When I was a girl, I watched my mother. She was from County Cork, Ireland, just five feet tall and maybe 105 pounds, but make no mistake, she could slay dragons. If I could pick just one thing from my childhood that I cherish, it was the incredible love and protection I felt from my mom.
Fifteen year-old Alice Pyne was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when she was just 11. Based on posts by Alice on her blog, Alice’s Bucket List, which she created in June of this year, her mom Vicky is also a dragon slayer and the inspiration behind a bucket list that she’s created that includes things she wants to accomplish before she goes.
“It’s a bit funny me doing a blog because mum has always done these sort of things and I’ve never really being interested before,” writes Alice. “Anyway, mum always tells me that life is what we make of it and so I’m going to make the best of what I have and because there were so many things I still wanted to do, mum suggested that I turn my ideas into a bucket list.”
Alice’s blog immediately found an audience. Posts of encouragement and love poured in. Unfortunately, within days fake pages and charity pleas on behalf of Alice were created and Alice’s proud accomplishment turned ugly. Her mother Vicky was quick to assure the thieves that, while Alice was indeed an easy target, no one was going to take away the one thing that Alice found comfort in.
Vicky’s post began: WARNING to the low lives
Don’t you love, Vicky! Over 600 people commented with words of support. The Sun in the UK wrote about the Pyne family and Alice’s Bucket List gained international attention. Alice’s sister, Milly, has committed to participate in a run for Cancer Research UK. She has already raised over 33,000 pounds which is over $52,000 U.S. dollars. The run is December 6th so you can still donate if you like. Milly’s post was as empowering as her sister’s have been. It’s her second run so far:
Welcome to my ‘Race for Life’ sponsor page …
I know that this is very soon after my Keswick to Barrow run, but I wanted to do it to raise awareness. We all think that we can’t get cancer, but WE can and WE do. If more money was put into research, my sister might not be as ill as she is. I’m very grateful for all sponsorship and it’s so lovely to see donations from people who don’t know me but have followed Alice’s story. If anyone else can spare just a pound towards my race, I’d be very grateful.
Thank you love Milly x
Alice’s blog is uplifting with positive posts and grateful thanks for all that she has experienced. Take a look at her most recent post 0n November 26, entitled “Happy #Christmasinnovember.”
“Ha ha Happy Christmas in November! Yesterday, we had the most amazing day and I had my 16th birthday party at Emma Bridgewater in Stoke and it was my best ever party, I loved it,” she said.
Her attitude is contagious. As moms we need to reference GIRLFRIENDS like Alice Pyne, her sister Milly and her GIANT of a Mom! I have no doubt that these GIRLFRIENDS will get us to a cure. If it was incumbent upon their love for Alice, a cure would be imminent. The Pyne women remind me of a quote that is not attributed to anyone so I will modify it somewhat and name it PYNE’S QUOTE:
“Be the kind of woman that when you wake up and place your feet on the floor Cancer says, “Oh crap she’s up!”
Here’s to miracles and women who make their own paths in life.