I would like to dedicate this month's Charity of the Month Spotlight to my dear childhood friend, Robin Groff.



On April 11th, 2008, Robin's courageous and poignant battle with Leukemia ended when she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She fought this battle for 2 1/2 long years and I can honestly say I have never witnessed a more brave individual than she.



She kept an online blog, updating family and friends regularly on her treatments, progress and would describe in detail her day-to-day life as a cancer patient. Some of the procedures she had to endure were horrific and bizarre, yet she kept hope in her heart with her husband, daughter, mother and sisters by her side.







She lost other patient-turned-friends to the same disease along her journey. She endured a bone marrow transplant as well as new, innovative, nearly lethal drug treatments on top of the radiation and chemotherapy. There were times when I read her updates that I thought, "If this were me, I would have given up a long time ago." Yet, all the while her smile and optimism would shine out through the tears and she would soak happiness and joy up from the little things in life that we all take for granted. When she could leave the hospital, which was rare, she spent every moment she could playing, laughing and experiencing motherhood with her sweet daughter, Hailey.






I encourage you to read her fascinating blog where I know you too will be touched even though you may not have known her: http://www.robingroff.com/chronology.asp

She was only 31 years old - such a short life, yet she lived it abundantly and gracefully. She once believed if she only had a short time left to live that she would want to see the world, but she quickly realized when this became reality, all she really cared about was spending it with her loved ones.





Robin leaves behind her beloved husband, Jason and their 4-year-old daughter, Hailey. She is truly my hero.



Robin's homepage: http://www.robingroff.com/

A very touching and beautiful slide show: http://www.trishreda.com/slideshows/robin/

She is the reason I have chosen the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to be our Charity of the Month for May.

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $550.8 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers."

-www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

Robin's battle is over but the fight continues for so many others. I encourage you to help where you can:

-You can make donations HERE

-Find out how to volunteer HERE

-Participate in events HERE

For more information, visit http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org

What a BRAVE and BEAUTIFUL woman. An inapiration to us all. We all have so much to be grateful for and many times forget.

What an amazing woman! Thanks for sharing her spirit and inspiration with us. I want to thank you for picking this charity. My best friend since 1st grade lost her father to this disease 2 and 1/2 years ago. He is a dear loved one that is very missed. I am touched that TMs is helping inform others of the continued need for awareness and research.

THANKS!!

You couldn't have picked a better charity - I have been personally involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for the past two years, ever since my mom was diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. A great way to get involved is through Team In Training - their program that trains participants to run or walk marathons, while raising funds to fight blood cancers. I am now in my 4th training season with them and we have raised enough money for 5 research grants, just in the time that I've been a participant. If there are any moms who are interested in learning more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training, please PM me. It is a great way to get in shape AND fight blood cancers!

Wow what an amazing story! Thank you for making us aware of this great cause.

I am so happy this is our Charity for May. I'm already a sponsor of this organization! Thank you for sharing the memory of your beautiful friend Robin and letting her light shine on us here.

My cousin in Las Vegas is involved with Team in Training, the marathon program Bex described. I know he has trained hard for it and I'm proud of him.

I've known too many precious people who lost their lives to blood cancers, and too many families reduced by these diseases. I hope this charity will get a lot of support from Twilight Moms.

What a wonderful charity...

Thanks for sharing such a bittersweet story with us.
It is especially poingant for me right now...

May the Lord bless and keep her family always.
And may her memory make those who knew her
want to be like her. Amazing.

What a wonderful story and woman!

My hubby lost his 1st wife to this disease, they were High School Sweethearts and they were married in March of 86 or 87 and in June of that same year, just 3 months later she was diagnosed with this...she lost her life November of that same year....they were only married 8months....

My prayers go out to her husband and her beautiful daughter...

What a great story.. Thanks for picking this Charity for May. I have a brother and a neighbor that have Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Thank you for sharing your memories of a dear friend.
Thank you for helping us become aware by giving one of the many faces affected by lymphoma.
Hugs to you, Hailey and Jason. Wish I could be there to give it.

Thanks for sharing your story, she was an amazing women- and choosing this charity as Mays Charity of the month. Leukemia has been on my mind the past few months- a forum friends infant daughter was diagnosed in Feb. and recently a local, well known police officers 3 yr old son was diagnosed.

I do have a suggest- for some reason I missed the thread for the charity in May, maybe we can make an avatar/button to wear in our sigs so that this folder receives more attention.

A few other things people can do to help- get on the bone marrow registry and donate your hair.