So back in the beginning, when we first got the news that I had cancer, we didn’t really know what things were going to look like.  William spent hours googling (what…it’s a word) to find answers and figure out what our next steps would look like, who were the doctors we should use, was there financial help…and one of the organizations he found was Little Pink Houses of Hope.

We read about how this non-profit was giving away family vacations to Breast Cancer patients, and while it wasn’t something that I initially wanted to sign up for because I didn’t feel that I really qualified for it, we filled out the application and sent it in.  I imagine that thousands of people did the same, because weeks later I received an email thanking me for my application but telling me that all the spots were full and that I could apply again next year.  I was a little bummed 🙁

Well, on October 21st, just a few hours after William and I were talking about getting away to Tahoe for 2 days to celebrate our 16th anniversary, I received a voicemail from Little Pink.  With all the wild fires in California they had to reschedule the Lake Tahoe vacation, and they had a slot open if we could make it! It was super last minute (a week away) and life was crazy busy (treatments, kids, holidays, anniversary) but we were going to Tahoe!

 This one time at little pink camp…
 click here to read the play-by-play of our Little Pink Retreat, complete with photos!

I can’t express the overwhelming joy that comes from a gift like this. I didn’t write about this sooner because I felt sad when I left the families and friends that I had made and these days it takes me a little longer to process things. This was really an incredible experience that I will never forget.

My family and I found rest and we were able to connect again away from all the demands.  We didn’t have to plan anything and we were surrounded by beauty every day.  The People were what made this retreat special.  They are what I miss most about this.  I miss seeing your faces every day and wondering who do I get to talk to today.

To the founder of little pink, thank you for putting so much effort, love and time into little pink.  You have blessed so many lives and you have given so much.  You took me aside and said “Good for you” you know what I am talking about, it was what I needed to hear to be supported in because my husband wasn’t there yet.  You loved on him and provided a place of rest for him.  It was the first trip where he was able to relax the whole time and not plan anything!  You were open and honest and you understood what we all were going through.  You are strong in your faith yet you never beat it over our heads.  You were real and expect nothing in return.  This was just an act of love with no strings attached.  Thank you is so not enough.  I am blessed to have met you and the volunteers that support LPHOH you are all amazing, beautiful sweet people.

To everyone that was a part of this amazing week, my life is forever changed by your love, support and act of kindness.

I love you all and I miss you.

-Tamika

Visit Little Pink Houses of Hope online at littlepink.org