Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Race For The Cure
On September 26, 2004, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is holding the Race for the Cure, a 5K Run/Walk around Newport Beach, in order to help raise funds for cancer research. Some of us in the FACI College and Career group will be participating that day in support of three women in our church who have been diagnosed with cancer: Marie, Milna, and Menchu. For these "Three M's", we have formed a team and even have a team page set up. Please keep these wonderful women in your prayers.
In case they take it down, this is the mini essay that Aimee wrote for the team page:
An old adage says, “Heroes are born, not made.” Three women’s lives show us how life, and the circumstances it brings, produces heroes out of ordinary people.
Marie Sapinoso is a nurse, wife, mother and proud grandmother. Marie’s home is always filled with the most wonderful smells, and for years she opened her home every Thursday to the women’s fellowship of the Filipino-American Church of Irvine. In October 2003, Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery in November. After several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, she was told that her cancer was in remission and the doctors told her she could go back to work in September 2004.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Marie drew strength from the prayers of her church family. When she lost her hair from chemo, many women showed their support by wearing hats during the church service. A verse that spoke deeply to her was Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Marie was able to see how God had upheld her and learned the awesome power of prayer.
Milna Vales is also a nurse, wife and mother of three grown children. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2004 and underwent a mastectomy in March. Ever vivacious and energetic, Milna did not allow the cancer to dampen her spirits, even when she had to go through chemotherapy treatment for three straight months. Although the treatment may have worn her out, no one could tell because of her energy and optimism.
Fighting cancer is by no means easy and at times, the day to day struggles of living with cancer did affect her. She remembers times lying alone in bed, thinking about the reality of her condition. At those times, she would ask the Lord to “give her a hug.” He demonstrated His presence in her life through the support of friends, family, her church, and through His word. She clung to the words of Proverbs 3:5,6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” The Lord answered her prayers for healing, and is now happily cancer free!!
Menchu Sacramento is an accountant, wife and mother of four grown children. An open door policy has always existed in her home, and countless relatives and friends have benefited from her hospitality. In April 2002 she was told she had cervical cancer and had a hysterectomy in June. After undergoing chemo and radiation, she was cancer free until a recurrence appeared in January 2004.
In spite of her ongoing battle, Menchu has found joy and peace. The woman who took everyone in has found herself taken in and taken aback by the generous outpouring of love she has received. She has learned patience and to value taking care of herself. A book on Psalm 23 showed her the most important healing is spiritual. And so, because of Christ, she knows she has already been healed.
These women may disagree with the label “hero” being given to them. They would say they have done no great feat, made no groundbreaking discovery, done nothing too remarkable. But it is in their humility, their undaunted courage, and their unwavering faith in God that we find what truly makes them heroes: their lives inspire imitation. And so for you, our beloved “three M’s,” we run our race together with you, our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, our hope and inspiration.
In case they take it down, this is the mini essay that Aimee wrote for the team page:
An old adage says, “Heroes are born, not made.” Three women’s lives show us how life, and the circumstances it brings, produces heroes out of ordinary people.
Marie Sapinoso is a nurse, wife, mother and proud grandmother. Marie’s home is always filled with the most wonderful smells, and for years she opened her home every Thursday to the women’s fellowship of the Filipino-American Church of Irvine. In October 2003, Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery in November. After several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, she was told that her cancer was in remission and the doctors told her she could go back to work in September 2004.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Marie drew strength from the prayers of her church family. When she lost her hair from chemo, many women showed their support by wearing hats during the church service. A verse that spoke deeply to her was Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Marie was able to see how God had upheld her and learned the awesome power of prayer.
Milna Vales is also a nurse, wife and mother of three grown children. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2004 and underwent a mastectomy in March. Ever vivacious and energetic, Milna did not allow the cancer to dampen her spirits, even when she had to go through chemotherapy treatment for three straight months. Although the treatment may have worn her out, no one could tell because of her energy and optimism.
Fighting cancer is by no means easy and at times, the day to day struggles of living with cancer did affect her. She remembers times lying alone in bed, thinking about the reality of her condition. At those times, she would ask the Lord to “give her a hug.” He demonstrated His presence in her life through the support of friends, family, her church, and through His word. She clung to the words of Proverbs 3:5,6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” The Lord answered her prayers for healing, and is now happily cancer free!!
Menchu Sacramento is an accountant, wife and mother of four grown children. An open door policy has always existed in her home, and countless relatives and friends have benefited from her hospitality. In April 2002 she was told she had cervical cancer and had a hysterectomy in June. After undergoing chemo and radiation, she was cancer free until a recurrence appeared in January 2004.
In spite of her ongoing battle, Menchu has found joy and peace. The woman who took everyone in has found herself taken in and taken aback by the generous outpouring of love she has received. She has learned patience and to value taking care of herself. A book on Psalm 23 showed her the most important healing is spiritual. And so, because of Christ, she knows she has already been healed.
These women may disagree with the label “hero” being given to them. They would say they have done no great feat, made no groundbreaking discovery, done nothing too remarkable. But it is in their humility, their undaunted courage, and their unwavering faith in God that we find what truly makes them heroes: their lives inspire imitation. And so for you, our beloved “three M’s,” we run our race together with you, our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, our hope and inspiration.
