... that was DOLLARS!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading everyones guesses about my *BIG* number.  It is indeed a BIG number and one that we can ALL be proud of.

Here's the scoop...

A couple of years ago, I designed a little calendar project for my girls.  They enjoyed making calendars so much that I decided to make it available as a downloadable project for a small donation.  The A Muse 2008 Calendar raised $1167 for Scleroderma Research. 

Last year, we expanded our 2009 Calendar project, offering three different sizes.  We also got a little help from our friends to help spread the word about this fun paper-crafting project.  With their help and your generosity and support, the A Muse 2009 Calendar raised

five thousand

five hundred

twenty six

DOLLARS!!

The recipient of these funds is The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in honor of Victoria Nelson.  Victoria is an A Muse "Addict".  She was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease last year. 

Here is a message from Victoria:

Dear A Muse Calendar Project Donors:

I’ve always thought crafters were the nicest people, and your contributions to the A Muse Calendar Project proved me right!  Words can’t express how amazed I was to be selected as the honoree of the A Muse fundraiser.  I am touched by your generosity and thank you so much for your support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Cancer is scary no matter what type it is.  Chances are it will affect all of us in some way during our lifetime, whether we ourselves or one of our loved ones is diagnosed.  My sincerest hope is that every cancer patient receives the same amount of love, support, kindness and generosity that I received during my battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  I know that having an amazing group of cheerleaders supporting me every step of the way was the reason I did so well and encouraged my recovery.  My treatments concluded seven months ago and I am pleased to report that I am on the path to remission.  My last scan in March showed no signs of cancer.

It’s funny how quickly life returns to “normal” after cancer; I’m back to work full time, my hair is growing back, and my battle scars fade a little more each day.  But cancer has changed my life and I will never view it the same.  Things that irritated me before my illness seem trivial now, and even my worst day at work doesn’t compare to the battle I faced and conquered last year.  Most importantly, having cancer has given me a renewed faith in humanity, and that when we are feeling our most scared and vulnerable, the kindness of family and friends and the generosity of our community help us overcome even the most frightening and uncertain circumstances.

Again, I thank each of you for your support and for extending such kindness to a fellow crafter.  Hugs to you all!

Warmly,

Victoria Nelson

I am so thrilled that Victoria is on the path to remission.  She popped by the A Muse Shop earlier in the week and we snapped a photo together.  She looks great, doesn't she?

 

I would like to thank the A Muse Creative team for sharing all of their inspiring Calendar projects, especially Geeta for creating the 4-bar version of the A Muse Calendar. I would also like to thank the following Friends of A Muse, uber-talented designers, that shared their inspiring calendar projects and helped to generate awareness for this special project through their blogs and online gallery postings.  Please visit their blogs to enjoy their work, you are in for a treat!

• Anna Wight

• Beate Johns

• Ellen Hutson

• Jenn Balcer

• Jody Morrow

• Laurie Schmidlin

Lastly, I would like to personally thank everyone that made a donation to the A Muse 2009 Calendar project.  Thank you!!

P.S. I am working on the 2010 Calendar project.  More on this soon!

Comments

[JulieHRR]

HURRAAAAYYYY!!! Amazing what we can accomplish together! And, I am so happy to hear Victoria's good news and wish her continued good health!!!

[Rachel Shirk]

That's incredible. :)
Thank you for sharing this Linda. It makes me feel good to see the difference we can make by supporting this cause and Amuse.

[StampinCathy]

WoW this is fanatic!! Thanks for sharing this story and Victoria looks fabulous.

[Pamela]

That is incredible and I am so happy for Victoria! What to go A Muse Addicts!

[Novell]

Thank you so much for sharing Victoria's message. She is such a voice of encouragement herself and she was so right....cancer has touched the life of a loved one since the 2009 Calendar campaign began. What an amazing accomplishment to raise so much money from the sale of the calendars. I look forward to an even bigger number with 2010. Thanks to the A Muse friends for helping to make 2009 such a success.

[Rhonda]

This is awesome news, so exciting!

Victoria, you are an amazing woman and truly inspiring to me!! I'm so thankful to have met you and to have a friend as sweet as you!

[Kathyc on scs]

Hooray! I am so exicted to hear this! I made an awesome calendar with Jen D at the Papertree, (hi Michelle) in Manchester NH and even this late, I'm working on another one for my daughter; I'm so glad to have shared in this great project!