We’d love to hear your story! Email us at info@hawkathon.org

10/20/06 by Deidra Dwyer:

Greetings Fellow Hawkers!

Thanks for stopping by to browse, share, and hopefully participate in the growing phenomenon of “Hawk-a-thon”! I encourage all of you to give a little something to the cause, be it some excess hair, a monetary donation, a forwarding of this website, or perhaps even opening up and sharing how cancer has been a part of your life experience. We are a community here, united through a common spirit and connected through this amazing technology. The internet has made the world a very small place, giving every participant the opportunity and potential to reach a nearly limitless number of people – that is amazing. Please feel free to share and participate here, and know that there is so much to be gained through the gift of that sharing!

As for me, I just finished 6 months of breast cancer treatment on August 24th 2006, which included 2 surgeries, 3 months of chemo, and 2 months of radiation. My hair is now growing back (and in a most-interesting color, I might add! It's been described as just the color of a Weimeraner dog - a real crowd-pleaser!) and, fortunately, both breasts and my sense of humor are pretty much still intact! My prognosis is very good and I am grateful for that, but many changes have been, and are, taking place in my life right now. I know that many of you out there are (unfortunately) all-too-familiar with that story - I wish for hope, a conquering spirit and healing for all of you whose lives have been touched by cancer. Know that it is but one factor in this mystery we call life - do not let it cause you, for even a moment, to grieve your life (or anyone else's) - you are ALIVE, and THAT should never be grieved. Any singular circumstance does not determine our fate any more or less than any other - past, present or future, known or unknown. We have only the moment - do not overlook its preciousness. Choose, every day, the relationship you will have with yourself, your life and everything in it. There is always something good; blessings to be thankful for. It is all an adventure - live it well, with as much gusto and exhilaration as you can muster!

Until next time,
Deidra Dwyer

“Breast Cancer Survivor!

04/20/2006
by Deidra Dwyer:

You guys – I am SO OVERWHELMED by all of this.  I'm trying to find some sort of frame of reference, but this is like nothing I've ever experienced before.  As I sit here looking at all these SMILING faces, thinking about not only the symbolic act, but the sheer JOY with which it was performed by all of you, I am moved to tears.  Seeing the happiness that circulated around this place in the past few days and the fun that everyone had with this endeavor was the best gift I've gotten in a long time. 

Having cancer has been a very small (and temporary) sacrifice in exchange for being connected to the great and powerful energy that it has helped to generate.  Listen to me, all of you – MUCH more good than bad has resulted from this circumstance, and there is something righteous and beautiful in that.   "We all have wings, but some of us don't know why."  Look at the BEAUTIFUL people surrounding me in this photograph, who spread their wings and took flight in joyous delight and made a miracle happen – they are angels among us!!  I was, and am, humbled and honored in your presence, and I salute you all. CHEERS, AND ROCK ON!!!!!!

With love and thanks,
Deidra