Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Busy Bee for Pancreatic Cancer

Wow! Who knew that being in a pageant would keep me so much on my toes? Okay, rundown of all that's happened in the last two weeks:

1. Had virus, sick for three days. No activity.

2. PanCan affiliate meeting went amazing. Officially "Event Co-Coordinator" for Oklahoma. Brandy Glick and I are sharing the state with her in the Eastern half and me on the Western. We're already planning a Gala for next November which will probably be here before we know it! Venue, sponsors, event planning. It's sure to keep me hopping, but I love it. We're also looking into other events including a Casino Night at the new Hard Rock Casino near Tulsa, persuading The OKC Thunder bigwigs to allow us a Purple Night during this November, looking at restaurants who want to donate a night's earnings, a Purple Pin Bowling Night at Redpin Bowling Lounge, etc. And the list goes on. None of it is set in stone yet, but we're certainly trying!

3. The affiliate is also still gathering proclamations from cities around the state to display at the OU Garden Walk on Nov. 7th. I picked up one from the City of Bethany last week and boy, was I nervous!It helped to have my mom and sister, Sarah, there to support me.
Here is video my mom took.


I spoke directly to the council as one of the members lost her brother-in-law to this awful disease. Everyone was very kind and let me speak for a few minutes.
The worst part of the pageant is knowing your platform inside and out. Because mine is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness, there's quite a bit of statistics and medical jargon I've had to learn. Go ahead, quiz me! If I ever had the chance, I'd move out to California and work for PanCan. What an experience THAT would be! I'll be at the Norman City Council meeting tonight as the city is presenting its proclamation. Tena Coppedge and her family will be there. She lost her husband, Michael, this past July and it is amazing to see her strength as she participates so fully in activities. I was such a lump for a year after losing my dad.

4. Something fuuuuun that I'm so happy about is being on the top-rated morning radio show in Oklahoma, The Jack and Ron Show on 98.9 KYIS FM. They are super funny guys and their children are/were students of mine and they've had a number of my interns work there.
Here's the audio of the show:

Dr. Dan Brackett, one of the lead researchers in pancreatic cancer at the OU Health Sciences Center. Such a dear man and so knowledgeable. We're hoping to get on to other shows as well in the metro area, not just radio but TV too, to promote the OU Garden Walk. Since I'll be in Kansas City next week, he'll be on KWTV Channel 9 on Monday, Nov. 2. Look for him in the morning!

Whew! AAAAND this weekend, I'll be in the OU Homecoming Parade. I love working at OU and being a grad makes this appearance so much sweeter. Then the Homecoming Game, Halloween and my friend Maggie's wedding in Wichita. And all of this doesn't even count for what's going on personally or professionally! I hope my dad appreciates this!

2 comments:

glynis said...

Hope you enjoyed the parade, sounds like you are doing a great job as queen and advocate!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Heather, you are one busy Mama! Have you considered talking to the folks at McAlisters Deli? They donate tips to various causes. Just a thought....I'm proud of you girl. You definately have gumption!