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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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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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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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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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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  As I sit here trying to think of what to write about Laura, no profound story comes to mind. My memories are pictures in mind that have small storylines...one in particular of a late night in Auburn.   One of the first things I remember about Laura was a night at Cabana during one of our get together/parties. I was feeling a little down and decided to walk outside the apartment where I saw Laura sitting by herself. We began talking about what each of us was depressed about, I...

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Anyone who knew Laura knows that angels were important to her and still are.  I believe that Laura experienced the power of their spirit.  Laura also knew that gifts from angels come in an endless variety of ways and often right out of the blue.  One only has to view the painting that Laura created for her dad to fully realize her love of these beings.  I see the painting not only as a very special gift for Jim, but also as her promise to see that angels will come and bless...

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Not too long ago I decided to do a little research on celebrities with ovarian cancer.  I came across a list on Wikipedia sub-titled, "List of notable women who have or had ovarian cancer, whose illness garnered publicity."  A few I had heard of, and a few I hadn't.  I, of course, recognized Kathy Bates and Coretta Scott King.  A few others were recongnized after reading the explaination, like Diem Brown, former MTV Reality Star; Patrick Dempsey's mother, Amanda; and a few...

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In our house summer weekends have become very predictable.  It is too hot to spend much time outside for long, so my husband and I run errands and exercise early, take naps in the afternoon, and watch too many movies on Netflix.  We have watched so many that we are now revisiting the 1980s.  Last weekend "Beetlejuice" was the highlight.  Hmmm.  Strangely, this goofy movie about ghosts who tried to be scary, but weren't, made me think.  In a demented way, "Beetlejuice"...

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As I pondered my blog post, I thought it most appropriate to welcome our newest board member, Dave Keyes. Since my involvement with this cause, I have been amazed at the relationships I have built. Yes, I'm family, so I expect to "stick by" family. But I am humbled by the measure of volunteerism and passion experienced in those whom I have met in these past few months. Dave's incentive for joining our cause is obviously his wife's experience with this very disease. As we welcome him and Toni...

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I've been sitting here trying to figure out what I want to write about, and I couldn't decide on anything I really felt I could bring to the table.  Then I thought, maybe I should give you all a chance to tell your favorite story of Laura or how Ovarian Cancer is affecting your life. If you're interested in sharing your favorite story of Laura or if you just have a little something to say,  send it in an email to l.boan@thinkoflaura.org.  I'll post it for you!