Sea of Pink

My last post was about Jannie Roehm, and her failed attempt to beat the monster known as breast cancer. She was a friend, a leader, and a welcome face to many at the Cicero Lavalles dojo. she is missed by many, I'm sure.

This week Master Jeff and Sensei Maryanne Sgarlata embarked on a program to sell pink bracelets for as little as $1. They'll match the first $500, donating all proceeds to the Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Research fund. Businesses are kicking in donations, as well as young children who are bringing in their saved up change.

One of the rules at the dojo (for safety reasons) is that no jewelry is allowed on the floor during class. It seems an exception has been made for these bracelets, and it also seems that these bracelets have actually become part of the Cicero uniform in that 99% of all students are wearing them. It gives me and the missus a warm fuzzy feeling to see all these families united in their support for Jannie, a good-hearted person on a good-hearted mission whose time to move on came much too early.

Breast cancer has once again risen to a high focal point in our lives, and I'm naming the Baldwin Foundation as our "Charity of the Year". My mother beat the beast, as have other family members. The physical and emotional pain this disease can inflict on a person and on a family is devastating.

We've done our part, for the time being. Will you do yours, please?