In the past few weeks there has been a lot of talk about being a "Calendar Girl"!  People see it on the foundation's facebook page or I mention an upcoming Calendar Girl event and everyone wants to know what it's all about.  Sooooo, here goes,I remember a day in Houston when Laura and I were sitting in our tiny garage apartment and her cell phone rang.  It was her wedding photographer, Angela Karen, calling.  Of course I could only hear Laura's...

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It has been a while since I have contributed to this blog area. I suppose with the holidays and the wintry weather and work and such, it has been a time for trying to play "catch up" with a routine again. But now as we have ushered in 2011, I think back on 2010 with fond memories of this Foundation.Someone very special recently introduced me to this song and I thought it was very appropriate for the people who have worked so diligently during the year of 2010, giving of their time, talents...

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At the rising of the sun and its going down, we remember them.  In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.  In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them.  In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them.  In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.  When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.  When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.  When we have moments of meaning we yearn to share, we remember them.  So long as we live they too shall live for they are now a part of us.  We remember them.  Taken from the Gates of Prayer Jewish Prayer Book - 1975.

  The spirit of Laura is alive in all those who have done so very much through and for  the Foundation.  Thank you and may you be blessed in 2011.  Rachel

  I remember Laura telling me she had shaved her head shortly after she had started treatment. Right before Laura and her family visited MD Anderson for the first time our group of friends met for dinner at Iguana Grill (one of the Crandall Family's favorite restaurants). This was going to be the first time I had seen Laura since she had shaved her head. When I started looking for her in the restaurant, I was looking for Laura with a bandana. Instead, I found her with her brand new...

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One year ago today as I drove to my parent's house to celebrate my Dad's 61st birthday, I anxiously awaited phone calls from my friend Amanda with updates on Laura's condition. When arrived to my parent's house they told me that they were giving me an early Christmas present-a flight to Birmingham the next morning so I could see Laura. I asked Amanda to please tell Laura that I was on my way and that I loved her. I wanted to be there with Laura, her family and our friends, but...

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Next Tuesday, December 14th will mark the first anniversary of Laura's death.  Lately I have been anxious with dread about this day and wonder how I will make it through it.  I have been reliving the days of last year as Laura's condition slowly got worse and she realized she would not make it through the holidays.  And then, I stop and as I have always done lately (mostly to keep my sanity) and try to concentrate on the positive!I look back over the last year...

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As we all celebrate Thanksgiving, I reflect on Psalm 100:4-5  "Give thanks to Him --- for He is good: the Lord, whose kindness endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations."  I was reminded from another reading how these words from the ancient Israelites were sung by the Pilgrims of our country as they celebrated their survival of unbelievable trials.  I also realize how fitting Psalm 100 is when giving thanks for all that the LCBOCF has accomplished in less...

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I was truly touched by all who gathered to support our latest event this past Thursday night. B & A Warehouse was so nicely decorated and the fond memories of 2 years ago seem to make the evening so special. So many that were with us then were again celebrating our cause and the memory of Laura. Even though Laura is not with us now, I know she would be proud of all who participated. To all our volunteers, committee members, donors, sponsors and attendees, my heartfelt...

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It was my 49th birthday in October. I won't go into how many years ago that was. But I will never forget that time in my life. And perhaps it is the very event that caused me to involve myself with such passion in this Foundation.The pain was there but it didn't seem to matter that much. I was sure that recent workouts caused a bit of stiffness and muscle groaning. It was very uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time on the piano or organ bench. But in the days that ensued, the discomfort...

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I spent an hour and a half today with an amazing group of women.  The CanSurvive meeting was held this month at the Doubletree Hotel.  The lunch was fabulous - scrumptious fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, macaroni and cheese, rolls, and a yummy dessert.  The food was great but the highlight of the luncheon meeting was being with these brave women.  Everyone is greeted with a hug and a smile.  The love and support they feel for one another is inspirational. ...

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When I think about the foundation it’s really amazing to think about how much it has grown in less than a year.  It was as if this thing was literally born from Laura’s ashes.  Her great personality, love for life, and positive attitude have just been a catalyst that made this thing grow at dog years speed.  Honestly this foundation doesn’t look or act like a 9 month old foundation, but it’s like a 5 year old with a developing personality that knows it’s...

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Several times I have tried to put my thoughts and feelings about the day into words.  But the right words to express how overjoyed I am by the overwhelming generousity of so many renders me speechless.  Happy and humbling thoughts just keep tumbling around in my head.This morning I was reading from Luke 1:26-56.  The verses tell of when Mary first learned that she was to be the Mother of Jesus.  She also learns that her elderly relative, Elizabeth,...

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I feel very honored to be part of this foundation.  It is such an inspiration working with a group of people who are dedicated to helping overcome this terrible disease.  I know that Laura is in heaven blessing this work and guiding our every move.  She displayed such courage and faith.  Recently I was on a flight to Houston and spent a few hours in the Houston airport.  My mind was filled with thoughts of Laura and all of her family - the many flights they made back and...

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Ever since our friendship began in college, I always viewed Laura as one of my true confidants and best friends.  I think that watching her struggle with cancer and the tremendous feeling of loss after her passing sometimes makes it hard to look beyond the sad days to remember the happier ones. I know that those days are the ones she would want us to remember the most.Through the years of our friendship we watched each other succeed at times, fail at others, laugh, fall in love, grow...

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September is a very special time. School is back in session, football is the topic of the day and the cool fall air is slowly returning. September 14th (today) is most special to me as it marks 9 months since Laura left us. I awakened early thinking about Laura and how much she has impacted so many in these last 9 months. In just a few days we will gather at the Preserve in Hoover for a day to remember and honor many women who have battled and continue to battle ovarian...

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Being so embedded in technology, I understand fully the venue afforded us through online outreaches such as Twitter, Facebook and others. With this in mind, I sometimes take alerts and messages for granted. But I am reminded periodically of how these technologic advances affected the life of Laura Crandall Brown.I am more than engaged in technology. My work requires such. I am obliged to respond to messages, be they on my computer via e-mail to text messages prompted by family communications,...

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This past Saturday night the St. Patrick Knights of Columbus Council 10567 held the 9th Annual Jerome C Bradley Memorial Dinner Dance at the Bessemer Civic Center. Jerome was very active in the Knights and passed away 9 years ago. This event is the primary fund raiser for the Knights of Council. Each year the Knights choose a charity to share a portion of the events proceeds. This year the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation was chosen as the featured charity. Part...

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I continue to be amazed by the many different ways that the Spirit of Laura touches me!I read as many fictional novels as I can during the summer.  I like to think it brings a little "balance" back in my head after a school year closes.  We all need balance, right?? I recently selected one written by Anne Rivers Siddons only to discover that the main character, Kate Lee, is a two time ovarian cancer survivor who believes that her "cancerous pac man" has returned one...

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Why do I wear teal? Up until tonight, I thought I knew. I am one of the lucky ones that can say Laura was a friend and even luckier to say I was able to have a working, professional relationship with her. So when the time came to join the Young Advisory Board and help raise awareness for ovarian cancer, how could I pass that up? I had all the reasons to be involved but it wasn't until tonight that it finally hit me. Why do I wear teal? It became much more personal without me ever expecting it....

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Most of us are familiar with the expression Steel Magnolia.  That phrase describes Southern women who appear delicate and lady-like and demonstrate determination, inner strength, and perhaps a little stubbornness.  There is another flower that might also describe these ladies, but the comparison is less obvious: the blue hydrangea.   The blue hydrangea is that lacy deep blue flower that wilts in the hot sun, needs plenty of water and shade, and whose flowers often fade by July. ...

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