Cruizin for Cancer
Donation protected
Greetings everyone!
As many of you know I battled colon cancer from June 2013 to June of 2014. This was the worst year of my life or so I thought. Then, in August of 2014 they discovered that my cancer had metastasized to my liver. Two tumors were found in the left lobe. I spent the next 7 months on 5 different chemo’s followed by surgery on April 9th where they removed the left half of my liver. The surgery was done at the U of M by an amazing transplant surgeon. I am still recovering from that surgery and am restricted to lifting no more than a gallon of milk until July 10th. Ironically, that is my birthday! :)
While it has been (to say the very least) a rough road, I am pleased to report that my recent scans and blood work shows no signs of cancer. I will find out this week if more chemo will be required.
I could never have made it without the support of family, friends and complete strangers. So many people are SO…. amazing. I have been itching to be on the giving side rather than receiving.
This is where Cruising the Coast for Cancer comes in. It came to me in a dream about 5 months ago. When times were tough and I could barely get through the day, the thought of this journey kept me going.
I am working on a long term goal to raise over one million dollars for cancer while at the same time experiencing a much needed soul searching personal journey. Here is how I plan to do it.
1. Raise funds to assist with the purchase a limited edition 1961 Shasta Airflyte travel trailer (2016 remake.) Approximately $16,000. I have had money down on one for the last 5 months waiting for it to come in. Today, my trailer arrived!!!
2. Map a route starting in Maine following the coast all the way around the US to Washington state, ending at the home of a good friend who lives on an island in the puget sound.
3. I will make advance connections through friends in the cities along the way. These wonderful people who have been touched by cancer and are willing to host a fundraiser in that city. I plan to offer words of hope to those who are batteling or have been touched by cancer. There is power in numbers both financially and spiritually. (regardless of religion)
4. Using social media and video blogging. Create energy and excitement that will build awareness of my campaign throughout the trip.
5. Each city host will commit to fund and coordinate a template fundraiser, to include obtaining the venue, marketing etc….
It is my hope that multiple families who have been touched by cancer will rally together to create an even larger event in some of the cities.
FAQ’s
Why do you need a travel trailer?
There are many reasons…..
Hotels would be too expensive
A hard sided trailer is safer at night because I can lock a door
This particular trailer is only 16’ long. Smallest I could find with a decent bathroom in it.
Ironically, it is also the least expensive of the trailers in its size category
This particular trailer can be set up and leveled in just a few minutes. If i arrive at a campground in the dark or the rain this will be very helpful.
Last but not least, its an eye catcher! I will be pulling it with my black Nissan truck with my all black dog in the passenger seat. There will be magnetic campaign signs on the sides of the truck with links to the go fund me site and my blog site.
Have you earmarked the money for one thing in particular?
Yes! My goal is to use about 1/2 of the money to work with existing non profits to enhance their services to those with cancer. Currently there are holes like you wouldn't believe!! If I cannot find a non profit that is willing to accommodate these needs, I will start my own non profit. I do not want anyone, to have to experience the stress that surrounds these lacking services. When you are sick, life swirls past you. Nothing stops just because you are sick. It is extremely difficult!
The other half will fund cancer research. For all cancers! Not just colon!
I will need to use a portion of the funds for campsite fees, gas and other small adimistrative costs along the way. My use of the funds will be an open book and happily posted for all to see
When do you plan to start the trip?
I have to be well enough, long enough to allow me to be away from the hospital and my oncology clinic for an extended period of time. I have been hospitalized over 20 times in the past two years not to mention attending hundreds of doctor appointments. So... this will be key. Keep your fingers crossed!!!
I have to obtain my living quarters aka the Shasta Trailer. This should happen soon!
My youngest child will graduate from High School in 2017. At the latest I will leave June of 2017, however I start the summer of 2016 and see how far I can get before senior year. Then complete the journey summer of 2017. Remember, this is a long term goal
In the meantime I will continue to campaign locally to gain momentum. I will use the trailer and my truck with the campaign signs on the doors local events such as relay for life and other large local gatherings to start getting the message out and start raising funds now.
CANCER WAITS FOR NO ONE!
CANCER DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE!
CANCER IS EXTREEMLY RELENTLESS, PAINFULL AND HEARTBREAKING!
LETS WORK TOGETHER TO STOP IT IN IT'S TRACKS TODAY!
Peace out!
Connie Kasella, Cancer Warrior
As many of you know I battled colon cancer from June 2013 to June of 2014. This was the worst year of my life or so I thought. Then, in August of 2014 they discovered that my cancer had metastasized to my liver. Two tumors were found in the left lobe. I spent the next 7 months on 5 different chemo’s followed by surgery on April 9th where they removed the left half of my liver. The surgery was done at the U of M by an amazing transplant surgeon. I am still recovering from that surgery and am restricted to lifting no more than a gallon of milk until July 10th. Ironically, that is my birthday! :)
While it has been (to say the very least) a rough road, I am pleased to report that my recent scans and blood work shows no signs of cancer. I will find out this week if more chemo will be required.
I could never have made it without the support of family, friends and complete strangers. So many people are SO…. amazing. I have been itching to be on the giving side rather than receiving.
This is where Cruising the Coast for Cancer comes in. It came to me in a dream about 5 months ago. When times were tough and I could barely get through the day, the thought of this journey kept me going.
I am working on a long term goal to raise over one million dollars for cancer while at the same time experiencing a much needed soul searching personal journey. Here is how I plan to do it.
1. Raise funds to assist with the purchase a limited edition 1961 Shasta Airflyte travel trailer (2016 remake.) Approximately $16,000. I have had money down on one for the last 5 months waiting for it to come in. Today, my trailer arrived!!!
2. Map a route starting in Maine following the coast all the way around the US to Washington state, ending at the home of a good friend who lives on an island in the puget sound.
3. I will make advance connections through friends in the cities along the way. These wonderful people who have been touched by cancer and are willing to host a fundraiser in that city. I plan to offer words of hope to those who are batteling or have been touched by cancer. There is power in numbers both financially and spiritually. (regardless of religion)
4. Using social media and video blogging. Create energy and excitement that will build awareness of my campaign throughout the trip.
5. Each city host will commit to fund and coordinate a template fundraiser, to include obtaining the venue, marketing etc….
It is my hope that multiple families who have been touched by cancer will rally together to create an even larger event in some of the cities.
FAQ’s
Why do you need a travel trailer?
There are many reasons…..
Hotels would be too expensive
A hard sided trailer is safer at night because I can lock a door
This particular trailer is only 16’ long. Smallest I could find with a decent bathroom in it.
Ironically, it is also the least expensive of the trailers in its size category
This particular trailer can be set up and leveled in just a few minutes. If i arrive at a campground in the dark or the rain this will be very helpful.
Last but not least, its an eye catcher! I will be pulling it with my black Nissan truck with my all black dog in the passenger seat. There will be magnetic campaign signs on the sides of the truck with links to the go fund me site and my blog site.
Have you earmarked the money for one thing in particular?
Yes! My goal is to use about 1/2 of the money to work with existing non profits to enhance their services to those with cancer. Currently there are holes like you wouldn't believe!! If I cannot find a non profit that is willing to accommodate these needs, I will start my own non profit. I do not want anyone, to have to experience the stress that surrounds these lacking services. When you are sick, life swirls past you. Nothing stops just because you are sick. It is extremely difficult!
The other half will fund cancer research. For all cancers! Not just colon!
I will need to use a portion of the funds for campsite fees, gas and other small adimistrative costs along the way. My use of the funds will be an open book and happily posted for all to see
When do you plan to start the trip?
I have to be well enough, long enough to allow me to be away from the hospital and my oncology clinic for an extended period of time. I have been hospitalized over 20 times in the past two years not to mention attending hundreds of doctor appointments. So... this will be key. Keep your fingers crossed!!!
I have to obtain my living quarters aka the Shasta Trailer. This should happen soon!
My youngest child will graduate from High School in 2017. At the latest I will leave June of 2017, however I start the summer of 2016 and see how far I can get before senior year. Then complete the journey summer of 2017. Remember, this is a long term goal
In the meantime I will continue to campaign locally to gain momentum. I will use the trailer and my truck with the campaign signs on the doors local events such as relay for life and other large local gatherings to start getting the message out and start raising funds now.
CANCER WAITS FOR NO ONE!
CANCER DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE!
CANCER IS EXTREEMLY RELENTLESS, PAINFULL AND HEARTBREAKING!
LETS WORK TOGETHER TO STOP IT IN IT'S TRACKS TODAY!
Peace out!
Connie Kasella, Cancer Warrior
Organizer
Connie Maertz Kasella
Organizer
Woodbury, MN