Sandy Beardsley
Living with a Brain Tumor
Categories:

Archives:
Meta:
December 2024
S M T W T F S
« Oct    
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
07/29/06
Living Strong
Filed under: General
Posted by: Dan @ 10:01 am

As I write this, Bonnie Raitt’s song “I Will Not Be Broken” is playing full blast on our home stereo. It’s Sandy’s favorite song right now. We are packing up into a friend’s RV and hitting the road today for the LiveStrong Challenge in Portland which happens tomorrow (Sunday). The 15 members of our Friends of Sandy team is now one of the top fund raisers for the event, and we will all be gathering tonight in Portland at the event site. We are very excited to be a part of it. Please continue to donate to our team and the Lance Armstrong Foundation at the link to the left.

Our profound and deepest thanks and appreciation to all our friends and family who have come together to make this possible. We would not be going without all your help and financial assistance. Wish us luck and send some prayers our way. Sandy’s condition continues to decline daily, and getting her to Portland will not be easy. But she is thrilled and motivated to go — pulling together all her remaining strength and energy. Her spirit is truly incredible and shines bright through the darkness.

Live Strong,
Dan

20 Responses to “Living Strong”

  1. jkw Says:
    July 29th, 2006 at 2:40 pm Sandy and Dan those of us who are not with you in body are definitely with you in spirit! May Portland and all that positive energy find you both and your team. You both show us how to LIVESTRONG and live every moment to the fullest. Safe journey to all of you. With Love, positive thoughts and prayers. Joanie ;)
  2. Jerry and Yvonne Says:
    July 29th, 2006 at 4:10 pm Dear Sandy and Dan, Somehow, the letter I was writing went to some cyber place, and so I am beginning again. We, too, just returned from a brisk (brrr) trip to the Oregon coast. What a change from those 100+ degree days! Please know that we are thinking of you and sending all the energy we can to you. I have a quotation I would like to share with you– from the French theologian/philosopher Teilhard de Chardin– “Some day, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness. . . the energies of love. Ane then, for the second time in the history of the world, we will have discovered fire.” Sandy, you have lighted that fire in every life you have touched. Dan, you have been such a source of inspiration– we owe you both a great debt. With love and gratitude, Yvonne and Jerry Van Winkle
  3. Shirl Says:
    July 29th, 2006 at 8:55 pm Sandy, just wanted to let you know a few of the strange laws in Portland. Don’t want you to get in trouble and not be able to attend the challenge. Here they are: In Portland # It’s against the law for a wedding ceremony to be performed at a skating rink. (Repealed in 1989) # People may not whistle underwater. # You cannot wear roller skates in restrooms. I can see the headline now: “LEAVENWORTH WOMAN ARRESTED WEARING HER BRIGHT RED ROLLERSKATES IN THE DOWNTOWN PUBLIC RESTROOM DURING THE LIVESTRONG CHALLENGE!” I’m still with you Babe, skates or no skates, Love, Shirl
  4. cam Says:
    July 30th, 2006 at 2:35 am Mom & Dan, Im Right By Your Side. Love, Cam
  5. maria Says:
    July 30th, 2006 at 9:07 am It is fantastic that you are attending this great event. Sandy, both you and Dan continue to be in my prayers…live strong! :) love and peace, Maria
  6. Anonymous Says:
    July 30th, 2006 at 4:24 pm Sandy and Dan, I am so happy to read that the both of you are in Portland today. Sandy, you are the “Live Strong” woman of the year. My prayers and thoughts are with you both each and every day.
  7. Caryn O'Connor Says:
    July 30th, 2006 at 6:48 pm As I write this….Dan, Sandy and the motorhome crew are making their way back home from Portland. The Livestrong Challenge today was such an emotionally draining yet wonderful life changing event. Seeing ALL the outpouring of love for Sandy from complete strangers was so beautiful. We even had Lance’s medical team in tears at the finish line (along with many others)! I will leave the details for my brother the angel to put in the blog……wow, there were so many highlights I hope he remembers them all! I was so proud of Sandy and Dan and am SO glad I didn’t miss this day with them! Thanks to everyone on the team and for all of you who supported us, and ESPECIALLY for those very special angels who helped my sister, my mom and I at Dan’s this past week. Words cannot express my gratitude. LIVESTRONG….Caryn
  8. Susie Archuleta Says:
    July 30th, 2006 at 10:05 pm Sandy and Dan, Thank you for letting me be a part of this step (+17) in your incredible journey this weekend. Wow..I am at a loss for words. I am forever changed and humbled by your grace. I too want to thank the team and let you know how special you all are. You are beautiful, kind and warm hearted. I am truly honored to call you my friends. I just saw Sandy and Dan walk over the finish line on the North West Cable News. Channel 8 KGW in Portland is NBC’s affiliate. It was awesome. Love and prayers. Susie Archuleta
  9. Leslie Brown Says:
    July 31st, 2006 at 7:20 am First I want to say “Thank you” for allowing me to join your team! What an honor and privledge to be able to be a part of such a great group of people - filled with love for you, Sandy and Dan. I will be forever changed by getting to know you and all the team. What an incredible day it was - Sandy, you were the highlight of the day - not just to us but to everyone there. As I was walking up the hill from the beer garden, I overheard people talking about how incredible you were as you came to the finish line and how there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. You are truly an inspiration! You are in my thoughts and prayers as you make your journey back home today. Leslie Brown
  10. aclough Says:
    July 31st, 2006 at 10:05 am I’m glad you were able to make the Portland trip. How exciting for you! You are both in my thoughts and prayers daily.
  11. Andy Hanshaw Says:
    July 31st, 2006 at 12:43 pm I’ve traveled back to California after my own LIVESTRONG Challenge Ride yesterday in Portland. Approaching the end of of my 40-mile journey after riding alone after several miles, I approached another rider. As it turns out it was Sandy’s brother Eric. We were completely alone riding along the Columbia River and we struck up a conversation about our motivations for riding that day. He told me all about Sandy and I shared with him that my wife’s name was Sandy and we were riding in honor of our friend Lynn, a breast cancer survivor. Somehow I think I was meant to catch up with Eric yesterday. Although I never caught up with Eric after the ride, I did find Sandy, surrounded by family and friends, celebrating her successful Challenge triumph. I introduced myself. She was in great spirits and she took away the business card from me with this web site address (it was her last one!). I couldn’t forget her though and was able to find this today. I am truly inspired by her effort and her life. God Bless Sandy and LIVESTRONG!
  12. Cheryl and Brant Says:
    July 31st, 2006 at 1:27 pm Sandy and Dan, You two are awesome!!!!!!! I am truly blessed and amazed by you both!!! I wanted you to know although we don’t write much that you are still very much in my prayers and thoughts, always!!!!!! God Bless You Both SO SO SO Much! Love to you, Cheryl
  13. merry Says:
    July 31st, 2006 at 5:18 pm Sandy, you go, girl! What a marvelous race. We keep praying for you, and you keep doing wonderful inspiring things. We are with you in spirit which knows no “Do Not Disturb” signs. Love, Merry and Joe
  14. Lois Davies Says:
    July 31st, 2006 at 9:44 pm Sandy and Dan, you just keep on giving and giving. Life is something you hold boldly and with tender care. I think of your wedding day and the joy, laughter, and music you invited us to share with you. Your ability to share continues to be an incredible light. Sandy and Dan, each one of our children, Jon, Jessica, Luke, and Eric are richer because of your grace filled ways. They send their love. We rejoice with your trip to Portland. Another victory shared. You are both in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and Lois
  15. pk Says:
    August 1st, 2006 at 7:31 am Hey all, if you listen, you can probably hear Sandy singing her song, face all aglow, head tilted back, eyes closed, belting out these words … Artist: Bonnie Raitt Album: Souls Alike Title: I Will Not Be Broken That was then and this is now I found my way back here somehow Knew you’d have to let me go I told you once I told you so chorus; Take me down You can hold me but you Can’t hold what’s within Pull me round Push me to the limit Maybe I may bend But I know where I’m not going I will not be broken I will not be broken I will not be… Someone other than who I am I will fight to make my stand Cause what is livin’ if I can’t live free What is freedom if I can’t be me (chorus) I won’t let you near it I will let my spirit fly Fly High Oh take me down Take me down You can hold me but you Can’t hold what’s within Pull me round Push me to the limit Maybe I may bend But we both know where I’m not going I will not be broken I will not be broken I will not be… Come on all, close your eyes, tilt your head back, join in and belt it out with all you’ve got, just like Sandy and Dan’O. Forever yours, pvd
  16. Friend of Susie's Says:
    August 1st, 2006 at 9:26 am Sandy and Dan… Hi… I’m a friend of Susie’s and have been hearing about your “journey”. I have also sent your website to some good “praying” friends of mine…. so a few more added to the list of those keeping you in prayer. I spent an afternoon reading your web site and was in tears of course… but am blessed by your response to what has been handed to you. It reminds me of one of my favorite Bible passages…. Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and pray to Me, and I will listen to you and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart, and I will be found by you, declares the Lord.” To me this has been a comfort to know that He is with me… even in the hardest of times and in the best of times. Some times those don’t look like we think they exactly should. But you have learned all about that! Anyway… I just felt like I should write to say… Stay Strong!! as much as you can… and rest in the arms of those that love you also.”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths.” What a testimony you are to those around you.Take care of yourselves. God bless you guys MUCH!!!
  17. Tim and Hilary Foss Says:
    August 1st, 2006 at 11:16 am Dan and Sandy: Wow, it’s hard to imagine watching a spouse go through this, or going through it one’s self. I’m truly amazed at the strength you both have. The fact that you can share all this with all of us really serves as an inspiration for those of us struggling with much less difficult issues. You’re in our thoughts all the time.
  18. Barb & Cot Says:
    August 1st, 2006 at 2:32 pm Just got back from a little camping trip, and have been so frustrated that I have not been able to read your blog since the June 30th posting. So much has happened during your “journey” that it’s an inspiration to read. Anne and Andre N. just dropped by to “fix” my problem. I felt so stupid. All he did was click on one little button, and “woolah”, up came all the recent events! Sandy, you are not letting anything get in your way, or stop you from enjoying any event that comes your way. “Proud” isn’t a strong enough word. I keep coming in contact with things from your garage sale, and it makes me remember the fun we had that weekend. We truly think of you daily, so you MUST feel our vibes.
  19. stephanie and luke Says:
    August 1st, 2006 at 5:58 pm Sandy and Dan, I must too, say “thank you” for the honor of letting me be part of Team FOS. It seems as though I am not the only one who feels that your friends are being helped by your courage and not the other way around. You have given us all so much by being true to yourselves and others. Thanks to all Steph and I spent time with this weekend. We are blessed. With Love, Luke and Steph
  20. stephanie Says:
    August 1st, 2006 at 6:30 pm dan, sandy and team, thank you, thank you for allowing me to be a part of the team for the day. unbelievable strength, energy and life were pouring out of two of the most amazing people i have met. you two are truly beautiful. thanks for sharing yourselves with us. stephanie, luke and addie ps. addie has livestrong stickers all over the place!

Leave a Reply