My First Blogging Award!! Yay!

So, I came home the other evening, to find that I have been nominated for the Brillante Weblog Premio 2008 Award, by Eric S. who writes “Ruminations of a Small Town Mountain Boy“.  As he states in his post about the 7 people he has nominated, this award is given “for brilliant, happy and interesting blogs with sparkling style”, and was established in 2005.

Eric has some very awesome things to say about me in his nomination:

My Lymphoma Story, by Brandi, because she has the courage to blog about what she is going through with her disease, and in a cheerful way. I find her to be an extremely unselfish person who try’s to promote cancer research by telling her story. Her posts are always cheerful and upbeat, and she feels that she “can’t - fairly complain“.

I am truly honored to accept this award.  As I responded to Eric, I mentioned that:

I put a lot of my heart into My Lymphoma Story, because it has become the biggest part of my life, and I use my site to grasp some sort of control over what’s going on, as well as keeping a running tally of everything I go through, including emotions, treatments, changes in treatment etc. To know that I have been awarded something based on this cancer that has completely changed my life has really made me happy.

Eric, again, I cannot thank you enough for this award!

Now, in accepting this award, there ARE some rules that I must follow.  So with that being said, let’s get down to business!  The Rules:

1. The award may be displayed on a Winner’s Blog.
2. Add a link to the person that you received the award from.
3. Nominate up to 7 other Blogs.
4. Then add their links to your blog.
5. Add a message to each person that you have passed the award on to in the comments section of their blog.

So, now with that being said, please join me in congratulating these 7 extraordinary people for receiving this award on my behalf:

• The “How Is Bradley?” Blog, by Bradley.  Growing up as a depressive with anxiety, I greatly understand the pains he goes through as a manic-depressive.  Though I never went through the manic side of things, I can greatly relate to a lot of what he has to say about his depressive episodes and anxious states.  I applaud him for being so open and honest and conveying himself, his concerns, his status, and his thoughts through his writing.  I have visited his site many times, and each time my heart just goes out to him, because I can truly understand where he is coming from.  Thank you, Bradley for sharing yourself with us - your writing proves to be therapeutic, not only for you, but for myself and others.
• Teen Suicide Talk by Stephanie Larken.  Stephanie delves into the darkness of this growing trend and problem of Teen Suicide and offers solutions, tips, answers, and explanations, all with the intent on trying to raise awareness on this terrible epidemic.  Her motto:  Have the courage to live, anyone can die…  I really applaud the effort and emotion and support that Stephanie puts into her site.  I have read a few articles, and I really hope that she is able to be the outreach that she is sacrificing herself to be.  Keep up the good work, Stephanie.  Even if you are able to reach 1 person, your efforts have proven invaluable.
• Blogs To Note, by My Take.  My Take searches the web for blogs that show promise and heart, that have been lost in the endless sea of the Internet.  My Take features one new site every few days, and tells exactly why that specific blog holds meaning.  I applaud My Take for bringing recognition to those and offering amazing feedback to the author.  My Take did feature My Lymphoma Story, and I was extremely thankful and proud.  I eagerly await to see what other blogs become featured, as I will remain a faithful reader.  Congratulations, My Take - thank you for sharing with us!
• Steve v4.6, by Steve.  Steve describes himself as such:  “So here’s the deal, I was a pretty active guy; athletic, thin, energetic. I stayed fit until my late 20’s and then gradually became less active and ate a lot more.  Guess what- I got fat, really fat. Obese.  It was May 21, 2007 that I decided the time had come for change, drastic change. I decided that obesity just wasn’t my thing and set about losing weight. Here’s the thing though, I would do it without pills, potions, or program, just common sense, exercise and healthy choices…”  I really have to admire the dedication and openess that Steve portrays in his blog.  Having dealing with being obese, in the past, and on the brink of becoming obese again because of my medications, I really have to give him kudos for the hard work he has put forth, and his undying conviction to reach his goal.  I regularly follow the things he has to say, and appreciate his willingness to share, and wish him the best in obtaining his happiness.  Thank you for sharing everything you have with us, Steve!
• Ron’s Hike for Discovery, by Ron Churchill.  Ron has become very dedicated in raising awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in promoting their mission and becoming a very supportive person in working hard to raise money to help find a cure for blood cancers.  Ron frequently attends Hikes for Discovery, in which he honors many people (including myself) by attaching a ribbon to his backpack with their name on it.  Being diagnosed with such a terrible disease and blood cancer, I have become extremely honored at the dedication, hard work and heart that Ron puts into his hikes.  I have even mentioned to him that I am embarrassed and ashamed that I, before my diagnosis, never faught for a cause to better the wellness and quality of life for others.  His goals and mission have widely opened my eyes to the type of person, I will work to become after I am able to overcome all of this.  I wish I could go to Seattle and Hike with their team, though current physical restrictions and treatment forbid it.  One day, though, I will be able to join the Seattle Team and thank each and everyone of them, especially Ron and his wife, Cheryl, and personally express my gratitude for their hard work, thoughts and prayers.  I can never thank you enough, Ron, your site has truly touched me.
• Blogging More: The Everyday Ramblings of an Extraordinary Chica by Monique Renae.  Monique tends to hit the lighter side of things, which is greatly needed by me quite often.  It is a refreshing read, when I visit her site, and always get a laugh out of what she is saying.  I have become somewhat acquainted with Monique, and speak with her on an almost daily basis.  I look forward to learning more about her through what she has to say, as she is always honest, and tends to tell it how it is, even if the honestly may be a bit on the brutal side!  But, that’s ok, honesty is always the best policy, and as long as you can laugh at it at the end of the day, it’s a go!  I appreciate all her writing and look forward to upcoming posts about her, her ideals and her perceptions.  Keep up the good work, Monique Renae!  Your honesty, wit and charm has really added a repreive for me in my “down” times, allowing me to take a break from everything going on with me, and encouraging me to laugh!
• The Journal of a Prizefighter, by Duane.  I couldn’t let these nominations go without honoring a fellow Hodgkin’s Patient.  Duane was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2003, and has fought hard.  Like me, he has decided to document his journey, and has opened up his heart and mind completely to his readers.  Duane is also a fellow photographer, in which he takes deep pride and is able to express himself through his artwork.  Duane has become a great inspiration to me, as he has opened my eyes to the fact, that even though you may be facing trials and tribulations, there is still light at the end of the tunnel.  Duane has also faced relapse, in which he talks about, and many complications that he encountered because of his relapse.  Through all this, Duane remains positive and and can see life for what it is, and demonstrates the need to find life and love and devotion to himself.  Duane, you really are an amazing person, and I wish you the best in everything.  And never, ever, ever give up on art - your’s or others.  Your posts have nearly brought tears to my eyes.  Thank you for sharing your life with us!

The reasons I nominated these 7 people, is because through their writing, they have sincerely put their heart and soul into sharing with the world what they need to say.  Each person is unique and selfless, and the more I read, the more I realize exactly how amazing a person each one of them are.  I truly hope they will accept their award with pride and be proud that they have been able to touch someone’s life.  I encourage each of you 7 to keep writing - for yourself, and for us, who need to hear what you have to say.

And, Eric, thank you again for the award.  It has truly touched me and made me realize that other’s are touched at what I have to say.