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ADMIN

Will You Support My Sister?

March 27, 2008

A heartfelt note to my readers: I’ve been blogging for almost two years and have written more than 500 posts for your entertainment. Today, I ask for your help.

The Story

This is my sister, Tricia. Last Thursday, March 20, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer called invasive lobular carcinoma. With absolutely no history of cancer in our family, this came as a huge shock.

Yesterday, we learned that the cancer is in both breasts, so Tricia will have a bilateral mastectomy on Saturday - 36 hours from now - to surgically remove both. It’s a seven-hour operation that will be followed with a comprehensive and overwhelming menu of treatments - chemo, hormone therapy, radiation, etc.

This evening, I asked Tricia if she’d mind me posting something on my blog. She encouraged me to share her story in hopes that anyone reading will take the time to do a self exam and take the proper precautionary steps - even the men because they can get it too!

Years of treatment are ahead as well as many added costs associated with battling breast cancer (i.e., medical expenses related to surgery, hospital care, doctors visits, prescriptions as well as wigs/headwraps, travel, lost work time, etc.).

To Help

I’ve thrown together a blog - 4tricia.com - to help raise money for my sister and provide her with an outlet for communicating with family and friends.

This is my sister who watched over me growing up - taught me how to ride a two-wheeler, healed my scrapes and bruises, and packed picnics in the backyard with me. Now, like everyone else in my family, I feel helpless. I’m hoping to raise a few extra dollars for her to put toward all the new costs and help - even in the slightest - to ease the new financial burden. The more I can get her mind off the stresses of money and onto killing the cancer with positive thoughts, the better.

That said, all I ask is that you keep Tricia in your thoughts and prayers this weekend and for the foreseeable future. If you feel inclined to provide further support (even if it’s just $2), please visit 4tricia.com - you’ll see three options for how you can help. The big spenders may be interested in the icon sponsorship that runs $300/lifetime.

As incentive to raise extra funds, any reader who contributes more than $1 via paypal, check, t-shirt purchase or icon sponsorship BEFORE April 6 will be entered into a raffle to win one of the following prizes: an official first-edition Power 150 t-shirt, a silver engraved Power 150 pen, Tricia t-shirt, and $25 iTunes gift card. I should be able to keep track of all contributions, but just to be safe, please email me a quick note after you’ve made a donation and I’ll make sure you’re entered. On the evening of April 6, I’ll pick four winners for each of the prizes and blog the results here.

Again, beyond donations, please keep Tricia in your thoughts and prayers. If you like, here is the 4tricia.com logo, which you’re welcome to display and link to her site as a display of support.

Thanks for your help!

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Posted by toddand | Filed Under Random

Comments

46 Responses to “Will You Support My Sister?”

mave on March 27th, 2008 10:53 pm

I just wanted to send my love and support to you, your sister and your family. I know firsthand how hard this type of thing can be. the women in my family have been plagued by breast cancer and the related frustrations, fears and stress for many years.

I had a bilateral mastectomy a couple of years ago, and it’s scary and difficult, but wasn’t as bad as I feared it would be. I’m sure that treatment is probably weighing a bit more on her mind right now, but please let Tricia know she can contact me if she has any questions or just needs someone to talk to who’s been through the surgery and understands something of what it’s like.

I’ve been a loyal reader/lurker for quite some time now, and this came as really sad news today. I just wanted to let you know that people out here are listening, and that you are in my thoughts.

puntiglio.com » A friend in need… on March 27th, 2008 11:02 pm

[...] Okay, it might be a bit much to say a friend. But a friend of a new and trusted unacquainted, hows that. If you are in a giving mood, wander over here and read this. [...]

chrispian on March 27th, 2008 11:03 pm

Darren dropped this link on twitter and I came to help out. Friends helped me and my wife, who’s battling cervical cancer (currently in remission) and I wanted to help out a little to give back. I will be sending my prayers and thoughts her way.

olivier blanchard on March 27th, 2008 11:07 pm

I will definitely keep her in my prayers.

Connie Reece on March 27th, 2008 11:12 pm

I will certainly be keeping Tricia in my thoughts and prayers. She might find it helpful to follow Susan Reynold’s blog, BoobsonIce.com — Susan was diagnosed in December w/ same kind of breast cancer and has been very open in sharing her experiences. There’s also a new project from the American Cancer Society called SharingHope.tv — a place where cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends can upload videos, artwork and music to tell their cancer stories. I hope these resources will be helpful to you and Tricia, to let you know that you’re not alone. All the best. — Connie

toddand on March 27th, 2008 11:13 pm

Thank you! And, Mave, I’ll share that with Tricia. Thanks. Off to bed.

toddand on March 27th, 2008 11:13 pm

Good stuff, Connie. I’ll pass that on.

Susan Reynolds on March 27th, 2008 11:30 pm

So sorry to hear of your sister’s diagnosis. This is the exact same aggressive form of the disease that was such a shock to me and to the twitter community when I got the diagnosis in December.

Although in a low risk group across the board, this cancer didn’t care. It came quickly and hit hard. And you’re right. there are years ahead in which insurance does not cover days off for family members, transportation, clothing, otc medications & medical devices, help with household tasks and a thousand other needs connected with trying to stay alive and live life as fullly as possible.

Most people would not imagine that my current well established and respected treatment to help increase stamina and reduce pain comes in at about $200 each week - which is not covered by insurance - and these expenses come at a time when our energy to work is tremendously depleted so our incomes fall dramatically.

Kudos to you for having the foresight to do some planning to help your sister face these burdens. Please know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Kami Huyse on March 27th, 2008 11:48 pm

You know I will do whatever I can to help out. Get some sleep, more hope will come in the morning. Susan has already been here, which is a great thing already. Tricia is lucky to have you as a brother.

Jeremy Pepper on March 28th, 2008 12:07 am

If there’s anything I can do, let me know.

You might not know, but I got my start in PR because of the Cure Breast Cancer stamp, helping with its launch. It’s one thing I point to when people ask me what value is PR (thru PR, we got it launched by the USPS) and why I am proud to be in PR.

Give me a little time to get through the move, and I’ll be donating as well.

David Airey on March 28th, 2008 2:10 am

Hi Todd,

Sorry to learn the news, and my heartfelt thoughts go to Tricia’s speedy recovery.

All the very best.

Anna Farmery on March 28th, 2008 2:36 am

Todd - my thoughts are with you and your sister. My fingers are crossed for a successful weekend….never apologise for highlighting cancer…it is a illness that affects so many and yet somehow we are almost complacent about it…social media can raise that awareness. Fingers crossed

Luc Debaisieux on March 28th, 2008 2:50 am

Todd,
All our thoughts are with Tricia from now on, Todd. Please let her know that positive energy is currently crossing the ocean for her. Warmest Regards.

Blogger Socialites - the Hand-held Version « StickyFigure on March 28th, 2008 5:06 am

[...] What a great job - thanks, Jennifer, for your generosity. And while we’re talking about generosity, some of you may have found out via Twitter that Todd Andrlik’s sister was just diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, and will have to undergo a bilateral mastectomy this weekend. The (social media-fueled) outpouring of support has already begun and let us continue it. Todd quickly set up a website for Tricia to keep everyone up to date here. He has also posted on his blog here. [...]

RyanB on March 28th, 2008 7:36 am

You and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers, Todd. I’ll do whatever I can to help.
-Ryan

Lori Magno on March 28th, 2008 7:45 am

Todd, you and Tricia and your family will be in my heart and prayers.

Will You Support My Sister? by cancer.MEDtrials.info on March 28th, 2008 7:49 am

[...] no history of cancer in our family, this came as a huge shock. …article continues at toddand brought to you by cancer.medtrials.info and [...]

Daniel on March 28th, 2008 7:56 am

Don’t worry, Todd. We got your — and your sister’s — back.

Todd And on March 28th, 2008 8:15 am

The social media response has been incredible. So quick, so far-reaching and so intense with love and support. Thank you so much!

Todd And on March 28th, 2008 8:25 am

Susan Reynolds! Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. I’m sorry that I am only now just hearing about it as it sounds - from other bloggers who’ve emailed me about you this morning - that the story has been out for some time. I’ll be visiting your blog and suggesting it to my sister. Thank you so much!

Bloggers unite : 4tricia.com on March 28th, 2008 8:48 am

[...] is a link to Todd’s article about me and here is a link to someone in Australia who also wrote about me! [...]

Ann Handley on March 28th, 2008 8:49 am

Todd — Thank you so much for posting about your sister and reaching out for support — never an easy thing! I’ve dealt with this issue myself in the past — like, unfortunately, so many of us — so I know how terrifying it can be. I’m thinking of you and your family and sending you my love.

Andrew Graham on March 28th, 2008 10:01 am

Todd — Best wishes from a fellow Illinois State alumnus. Obviously, this is awful news, and I hope the PR community helps out as much as it can.

@Merredith on March 28th, 2008 10:34 am

Hi Todd,
Thanks for sharing Tricia’s story — the social media has got to be powerful. It’s so cool. I saw Jeremy Pepper’s Tweet and found you and Tricia, and am so glad I did.

I work in tech PR, but have had such a disproportionate number of people in my life with cancer that I finally started writing a book about the lessons we’ve learned from it. Two of them, I see, you’ve already got — waste no time, and don’t be afraid to talk about cancer if that’s what you need to do. When there’s a “war” going on at the cellular level, it’s easy to feel helpless — and anything that helps Tricia and all of the people who love her feel like they can help — well, it’s all good.

I’ve lost a lot of amazing people to cancer — but a lot of amazing people have won or are still fighting, too. I will be thinking of Tricia and you in the coming weeks - with great hope and joy. Thanks for the post.
Merredith

Lisa Gathman on March 28th, 2008 10:40 am

Todd,

I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I will definitely donate towards her recovery. I will have you, your sister, and your family in my prayers.

Love, Lisa

Lisa Gathman on March 28th, 2008 10:41 am

PS.

My Parents are BOTH cancer survivors.

Maura MCNulty on March 28th, 2008 10:44 am

What beautiful photos, your family love and support is infectious, I join you with my prayers for Tricia to have courage and a positive outcome.

Nicole Grant on March 28th, 2008 11:20 am

Hey cuz…
Be strong and be there for your sister. Putting it simply-the disease stinks-but a great support system is key and that is definitely there. I told your family to keep me posted. I am in the cancer center here at Yale and will be happy to watch over her.
Write when you have time…I am here for ANYTHING you need.
Love ya, Nicole

A Fellow Blogger Needs Some Help at Tcritic - The Daily T-Shirt Fashion and Design Blog About T-Shirts on March 28th, 2008 11:29 am

[...] A marketer blogger acquaintance of mine Todd has just had some really tough news about his sister Tricia pictured below, he has written a heartfelt blog post asking for support and help here: [...]

Janet Hickey on March 28th, 2008 11:49 am

Dear Todd,
My heart aches for you and your family. Tricia is such a wonderful person I worked with her for close to nine yrs with Automotive Professionals Inc. Schaumburg. She was my manager she made us laugh all the time!! She was the best boss you could ask for! Tricia and Steve, Kaitlyn and the extended famiily will be my prayers! God Bless all of you ………………….Janet

Stephen Davies on March 28th, 2008 12:23 pm

Hi Todd,

I too have an older sister who “watched over me growing up - taught me how to ride a two-wheeler, healed my scrapes and bruises, and packed picnics in the backyard.”

My best wishes go out to you and Tricia.

Stephen

toddand on March 28th, 2008 12:47 pm

Nicole (cuz) - great to hear from you! The cancer center at Yale?! That sounds high-profile! Nice to know I have relatives in high places.

Lisa - thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I didn’t know your parents were BOTH cancer survivors! Amazing.

Stephen - sisters are great! I was lucky enough to have two. And a brother. I’m the youngest by about 10 years though.

Janet - nice to hear from one of sister’s old colleagues. I’ll make sure she gets your message.

Maura - thanks! My mom made giant photo books for each of her four children. Those two of Tricia and I as youngsters are two of my favorites. Thanks for noticing.

Merredith - waste no time is right. As soon as I heard the diagnosis, I wanted to kick the cancer’s butt myself. A blog will do. Unfortunately, I was sick at the time of diagnosis and couldn’t even celebrate Easter with my family for fear I would make my sister sick and delay surgery. I spent all Easter Sunday afternoon working on the 4tricia.com site.

Andrew - great to hear from an ISU’er. Go Redbirds! Thanks for your support.

Ann - it’s comforting to know so many others are dealing with or have dealt with this stuff too. Thanks for sharing and I’ll see you at the “library.”

Lucretia Pruitt on March 28th, 2008 1:04 pm

Todd:

Sorry to hear about Tricia - I too found my way over here via Twitter friends - and having watched what Susan Reynolds has gone through these past few months, I sympathize with the battle you all are about to face.
Community support is and can be huge in this battle tho - and hopefully one day soon, a cure or preventative will be found.

Much love and prayers for Tricia.

Media Bullseye on March 28th, 2008 1:11 pm

Stumble! (and Other PR Blog Jots)…

StumbleUpon is one of those sites that I joined without fully understanding what it does. If you are like me, then Paul Gillin’s newsletter this month will be incredibly useful. Also in today’s Jots, give for a good cause, advice for marketing blogge…

Terry Arya on March 28th, 2008 1:33 pm

Hello. I’m Terry…Todd’s other sister.

THANK YOU ALL for your inspirational words and donations. Our whole family is very touched by your support.

Tricia is my younger sister who I shared a bedroom with for nearly 20 years while we grew up together. We matured through our burning passions for Shawn Cassidy, Donny Osmond and Leaf Garret. We wore out the rugs developing countless dance routines. Double-dated. Helped each other figure out “the birds and bees.” We shared in the excitement of marriage and motherhood….and now this. Like Todd, I would do anything for her.

Yesterday, I discovered that I’m eligible to join a “Sister Study” and will do my part through research. Over the next 10 years, I’ll be completing questionnaires and having a nurse come out for ongoing medical check-ups as they screen and explore how environment and hereditary play a part of breast cancer.

Endless appreciation to you all for being so fabulous and caring! We are forever grateful.

Terry

CocoKraft on March 28th, 2008 2:17 pm

I will keep Tricia in my thoughts. I know she will be okay. Peace and gentleness. Her soul remains intact, in spite of all the danger.

I realize that that is a small consolation at the present moment, but it is what I can offer.

I can also offer you a link to Hester Hill, the best breast cancer social worker ever:

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/cancer/breast-cancer/advocacy/index

CocoKraft on March 28th, 2008 2:34 pm

Better URL if anyone wants to get in touch with Hester Hill:

http://tiny.cc/KxUQ9

Media Bullseye on March 28th, 2008 3:42 pm

Social Media for a Good Cause — Todd Defren Joins the Roundtable…

Shift Communications principal Todd Defren joined Media Bullseye’s Roundtable this week–and he was NOT discussing the social media release! Instead, we focused on Todd Andrlik’s new blog for a good cause, social media careers, and the clash between …

Valeria Maltoni on March 28th, 2008 7:44 pm

Todd and Tricia,

My prayers and thoughts go out to you both - and your family. I cannot begin to imagine what it feels like to go through such an ordeal. Anything you need, I am a call away - and I mean it. The only difference between alone and all one is one “L” and that stands for love.

Lewis Green on March 29th, 2008 9:01 am

As I said in my e-mail, blessings, prayers and all my good thoughts go out to your beautiful sister, you and your entire family. I am off to visit PayPal.

Debbi Bolick on March 30th, 2008 12:10 am

Hello,

My name is Debbi Bolick and I am writing on behalf of my brother Gary Adams a resident of Gloucester. I am not asking for money and would only ask that you view this site http://www.youtube.com/user/Governementabused. By viewing it you will be helping every handicap, disabled veteran in the Civil Service System, if you elect to write, call or email that would be even better. In any case I would ask you to please pass it along to any and everyone. Read this one paragraph and see what you could be stopping as this along with the site is only a sampling of what transpires: “There is one lady at one of the offices who is wheel chaired bound and can only go to the bathroom with the help of two people who lift her into a stall, another where the employee has emphysema and was/ is forced to work in a toxic facility and yet another where a employee is being forced to wait until someone can push him next door to another Agency’s building and their bathroom (soiling himself quite regularly”.
Thank you and have a blessed day.

Debbi

Dee on March 30th, 2008 12:19 pm

Praying for her speedy recovery and strength for you and others around.

CK on March 30th, 2008 11:54 pm

Tricia, your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry that Tricia and you are going through this ordeal. I am lifted to hear that her surgery went well and I can only imagine the strength that sharing her story is inspiring in others. It shows me again what strength your family has.

I’ve been reading her blog and it is nothing short of incredible. What a beautiful soul and woman she is–and how fortunate she is to have you as her brother–thank you for sharing all of this during what is a tremendously difficult time. There is so much humanity here; it’s truly breathtaking.

Sending love and many, many prayers

Can you help Todd’s sister? « Brendan Cooper, your Friendly PR Social Media Planner on March 31st, 2008 7:46 am

[...] Can you help Todd’s sister? March 31, 2008 — Brendan Todd Andrlik’s contribution to the PR blogosphere is much more valuable than mine and has been going for quite a lot longer, so by now you’ve probably already read on his blog the shocking news about his sister’s illness. [...]

Kevin Dugan on March 31st, 2008 9:03 pm

Todd very sorry to hear about this. Your sister is lucky to have such support. Will keep you both in thoughts and prayers.

Out of surgery: All good signs : ..:.:.. Todd And = Marketing + Media ..:.:.. on March 31st, 2008 11:13 pm

[...] family breathed a collective sigh of relief today. Tricia came out of her five-hour surgery with good reports and high hopes for a full recovery. While we [...]