Skip1's blog

My cancer story is unusual. After rounds of surgeries, roller coaster emotions and estrogen inhibitor treatments, I got fed up with having to think about cancer, so I decided to "skip" it!

I would much rather think about children getting fed and homeless people having shelter than this ridiculous disease! Children have always been my passion. I started working with kids when I was sixteen and have grown more in love with them as the years have gone on.

One thing that I had always wanted to do was have a child of my own. Clearly, after a hysterectomy and surgery, I have come to terms with the reality of cancer. I used to think that ones legacy was only evident in the bloodline of their own children. Not having that opportunity forced me to think about what kind of legacy I would leave. How could I make a difference in this life before being called Home? Fortunately, God has given me the opportunity to share my life with other people’s children through my work at a preschool and service at church with the Jr. High group, not to mention my amazing nieces and their awesome cousins, and the kids of a dear friend…being an aunt is my favorite title!

A few weeks ago, just about 3 ½ months after my last surgery and clean bill of health, some routine scans showed that I had 11 tumors in my pelvis, abdomen, and lungs. It was an overwhelming diagnosis as the estrogen inhibitor should have been all I needed to keep the cancer away. That was the second time I got fed up and decided to “skip” cancer.

Even though I have little control in my journey with cancer, I know that sending some money to help someone who needs and deserves... it changes the world.l
Then, a wonderful thing happened- my sister-in-law, Shanda, and some other friends started inviting others on Facebook to skip with me as I fight this disease.

There has been some great money raised in the name of this ridiculous disease already! I ended up making a pledge to skip $5 every time my tumors shrink enough for me to lose an inch around my abdomen and invited my friends to join me. I figured we can all easily afford $5 and that it would add up nicely when all of this is over. (I’ve lost 2 inches in 2 weeks!) I was blown away to see dear friends skipping much more than that!

I love Skip1 and everything it stands for, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help friends know how easy it is to truly help someone else.

Many of my friends have asked me “Why you?” My answer is “Why not me?” I wouldn’t want them to have it. I believe God uses our circumstances for His glory and for our good. I am determined to not waste this opportunity. I don’t know how much time I have, but I want to leave a legacy of love and one that inspires people to “do” for others.
Most of all, I want people to see Jesus in me. I have an awesome promise of Heaven awaiting and I want to be sure my life helps others see that they can have the same promise.

On Monday, August 1st, 2011, our twitter account got hacked and several SPAM Direct Messages (DM's) got sent to approximately 50 of our twitter followers. In addition to the DM's, a single SPAM tweet was sent from our account. We believe the issue has been resolved and the erroneous tweet has been deleted -- no one should be receiving SPAM DM's from our account. If you are still receiving DM's from the Skip1 account, please email us immediately so we can fix the issue. Thank you for your patience and your support.

More than 1,200 people entered to win the pajamas worn by Ashley Tisdale in her new movie Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, but it was Deanna Sarlo, a teenager from New Jersey, who was randomly selected and won the prize! "When I won I felt shocked!" Deanna told Skip1's founder Shelene Bryan, "I'm excited to see Skip1 grow even bigger!" Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest and to those who continue to support one of Ashley Tisdale's favorite charities, Skip1.org.

Pictured above: Deanna Sarlo wearing the pajamas she won!

A bug where people who were logged into their Skip1.org account made donations but their donations failed to post to their Skip1 profile page has been fixed. We apologize for the inconvenience. We connected most of the recent transactions to the individuals who made the donations, however, if you skipped or donated in the last 6 days and you don't see your donation on your profile page (http://www.skip1.org/people/yourusername) please email info at skip1 dot org and we'll take care of it for you immediately. Please let us know your username so we can find your donation. The transactions all went through but a few did not get "linked" to an individual account or profile. Remember, you have to be logged into the Skip1.org website for your credit card or PayPal donation to post to your Skip1 profile page. If you're not logged in, your credit card will be charged but the skip will not post to your profile page.

For the most recent skips, click here:
http://www.skip1.org/recent

Remember our 12/12 event last year when we skipped for the homeless and ask you to send in your "Beyond the Bag" stories?

"It's not really for homeless people, it's for all these people to have a positive interaction with a homeless person." -Mark Horvath


On 2/2/11 we were able to give our friend Rd the leg up of a lifetime and provide housing because you skipped. We chose to skip bureaucracy.




When we skip, we change lives forever.

This Sunday on 10-10-10 tell 10 friends to Skip 1 small thing they really don't need, and donate $10 to Skip1.org instead.  We'll announce the total donated on the Skip1.org home page. Watch and see what $10 can do when you multiply it 10x10x10x10... Skip Today!

Candace Cameron Bure is a devoted supporter of Skip1.org, and Monday evening she proclaimed her passion for feeding hungry children when she appeared at the VH1 Do Something Awards wearing a shirt emblazoned with the Skip1.org logo.

Candace is actively involved in Skip1.org's efforts to build a kitchen to feed the children at  Lumbrera de Caballona School in the Dominican Republic. Candace stars in Make It or Break It on ABC Family. She previously starred in Full House. Candace has over 53,000 followers on Twitter and regularly updates her fans about the work of Skip1.org.

Shelene Bryan founded Skip1.org when she realized how far a little goes to feed a hungry child. Visit Skip1.org to see how easy it is to Skip.

It’s not often that certain members of the Skip1.org team are speechless. Generally there is an air of congenial chatter when we are together. Our recent trip to the Dominican Republic was filled with many silent pensive moments. Because there are no words to describe some of the poverty we encountered, there were many quiet moments. We stood silent at the Lumbrera de Caballona School as the director explained that the 100+ students usually arrive at school with no breakfast in their stomachs. Many of the children have not had dinner the night before. They spend the school day fighting headaches and stomachaches due to hunger. Our silence deepened as we saw the one stinky toilet that more than 100 children use. We were asked to help bring a humble kitchen where lunch can be prepared, and more bathrooms to the school. The cost for both projects is $6,500 US. We have our voices back, and they are ringing loud and clear. We are sharing the story, spreading the word, talking for as long as it will take to raise the money to build the kitchen and bathrooms. Won’t you join us in skipping something to help the children of Lumbrera de Cablloona School?

For the Skip1.org team, Mother's Day was more than just one day this year. It stretched on for several weeks, especially because of a very special mother living in the Dominican Republic.

Last October, Shelene Bryan, founder of Skip1.org, and Cheril Hendry traveled with a team to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While in the DR, they met a young mother whose story was heartbreaking. Neither Shelene or Cheril could forget her. Both women hung a photograph of her in their offices as a reminder of the mission of Skip1.org. She became the focus of the "Skip for Mother's Day" campaign. "She is why we are Skipping. No mother's biggest worry should be food and clean water for her children," became Shelene's refrain.

In honor of Mother's Day in the U.S. May 9, a large group of "Skippers" skipped lunch and packed food boxes at a Children's Hunger Fund warehouse. Shelene shared the young mother's story.

Last week, Shelene and Cheril were part of a Skip1.org team that returned to the DR. In addition to visiting schools and distributing food packs, their deep hope was to find the mother again.

Last Thursday, their wish came true. Just in time for Mother's Day in the Dominican Republic on May 30.

Her name is Elfiz (el pheez) Joseph. She has had a new baby since October. The three women were reunited in the common bond of being a mother, something that needed no translator. Now we all know her name, and in her honor we Skip so she and other mothers will have food and water for their children. Happy Mother's Day Elfiz!