Little Bruce Miller…From Bow Ties to Angel Wings…You will always be our hero.
Posted on Dec 2, 2011 10:08:54 AM
Little Bruce Miller
January 8, 1998 – November 30, 2011
Cancer does not discriminate. It attacks us all. Every race, gender and species can be called to fight.
Shortly after 8:00pm on Wednesday November 30, 2011, our little hero, Bruce Miller, traded his bow tie for angel wings. Bruce was named after Bruce Wayne from Bat Man but who was to ever know the true superhero he would become as a little man. Cancer called him to fight in March 2011 when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma. He fought a good fight and stayed by his mommy’s side when daddy had to be away for work for most of 2011. Now that Daddy is back, we believe he knew that it was ok to rest. It was time to rock that tux with Elvis, be prom cat with God and charm all the ladies in heaven.
Even though cancer attacked his body and in the end his brain, it never touched his heart.
Little Bruce Miller had a hero’s heart just like so many of our loved ones do in this fight. A cat? A hero? With every ounce of my being, I say YES. The unconditional love and support of an animal can be the saving grace for so many of us struggling through hard times like Luke and I did this year. Over the 14 years Little Bruce was part of our family, he saved us many a time and defined unconditional love.
It is for this reason that he will always be our hero.
Our hearts break because you aren’t here but the memories of your heart bring us peace…just like you always did.
Rest in Peace Little Man. We will continue your fight until we meet again. Until then, tell Elvis and Grandpa Charlie that we said hello.
2200 Eighth Graders from Clarksville enjoy the “Your Choice, Your Future” Career Exploration Day at APSU!
Posted on Nov 21, 2011 11:26:56 AM
Photo and Article Excerpt Credit: www.clarksvilleonline.com Bill Larson
The CMCSS Team lead by Brenda Scarborough and Karen Pitts did an AMAZING job coordinating this year’s event! Over 2200 eighth graders from around our community will now be able to have knowledge of potential career opportunities directly from people in the fields they are interested in. Thank you to Bill Larson and Clarksville Online for your coverage of the 8th Grade Career Exploration Day. The following is an excerpt from the article…and a plug to encourage people to pursue teaching!! For the full article and so much more great coverage from the Clarksville community, please visit www.clarksvilleonline.com
“Cyndey Miller the assistant HR Director for the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System was on hand hoping to interest the kids in a teaching career.
“We are actually talking to 8th graders about their career choices, and getting them thinking about their futures.” she said, “I am specifically out here to help encourage the students to consider becoming teachers. It’s very important. If you are recruiting for the teaching profession you got to have students in the 8th, 9th, and 10th grade thinking about becoming teachers because otherwise they are not making those decisions to go into that field.”
Having attended the inaugural event last year, Miller was impressed with the students she was seeing this year, “This year the students are more prepared, the teachers did an awesome job at getting them ready for today. They have had some really great questions.” Miller was very happy with the response she was getting from students, “I had a lot of students come over and say ‘I want to be a teacher, what I have to do?” To which she responded “Yay!”
Over $48,000 Raised at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PurpleStride-Chattanooga, TN
Posted on Nov 17, 2011 08:29:36 PM
PurpleStride Chattanooga was a powerful and inspiring day!
Together, we raised over $48,000! And we’re still counting!
Thank you to Edith Snider and her committee for making this such a successful day in the fight against Pancreatic Cancer. It was a honor to be with you!
Celebrating PEAY Pride with Miss APSU and Miss Governor’s Pride 2012
Posted on Nov 13, 2011 01:46:27 PM
With my great friend and co-host for the pageant, Nikki Peterson, as we congratulate the winners Miss APSU Katie Kennedy and Miss Governor’s Pride Ashley White. Very proud of these extraordinary women and can’t wait to support them as they represent APSU at the Miss Tennessee America Pageant in June 2012.
Nikki and I with the Kennedy family. One of the many great things about pageantry is the lifetime of memories and friendships that are formed not just with fellow contestants but with the families too. I love this picture because it represents years of support, friendship, family and growth.
I truly had a wonderful time as co-emcee for this pageant. Nikki Loos-Peterson is one of the most extraordinary women I have ever met. We are so lucky to have her as part of the APSU family. More importantly to me, I am a better person because of her friendship.
CMCSS Education Foundation-Vision to Reality Banquet
Posted on Nov 7, 2011 09:00:59 PM
5 Star Radio’s Katie Gambill and Lee Erwin at the Education Foundation Banquet (Finally got Lee on the other side of the camera! Photo credit www.clarksvillenow.com taken by Cydney Miller so that Lee could be in the picture!)
Jeanine Chester and Bruce Jobe, Human Resource Team at the Banquet
Celebrating 25 years of the CMCSS Education Foundation, supporting the AVID Program, Teacher’s Warehouse and many more great services for our school system. www.cmcss.com/educationfoundation
LUNGevity Foundation-Breathe Easy Nashville 5K “TEAM KEENE Surviving with Becky”
Posted on Nov 3, 2011 07:08:54 PM
Rebecca McClure with her mom, Becky Keene, Lung Cancer Survivor
Me with my mom, Janet Sizeler, Lung Cancer Survivor
This morning, I had the opportunity to support one mom who is a hero in so many ways…and at the same time got to walk in honor of my own mom.
The LUNGevity Foundation is doing incredible work and is absolutely one that I recommend ROAD CREW members looking into. As we have talked about so often before, RESEARCH is the key! We simply must focus on getting more dollars headed toward research. Lung cancer is the number one cause of deaths from any cancer and we have to do something about that. We need more Becky Keene’s and Janet Sizeler’s to celebrate!
Please take the time to look into this great organization at www.lungevity.org. I assure you that this will not be the only time you will see The Road to the Cure supporting this organization…or Becky Keene, she is AMAZING!!
Thank you Team Keene for allowing me to be a part of this morning’s journey with you.
Clarksville Humane Society Fundraiser- Mr. Wags to Witches 2011, LITTLE BRUCE MILLER, raises $467 to benefit the Society and create awareness for cancer issues in animals!
Posted on Oct 30, 2011 01:26:58 PM
Luke and Cydney Miller celebrate “Little Bruce” winning the “Mr. Wags to Witches 2011″ fundraising contest! (Photo Credit www.clarksvillenow.com)
I cannot even begin to say enough about how AMAZING the Wags to Witches “Fur Ball” event was Saturday evening. The Clarksville Humane Society Team should be commended for their work at the ball and beyond. The event was well-organized, had great food, wonderful decorations and out-of-this-world costumes! This was the first time we had attended but it will not be the last. We had such a great time and helped out a great cause in the process…it just doesn’t get better than that.
Of course, I have to mention the Mr. and Miss Wags to Witches contest that took place both before and during the event. Our favorite Little Hero….Little Bruce Miller….was the big winner and was named “Mr. Wags 2011″. He (with a little help from his family and friends) raised $467 for the Humane Society. He will appear in the Humane Society Calendar but more importantly is continuing to raise awareness for cancer issues. For more about the Humane Society, visit their site at www.clarksvillehumanesociety.org.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It affects all genders, races and species. The Miller family is committed to helping whenever and however we can. We all, even our fur-babies, are on the road to the cure together! Congrats to our Little Hero Bruce, just one cool cat trying to make a difference one tux at a time!
2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Posted on Oct 30, 2011 12:30:53 PM
Celebrating SURVIVAL during the Survivor Parade
With Marsha Blackburn at the Race for the Cure
With the HR Team! Ingrid, Jenn, Jeanine and I
WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!!! We started off Saturday October 29th at the 2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Thousands filled the streets of Nashville to celebrate survival and to honor those we have lost. As always, HOPE was very alive at this great event. It is always so extraordinary to see so many people rally around this cause and fight back. Thank you so much to my friends and colleagues from the Clarksville Montgomery County School System Human Resources Department for coming out to support the cause. It was also great running into our US Congressman Marsha Blackburn at the event. During the years I have known Congressman Blackburn, she has always been such a huge supporter of Cancer Research and continues to give back herself.
Montgomery County Republican Party BBQ
Posted on Oct 26, 2011 04:27:53 PM
After the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, it was off to Montgomery County Civic Hall to visit with elected officials and other community leaders. This BBQ, sponsored by the Montgomery County Republican Party, was a great opportunity to discuss many of the issues impacting our community today. It is very important to remember that all the roads intersect and our battle with cancer and quest for quality education is greatly impacted by our elected officials. Active involvement in the process at all levels is vital to these causes and to so many others. Thanks to US Congressman Marsha Blackburn, TN Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney, State Representative Phillip Johnson, Pat Allen and the Montgomery County Republican Party for their insight at the event.
CMCSS Education Foundation Hosts the “Reality Check” Program at Northeast High School 10/20
Posted on Oct 20, 2011 06:30:18 PM
Ninth Grade Students from Northeast High School participated in the Reality Check program today. This extraordinary program offers students the opportunity to participate in a simulation of “Reality” and how various education levels, professions and life situations can impact them. One student, who was given a simulation profile of a high school drop out was quoted as saying, “I should have never dropped out of school. If I had stayed in school, my ‘life’ wouldn’t have turned out this way.” Statements and realizations just like that one filled the room as students got a glimpse of how their decisions today will impact their futures.
Thank you to Candy Johnson, CMCSS Education Foundation and Bank of America for helping bring this program to our students. I look forward to participating in upcoming Reality Check programs at our other schools.
2012 Relay for Life Kickoff Event! 10/18
Posted on Oct 19, 2011 02:52:56 PM
Tonya Ruiz, recognizing the fundraising efforts of The Road to the Cure Team at the 2011 Relay for Life. Thank you to ALL who gave to this very important cause!
Photo Credit Lee Erwin, www.clarksvillenow.com
We are ready to make this the best Relay EVER!! The 2012 Relay for Life Committee ready to March toward a Cure!
Photo Credit Lee Erwin, www.clarksvillenow.com
With a huge crowd of supporters, the Relay for Life Committee kicked off the 2012 Relay for Life season at the WaterStreet Event Center on Riverside Drive in Clarksville. This team is READY! There is so much energy, passion and dedication. The Relay Teams were there in full force and we have a great group of people already signed up for the event. If the KickOff is any indication, this will be one of best Relays yet.
Visit us online to learn more and to SIGN UP!!!
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the 160th at War Memorial Park-10/15
Posted on Oct 15, 2011 09:25:42 PM
Luke and Cydney Miller with Country Music Artist, Mark Wills, at the 160th Celebration
It was a day of celebrating heroes! From the Making Strides for Breast Cancer event in Nashville straight to War Memorial Park to volunteer at the Celebration honoring 30 years for the 160th. Greeting people and setting up at the lunch and dinner events was more fun than I can describe. Thousands of soldiers and their families came through and what an honor it was to just smile and say hello to all of them. Every single one of the people who came in was kind, friendly and every bit the heroes we were honoring. Hours of handing out plates may not sound like fun but I will be the first to tell you that there was no where else I would have rather been.
Thank you to ALL of our soldiers and your families for your service, sacrifice and dedication. You make us all proud.
101st Airborne Screaming Eagles-Honored to be your neighbor
Making Strides for Breast Cancer-10/15
Posted on Oct 15, 2011 09:13:05 PM
Thousands gathered at LP Field in Nashville today for the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Event. I had the pleasure of volunteering in the Survivor Tent and helping ACS CAN capture personal stories of how cancer research has impacted the lives of so many. Story after story, person after person and hero after hero…we cheered and we cried…but we were all there fighting, remembering and celebrating and it is because of that we are five miles closer to the cure.
Lt Governor Ron Ramsey taking his own Road Trip…
Posted on Oct 13, 2011 06:39:18 PM
Photo/Logo Credit www.tnredtape.com
As I have said many times before, “the road” is paved with the good work of many. From education to healthcare to the employer, I have sat along side each of you and know that it takes us all working together to get to the cure, the graduation cap and the paycheck. I am absolutely thrilled to share with everyone the wonderful work that is being done on behalf of Tennessee by our State Leaders to help make that happen.
Today, Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey visited Clarksville and met with a group of business leaders from our community. He was very clear that his two priorities are to cut red tape that keeps employers from hiring and that each of our classrooms has a quality teacher in it. You will have only had to know me about 5 seconds to know how deeply committed I am to the HR profession and to the support of our students. It is in my very being to believe that we can achieve all the goals we have set for our students, our state and our country. I am just very excited that we are so focused on hitting the road with that goal in mind!
I invite and encourage you to visit the website TNREDTAPE.COM to learn more about the voice we are being offered to share our experiences with our leaders.
Thank you to City Councilman, Nick Steward, and the office of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate for hosting the event today. As always, I am so proud to be an American and am honored to be a Tennessean.
Interview on Five Star Radio on behalf of American Cancer Society, Making Strides for Breast Cancer and Relay for Life 10/9
Posted on Oct 13, 2011 11:14:57 AM
Photo and Interview Credit www.clarksvillenow.com
Thank you to Lee Erwin, 5 Star Radio and Clarksville Now for their support of the upcoming American Cancer Society events. Visit www.clarksvillenow.com for a brief clip featuring the Making Strides for Breast Cancer event this Saturday October 15th at LP Field in Nashville. For more on Making Strides, visit www.makingstridesnashville.org.
JOIN US TUESDAY OCTOBER 18th for the RELAY FOR LIFE KICKOFF event! Food, fun and a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts of all those involved in making this year’s Relay the best yet!
Another Thank You to Clarksville Now for featuring an article on the Kick Off Event! For more on the event, please take a moment to read the article at:
http://www.clarksvillenow.com/pages/11170558.php?
Byrns Darden Elementary School Reading Kickoff! (9/30)
Posted on Oct 3, 2011 09:45:30 AM
There is nothing more inspiring than visiting with over 500 Elementary School Students who are cheering and shouting about how much they love to read! When Principal Andy Lyons invited me to come speak at the event about reading and 100% Graduation, I was thrilled to say the least. I brought my husband, Chef Luke from the Tanglewood House, to talk about his love for reading as well. I also had the pleasure of inviting Staff Sergeant Wright to join us on the stage. “Joe Cool Graduate” was the real guest of honor though. “Joe Cool” decided to stay at Byrns Darden and live in the library with the students there so that they could all have fun reading together. It is always so ironic doing speeches like that one. You are there to motivate the students but they are the ones who end up motivating you.
US Senator, Bob Corker, Breakfast Meeting with Montgomery County Republican Party (9/29)
Posted on Oct 3, 2011 09:40:15 AM
After the Republican Party Breakfast, Senator Corker visited Austin Peay State University. Photo Credit The Leaf Chronicle www.theleafchronicle.com
Thank you to Senator Corker and his staff for the time spent with the Montgomery County Republican Party. It was a great pleasure to meet with Senator Corker and discuss many of the issues America is dealing with today. From the economy, to healthcare and foreign policy, Senator Corker offered his very concise and clear message regarding where we need to head as a party and as a country.
Best of luck to Senator Corker on his upcoming campaign.
ACS CAN 2011 Leadership Summit (9/25-28)
Posted on Sep 26, 2011 07:02:42 AM
Otis Brawley, Chief Medical Officer American Cancer Society
Chris Hansen, President American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The ACS Leadership Summit was a tremendous success. 511 people from around the United States visited Capitol Hill to celebrate the 10th Birthday of ACS CAN and advocate for funding for cancer research. The stories were inspiring and the passion for the cause undeniable. I had the opportunity to speak to several key people in the fight who have offered great insight into the future of Cancer Research. Otis Brawley, Chief Medical Officer of ACS; Chris Hansen, President of ACS CAN; Dr. Lowry, Deputy Director of NCI and countless others offered their first hand perspective of advancements in research and the critical need for funding to continue. Thank you to all involved in the planning and coordination of the event. Together, we will reach the cure.
Day 1: As always, it is wonderful to visit with the ACS CAN Team representing Tennessee. We talk regularly while at home but it is still a welcome opportunity to visit with each other in DC. The first night of the Summit was particularly special for me because I had the opportunity to meet Karen Moffitt, the wife of H. Lee Moffitt, from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. This hospital was the saving grace during my mom’s lung cancer battle. What an opportunity to shake the hand of the namesake from the hospital that I credit with helping save her life.
I had the opportunity to speak at length with Gary Reedy, ACS CAN Chairman of the Board and ACS Vice Chair, and Rob Yule, past Chair. We spoke about current legislation and the political climate affecting it. To say the least, it was a great evening. I look forward to offering more updates from the sessions tomorrow.
“We the People” Reflections from Washington, DC by Cydney Miller (9/24)
Posted on Sep 24, 2011 09:27:04 PM
Prior to the start of my meetings with ACS CAN in DC, I arrived a day early to take in the extraordinary opportunities available to visitors in DC. You can not help but be filled with pride and nostaligia when walking through DC. It was a whirlwind trip as I wanted to see as much as possible in the short time I had for “touring”. When looking back on the day, I was overcome with clarity regarding where we are as a country, who we can still be and the possibility for greatness in all of us:
We the People…The voices of our forefathers were not perfect. They too made mistakes and committed the very sins that our great Father died to forgive. Yet, despite those imperfections, they rose to something that meant more. They knew that while they stood alone in the battle field that there was a force behind them, an America, that had the promise of a greater tomorrow. When it mattered most, they chose the words that today are memorialized in stone. That America is still possible.
All Men are Created Equal…Today, we sit amongst other nations, genders and beliefs. We enjoy the freedoms that those great fighters who came before believed in. We may believe very different beliefs but we, an America, are still possible.
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…Allow me now the freedom to fight and do not punish me for celebrating the victory. The voices of history do not deny us that right. This was the very thing, the America, which our forefathers fought to protect. They overcame their own fears, their own inadequacies and their own enemies so that we may live…as the people.
The path of greatness is paved by those who amidst diversity had the courage to remain vigilant in their duty. It was the heroes who in their own fight chose victory over self defeat. They chose to rise for something that meant more.
To serve is to honor those who came before us. To rise above our own fears, our insecurities and our faults, is a great act of courage. We may not lie on the battlefield covered in the dust of a revolution but we fight our new war with the same character as the heroes who fought before us.
Like our forefathers before us, display the character of the America they knew we could be. Use your talent, do not fear greatness, acknowledge your weakness and embrace your freedoms. Do all this so that your life and your actions are immortalized in stone.
The America of tomorrow will not see your imperfections in the stone. It will be your character they see.
We the people…
Partners in Education Event-Celebrating the achievements of our partners in helping our students and schools
Posted on Sep 23, 2011 08:59:52 AM
Cydney Miller and Beckie Moore, United Way Director and fellow 100% Graduation Committee Member. Photo Credit The Leaf Chronicle www.theleafchronicle.com
Thank you to the countless businesses and supporters who have partnered with CMCSS as Partners in Education. Through your efforts, we have been able to enhance our programs and support our teachers. Congratulations to all of the award winners for their outstanding work on behalf of CMCSS.
A special thank you to Candy Johnson and the Education Foundation for your tireless efforts to support this program and for your successful Teacher Warehouse Initiative. Thank you also to the members of the 100% Graduation Team for helping us continue to grow our graduation rate. TOGETHER… we will travel the road to 100%
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Combined Federal Campaign!
Posted on Aug 26, 2011 09:56:44 AM
With Major General James McConville, 101st Airborne-Ft. Campbell, and Valerie Simmons, Director of the CFC
Luke and I were honored to be invited as Special Guests to the 50th Anniversary Kickoff Event for the Combined Federal Campaign on Ft. Campbell. This campaign is an annual effort conducted by Federal Employees to support local voluntary health, welfare, and philanthropic organizations in the community. We had the opportunity to meet and network with several of the leaders within the 101st Airborne including the Commanding General, Major General James C. McConville. The guest speakers at the event were Tresa Halbrooks and Jerry Blessing from the Tennessee Titans Community Relations Team. Congratulations to Valerie Simmons, Director of CFC, for another successful event and best of luck on this year’s campaign. To learn more, please visit www.ftcampbellareacfc.org
“Songs From the Heart 2011″- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Gilda’s Club
Posted on Jun 26, 2011 02:05:35 PM
Click here: \”The Road to the Cure\” to listen to:
“The Road to the Cure” Live at the Songs From the Heart Concert
Written by Cydney Miller, Performed by Tricia Walker and Bill Sinclair
“The Songs from the Heart is an annual joint venture of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Gilda’s Club. Participants are taught how to write a song expressing their experience with cancer under the facilitation of Tricia Walker. The songs may not make the Top 40 but stand a good chance of encouraging both the writer and listener to try harder, to laugh louder and to love deeper no matter the circumstances” -Tricia Walker
I had the pleasure of attending the 2010 concert and was changed forever. When I was invited to be a songwriter at the 2011 concert, I knew that it would be an extraordinary experience. Now that it is over, I can say that it was all that and more. My fellow songwriters were amazing and brought so much of the emotion from their journey’s into their songs. I was humbled to be a part of a group of such talented people and real-life heroes.
Thank you to Cindy Tinker, Tricia Walker, Bill Sinclair, VICC, Gilda’s Club and The Caring Hearts Fund Committee for supporting this event. You have changed lives forever.
I don’t know why cancer affects those we love and has victimized so many. Opening our hearts, being vulnerable to the emotion from the years along the road, and expressing the reality of the journey is an experience like none other. I pray that each of you reading this find peace along your journey. Remember, no one walks alone on the road to the cure…
To view the lyrics to “The Road to the Cure” visit: http://theroadtothecure.com/?page_id=303
Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Song Writers Workshop
Posted on Jun 21, 2011 10:48:34 PM
This week, a group of cancer patients, survivors and supporters took part in the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Songwriters workshop. I was able to meet the extraordinary people who are in “my class” for this year’s Songs From the Heart group. We began working with career songwriters to begin the process of becoming songwriters ourselves and putting our cancer journey’s to song. We were wives who lost husbands, those who are battling their second diagnosis, others who were just diagnosed, Doctors who care for patients and even those whose job it is to pray with us in our time of need. A group of strangers suddenly thrust into a familiar world of knowing each other’s joy and pain. Together, as new friends on the road, we began the journey of putting our experiences to song….
What is Songs From the Heart? www.vicc.org/2011/songs
Inaugural American Cancer Society “Birthday Ball-A Celebration of Hope”
Posted on Jun 18, 2011 08:04:28 AM
Barbara Mandrel’s Home, Fontanel Mansion, was the perfect setting for the inaugural American Cancer Society Birthday Ball. Volunteers, Business Leaders and ACS Staff gathered together for this “slightly more casual” ball to enjoy each other’s company, promote Camp Horizon and to honor the Visionary of Hope Award Winners. Congratulations to Ron Samuels, Chairman, President and CEO Avenue Bank and Dr. Pat Whitworth, Nashville Breast Center for the Visionary of Hope Award Honor.
Thank you to Karen Rudzinski-Executive Director ACS Nashville, Mary Ann Upchurch-State Vice President and Ted Helm-President ACS Board Nashville for inviting us to attend this wonderful event!
ACS Relay for Life-Cheatham County
Posted on Jun 12, 2011 09:32:40 PM
Thank you to Sarah Sanford and the entire Cheatham County Relay Committee for inviting me to be a part of your extraordinary event! The Survivor Red Carpet Ceremony for the Cheatham County Survivors was a wonderful celebration and the Luminaria Ceremony was just beautiful. I am so inspired by everyone I met at the event and am very grateful that there are heroes like you out on the road. God Bless each of you.
Girl Scouts form Team Ainsley for friend with Cancer-Leaf Chronicle Article
Posted on Jun 6, 2011 09:29:14 AM
Check out the wonderful article about one amazing little girl who I am so proud to call my friend! Ainsley and all her friends from Girl Scout Troop 736 are all heroes on the ROAD TO THE CURE!!! CONGRATS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK!!!
Ainsley and I at ACS Relay for Life in 2009…and again in 2011
Girl Scouts form Team Ainsley for friend with cancer
To view the contents on www.theleafchronicle.com, go to:
http://www.theleafchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201106010500/LIFESTYLE/105250358
Governor Haslam approves 2012 State Budget and ACS CAN declares a VICTORY
Posted on May 25, 2011 09:09:44 PM
”The final 2012 state budget includes an unprecedented $3.5M (recurring funds) to TennCare for a comprehensive smoking cessation program; restores $1M in funding for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and $500,000 for additional smoking cessation and prevention programs throughout the state.”
The inaugural ROAD WARRIOR Award
Posted on May 22, 2011 09:22:08 PM
The road to the cure begins with you and me…and with our choices. When a group of middle-schoolers made the choice to give their game to cancer awareness (and ALL wear pink), I saw the spirit of the road alive in them. They inspired the first ever ROAD WARRIOR Award. This award will honor those whose choices have made a difference in the lives of others. This was the first of what I hope will be many opportunities to honor the work of ALL warriors who are fighting this battle. Thank you Greg Smith, Richview, Clarksville Academy, Families and Supporters for not only the game but for supporting the Relay for Life and the presentation of the inaugural ROAD WARRIOR!
American Cancer Society Relay for Life-May 21, 2011
Posted on May 22, 2011 05:47:01 PM
Congratulations to The Road to the Cure Team for winning the TEAM SPIRIT AWARD!!!
Thank you to the entire ROAD CREW for helping us get to the GOLD TEAM Recognition Level!
It’s hard to know what to say after a day like this. 18 hours later…a sleepless night…but all small in comparison to the battle fought out on the road. The very event that challenges you to stay awake and weakens you soon becomes the same event that makes you stronger and more ready than ever to fight. We have fun, we laugh, we sing, we celebrate, and we remember. I laughed today and I cried. This year, some very special people lost their battle and others are in the fight of a lifetime. I am so small in comparison to their struggle. As small as I am though, I am not giving up and will continue to do whatever I can so that cancer knows that I will not sleep until my friends and family never have to hear those words again. The road to the cure begins with you and me…we can’t stop.
American Cancer Society Relay for Life-”Red Carpet” Survivor Ceremony May 21, 2001
Posted on May 22, 2011 04:57:14 PM
True…most people didn’t arrive to Relay in an ACS Purple gown. I did though. When the committee asked if I would host a red carpet arrival for our survivors, it took less than a second for me to say ABSOLUTELY! Arriving in pink limos to a red carpet celebration, our Survivors celebrated the hope from their journey and remembered those who they stand strong for. I smiled like I have never smiled before and teared up when I got to take my YEAR FOUR picture with Ainsley who celebrates her survival each year at Relay. Every single one of the people in those purple shirts deserve to walk the red carpet as the heroes they are. For those who we remember, I have no doubt that the sun that shines on us and the rainbows in the sky are a reflection of your red carpet celebration. We love you.
Healthy Woman “Girls Night Out” Health Expo
Posted on May 20, 2011 12:11:25 PM
As a new Board Member, I had the opportunity to speak to so many of those women as they came into the event and to sign them up for the Healthy Woman program. What a humbling opportunity to speak one on one with anazing women from the community who are all making that important choice to take care of their physical, mental and spiritual health. That’s what The Road to the Cure is all about!
Thank you to Benita Martin, Gateway Hospital, the Healthy Woman Team, Dale Smith Thomas (Winners By Choice) and fellow Board Members and the other Gateway Hospital Teams for their support of this extraordinary evening!
“Quesadillas for a CURE” Norman Smith Elementary Relay for Life Fundraiser
Posted on May 17, 2011 03:45:07 PM
What a perfect day!! My two roads merged as I attended an American Cancer Society fundraiser luncheon at one of our elementary schools. Norman Smith Elementary School was host to the “Quesadillas for the Cure” event benefiting Relay for Life. Thanks to Vanna Fender, Counselor, Beth Unfried, Principal, Barbara Kane and the entire faculty for all you did to make this event possible. Not only am I proud of all your hard work each and every day but I am also so proud that you were so supportive of this great cause. I am so blessed to work with such extraordinary people.
Your efforts raised over $400 for The Road to the Cure team and will provide much needed services to cancer patients in our community. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Lincoln-Reagan Day Benefit Dinner 5/7/2011
Posted on May 8, 2011 10:36:10 PM
With US Congressman, Stephen Fincher, at the Benefit Dinner
With US Congressman, Marsha Blackburn, at the Benefit Dinner
With the guest of honor…”Abe Lincoln” himself!
Middle Tennessee Mammography Society Semi-Annual Conference 4/30/11…and a Story of HOPE…
Posted on May 3, 2011 07:50:05 PM
I was asked to deliver my “Road to the Cure” Speech as a motivational and inspiring end to the Middle TN Mammography Society Conference on April 30. WHAT AN HONOR! I was so humbled to have even been invited to speak but then to stand in front of such a large group of people who have given their lives to the very profession that helps saves lives…well, let’s just say I was the one who left inspired.
A photo from a moment that will remain in my soul forever….
The road has often brought me to moments that have helped shaped my soul…St. Jude in 2008, Komen Race for the Cure 2008-2010, Camp Horizon 2010 and thousands of moments in between. I had yet another moment this Saturday that will go into that list. During my speech, I mentioned two of my friends who had breast cancer (both under 35). I talked about the power and influence of the mammographer and how important their role is for people just like my friends. I said I know that they would want to thank them if they could for making the experience just a little easier through their kindness…
After the conference, a very kind woman came up to me to thank me for the presentation. She softly asked, “do you mind if I ask what your friend’s name was?” When I told her, she smiled…. “I was her mammographer.”
Overwhelmed with emotion (literally), I turned to the other woman standing next to her who said “and I was your other friend’s”. She proceeded to tell me how my friend had inspired her and truly saved her life.
The next morning, I was walking into church and saw my friend who I hadn’t seen in at least six months. I was so excited to see her but that it was also at such a perfect time! I told her that I had just seen someone she knew and told her who it was. She gasped and with tears in her eyes said, “she saved my life”. I smiled…with tears in my eyes…and said she said the same about you.
If there is anyone out there who doesn’t believe in hope…that the roads connect…that we are all on the journey together, please remember moments like this one.
God Bless,
Cydney
Oral Cancer Awareness Walk-Chattanooga, TN 4-23-11
Posted on Apr 23, 2011 09:22:57 PM
The Road to the Cure lead to Chattanooga today for the 2nd annual Oral Cancer Awareness Walk. I was honored to have been asked back this year to emcee the opening ceremony and awards presentation. It is always so exciting to be able to share the message of early detection, prevention and awareness. The best part of the day was getting to catch up with my friend Jeanna who organized the walk. She is the extraordinary woman who has survived cancer, countless radiation and chemo treatments and still chooses to give all she can to help others. I am so humbled to have been a part of this day that she worked so tirelessly to make happen. She is changing the world and saving lives. She is my hero.
Mission Clarksville-”Change a Youth. Change the World” 4/7/11
Posted on Apr 8, 2011 08:47:53 AM
Exciting News from The Road to the Cure and Mission Clarksville!
The mission of The Road to the Cure is to empower people to harness their own power of choice in the battle against cancer. I have always known that was my core message with this effort. However, I have learned over the years that the battle against cancer isn’t mutually exclusive from other efforts. That is why you have seen quite a bit about education as well on this site and why my work is focused in both areas. I often say that I have “two full time jobs” one at the school system and one in my work in the cancer community. The more I work at both the more I realize where those roads intersect. Great education leads to great choices. It is all connected.
I came to another intersection on Thursday in the form of a meeting with the team from Mission Clarksville. They invited me to a lunch meeting to discuss the program, brainstorm ideas and ultimately, a surprise to me, to invite me to be a member of their Board of Directors. The program takes a diverse group of youth and volunteers and teaches leadership and good health choices. The group grows their own produce and then contributes it to local agencies that feed those in need. The full circle of mentorship, healthy living and community giving is a perfect manifestation of what The Road to the Cure is all about…the power of choice in creating a healthy life.
I plan to accept their invitation to join the Board of Directors and am thrilled about the opportunity to be a part of a grassroots effort to live the mission of The Road. I will include updates from this new stop on the road as we go. Until then, I encourage you to visit their site and learn about the great work they are doing in our community.
“The PINK Game” Benefit for Cancer Research was a HUGE success! 4/3/11
Posted on Apr 3, 2011 06:43:26 PM
“The Road to the Cure begins with you and me.” That is the core of the message I try to promote. It is all about our choice to take action against cancer. What better example can you get that two Middle School Baseball teams and hundreds of supporters choosing to take action by giving their game to cancer awareness. I was so proud to be a part of the event and to see first hand how truly extraordinary these young men were. Thank you to my friend, Katie Neely Miss Austin Peay 2011, for also coming to the game to support this wonderful cause. Another beautiful day in Clarksville…because of so much more than just the weather.
A special THANK YOU to Greg Smith for his tireless efforts to make this day a reality. These boys will remember this day for the rest of their lives. Every second of work you put into this event will pay off in ways far greater than we may ever know.
Oral Cancer Awareness Walk-”Boot Scootin’ for Cancer Awareness” 4/2/11
Posted on Apr 3, 2011 06:27:42 PM
Another job VERY well done by Nicki Raines and the Nashville Team at the 3rd Annual Oral Cancer Awareness walk in Nashville this weekend. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and SO many new ones! The surprise of the day was when Jeanna, an oral cancer survivor who I met in Chattanooga, arrived at the event to surprise us all! Susan Lauria also came in from New Jersey for the event. Beautiful weather and even more beautiful people….and all for such an important cause.
Healthy Woman Program-Advisory Board and Member Luncheon 4/1/11
Posted on Apr 1, 2011 02:26:13 PM
The Healthy Woman Program encourages women to embrace the power of choice in improving their own health and overall well-being. The program’s mission is so similar to what I am trying to do through The Road to the Cure that is was a natural fit for me. Today was my first event as a member of the Advisory Board and I could not have been more proud to be a part of this great program. The focus of today’s luncheon was financial health which certainly is a very important part of the overall well-being we want to encourage. The next event is a self-defense course provided by our own Clarksville Police Department. Thank you to Benita Martin and the entire Healthy Woman group for a wonderful day!
CMCSS Leadership Summit and 100% Graduation Campaign 3/30/11
Posted on Mar 30, 2011 09:37:39 PM
The CMCSS Leadership Summit was an opportunity for Community, School and Student Leaders to come together to tackle some of the most important issues facing high school students today: Graduation and Bullying. The 100% Graduation Campaign is designed to communicate the message that graduation is everyone’s business. This was the perfect opportunity to share ideas for how we can engage everyone…students to businesses…in the road to graduation.
Eric Johnson, Associate Director of Students Taking a Right Stand (STARS), gave an amazing and thought provoking presentation about the effects of bullying. He helped students understand what an important role they play in bullying prevention. The thoughts and stories shared by the students shed light on how real the issue is but also how much hope there is in their hearts to combat it.
Today was yet another example of why I am so proud to work for the Clarksville Montgomery School System. I am honored to be considered part of this amazing organization. Thank you to Candy Johnson, BJ Worthington, Susan Jones, David Smith, Ryan Forsythe and the many others who made today possible for all of us.