Hike For Breast Cancer

Silent Night

2010-12-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Performed by me and my daughter, Mercedes.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Reminder: Please pass it forward. Your donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the link on the right side of this blog is greatly appreciated.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

2010-11-17T13:25:00.002-07:00

BCRF continues to be so grateful to Alexandra for her loyal commitment to Hike For Breast Cancer and raise funds so that our researchers on the front lines can make progress in finding a cure for breast cancer. This year, BCRF is supporting 172 of the best and the brightest minds in breast cancer research, in the U.S. and around the world. Currently, more than 90 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. And the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+. You can be a part of our efforts by supporting Alexandra through her Time For Research page - where you can sponsor research hour by hour! Together, we can make a difference. Thank you.

The Struggle Goes On

2010-11-01T07:41:00.000-06:00

Dear friends,

Just found out through a friend of mine that a friend of hers past away due to breast cancer. Another family lost their mother. More children have to cry themselves to sleep at night. No gentle hug, no kind words, no wiping tears by the loving hand of a mother. Our help through donation is needed to get closer to a solution.

Every so often I come across an article that there is finally a cure for breast cancer. As long as there are people loosing their life's to cancer - any kind of cancer - we are not even close to a solution/cure. I urge you to donate. Even if it is just a small amount. Use the link on the right side of the post.

Thank you,

Alexandra

Reminder: Please pass it forward. Your donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the link on the right side of this blog is greatly appreciated.

The Worst Darkness

2010-10-29T22:14:00.000-06:00

The worst darkness is not the one which surrounds you,
but the one that lives in your heart;

And the brightest light does not come from outside,
but directly from your heart.

Reminder: Please pass it forward. Your donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the link on the right side of this blog is greatly appreciated.

Ski Resort "Alta" in the state of Utah

2010-10-27T17:15:00.001-06:00

We had our first snowfall in the valley yesterday! This morning we decided to do our first ascent on skins (mounted to the skies)this season. We had a little over 2' of fresh, powdery snow.

Enjoy the video I took this morning.

Reminder: Please pass it forward. Your donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the link on the right side of this blog is greatly appreciated.

October - Breast Cancer Month

2010-10-14T19:22:00.003-06:00

Dearest Friends,

As some of you know, I started this blog a couple of years ago. You're probably wondering what happened to the first half of the postings. I deleted them a couple of months after my father past away December 27th 2009. Yes, I was slightly down and the present economy crisis didn't exactly help.

In this first few postings I had also published a YouTube video that I had created about me and my family. My sister Franziska composed the song to the video. I decided to post this video again. When you watch it, please make sure to listen carefully to the lyrics. The lyrics describe my mother and what she means to me and my siblings. I believe these words describe how a lot of people feel about their mothers and how a lot of mothers are.

Please donate to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the link on the right.

Thank you for your kindness,

Alexandra

Your Donation is Needed

2010-10-06T07:09:00.003-06:00

Dear readers,

A breast cancer survivor added a comment by the posting "A Lords Prayer". In general I welcome all comments - good - bad - ugly. However, when you go through my blog you will see that my support goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. NOT the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

I am not trying to put any organization down. But the fact remains that 85% of your donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation goes into actual research.

If you really want to do something for the future of our families, donate through this blog to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

As always, thank you for your support.

Alexandra

The Lords Prayer

2010-09-19T21:03:00.001-06:00

This song/prayer goes straight to my heart! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Mt. Timponogos, UT

2010-09-18T20:47:00.000-06:00

Once again I hiked Mt.Timpanogos. This time all the way to the very top and by myself. This was on July 26th. Just a couple of days ago I hiked the trail again with my friend Anna and her dog. Sadly, I did not have the energy to go all the way up above the glacier.

Following is a little video clip I made on July 26th. Enjoy.

Note: Your contribution to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is more than welcome and greatly appreciated. The link is on the right side. Thank You.

"The Power" book trailer

2010-08-06T07:19:00.001-06:00

This confirms once again what I have known for a long time and worked on for many years. It is awesome!!!

Contribution Acknowledgement from BCRF

2010-07-28T07:04:00.002-06:00

I made a first contribution to the BCRF through the link on the right side of this blog. Following is the letter I received by e-mail as confirmation:

Dear Alexandra Evans:

On behalf of Evelyn Lauder and our entire team, thank you for your thoughtful and generous contribution of $ 25.00 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation through BCRF's Time For Research program in tribute to Katharina Bold. A life that serves as an inspiration to give is a remarkable one, and we are touched by your tribute in this act of generosity to the Foundation. Your donation will support the world's leading scientists as they work to eliminate breast cancer in our lifetime. With this important gift, transformative research initiatives will be able to continue at full speed.

To send an instant acknowledgment to your Tribute acknowledge, use our Tribute E-Card! http://www.bcrfcure.org/tools_ecard_tribute.html

BCRF is proud to support the investigations of 173 visionary scientists from across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Under the guidance of our expert Scientific Advisers, we fund creative, forward-thinking programs that are yielding lifesaving medical discoveries. With research grants from the Foundation, our grantees are spearheading some of the most significant advances in breast cancer treatment and prevention strategies. Their innovative clinical trials and ambitious investigations have resulted in more accurate diagnoses, more effective targeted therapies, and improved quality of life for patients and survivors. Your contribution helps fuel our grantees' achievements, keeping them on the path to discovery of groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs and bringing us closer to prevention and a cure.

BCRF remains one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country. We continue to direct more than 85% of each donation to breast cancer research and awareness, and in fiscal 2009, we held our administrative costs to 8% of revenues. In recognition of our exceptional efficiency, the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded BCRF with its highest rating of "A+." BCRF is the only breast cancer organization to receive this accolade; indeed, we are the only cancer organization to hold this ranking.

Thank you for your support and for believing in our mission.

With warm regards,

Myra J.Biblowit

President

THIS LETTER SERVES AS YOUR OFFICIAL RECEIPT FOR TAX PURPOSES. TO COMPLY WITH INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE GUIDELINES, PLEASE NOTE THAT NO GOODS OR SERVICES WERE PROVIDED IN RETURN FOR THIS CONTRIBUTION. THEREFORE, THIS DONATION IS FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL TAX PURPOSES.

Alexander Basin Trail, Millcreek Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-07-27T16:47:00.000-06:00

Alexander Basin Trail, Millcreek Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

Another beautiful day in the woods! It was just a little over an hour hike with my dogs. Eventually I will make it a day hike and go all the way to Alexander Basin.

The vegetation is incredible in this area. This hike is steep and I do recommend hiking poles.

Enjoy :)

Mt. Timpanogos Trail, American Fork Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-07-26T08:50:00.000-06:00

Mt. Timpanogos Trail, American Fork Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

What a great hike yesterday, Sunday, July 25th. Please click on the link above and see all the pictures and the trail.

Also, make sure to donate to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the link on the right.

Thank you,

Alexandra

Trip to Jackson Hole, WY - Driving - Spot

2010-07-11T23:05:00.001-06:00

Trip to Jackson Hole, WY - Driving - Spot

This adventure was the last week of June. My husband and I went to Wyoming for a couple of days. It was very relaxing ... just the way it looks. Lots of fresh air, lots of activities, and good food. What more does one want?!

Enjoy :)

Here is a little extra treat:

Big Cottonwood Canyon - Mill D Fork Trail UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-07-11T22:36:00.000-06:00

Big Cottonwood Canyon - Mill D Fork Trail UT - Hiking - Spot

I started my day off a little late. A grown tree was "transplanted" into the yard of a friends house by crane. I just couldn't miss that action. So my day turned out to be just a short one ... again. However, since the hike was very steep and I took my heavy backpack it worked my entire body pretty thoroughly.

Enjoy the pictures!

Mt. Olympus, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-06-14T09:09:00.000-06:00

This hike was this past Friday. It started to rain that evening and continued on and off until sometime last night. Hopefully we will have some sunny days.

Click on the highlighted link above or below and read details of the hike. What I do want to point out is the group of kids and adults I met at the bottom of the trail. They were with an organization called Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. They clean up weeds and trash etc. people leave behind on trails. Please go to their website for more information at http://www.cottonwoodcanyons.org.

Folks, please clean up after yourself! When I went trail running a few days earlier I met an elderly lady with a trash bag cleaning up trash that was either blown in by the wind or people simply through out the car window. People like her make a big difference! We all can make a big difference with very little effort: Keep a trash bin in your car and through your trash in it instead of out the window.

Alexandra

PS: The donation link on the right has now changed a little. Each time a donation has been made the "thermometer" will rise a little more.

Mt. Olympus, UT - Hiking - Spot

American Fork Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-06-08T17:50:00.002-06:00

What an awesome day! I didn't think I would see anybody on the trail. But to my pleasant surprise .... I guess you're going to have to look at the link attached :)

Please don't forget to donate to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Thank you,

Alexandra

American Fork Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

Back on track ...

2010-06-05T07:21:00.002-06:00

What a "down" day yesterday. Thank God, this happens to me on very rare occasions. I feel much, much better today ... even though I get to go to work.

The good thing about a down-day is, you realize very quickly that it is not fun for you and/or other people around you, nor is it productive. I don't like myself very much with a negative attitude. I don't think other people like me like that either. My husband was very understanding. He made me feel better with some very simple words: "You do your job, I do my job, and we will be just fine." It is amazing how effective just a few kind words can be.

My goal for the day is to forward "kind words".

A little reminder: Please donate to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the link on the right side of this blog. Thank You.

Failure ...

2010-06-04T12:51:00.002-06:00

Failure is hard to grasp. It is hard on us physically and mentally. I can tell on me with all the failures that I am experiencing one after another. It is extremely difficult to stay positive, happy and cheerful. Just these past few months I have failed my friends, failed to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, failed to get sponsorship, failed to get a good paying job, failed to go trail running, failed, failed, failed. It seems to be never ending. I work every weekend when my family and friends go have fun, etc, etc., etc. I am failing my family.

It takes everything out of me to continue to read the positive calendars every day and the motivating Napoleon Hill e-mail including the ones from The Secret and The Universe. I have been reading these for years faithfully. The other day my friends came to see me at work because, once again, I bailed out on them taking on an extra shift instead. I'm wondering why I even work at The xxxx xxxxx. I know I do a great job. I get compliments by managers and customers all the time. I get paid the wage of a high school kid who just needs "party" money and the hours change every single week. The job I was putting all of my hope into seems to have vanished before my eyes.

I know from past experiences though, once you hit rock bottom it can only get better again. So I keep on wiping my tears and hoping for it to change for the better soon.

PS: Still hoping (again) for some donations to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which you can do on the link on the right side of this post. Thank You.

Millcreek Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-06-03T08:59:00.000-06:00

Millcreek Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

Proposed Mastectomy Law Change

2010-05-06T07:34:00.003-06:00

This is an e-mail I received this morning. I urge everyone to read it and pass this on.

This could and has affected some of us. Please support the bill and forward this.

(written by a surgeon)

I'll never forget the look in my patients eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and no breast. I remember begging the doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies.

So there I sat with my patient giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank you' they muttered.

A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies an outpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.

This Mastectomy Bill is in Congress now. It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important. Please take the time and do it really quick! The Breast Cancer Hospitalization Bill is important legislation for all women.

Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to go to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same.

There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through mastectomy' where women are forced to go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support.. Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE! Sign the petition by clicking on the web site below.

http://www.mylifetime.com/community/my-lifetime-commitment/breast-cancer/petition/breast-cancer-petition

This takes about 2 seconds. PLEASE PASS THIS ON

Antelope Island, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-04-10T05:32:00.002-06:00

Antelope Island, UT - Hiking - Spot

Click on the link above and see the details of this hike. I pushed it hard and was able to hike the 7 miles in 2 hours. Okay, I admit, shins hurt a little afterward :)

My goal for the next hike is to hike further and longer.

Enjoy the pictures. Please be sure to donate to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation through the link on the right side.

Thank you,

American Fork Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-03-30T08:06:00.000-06:00

American Fork Canyon, UT - Hiking - Spot
This hike was a week earlier. But I didn't know just yet how to publish it on my blog. As you can see I am getting smarter. I had posted the pictures individually on the right side of the blog. But on the active link above you'll have the map and the pictures.

I am planing a little longer hike this coming up weekend. But haven't decided yet.

Keep checking in.

Southmountain, UT - Hiking - Spot

2010-03-30T07:48:00.001-06:00

Southmountain, UT - Hiking - Spot

My son gave me for Christmas a SPOT GPS. It didn't arrive though until right before my birthday. For my birthday I received the full blown out SPOT service. It is awesome and well worth it. It took me a little to figure out how I can post the hikes to the blog. But here is the first one. Remember, it's just the end of March and there is still a lot of snow in the mountains. In other words, the next few hike will be rather short and more of training hikes then anything else. This short one around Southmountain does not have any pictures because I didn't take any. Just wanted to get out and get moving. Enjoy and keep an eye out on other hikes.

Millcreek Canyon, UT

2010-03-08T09:06:00.002-07:00

What a great day! I went on the first hike this year with my dogs. It was not long, just 2 hours. However, Buffy & Titan loved it and so did I. Both dogs are sore and tired today. The pictures will be up tomorrow.

The other great happening yesterday was that my son returned from his first oversees duty station in Kaiserslautern Germany. Some of you who have been stationed there may know it as "K-Town". Some of you may have heard of Ramstein in the news. Ramstein is right next to Kaiserslautern. Ramstein is Germany's largest Air Force Base. This is also where the wounded soldiers from Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq are flown into. This is just a little foot note.

In the near future I will publish some hiking dates and the trails I will be hiking. Hopefully some people will join me on my 1-day ventures.

Alexandra