Thursday, January 31, 2013

Journey of a girl and her ponytail…




Cancer is an awful disease. I speak on this from a personal experience, because it will not leave my family alone. Many of you know my story, but for those of you who don’t, I’ll give you a short overview:  Cancer has been a part of the Jennings’ lives for a while now. My maternal grandmother died of cancer in 2009, my mom died of breast cancer in 2011, my dad’s cousin died of lung cancer in 2012, 2 of my mom’s uncles & an aunt had colon cancer, and four other aunts of hers have breast cancer, one of who just recently passed away in January of this year.

Because cancer has impacted our lives so heavily, my family regularly participates in numerous cancer fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. This year, however, we wanted to do something different and unique. 

I have decided to once again donate my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths with a cut-off date of May 18, 2013. This program, partners with the American Cancer Society to distribute FREE real-hair wigs to women with cancer. Not only am I going to donate my hair I am going to give my friends and family the opportunity to guess how long my hair will grow by donation time. By guessing my hair length people will have the opportunity to win prizes, and even cut off a portion of my hair!

On December 18, 2012, I had my hair straightened and measured; the longest layer was 7.5 inches, the shortest layer was 5.5 inches. Between now and May 18, my hair will be protected and maintained regularly to ensure maximum growth.

For every guess, I am asking for a $10.00 donation. The individual closest to the correct length by the cut-off date will win 1-month of personal training along with a 1-year gym membership from iResolve Fitness (Columbus, OH) or a gift basket valued at $100.00. In the event of a tie, the individual who guesses the amount closest to the total amount raised will win. For those that are interested in cutting off a portion of my ponytail, the minimum donation is $100.00. Of course if you would just like to make a monetary contribution, then any amount is appreciated.

All the money raised from this event will be given to the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen.

This journey called life has been a roller coaster of emotions but I am so blessed and thankful to have a strong support system around me. I would like to thank you for playing a role in my life whether it was by encouraging me, supporting me, praying for me, or just talking me through this. I am excited about the possibility of being able to contribute to a cause that is so near to my heart, and I hope that you will consider supporting me in this endeavor.


Sincerely,

Kimberly Jennings 

P.S. - If you would like to donate to this cause please let me know and I will mail you a donation slip.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Straight? I think not

The braids and sew-in came out this past weekend (Tameryn I lasted a month lol)! And I was quickly reminded why, since going natural, I rarely straighten my hair. First the path I have to take to get from A to B is never a straight path. Then once I get to B I am there for all of 1 day -_-  Bootcamp Monday afternoon completely erased any hope I had of it lasting all week. I can only hope Robin can get me in for a deep conditioning and trim soon, then it is back to braids and a sew-in. May will be here before I know it!


Sunday, January 20, 2013

Ready or not...and I'm not

I'm not a blogger...heck I don't even really like writing. But I have been through enough to make a Lifetime movie. Good things, bad things, hills and valleys, I got stories for days. But something happened in 2013 that made me step back and look around...made me question what am I doing with my life and am I working hard enough.

In 2009 my maternal grandmother died, in 2010 my paternal grandmother died, my mother died in 2011, and 2012 brought the death of my dad's cousin. Then 19 days into 2013 my family lost another link...my mom's Aunt Phyllis. She, like my mom, had battled breast cancer for years, she was a fighter, a survivor, and a hero. But in the blink of an eye it all changed, she went home to be with our Lord. I find comfort in knowing she is up there with my grandma, my mom, and the rest of the Davis clan having a grand party, actually that thought makes me jealous. I pray that my cousins find peace through this journey but I really pray for a cure. I don't want another family to experience the loss we have, I hate not being able to tell a young girl with 100% confidence her mom will survive this disease, I really want to be able to say we kicked cancer's ass.

So am I working hard enough? Am I doing everything I can? Stay tuned this journey isn't over yet.