Cookies for Cancer Patients

I wanted to update you all on our Cookie Bake Off for Cancer Patients. At my Church Union Hill this past Saturday we gathered and made enough cookies for 140 cancer patients, that was delivered to St. Vincent's East and UAB Cancer Center on Monday September 29, 2008. This Ministry began in 2006 in Honor of my son Daniel who wanted to bless other cancer patients with love and prayers. I continue this ministry in memory of my sweet son Daniel. These cookies are sent with lots of prayers and love. Cancer is so unfair so if we can show one patient they are worthy of love, hope, peace and comfort in their time of need it is worth all the hard work. We give God all the Glory for HIS promptness to do His work while we are here on this earth.

Treatments

Kathy Wickstrom had her first treatment yesterday. She said she is feeling fine and is at work today. Kathy just found out she will be a grandmother. I am so excited for her.
Pennie

Encouragement

Dear Friends,
There are so many new cancer patients in our area. My heart hurts for those who have to battle a disease they did not ask for. I am asking that you make a difference in praying for these people.
Kathy NeSmith
Kathy Wickstrom
David Whited
Sandra Tidwell
Kim Shade
Sherri Shaw
Tammy Reams
Megan Brittan
Steve Dixon
Larry Dixon
Mary Turner
Karen Catete
Mr. Burgette
I also ask that you pray for our Relay For Life Committee. Pray our goals will go above and beyond our thoughts, hopes and dreams. Pray for Blount County to come together and make 2008/2009 a huge success for cancer patients.
May God Bless You,
Pennie Bickerstaff

Bitter Sweet

Donald received an Award from the American Cancer Society on Tuesday August 19, 2008. He was chosen Caregiver of the Year. I sent in a letter to nominate him because he is a wonderful caring person to so many of my family members who had cancer as well as myself. Our son Daniel who passed away on May 18, 2008 thought Donald hung the moon, just as I do. Donald is a model for those who are caregivers to cancer patients. His love and endurance has held our family together. His faith in God is stronger today than yesterday. Donald is sitting in this picture on the left side holding his Award. This Award is nothing compared to the one he will receive in Heaven. Donald said I did what I was suppose to do and that is to take care of my family. I thank God for giving Donald to me, I am blessed more than words could ever say.
Pennie

In Memory Of Daniel

This past week September 16 - 20, 2008 we have put together a booth at the Fair for Relay For Life. This booth has provided many in Blount County with information on all types of cancer. Our Committee is working hard to have a great Relay For Life this year. I am working as hard as I can to serve other cancer patients in memory of Daniel. One of the special events I head up in my home church is cookies for cancer patients. Everyone is invited to attend and help bake cookies to be delivered to treatment centers in Birmingham. My goal with this is to let the cancer patients know they are not alone and people are praying for them to be healed. I encourage each of you to do the same, let's make a difference in this world. May God bless each of you and remember to pass those blessings on to others.

Pennie Bickerstaff

Missing Him

Missing Him


Yesterday September 7, 2008 was the first day of Dove Season. If Daniel were here he would have been out in a field with Ray and Donald shooting all the doves he could. It is hard to believe Daniel will be gone for 4 months on September 18th. I started GriefShare last week to try to get through this journey with other mom's who have lost a child. I ask that you pray for my family as we struggle to make it each moment of the day. I have a reminder for you. Pray for those who have cancer and just beginning their journey. God is so AWESOME and I know with all my heart He is the One in Charge of Our Lives. Each day is a blessing to be able to wake up and breath, smell the rain, and watch the birds fly. Remember God is our Creator, Our Hope, Our Salvation, Our Promise that this is not the perfect life. One day we will live in the perfect Heaven. Cherish each moment you have with your children, brother, sister, mother, father, grandparents, most of all love the Lord Your God with all Your heart.

Until God Calls Me Home,

Pennie Bickerstaff

Making A Difference

I submitted Donald my husband as caregiver of the year to the American Cancer Society. Friday August 1, 2008 the phone rang, when I answered it Barbara Bates she shared with me that Donald will receive this Award August 19, 2008 at The Club in Birmingham. She shared with me out of all the thousands of people nomiated for this award they chose Donald. Barabra also shared with me how much Daniel our 22 year old son who passed away this May was truly a Inspiration to all of ACS. For me this is one of the highest honors a person can receive. I know Daniel is jumping for joy as he watches his dad being honored. I want to share with you why Donald was choosen for this Award. We have been married for 26 years, during this time Donald has helped to take care of my family. My dad who had colon cancer and passed away in 1992, my mom who had liver and breast cancer she passed away in 1996, my brother who had colon cancer passed away in 2007, myself as a cancer survivor since 1998, and our son Daniel passed away May 18, 2008. The outcome was not what we wanted in the case of losing so many loved ones. Donald has always been there to help in anyway he needed, never complaining, never giving up. In my eyes he is one of the most remarkable men that God has put on this earth. I thank God each day for the gift He has given to our family each other to hold onto during the happy times as well as the sad.

Pennie