Arlene

The other night I was talking to my dear friend David Knauss and he told me about his aunt Arlene who has terminal breast cancer. Her last visit to the hospital was this week. She has now returned home for her final days.

Today I'd like to honour Arlene Sista and her family. She sounds like a real woman of the world extraordinaire. She adopted two children and enjoyed a lifetime with her husband and family. Her sense of adventure led them to living in the Cote d'Azur for three years. She was never a fish out of water. As they were always on the go, they were nicknamed, 'The Runners'.

Though I've not had the priveledge to meet Arlene personally, I know she has made the world a brighter place for David, their families and many others. The sunbeam shines more brightly in my living room from having heard her stories.

Join me in sending prayers to Arlene, David and their families. Wishing you peace, both within and around you.

fe·lic·i·ty

1 a : the quality or state of being happy; especially : great happiness b : an instance of happiness. 2 : something that causes happiness 3 : a pleasing manner or quality especially in art or language 4 : an apt expression

I would like to acknowledge our other sister, Felicity. She spent 9 days with Kathleen looking after her during the first days at home following the surgery. She was clearly the best person for the job as she is so loving, wise and patient. A bonus is that doesn't get squeemish and therefore could help Kathleen change the dressings, tubes, and the other post-op care that come with the package of having a mastectomy. Kathleen, Halina and the girls were so grateful for her presence, love, support and happiness that she provided. What a true godsend.

Felicity is everything her name is about. A giver of happiness.

Thank you for everything. You are amazing. We love you xx

Christina's gift

It was great to hear Kathleen's voice today. Good news is that extensive test results confirmed her lymph nodes showed no signs of cancer. They also cleared good margins when removing her breast and she is now cancer free. Let me just pause on that for a moment....

She had stage 2 cancer. Apparently, she had two forms of cancer; a slower growing cancer and second more aggressive type. Therefore, she will need chemotherapy for a year. News that Kathleen is not enthusiastic about because she is the biggest advocate for naturopathic healing I know.

However, she counts her blessings as she knows it could have been different. During her return visit to the Moffit Centre, she saw a few women she met during her initial stay. Gina, a sweet woman, will need all her lymph nodes removed and undergo intense chemo. During their 4 hour wait for the doctor, they met several other families in very delicate situations.

It was a long 12 hour day - Kathleen, Halina, Felicity and Christina were all pleased to be home again. I did not realise it takes three hours to drive each way. She will have two more trips within the next week. That's 18 hours in a car just to see the doctors. However, she's receiving the best care. And for that, it's worth it!

All in all the day went smoothly. However, there was a moment that Kathleen said she was near meltdown. She was exhausted and couldn't bare the long wait to see the doctor. Just at that moment, her 8 year old daughter Christina sensed something and came up to her. As she patted Kathleen on the shoulder, she said "Don't worry Mama, everything is going to be alright. You see, I've drawn you a picture. You're in a hammock, relaxing on a beach between two palm trees". Christina handed Kathleen the gift.

From then on, Kathleen was filled with renewed energy to last her for the rest of the day.

Thank you Christina, for your gift of being. For your mom. For the world. I love you and am so proud of your bravery during this time.

xp

Doctor follow-up

Today is another milestone day for Kathleen. She meets with her doctors to find out what stage cancer she has, further lymph node results, and when the chemo begins.

It's days like these that make it all more real to me. I feel raw, emotional and anxious. I can't get through typing this without crying. There have been few days that I've been like this: the day I found out about her cancer, the day of her surgery and today.

I know it's not the events in life that are good or bad, but the meaning I give them. I know there's no real reason for the tears, so what is it?

What is the meaning of today for me?

Heard from Terry today (Kathleen's special someone). His insights into what he's witnessed over the past month are truly invaluable. This is what he wrote...

"Things that don't always get mentioned or passed on are the little, day to day things that when combined give a better overall picture. It is true that Kathleen is surrounded by wonderful friends and family to provide support. Something I saw every day before, during and after her hospital stay is Kathleen's strength in fighting through the pain, the anxiety, the discomfort of the procedure. Her concerns were never about how she was feeling and always about the needs and feelings of others.The medical care at Moffitt was some of the best I've encountered. The nurses and tech's went out of their way to make sure Kathleen's needs were met. One of the day nurses (Melinda) became a true patient advocate and helped pull all the pieces together to get Kathleen's pain under control. Of course, Kathleen's outgoing nature quickly made the staff a part of her "family"."

Thank you, Terry for sharing.

xp

Celebrating all the Sponsors

When I embarked on this journey one month ago, I had no idea it would grow into such an amazing experience. All I knew is that I could not do it on my own. Individuals and companies, some who haven't even met me in person have jumped at the chance to help us out (no pun intended - ha!!). It seems that effortlessly everything has fallen into place so naturally. The momentum builds weekly, new marketing ideas, new products and new heights.

Spreadshirt Ireland

Larry and Eamon are two fantastic guys. They've never even met me and probably think I'm barking mad - yet they've been all to happy to sponsor the tshirts for the bouncing team. Then they had the great idea of creating an online shop for B4B and have agreed to contribute £2 per shirt and the majority of the proceeds will go the the cause. The quality of the tshirts are fab, they fit well and are very trendy. Some of my personal favorite novelty tshirts are titled "License to Bounce" and "Babies for Boobs". Stay tuned for the online shop in coming days. http://www.spreadshirt.co.uk/

Pro-bounce folding trampolines

This company has been kind enough to give us an extra trampoline for the cause. These things are so great to use at home and to travel with. So robust you can take them anywhere in the world like me...even the Taj Mahal. Keep checking with us for updates about our own B4B trampolines for sale where part proceeds will go to the cause. To order trampolines, visit www.energiseforlife.com

Energise for Life - outstanding online well-being company

I've known this company for 6 months as I've purchased my trampolines from them for myself and my clients. John has been a key go-to person for me. He's always been there to bounce (hee hee) ideas off of and has come up with great ideas for marketing and fundraising. It was John that spoke to Probounce about donating a trampoline to the cause. You've been a true gem. I look forward to more magic together. www.energiseforlife.com

Flame New Media - Website Hosting and Design

Ian and Caroline make such a great team and I am honoured they wanted to get involved. They've done a great job on my websites and obviously I was overjoyed when they said they'd wanted to sponsor the B4B campain website. http://www.flamenewmedia.com/

Raging Thunder

My digital printers that have super quality printing. Thanks for your offer to print posters for our public bounces. www.ragingthunder.ltd.uk

Verityworx

Thanks to my loving husband Christoph for his time, inspired ideas, desktop publishing and design skills. You interpret my vision so well and add to the mix perfectly. With all this bouncing, I thank you too for keeping me on terra firma from time to time. Anyone who knows me, can appreciate this isn't a small feat!

Priscilla Bokhara Companies and my "keep-it-real team "

I celebrate my Christoph, mom, dad, Felicity, Halina, Diana Duah, Louis Mariette, Sarah Mawby, David Holloway, Heather Macrae, Tanya and Charlie Schiffter, Libby McCorry and Charlotte Cole for your great ideas and endless support. Thanks for being a part of the magic and believing in the outreach potential and interest it will create. Thanks also for your patience, understanding and resourcefulness during my time invested in B4B. Life doesn't just happen to us - we make life happen!

Thanks mostly to Kathleen for your love, inspiration, courage and openess for me to share your experience.

I especially honour the precise moment on 23rd February 2006 in the afternoon when the Bouncing for Boobs idea was born. It was a moment when a prospective client had to reschedule our meeting. I was initially frustrated that I had to rearrange my day and reassess my outcomes for the week - so i jumped on my trampoline and asked a better question: What is the opportunity in this? I turned my focus onto Kathleen as she was due to have her preparatory surgery that same day.

It was the moment the invisible became visible.

"Thus the task is not to do what everybody has done before or to see what everybody has seen before but to do what nobody has done before about what everybody sees."- quote learned from my Dad as a young girl.

ONE MONTH MOMENTUM MARKER

28 days...280,000 bounces...$4599.

Thanks to everyone so far for all your love, resources, encouragement and contribution. I appreciate it and Kathleen is so humbled by your kindess, love, and outreach in her time of need.

In her words... "What a blessing"!

only 72 days...720,000 bounces and $5401 to go ;)

The Waiting Room Family

Halina shared her story of their experience in the waiting room...

She and Terry were anxiously awaiting the news of Kathleen's surgery. Sitting across from them in the room sat another family sharing stories and laughing amongst themselves. It was clear to Halina they were such a loving and kind family. They shared glances and a smile with Halina and Terry. The waiting room united them all.

Kathleen's surgeon entered the room and delivered the news that the surgery was a success. That the preliminary tests showed no sign of cancer in the lymph nodes and that the overall procedure took less time than expected. Halina and Terry rejoiced and their relief and praise filled the room. They couldn't have been happier and others in the room were happy for them.

Not long after did the other family's surgeon enter the room. But this time the news was different. It wasn't good news at all. Halina and Terry witnessed their smiles and laughter turn to frowns and tears. Halina's happiness for Kathleen, turned to sadness for the other family. She wanted so desperately to hug them and comfort them in their moment of grief and despair. She could feel their pain.

In that moment, the atmosphere in the room permanently changed. The hopeful lightness and anticipation that was once present, was replaced by heaviness and sorrow. Ever since Halina told me that story, I have thought of the other family - the other woman- whose news wasn't so good.

Today, join me in sending a prayer to the family in the Moffit waiting room on 13th March. May they find healing and peace within and around them. That somehow, somewhere they can find an empowering meaning and a higher truth to this all.

Mama's little girl

I was happy to speak to Halina today (Kathleen's mom). She has been a real trooper through everything and I admire her for her courage. I can also appreciate how challenging it's been for her. When I asked her who her go-to person was, she quietly said "no-one" - at least not nearby. She then started to weep, saying that if she could go through this ordeal for Kathleen, she would. No parent can bear to see their child suffer - regardless of their age. I know Kathleen is in the best hands with Halina, Terry, Colleen, Christina, our sister Felicity, our Dad's daily calls, the doctors, and all the love from God, our family and her friends.

I too remembered that when I first found out about Kathleen's breast cancer, I cried and cried. Why her? She's too good! It's unfair, especially after all she's been through! Some experiences few of us could even imagine...being held up by gunpoint at a bank, being assaulted by her first husband, difficult 2nd divorce, encountering one health challenge after another, and then this? I also wanted to go through this procedure in her place. Have my breast removed, undergo chemo, lose my hair...

And then all of a sudden, a higher truth was revealed and that train of thought took a u-turn. Despite all her challenges, she has become an even better, more loving, more giving person. She has become a tremendous role model for others, including myself. The gifts she's acquired have been priceless. And who am I to take away this gift of learning that has been intended for her right now? I realise that this too has been put in her path and the best I can do is to love her and support her during her journey. I truly believe that she will rise above and shine even brighter. And that she will inspire, live more fully, and learn how to receive more love than ever before.

The greatest gifts in life don't come in Tiffany boxes. They are packaged in the most unpleasant, scariest, most upsetting forms. It is up to us to courageously unwrap them, layer by layer, to reveal the precious gift that lies within. Like diamonds, the most resilient and most precious gemstone of them all are formed under pressure.

Rise and shine in your greatness, Kathleen.

xp

The details make all the difference

Today is homecoming day; we're back at home in the UK and Kathleen is back home in Florida. I had the first lengthy conversation with my sister since the op. I had no idea what a difficult time she had and my heart strings were pulling like mad. The details that make such a huge difference when one is so vulnerable. For instance, being in the recovery room for 2.5 hours longer than expected caused her great despair. Tears ran down my cheeks as she relived the desperation she felt. She was in severe pain and all she wanted was to be with her mom and partner.

During the first few days, she was having a very difficult time managing the pain. Her morphine was a self-administered pump, which could be used in no less than every 6 minutes. This method worked fine when she was awake, but obviously was not as effective when she was sleeping. The pain became so unbearable and she was unable to sleep, despite her fatigue. And then when she was finally asleep, nurses came in to give her something to sleep (I never could understand why hospital staff wake you to give you sleeping pills or injections???) Fortunately after a few different approaches, the pain was brought under control.

The most challenging aspect of this whole situation was that she was away from her girls. Despite how much she'd miss them, she decided it was best they stay with friends and not see her in such a state. I can only imagine how difficult this was for her, as her girls are the centre of her universe. She loves them so much and they are so close. Even upon coming home, Christina was not able to enter the house because she had a cold, so she had to stay at the next door neighbours until she was no longer contagious.

It's extraordinary the little things - those key distinctions - we take for granted but make all the difference in the moments we experience. They impact the meaning we associate. They influence where we live emotionally and how we live.

There are no ordinary moments. Blessings to you and everyone. xp

THE PHOTO SAYS IT ALL....

The Taj Mahal, one of the 7 greatest manmade wonders of the world, is a powerful experience. In a place that even camcorders can't get in, yours truly got her trampoline in. When there's a will, the way opens up for you...

The Taj and Bouncing for Breast Cancer campaign have one thing in common - they're both a memorial of love. Kathleen, I was there for you and I am here for you, always.

BACK TO BOUNCING

hurrah, feeling much better and happy to be one with the trampoline again.

We embark tomorrow morning on our passage through India. With trampoline in tow, we'll visit Jaiphur and Agra. Now that our work has been completed in New Delhi, we are very excited to experience other places in this country. I have never seen a place of such vast extremes; where the richest and poorest live side by side. 80% of the population lives in corregated steel shacks, under tarpoline, in grass/mud huts or makeshift abodes. Some aren't as lucky as that. Some of the wealthiest people in the world live amongst the .01% first caste in India. For religious, socio-political, or economic reasons, everything has it's place here. And it's purpose. Driving cross country from city to city, should give us a taster of the true essence of life here.

This trip is a dream come true for me, for a few reasons - one being my goal to bounce on my trampoline for Kathleen in front of the Taj Mahal. In the context of everything - especially with my sister being in the hospital at present -I find it funny schlepping some random object - a trampoline -around this country. It's a very surreal time. There are so many people who are curious to know what exactly it is. An even more countless number that could even fathom that such a thing exists.

Whilst I have mixed feelings being away from Kathleen and my family, I am encouraged to live my experience fully here in honour of them.

Namaste !
(It means something like to pay homage to the inner light in all living things)

Round the Clock

We've gotten word on Kathleen. Although, her recovery is coming along, the pain is the most difficult to manage. Her partner Terry and her Mom are taking shifts around the clock to give her TLC and support. No one is getting much sleep at all. I wonder what it's really like for them, being in their shoes. I pray for them all as I can only imagine this takes more strength and heart than anyone could imagine.

One thing I have learned is that Delhi belly and bouncing aren't the best of friends. I will have to increase my numbers each day to make up for the time off. I calculated that this trip is worth 80,000 bounces. Christoph has been a star and will bounce to help me keep my commitment. That's true teamwork and he's the best team partner I could wish for. Thanks, my love.

I'm off to bed with another key player in my team - my hot water bottle!

xp

Thank you, Jayne

I didn't want another moment to go by before thanking Jayne for her interest and support. I met this wonderful woman during my flight to New Delhi. As I was talking to my husband, she enquired about the Bouncing for Breast Cancer t-shirt I was wearing (the back says BOUNCING FOR KATHLEEN WORLD TOUR and lists a number of cities). And so the B4B story unfolded...

I also found her story inspiring by all the things she's doing in her life now that her girls have grown up and flown the nest. She has this new sense of adventure and of self. You go, gal!

One of the highlights of her year will be to walk on the Great Wall of China in September. It's a day when many individuals realise their personal dream or walk on behalf of charities (www.discoveradventure.com). She said whilst she's been offered money in the past to walk on behalf of charities, she's turned them down. For her, this is a personal goal, something for herself to fulfill. Then a few minutes later she turned to me and said, "However, I'd be happy to walk for your cause".

There are rare moments when I am speechless and this was one of them. I was and am so grateful to you Jayne, for this very kind offer. You are an extraordinary lady and the world is a brighter place for your delightful energy.

Warmest Regards and Good luck!! I know you'll have an amazing time.
x priscilla

The Surgery News

Great news, the surgery was a success. I was lucky enough to speak to Kathleen not long after being out of the recovery room. They found no sign of cancer in the lymph nodes they tested and the oncologist will give us information soon on what stage of cancer it is. My sister sounded so happy and relieved that everything is going better than expected. She's happy to be 47 and have tight tits and a tummy tuck in the process too :). Thanks to God and everyone's love, prayers and well wishes for the strength, guidance and comfort towards Kathleen and us all in these times.

I was surprised at how emotional and sensitive I was on Monday and today. For the couple of weeks, I've been focussing all my energy into bouncing and sending postive vibes her way. However, Monday was the day we've been waiting for - surgery day. Naturally, it was a release and relief for everyone. Dad and Halina (Kathleen's mom) were very brave and are most pleased that it's all behind them. Now the days of Kathleen's recovery and rebuildling her vitality begin. The opportunity for new choices and a new way of living await Kathleen.

On this trip, I've met a woman named Melissa whose close friend, Emma, was just diagnosed with breast cancer last week. She's 33 and is still processing the shock of it all. She was aware of a lump in her breast and the GP said it was nothing but a cyst. Only until a colleague strongly urged her to get it checked out last week, did she discover it was indeed malignant. The next day she went in for her lumpectomy and they found cancer also under her arm. Melissa is naturally affected by this, wanting the best for Emma and to be the best support she can to her friend in need. It's during times like these, we want certainty that it will all turn out fine. However, the truth is that the only certainty we have is how we choose to handle the situations we are faced with in life.

Tomorrow is the Holi Festival (Festival of Colour) in India. It's one of the most auspicious days of the year and it represents Joy and new beginnings, especially for females. How appropriate that we are here during this time.

To me, each day is a day of joy and celebration, for it is the day I am living, loving and being so grateful for so much. Especially grateful for life's challenges as they contain something the greatest gifts of learnings. Some of the greatest gifts surround me now.

My thoughts and prayers are also with Melissa and Emma and the thousands of other people affected by cancer.

with love and blessings x

Today is a signficant day for two reasons. Today, Kathleen has her mastectomy and it is also the day that B4B World Tour begins. I'm at the airport en route to India - a sense of newness surrounds me. I am also deep in thought and prayer for Kathleen and my family. My mood is quiet and I wanted to share my thoughts of the morning. Coming into Heathrow on the M4, my husband and I witnessed the most beautiful sunrise. With pen in hand, I began writing....

The Sun is Rising

A new day is here
the sun is rising
a day of new beginnings,
new hope,
new dreams.

A day of new peace
new blessings,
new prayers.

Today, I pray for Kathleen -
that her surgery is successful.
That her body releases all the toxins -
the old beliefs -
creating space for new light and warmth.

For a new completeness
a new love for herself
a new life.

Newness.

A brand new day blessing to you, my sweet sister.

The Greenwich Bounce

The Bounce in Greenwich was a huge success. Despite being the coldest corner in SE London and the brief snowfall, we raised £240 PLUS we reached our target of 30,000 bounces in just 4.5 hours.

I could have not done this on my own and I heartfully thank everyone for their love, amazing energy and support. I would especially like to acknowledge a few people whose enthusiastic commitment made this event even more successful and FUN!




Thanks to...

My beloved husband Christoph for his inspired ideas, for bouncing, and abundant love.

My dear friend Tanya and her daughter Charlie for coming out in the cold, for bouncing and the fantastic banner you created.

Andrew and his team at the Gypsy Moth (Greenwich's best pub) for letting us bounce outside their pub.

• Larry and Eamon at spreadshirt.co.uk for sponsoring the tshirts. Everyone loves them and can't wait to order some of their own.

I am touched by so many well wishes for Kathleen. I am also moved by the number of people affected by breast cancer. There are so many more than I could have ever imagined. I am even more convinced that this campaign continue to grow and add momentum in efforts to help a wider community of breast cancer victims and loved ones. I welcome anyone who wants to join in.

License to Bounce...

We've got the green light from owner of Gypsy Moth in Greenwich to bounce on their property this afternoon.

Also news just in - my 8 year old neighbour Charlotte, wants to approach her school to do a Bounce-In for a fundraising project. She thinks it would be so much fun for the kids and they could invite the parents. She shared some fab ideas and the one that made me laugh was the Bouncing for Boobs puppet show. How I love kids sense of imagination...

Well, gotta finish getting ready for our Bounce in Greenwich. Very excited about it!

Due to popular demand for my Bouncing for Boobs campaign, I have a blog – hurrah! Whilst this has been a personal campaign, I am now extending my efforts to support other Breast Cancer organisations. My goal is to run a worldwide campaign to raise over $1 million in each country that we tour.

This is a story of an extraordinary woman who has touched my life deeply and the lives of many others through her generosity of spirit and love for life. From a young age, she has devoted her life to helping those who needed it most – fostering children, helping feed the homeless, working with the elderly, providing hospice for sick/stray animals, offering endless support & counsel through her church, actively participating in outreach ministries, and raising money for numerous local, national and international charities. She has generously invested countless hours on others, despite her own needs in times of trouble with serious health and life challenges. Even when all odds were against her in bearing children after having more than 3 miscarriages, God has blessed her with two beautiful daughters, Colleen and Christina. As a single mother, she has become a role model as she has done a magnificent job of raising her two daughters, ages 13 and 8 respectively. How, might you ask? By living the experience she wants others to have through love and selfless service. As a result, she and her kids are abundant in love, faith, and gratitude.

This special woman is my sister, Kathleen. She is 10 years older than I and has always been an incredible inspiration to me. Even now, when she is faced with her biggest life challenge, I am in awe of the positive mindset, brave-heart and strong faith she possesses. I love her dearly.

Kathleen has breast cancer and will undergo surgery for a mastectomy on Monday 13th March. She will be out of work for at least three months during her chemotherapy and her primary concern is that she covers the minimal living costs - mortgage, household expenses and food.

This is an appeal from my heart to the world community to make a difference to Kathleen’s life – to be a mirror reflection of her contribution over the years. Though you may not have experienced her love and light personally, you may have a sister, a mother, a partner or someone who has fallen ill, and maybe even died of breast cancer. Perhaps even a stranger has done something nice for you in a time of need and you’re now looking for that opportunity to pay it forward to someone else. Now here is your chance.

I am committed to raise US $10,000 to help support Kathleen and her daughters during their time of need and I welcome your support. As such, I will bounce 10,000 times daily on my trampoline until I raise the total amount. So far, I’ve raised $3500. If you want more information on how to help, contact me at info@bokhara.co.uk.

x priscilla

(The photo was taken of us Oct 2005 - 2 months before Kathleen discovered she had breast cancer. Kathleen is on the left and I am on the right)