STAY STRONG AND MAHJ ON…

THREE INTERNS, BREAST CANCER AND MAH JONGG.

WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?

               Pictured from left to right: Moriah Berry, Jordyn Fishman, and Alexis Miller 

               Pictured from left to right: Moriah Berry, Jordyn Fishman, and Alexis Miller

There are certain experiences that bond people for life. For us, it was being daughters of breast cancer warriors. We met during the summer of 2013 when we interned through an internship program and became fast friends. Throughout the school year, the three of us made sure to get together every break when we were home to catch up and reminisce. Our friendship grew. We were there for each other through break-ups, graduations, and even cancer. While other friends might not have understood the impact of watching your mother lose her hair, changing drains, and having to hold a mother’s hand through surgery, we all just got it.

Over Thanksgiving break 2014, we had an idea. Why not plan an event dedicated to our moms, who all have survived breast cancer, and raise awareness? We were all inspired by the shear strength and courage our mothers displayed, and wanted to do something to honor them and all they have done for us. That is how Stay Strong and Mahj On came to fruition. Our mothers are all avid Mah Jongg players, as are we. We could not think of a better way to celebrate our mothers, while working towards a good cause.

The money raised from the event will benefit the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, Illinois. This Center has helped our families as well as thousands of others dealing with cancer. We are honored and excited to plan this event, and it is providing a fun diversion to our full-time schoolwork. With your help, we hope to raise enough money to help support a nutritionist for the Cancer Wellness Center and help spread awareness about breast cancer, especially through our personal narratives.

20 thoughts on “STAY STRONG AND MAHJ ON…”

  1. Shirley hanick

    Ann , stay strong, I’ve been there and did exactly the same 5 years ago. We are the lucky ones who were diagnosed early and had great oncological , surgical and radiological help. I’ve since graduated from Cancer 101, according to my oncologist. I hope never to go back

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  2. Mah Jongg and Me Post author

    Dearest Shirley,
    Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Yes, we are the lucky ones – that is for certain. Congratulations on your graduation – I look forward to my own!
    Ann xxo

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  3. Boots Hersh

    Dearest Ann,

    Please accept my best wishes and sincere prayers for a full and complete recovery. And thanks for the reminder that my annual mammo is due soon.

    With much love,

    Boots Hersh

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  5. wife8

    I too, am a survivor, uterine cancer as a teen in 1962 and breast cancer (mastectomy and chemo) at age 53 in 2001. Thankfully, I also had a wonderful team of doctors and have been cancer free for 14 years. I wish you good health and Mahj on!

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  6. Elizabeth Shun

    This is so wonderful. Good for you for encouraging women to get their mammograms and for supporting these girls who are terrific.

    Sent by my iPhone

    >

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    1. Mah Jongg and Me Post author

      Thanks, Elizabeth. These young women really are terrific – I hope their event is a huge success. Wish I had known about it earlier so that I could have really publicized it.
      Ann xxo

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  7. Jan

    Anne, please know that my thoughts are with you along with my prayers. While I have not experienced what you are going through, I have had friends that I have helped along the way. You are such a positive person, and having an attitude that matches that will be the strength that gets you through this ordeal along with the friends and family that will be supporting you. If there is any way at all that I can help you, please let me know. EvEN if you need someone to hold your hand, I can be down there in a flash!! For all you have done for others, may the love be returned to you 100 fold!

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  9. JPCusu@aol.com

    First off, I wish you well, and congratulate you for going for your check-ups. I go every 2 years at my age and don’t mind going at all!! Wherever you are, please have this check-up. It could be your life-saver!!! Cancer runs in my husband’s family, we lost 6 members of my husband’s family with breast cancer. I had no family members with cancer, never thought the male member of the family carried the cancer cells. I have had 2 dtr’s with ovarian and cervical cancer along with my husband and son with prostate cancer. PLEASE, go for check-ups and stay on top of your health!!! Hugs, Phyllis.

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    1. Mah Jongg and Me Post author

      Thanks, Phyllis – it’s so critical to make sure that our friends go for their annual check-ups and tests. To stay on top of our health, we must also stay on top of our friends!
      Ann xxo

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  10. Toni Harlan

    Thank you for reminding us how important it is to do our annual checks, mammo, pap etc. And thank you for sharing information about these lovely women and their wonderful event. Can’t be there but sending a donation

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  11. Mary Ann Quinson

    Dear Ann,

    You are a warrior. It is amazing that you have gone through this difficulty so gracefully. I am an admirer.

    minkie

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  12. jonggjoy

    Sending support, love, and prayers your way. XXXX
    And hugs….lots and lots of hugs…..
    May you soon be well again.
    joy

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