What is >cancer?

“You will learn a lot about yourself if you stretch in the direction of goodness, of bigness, of kindness, of forgiveness, of emotional bravery. Be a warrior for love.”
― Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar  

The Christmas Fettuccine Ladies Club is a group of women in Minnesota who enjoy life together. We all come from different walks of life, size of families, countries, faiths and interests. What first joined us together was a love for movies and food. Our first movie night, we watched The Holiday and ate Christmas Fettuccine, just like they do in the movie. It stuck and we loved it!

Then our fun was interrupted when one of our group member's mom was diagnosed with cancer. We rallied around her with love and support and truth. There are not many people who remain unaffected by cancer, but most of the time it's easy to just put it to the back of your mind and continue with busy lives. Since some of the other members in our group have gone through similar battles with cancer, something was ignited in us. We decided we weren't content to sit by and let cancer have the final say.

Margaret Thatcher said, "If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman."

Thus >cancer and Wilderness Warriors Hike Against Cancer were born.

Nearly anything is greater than cancer. But each of us have our own specific person or thing that we believe is greater than cancer. Maybe it's our mom, or a good friend. Maybe to us sunsets are so wonderful and are greater than cancer. We felt it was something everyone could relate to and rally behind.

Then we began planning a way for us to put in some elbow grease and raise money for cancer research. We settled on a duathalon, one that we could all survive doing and have fun while at it, since we're not all marathoners, experienced hikers/backpackers or great swimmers. We've got a plan to canoe 7 miles down the St. Croix River and then do a 5k hike. We're each doing it in honor of our >cancer.

We'd love for you to be a part of this "poking cancer in the eye", as Vicky would say. How can you do that?

• Follow our blog to see our progress in training, learn more about each of us, and probably get a good laugh. 
• Let us know who/what YOU believe is greater than cancer. You can share your >cancer here! 
• Donate to the cause! There are lots of ways, but the best is actually a good old fashioned check, because then 100% of the donation will go to cancer research. You can also donate using a credit card form (that we can provide you), and 2% of your donation will go to processing the payment. (Email us for more info if you'd like to donate!) 

We hope you enjoy this journey as much as we do. Please share with anyone you think would enjoy joining us as well. Men, women, kids, adults, English, American - cancer doesn't discriminate. Let's poke cancer in the eye!