husbands, without family without anyone ...just them. .. But I surely didn't mean that as exclusionary .. Shoot, the whole point of the get together is to get to know one another, visit and have fun...
    Actually, I just threw  that out as food for thought.. I'm unable to attend but Chris had asked for suggestions and that just hit me..it was only an idea and I hope I didn't open a huge can of worms.. it was just a thought...
     I know you will all have a wonderful time no matter how you schedule it...

Love,
Sandy

[Jan214]

I guess something must have been said on a different post but Sandy, I am sure no one was in any way implying that you were being divisive.  Lord knows, you and Crecco are Switzerland, very diplomatic.  I assumed there would be some time just for those with cancer to sit and chat and time for the caregivers to sit and chat, because no matter how much people may protest or say otherwise there are things that us cancer people don't and won't say around the caregivers and I know the opposite is true also.  Gilda's Club is open to everyone but they know this fact so the support groups are separated by those with and those without, but all other activities are for everyone.  No one would consider Gilda's Club divisive. I guess I was looking at this gathering kind of in the GC way.  I haven't spent much time with any cancer patients since I lost my chemo buddy and I was looking forward to "letting my hair down" with others in my shoes without worrying about what I was saying.

Shoot, Cory and I plan on going to the botanical gardens if I am not to sick to come and people are welcome to come with us or do whatever they want to do. If 30 people show up we sure aren't all going to be together at the same time all the time.   Chris is working with one or more cancer groups up there and I suggested we ask them to do a Look Good Feel Better class for us and that can only be for the cancer patients.

I have looked back at some posts and can't find what was said, but I am pretty well acquainted with the "all" you addressed in your post and I just can't imagine that they all meant you were in any way being divisive.  I am sure it is just a misunderstanding.  I don't think it was divisive at all; just practical.  I appreciate you understanding that we might want to spend some time alone.  Bottom line is, everyone is an adult and they can spend time with whomever they please.
Jan

[crecco]

I completely agree. I figured that thing may just naturally take that turn anyway.
  I have heard from the ACS today and they have said that they definately want to do a story about us for the Springfield newspaper. I have explained that there are going to be some different girls coming, such as caregivers, some that have had an ov ca scare and have stuck around as support for us etc. They think that the whole idea is wonderful.
  I heard from 2 different women today, one from the Springfiels media relations and another one from in the Chicago area that wants to do an story for their monthly newsletter that goes out to the thousands of people in IL that help out the ASC. They are also going to check into lodging and I did bring up about having a Look Good Feel Better Session. She also said that if we wanted to do any sight seeing that they could arrange all of that too. I told her that I did not know how much sight seeing we had planned as we really wanted to spend time getting to know each other. But they are going to see what all that they can do to help. So I am expecting more phone calls in the weeks ahead.
  And yes before long i will start the contact through private message only so that none of will have togive out any info about ourselves on the open forum. Thank you guys this has all been a great help.
  Love Chris