Paddle Boards, Ping Pong, and Manicures

It was an early day today, but well worth it because it was packed with fun activities! Our great day started with paddle boarding with the infamous Ocean Cure team who helped everyone get up on their paddle boards! Everyone had a great time even though a few of us fell off more than a few times. It all led to some great memories and great stories to tell. After a huge lunch and some kids basketball on the playground, all the families visited the Volunstars house for dinner and family game night. The biggest hits of the night ended up being the ping pong tournament and the manicures! We all found out who the ultimate ping pong champion is, Go Sharon! Although everyone's exhausted from a long but fun day, we're all ready for the rest of the great activities planned for the week!

Keeping spirits up when the weather's down!

Today didn't turn out exactly as planned, however it may have turned out to be even better. Although the weather didn't hold up for our beach LPHOH Olympics, we ended up having to bring our luncheon back to the Volunstar's house where we ate, played some pool, and got to know each other a little better as we dried off from the rain. Later on we had an amazing 'Dinner with the Fishes' at the aquarium! Everyone cleaned up nice and sat by a giant fish and shark tank for dinner and dessert, we even got a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium! Overall, the day was filled with great food, friends, and memories.

Day 1, Finally!

 

Today was a day filled with fun, food and firsts. As we played games and introduced each other, getting to know our Little Pink family, we got the experience to give families the opportunity of a lifetime, the family vacation they have always needed, and even some children their first visit to the beach ever! The night started with introductions and a huge homemade dinner, which was phenomenal, and ended with games like bocce and red light, green light. We’ve already realized whatever it is we come across this week in Emerald Isle, it’s going to be a great time and everyone’s really excited and grateful for that!

Ben's goal

I am continually amazed at the ripple effect of a Little Pink retreat on our families.  And I want to share the amazing story of Ben, one of our most recent 11 year old participants.   Ben's mom has breast cancer and they are an amazing family from Illinois.  This is Ben at our retreat finding critters in the sand!

During our retreat, Ben came to the jewelry making class and learned how to wrap sea glass and make necklaces that are beautiful!  He made a necklace for each one of our Little Pink moms that day!

So you would think that would be enough... well not for Ben.  Ben has decided that he wants to make and sell enough necklaces to support Little Pink by giving a $500 donation.  So he gathered up some sea glass before he left the beach, went home to Illinois, and starting making necklaces.  He thought of a great name for his business, Ben's Baubles!  He sets up a stand at the flea market and sells them!  You cannot find a necklace made with anymore love, purpose, and compassion. 

I know, he has mad skills!!!  So I have decided to post his necklaces online and anyone who is interested, just let me know and I will put you in touch with Ben.    I cannot think of a better way to support Little Pink than by supporting the goals of a young boy who is making the best out of his situation. So, if you would like to purchase a necklance, please comment to this post or to the facebook post.  My personal favorite is the second row, second from the left.  Feel free to start a bidding war:)

This is one of the things that I love about the people that are now part of the fabric of my life- they become empowered advocates for things that they care about in their lives and I get to see it!  Once you face cancer, life is too short not to live with passion and purpose and to serve others.  A lesson we can all learn.  A lesson that Ben has clearly learned.  Thanks Ben for reminding us!