get-inked-for-pink's Blog

i stole this idea from Connie;)

for those of you that own stores or have friends, family that do, please see about putting a cannister up for donations.

REMEMBER PENNIES COUNT;)

we have a checking account at Compass Bank. donations can be made at any location. the account is listed as "Get Inked for Pink." or checks can be sent to: Get Inked for Pink
c/o Compass Bank
1560 Montgomery HWY
Hoover, AL 35216

I had originally asked Connie to write a short bio about herself, but she has to go back into chemo this week, and I didn’t want to give her any added pressure. So I decided to write a short piece on her, and please keep in mind, there is nothing I can say or try to understand, that would even touch the surface of what she has endured.

The first time I met Connie she mentioned she had battled with cancer. We continued our conversation, talking about everything from tattoos to t-shirts as she ran about the parlor. Then after about thirty minutes, Wendy (the co-owner of this organization) mentioned her aunt had suffered from lymph edema. And how painful it was to watch her aunt suffer. Then Connie threw her leg up on the counter, and I swear it was at least twice the size of her other leg. She had been suffering from lymph edema for over six months. She gave no indication of pain, or discomfort. She just acted like it was an everyday part of life. She’s so strong-willed and courageous that it makes me feel guilty that I have ever complained about anything.

In 1994, Connie was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
In 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
In 2007, she was diagnosed with both bone and breast cancer.
In 2008, she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

I think Connie’s timeline says it all. She has dealt with cancer for over a decade. And talking to her, I knew I was doing the right thing. She’s such an inspirational person. And through it all, she has been tough, and still dedicated to helping others. She had been planning a bike event for the American Cancer Society for over six months, when she was hospitalized. The doctor wanted her to stay longer, but she said, “No I am going home.” The doctor finally agreed to let her go home, but under the condition she would spend time in bed. Do you know what she did the moment she left the hospital? She went straight to her bike event! Connie told me she wasn’t going to let anything ruin that event, not even cancer.

Connie said last time she had cancer, she swore she would never go through chemo again. In fact, her doctors and nurses said, “We won’t be seeing Connie again”. So when she got this recent diagnosis, she had a tough decision to make. It was her three-year-old granddaughter that helped her make the decision. Connie said she looked at her and said, “the doctor is going to make you all better.” Connie knew at that point, she couldn’t take any chances. She had to live, and she had to defeat this, one last time.

Last night when we talked about her starting chemo, even though she was smiling, I saw her start to tear up, but she just shook it off. I told her, cancer isn’t going to get rid of her. She has beaten it in the past, and I think, there’s a reason she has been triumph over cancer. I believe she was sent here for a reason, to help inspire people to do more. I need everyone to say a small prayer. We need selfless people like Connie in this world. Not only does she make a difference, but she inspires others to as well. WE NEED CONNIE.

we are honored to have you on our team!!!

xoxoxoxo

Cherish Alexander has a magical pen that dips into those dark, unspeakable places that haunt us- and then isn’t afraid to expose them and let loose when she cries out her raw, soul bearing songs. “Songwriting has always been a natural process for me,” reveals Cherish, who has been singing and playing the piano since age 7. Early on, the artist landed a deal with a major label and publishing powerhouse Warner-Chappell, which enabled her to hone her instinctual gift for songwriting and toured nationally with the Los Angeles based band, "the Painkillers" after 3 successful albums.

http://www.CherishAlexander.com
http://myspace.com/CherishAlexander

"ben trickey is a singer/songwriter living in atlanta, originally from alabama.
that's all i can think of. you wanna add something, that's cool. i've never done one of these." -ben trickey

http://www.bentrickey.com
http://www.myspace.com/bentrickeymusic

Wicked Ways Tattoo Studio
(205) 983-7753
1022 20th St S
Birmingham, AL 35205

Tim Mayo Salon at Jones and Company
3325 Rocky Ridge Plz Ste 209
Birmingham, AL 35243
(205) 822-2242

Diplomat Delicatessen & Spirits
1413 Montgomery HWY
Hoover, AL 35216
(205) 979-1515

Barnstormers is an old-fashioned string band with a modern rock attitude. Taking elements of jazz, country, blues, bluegrass, rock and folk, they blend whatever they get their hands on into a haunting sound of Rootsy Lo-Fi Americana.

Website
http://www.doomcountry.com
http://www.myspace.com/barnstormer

If your band is interested in performing at a get inked for pink sponsored event you need to contact Brandon Quinlivan on myspace @ www.myspace.com/alcoholprep as well as kristin @ email kristingq@bellsouth.net

READ THE FOLLLOWING
With the exception of the terms of agreement, all the following requests are optional, but would be very beneficial to you, as it will be used for promotion. (Throughout the rest of this document instances where I, we, our, and us are used it will refer to Get Inked for Pink or a representative thereof.)

1. I need a picture/logo to represent your band on our web page, myspace page, and printed works. A logo would be better than a picture but I understand that most bands use pics as logos.

2. I need a short description/bio for you band, one paragraph or less if possible. The reason we don't want a detailed bio is because we are sure you will still want people to go to you if they want more info.

3. Public contact information, a web address or myspace address, any other contact information that you want post. THIS INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED SO DON’T SEND ANYTHING YOU DON’T WANT ON THE WEB. i.e. personal phone numbers or home addresses

4. If you want your music posted on our myspace page let me know and we will work out a method for me to get the music to upload. You do NOT have to allow us to use you music on our page but we feel it will benefit us both.

5. Read the TERMS OF AGREEMENT and DISCLAIMER at bottom of page, It's nothing major.

6. It would be nice if you would promote us too (but you don’t have to, you can put Get Inked for Pink in your top friends. Put our logo and a link on your web page.

DISCLAIMER:
In order to be eligible to play at Get Inked for Pink sponsored events you (You meaning you, your band, or association through the remainder of this document) must agree to the TERMS OF AGREEMENT. You must also understand you're eligibility does not be guaranteed availability to perform in a show we (We meaning Get inked For Pink, it's associates, or affiliates throughout the remainder of this document) have sponsored.

Though we hope to have many shows so that everyone who wants to help will be able to, we are uncertain how much response we will get from bands and venues. Due to these assumed and unforeseen limitations not everyone who is eligible will be able to perform.

TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR PERFORMING:
We are a 100% non-profit organization and therefore cannot pay bands to perform. In order to be eligible you must be willing to play for free. YOUR LYRICS MUST BE CLEAN.

TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR MUSIC SUBMISSION:
We are a 100% non-profit organization and therefore cannot pay bands for their music. In order to be eligible you must be willing to play for FREE. YOUR LYRICS MUST BE CLEAN. You must own the copy write to all music and lyrics or have proper consent to cover the song (we will require proof of permission). Once donated we have the non-exclusive right to use you're music as we see fit for promotional use.

POSSIBLE PUBLICITY FOR ARTIST:
Bands that are chosen to perform at Get Inked for Pink charitable events will be promoted at www.myspace.com/getinkedforpink and/or www.getinkedforpink at our own discretion. There may be circumstances where our sponsors will donate their time, products, or services to bands. THIS, HOWEVER, IS NOT A GUARANTEE.

Any and all of these terms contained herein are subject to change at any time, without notice, at our own discretion.

http://www.myspace.com/kimberlyrosemusic

"Kimberly Rose the band started in 2002 as a one-person alternative rock project founded by Kimberly Rose Coates in Harvest, Alabama. The project went by the titles Drown Out and The Sycle before it settled upon Kimberly Rose. Late 2006 she recorded the "Life, Love, & the Pursuit of Misery EP" with producer Gary Francis. In 2007, Goth/industrial/trance band Pain Modulate recorded a cover of “Ruin”. In early 2007, drummer/keyboardist Josh Roy joined the line up. As the band has grown, so has its sound. Influenced by bands such as Staind, Evanescence, AFI, Shinedown, Brand New, and 3 Doors Down, Kimberly Rose has come to evolve its own unique sound of alternative rock infused with grunge and a tinge of Goth rock and metal. Opening for bands such as Boochie Shepherd and playing at local festivals such as Panoply and the String Fling, Kimberly Rose is gaining the interest of fans across the Tennessee Valley and beyond."

"One of the most poetic young bands coming up in Alabama. Usually a one piece band, formerly named The Sycle, Kimberly Rose's music and lyrics are written with a depth, and sincerity rarely seen in bands today."--Brandon F1 Studio

hey everyone!! make sure you give support and kudos to The Bottle Tree!!

they are our official venue sponsor!!

check them out!!!

www.thebottletree.com

www.myspace.com/bottletreecafe

so things are really looking up!!!

we will be officially sponsored by The American Cancer Society, as soon as their "blackout" date has expired (after Thanksgiving)

The Bottle Tree is our official venue sponsor!!

we will have two benefit concerts:
sunday, november 16th (we won't be sponsored by ACS for this event)
monday, december 15th (WE WILL BE SPONSORED BY THE ACS!!!)

we will have our event at Wicked Ways Tattoo Studio. i will have updates on that tomorrow, so keep checking!!!!

Alcohol Prep have been a very beneficial partner in not just spreading the word about Get Inked For Pink, but also Breast Cancer Awareness in general. Brandon of Alcohol Prep has also spent many hours working on the web presence for Get Inked For Pink; producing the logo, graphics, and web pages we use.

Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/alcoholprep
http://www.quinlivan.biz/brandon

I was asked to write something about my cancer experience for Get Inked for Pink. I am usually not at a loss for words, but for some reason, I can't think of what to say. Cancer sucks, but it was also a blessing for me. I have made some amazing friends. Cancer hurts, but I made it through without complaint. I always told myself that I was not the 1st woman to go through this and unfortunately would not be the last either. Cancer takes, but it also gave me so much. My relationship with my family is better now, my marriage is even stronger. I have gained friends, strength, knowledge and bravery. My sister said I made having cancer seem like fun. She loves talking to me on the phone because I am always so upbeat and laughing. It helps to have pills for that.

I was diagnosed with stage 1 grade 3 infiltrating ductal carcinoma on June 6th, 2007. I had a mammogram that February that showed 3 tumors. I was not surprised when I got the call from the Dr telling me the core biopsy I had a few days before showed a small cancer. I think we women know our bodies well. Talking to the Dr, the 1st thing out of my mouth was "Ok, so what do we do about it"? Don't get me wrong, I was not being brave, I was in shock but already in fighting mode. As the reality of breast cancer settled in I refused to accept the diagnosis. I knew I would get another call that the lab reports were wrong and then the Dr would be all embarrassed to spread this rumor! Of course, the call never came. I went on asking for more tests, mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI, MRI biopsies. Each test becoming more intrusive and horrifying. After a 4th tumor was found and I had enough of being stubborn. I accepted I had to loose my breast. It was like a huge weight had been lifted. I choose to have a left mastectomy and TRAM-flap reconstruction at the same time on August 29th, 2007. I was in surgery for almost 14 hours. My husband was by my side through the whole ordeal. We had only been married a year and a half and he was 24 years old, I was 41.

I started chemotherapy in November after getting a port put in. I did well, never getting sick, but I was exhausted. My hair fell out immediately. I was OK with that. We lived in Ft Lauderdale so cold was not so much as issue. I only wore a wig once out in public. I was fine being bald, it was who I was. It made me feel strong and that I was a survivor. It's been a year now since the mastectomy and I have my strength back and am doing well. My hair is growing back and it's still blonde and curly. I have a wonderful husband, son, family and friends. I have been blessed by meeting other survivors and they have made a huge difference in my life and hopefully I have made a good impact on others.

biggest news in the universe!!!!

Soooo the American Cancer Society called me today!!!!

They LOVE our idea!!

They do want to partner with us!!! we just have to change some dates around! no biggie!!!

It will likely be in December now, that just means we'll have more time to raise money!!!

I'm going to try to keep the original benefit concert date, and then try to set a new one!!!

wooohooo!!!

if you can help, why not?

i've had a lot of questions about why i started this. usually the first question is, "who do you know with breast cancer?"

i find that question interesting.

i've always been a mother hen, i dabble in every cause, and believe my purpose is to make a difference, some how, some way.

i've always had an overactive brain and always come up with fantastical ideas. thx to a certain adhd medicine, that i finally decided to take, i feel like i can finally channel that into art. i can make it real, and let ppl know the passion i feel inside.

why did i pick breast cancer?

that's an easy question that can be answered in several ways:

1.yes, i did watch someone suffer, and my husband's family is riddled with cancer, but that's not it.
you don't have to see pain first hand to know how dehabilitating it can be.
2. i'm a human being
3. i have boobs
4. cancer launches an unprovoked attack against innocent people, and i don't know about you, but i'm very protective of me and mine.

So don't feel like you can't support this, because you don't know a survivor, or haven't had a person pass.

i support it all, and not for any superficial reasons, but because i can.

so if you can help, then why not?

why all lower case?

i believe that there’s nothing i can say, that is half as important as this Cause!!!

Get Inked for Pink is a new non-profit organization with one goal: TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.

How?

1. Set up events at tattoo shops.

2. Put on concerts.

3. Do everything we can to spread information!!!

Cancer is a silent predator, and it has no prejudice. It can strike anyone, at anytime. It is our goal and dream to help find a cure for this wretched disease. I think this will be a perfect opportunity for individuals to find comfort in one another, in places they ordinarily would not look.

about me

i’ve always felt passionately about a lot of topics. Breast Cancer, i think, just hits me the strongest. there is no rhyme or reason, people get cancer, “just because”, and that’s not good enough for me.

i think it’s important, as a woman, as a person, to help others. i can’t fathom the support needed to defeat something so wretched, as cancer.

i literally came up with this idea in the middle of the night. i frequently write, and my best ideas come from random dreams or thoughts in the dead of night. this is one i came up with, and, honestly, felt there would be little of no response. i shared it with a few friends, and was surprised at the support i received. everyone says, “any reason to raise money for a fund raiser is a good cause” and she couldn’t be more right!!!

hopefully, i’ll never develop cancer, but i know if i do, i have the best family and support i could get through ya’ll!!!!

thanks so much for the support, and honestly, i wouldn’t be able to realize my dream without any of you, and i am truly grateful for that!!!

xoxoxoxo

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