Celebration, NH 2006
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I am a Breast Cancer survivor X2.

I was 1st diagnosed in Oct of 1996. My husband got me an online account so that I could research my disease.

I did get a lot of info BUT my real 'find' was Celebration of Needlework.

I got the brochure and signed up for a class.

I skipped a day of radiation and took off for Manchester, 3 whole days and 2 nights all to myself among WELL people, having fun.

I met my great friend Patty there.

I have been to every Celebration since then and love that they do an auction to benefit Breast Cancer Research.

In 1996 Patty and I had the good fortune to meet a lovely trio of ladies from New Jersey,Sharon,Gail and Carol and 2 local gals, Serena and Stephanie.

We got a table together at the auction and settled in anticipating a great evening of fun as you, Susan, were hosting.

As the game, Box or Socks, rolled along we had a lively debate as to what we would choose.

We came to agree that we all loved the socks and knew that we would each receive a lovely gift.

We got more and more excited as all the other tables took the boxes.

When our turn came and we were asked the question, we all leapt to our feet and shouted out SOCKS.

You were there, the room howled in amusement and you were speechless! We wound up having our photo taken with you.

People talked about it for the rest of the weekend and we socks gals exchanged emails to stay in touch.

Summer of 2007, almost 11 years post cancer. I have my routine mamogram and the cancer is back!

It was a LOW spot in my life as you can imagine. I had such a hard time telling my family and friends.

I needed a mastectomy and was scheduled for surgery Aug 24th, 2007.

Patty passed this news on to all the socks gals and somehow it was decided that they would all wear their

'Still Stitching With Susan' socks on the day of my surgery to wish me well.

I was so touched that I wore mine to the hospital that morning and again on the way home, the next day.

I had a pretty good recovery and better yet, the doctors found no evidence of cancer anywhere else in my body!

So that's my little tale about surviving and the good friends I've found at Celebration and how a pair of socks could bring so much joy.

Of course there was a LOT of praying too!!

Thanks to you all.

Brenda