If you are a regular reader of this blog then you will remember me telling you about my lovely friend Beth and sharing her story with you:
This is a little project I have been working on for a while now. I have often mentioned how much I enjoy designing for the digital scrapbook community because it allows me immediate and personal contact with my customers, well this is probably the most poignant example of that interaction and the friendships that grow from it.
A little while ago a special customer contacted me and asked if I would consider making some cancer themed doodles for the cards and journal she was working on while she underwent various treatments for cancer. We ended up exchanging a number of emails and having quite a brainstorming session about what she needed and this little freebie pack was the final result:
Download Beth’s Belief
Beth is the special customer and her story moved me greatly. Sadly, I am sure that almost everyone reading this will have had their lives touched by cancer in some way.
Beth created these cards to give to other cancer patients she knows, both young and old. Visit her blog to hear more of her story and to download the cards (I love the “Chemosabe” pun!)
I’d just like to say thank you Beth for trusting me to create these and for involving me in the way you did. It was a very moving experience for me and more than a few tears have been shed along the way. I hope your cards can bring some love, support and smiles to all those who receive them and may you always find a way to give voice to your heart xxx
April 2010
Tragically, less than 6 months after we completed these doodles, Beth lost her fight with cancer. We had kept in touch, exchanging emails and layouts, private messages and memories and we had a lovely online friendship that I hold very dear. I had never met her, never even spoken to her on the phone but her shining spirit and generosity touched my heart very deeply and I miss her very much.
A few months after Beth passed away, we heard the news that our next-door neighbour had also lost her battle with cancer. Tracey was a fun and bubbly character, the same age as me and her youngest son is in the same class at school as my daughter. Every day (weather permitting!) my kids played with hers, playing dodgeball over the fence.
Since then, this dreadful disease has touched more amazing women in my life, both in my own family and in the Lilypad family (you can read about Pollywog Melissa’s story and marvel at her utterly beautiful photography on her blog Life as a Lewis).
In honour of all these women I know and love, and in the hope that with enough fundraising and research I’ll never have to add another name to my back-sign again, my daughter and I have taken part in Cancer Research UK’s fundraising Race For Life every year since 2011, leaving a trail of pink feathers and glitter through the Cheshire woodlands!
Thank you so much to everyone who put their hands in their pockets to sponsor us every year, I don’t have the words to express how moved and grateful I am for the contribution from our wonderful online scrapbooking community, you really are the best! Together we have raised over £1000 in Beth and Tracey’s memory.
Beth’s Belief revamped
I spent some time this past week reflecting on friends both new and old who are battling this terrible disease, reading through the old comments on the original post (you can find them below if you would like to read them too) and shedding a few tears as I worked on creating the stamps for this set. The download now contains stamps in the usual three formats, along with the revamped coloured doodles and wordy-bit strips.
I hope that these illustrations will help you record your memories; tell your story; indulge in a bit of scrap therapy or create cards, posters and other personal items for your friends and loved ones as Beth herself did. More than anything, I hope that Beth’s loving and giving spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone affected by this dreadful disease.
Shine bright my friend, shine bright.
Thank you so much for sharing. I have stage 4 cervical cancer. This is my second brought with it. I developed it the first time at sixteen; a type you can only get from a drug (DES) your Mother took to stop from losing you and you received in vitro. This time is much worse. Have a wonderful day!
Oh JoJo, I am so sorry to hear this, sending you strength and healing vibes. My thoughts are with you and your family, much love to you xxx
Thank you so much for sharing. My sister-in-law was literally diagnosed 2 days ago.
Sending all best wishes to your sister-in-law, I will keep you both in my thoughts xxx
My grandson is in remission and we are praying so hard he stays this way. He has been ill since he was born and it took a year to find why he was so ill. So very hard on a baby. He was just learning to walk and in a 6 month time frame he had 7 bone marrow aspirations and cried so hard when he tried to walk. Still brings tears to my eyes but I am lucky!!! My baby is here and thriving. So many cannot say those same words!!! The kit is perfect to work his hospital stays. Thank you so very much for sharing!!!
Much love to you and your family, and especially your precious little grandson! Thank you for sharing your story, I shall keep your grandson in my thoughts – sending him all best wishes for his continued recovery xxx
Thanks Kate, I’m in the midst of chemo right now, so this has special meaning for me. I am very sorry for the loss of your friend.
I’m so sorry to hear that, I shall keep you and your family in my thoughts Electra. All best wishes for a speedy recovery xxx
Thank you very much for sharing your talent and your emotional story. I too lost my mother to ovarian and uterine cancers. Most of my aunts and uncles pasted from cancers and now several of my cousins have passed from various forms of the disease. I lost my brother-in-laws to lung cancer eleven years ago and several close friends. My sister has had a large melanoma a year ago and seems to being doing well. The numerous forms of this disease claims numerous victims yearly. Thank you and family for taken part in the walk for life in support of research.
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry for your loss, how awful. You and your sister are in my thoughts, all best wishes for her continued recovery. Thank you for sharing your story xxx
Thank you, Kate. I shed a few tears reading your post.
I shed a few writing it! Thanks for leaving a message xx
Thank you so much for these. Your background to them has broken my heart. Yes, we have all been touched in some way by this terrible thing, so I believe this set will bring tremendous joy to many souls.
Thank you so much for your kind words Linda xx
So sad, but thank you much too. I can use this.
So beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. Very near and dear to my heart as well. God Bless.
Thank you Katie. This is lovely and very kind of you. Thank you to all the brave people out there battling this disease. You give us all a light to follow. Thank you to all those who lost someone to this horrible disease and shared their stories so we could learn from them and find courage and hope in their stories.
Thank you for your lovely message Boo, such kind words for everyone facing this terrible disease! Thank you.
You have touched my heart once again! Thank you for your generosity. This kit is beautiful and I will be scrapping pictures of my dear aunt, who is now a survivor of this terrible disease going on 10 years now.
You are very welcome Dawn! It makes me happy to think of you scrapping pictures of your aunt with these doodles! Much love to you both xx
THANK YOU ๐
Wow thank you for making this! I’m currently going back and redoing some scrapbooks I made in my teens and there was a year that I simply could not find many embellishments for. I’m a cancer survivor, and that long road began on my 16th birthday.
Oh wow, I bet those scrapbooks are very emotional and precious to you. I’m happy I was able to help by creating some embellishments to help you retell your story! xxxxx
I donated on the 15th in honor of my mother ๐ She’s a breast cancer survivor for 13 years, 4 months and counting – ever joyful & eternally grateful for her success story. Early detection is key! Thank you for doing this year after year. You’re a peach! A pink sort of peach ๐
A very pink sort of a peach! ๐ Thanks so much for your donation, it means a great deal to us! (Check your emails for the code!)
Is there really anyone that hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way? My 9 year old son just lost a good friend who’d been battling leukemia for 4 years. At 6 years old, when his friend had his first relapse, my son decided we were going to start participating Relay for Life as a way to do something to help. As team captain, my son has worked hard to raise money and awareness. I’m so proud of him.
Yes, I’ve downloaded many of your freebies, including Beth’s Belief. And I thank you for every beautiful one of them. My donation today is to honor your friend’s memory and the memory of all those we all have lost (including my mother over 30 years ago) to cancer.
Thank you so much for your donation and your message. I’m so sorry for your son’s loss, how heartbreaking for you all, cancer truly is a terrible, cruel disease. I wish you all the best for your own fundraising, it sounds like you have a wonderful team captain!
You are so sweet to do this. I love all the pink and that your daughters did this with you. I am so sorry for your friend – it is a hard journey.
Forgot to mention I have donated.
Thank you so much Carole!
My 20 year old niece died 9 months ago from bone cancer. She had undergone 9 months of intense chemo which weakened her heart and she died 2 weeks after her treatment had finished. Friends and family are now raising money in the hope that other families will not have to go through dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Oh Carole, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family xxxxx
Wonderful!! Thanks so much!
thank you!
freebie hugs
ginnie
I read this and have watery eyes … you have a beautiful heart Kate and I am sure that Beth and Tracey both are happy singing together with all the angels above ,,, *big hugs*
Just wanted to say how much it means to me for you to walk! I’ll be thinking of you!
Your sweet and generous spirit gave me pause; I lost my only daughter to cancer in 1999; she left my only 5 year old grand-daughter and her husband to raise her by himself. 4 years before that, my husband of 32 years also succumbed to lung cancer. Like you, since then numerous family and friends have also died from this horrible disease. I think it’s a wonderful, courageous thing you’re doing; walking in the dark to raise money for ,hopefully, a final cure. Good luck.
Hugs,
Joyce
PS forgot to say thanks for the cute freebie.
Sorry for the loss of your friends. Thank you for the wonderful Beth’s Belief freebie. Hopefully we can use these images to make more people aware. Thank you for sharing and caring.
Thank you not only for the freebie (the cancer kit) BUT ALSO for walking. May God Bless You & you family. THANK YOU
Thank you for your sensitive spirit and desire to help. Your daughter is blessed to have such a mom. And thank you for these free images.
Thank you so much for sharing this everyone. Thank you for the free download.
So wonderful and very sweet of you! Turned out great ๐
I am so sorry to hear of your friend and neighbor. I just lost a childhood friend to breast cancer back in December. A group of us grew up together and we would all get together as much as possible, so I have a lot of photos to use these awesome doodles with. Thanks so much for sharing them.
this is so touching, Kate.. thanks for sharing it.. T_T
Your post brought TEARS to my eyes.ย Your friendship with Beth is a testament how internet relationships are actually IRL relationships also.ย How wonderful of you to do this in memory of your friends.ย My own best friend that I met when we both were toddlers will be starting radiation in a few weeks.ย My dad and step-mom are miracle survivors.ย I applaud you for this post and for your activism for a really important cause.ย There is a really great person behind your really great designs!ย Thanks Kate ๐
Oh thank you for your kind words Amy! I shall be thinking of you and your friend as she starts her treatment, I hope everything goes well for her. Thanks again for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it ๐
Kate, you are awesome for getting out there and doing this.ย My husband (NightBengal) donated 18; wish we could do more.ย Maybe we’ll walk on our own next year!!ย ย
Thank you so much for the doodles, too.ย That is so sweet of you! <3ย If you could send that to me (ladyscrapper [at] gmail) I would appreciate that.ย My poor husband wouldn't know what to do with scrap supplies, but he has the PP account!ย Many thanks!
Hi Leia, thanks so much for your donation! I sent through the coupon a little while ago – do you not have it? Please let me know if you haven’t received it! Thanks again! ๐
How sad, I remember your originalย blog post when you offered the cancer kit.ย So sorry for the loss of these 2 friends from your life {{hugs}}.ย What a lovelyย way to remember them, in the Race for Life.ย I have just contributed, who hasn’t been touched byย this horribleย disease!ย
xoxo
Jen in Canadaย
Thank you so much for your kind words and for your donation Jen, I really appreciate it!
Dear Kate,
I donated a little…I am sorry that I can’t give more!
Hugs,
Manuela
Thank you so much Manuela! Every little bit helps! Thank you.
I love that you are doing this Kate – what a wonderful way to raise awareness & funds for a worthy cause! I just made a donation ๐
Thank you so much for your donation Katie! ๐
You are awesome!
Thanks for sharing these woman’s stories and helping to fight for a cure!
What a great inspiration you are to all of us Kate!
Its an amazing thing to have done for your friends Kateย
Sxย
Thank you so much for thisย download, I am a survivior. I lost my best friend (like a sister).in December, she had breast cancer 1 yr before I did, later had another ca, and at the end liver ca with mets to her lungs and brain. Its so hard to lose someone you love, but on Oprahs show she said, “when you lose someone you love, you gain and angel you know”! How true!ย
ย Oh Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss and for your own ordeal. That Oprah quote is wonderful, I hadn’t heard that before!
Thank you for the inspiration to do something to help in the fight against cancer.ย ย Too many people in
the prime of their lives are taken because of this awful disease.ย The stories of these women with young children and the actions that you took to honor them and contribute to the fight make me want to do something.ย I donated what I could – I hope it helps.ย Now off to decide what I can do in my own community to make a difference!
ย Thank you so much for your donation Christy, I really appreciate it! Race for Life was a great event, it really gave me a sense of purpose. I hope you find something equally rewarding in your own community.
Thank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in CBH Digital Scrapbooking Freebies, under the Page 6 post on May. 18, 2011. Thanks again.
I knew you did the race, I’ve seen the photos, I’ve even commented on them, and yet I’m *still* sitting here all teary-eyed! You did a good thing, Kate.
Here’s to an end to this wretched disease, please.
What you areย doing is so great,it is just by a fluke I ran across this looking for things to scrap photos of my momma who died 3and half years ago 29 days after being Diagnosed with Leukemia.This past weekend my Daddys house wasย Robbed and the theives stole what they probably thought was a jewelry safe.But it was my Mommas ashes That were to placed in with my Daddy when he died.
He is devasted after over 60 yrs married and 3 and half years without her this has broken his heart.
I have pledged to put photos of her DSB on Facebook so the thieves know who and what they have destroyed.The DSB community has been my place to keep my sanity .I scrap photos of momma and it helps ease the pain.The gifts you give touch people in ways I dont think you all understand.Thankyou for caring Loveย Susanmcwaters@yahoo.com USAย
ย I am so sorry to hear of your loss and of the terrible robbery, my heart goes out to you and your father.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m glad you have found some relief in scrapbooking your memories. xxx
Such beautiful words.ย Such beautiful ACTION.ย โฅ โฅ I love your heart, Kate. ย
ย It was a really amazing thing to be part of Sara! The friend who I did the race with went to school with my neighbour Tracey, we really had the feeling that we were actually doing something in Beth and Tracey’s memory. Reading all the back signs as we went round was very moving, so many tributes for loved ones taken too soon.
Kate – this is such a lovely thing to do!! Sending you a huge hug tonight from Michigan!! xoxo Nancie
ย Thank you Nancie! ๐
This is so nice of you to share!ย Thank you Kate!
Ohh…. that’s soo sad to hear about Beth and your neighbor ๐
I downloaded your freebie last year (thank you) and would love to sponsor you for the awesome thing you are doing. Sorry I can’t give much – but every little bit helps ๐
I lost my sister inlaw to cancer in February. She fought right up to the very end with such and awesome attitude and out look on life. I am really fortunate to have been able to look after her for a week during her battle.She really was a beautiful women and is sadly missed.
Almost 2 months ago I shaved my long hair off with 12 other friends and family to raise money for cancer here in New Zealand.ย We decided on Mach 31st to do it on April 1st. In under 24hrs we managed to raise over $6000.00. You gotta love facebook for that type of thing.
Thanks again Kate – your work is much appreciated xox
PS: Love the outfit – I’ll have to think about what I’m going to wear for next years Relay for Life – it’ll be my first one ๐
ย Wow, shaving your hair is an amazing thing to do! How fabulous that you were able to raise so much in such a short period of time! I am so sorry for the loss of your sister in law, cancer is truly a terrible disease.
Thank you so much for the sponsorship! I sent you a coupon, enjoy your shopping ๐
P.S. You can borrow my tutu if you’re stuck for outfit ideas, ha ha!
What a very very awesome thing for you to do ๐ย
This is awesome! YOU ARE AWESOME, KATE! Thank you so much for your generosity and to Beth for the inspiration. Big hugs to you and to Beth!
Wow, soooooo special! Reading this blog post made tears come to my eyes. Thank you for sharing these very special doodles with us.
Oh my, this is so great. My mom just lost the last of her last week, first wig is bought, and we go to the BIG GUNS cancer center next week. AND…I am going to try to do Ali Edwards “Week of the life” while we are there….so THANK YOU for some bits and pieces to decorate this part of our journey…THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Wowww, Kate! What a wonderful thing you did!!! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Beijinhossss!!!
These are terrific! TY
Thank you for your generosity, Kate. Such a generous and loving thing to do for Beth.
My mom died of CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia), February 16, 2006. I’ve had an aunt and grandmother die of lung cancer, my best friend’s mom (who was a 2nd mom to me,) die of breast cancer, and a current family friend that is battling AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and just underwent a stem cell transplant.
This is very timely. Thank you. Blessings to you and your friend Beth. You *so* rock, Kate!
Thanks for sharing this, Kate. Hugs!
Wow this is such an incredibly creative kit. My MIL is battling stage 4 breast cancer and I know she will love getting some goodies made with this kit. Thank you for your generosity!
Those cards are so wonderful! Thank you for sharing these Kate –
Kate – as the mother of a young cancer patient (AND a longtime fan of your designs), I cannot thank you enough for this! My son was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma when he was 3 1/2. He’s now 5 1/2, is in remission and has just 1 more chemo treatment to go (knock wood). I’ve been wanting to scrap a cancer book for him, but wanted to wait until things settled down and we were more sure of the outcome. This came at just the right time! I might even have fun scrapping these pages thanks to your kit! – Debbie (bttrflygrl on the scrap boards)
That’s a great gesture and beautiful little pack. Poignant. My Dad died suddenly just a month ago from cancer. He was only 68yrs. Ugh! Yes, sadly many of us are touched by cancer. It’s a cruel disease.
Beautifully done, Kate! What a wonderful gift. ๐
Thank you so much for this! My mom is a cancer survivor who has been cancer-free for 10 years. Thank you for sharing your work with us.
Kate, thanks so much for making such a special gift. My mother was diagnosed with cancer in September and has undergone life changin surgery. You are an amazing woman!
thank you so much Kate, what a sweet and caring thing to do for Beth.
My beautiful daughter-in-law is currently fighting breast cancer. Thank you so much for this special gift Kate…you’ve touched many lives with your kindness!!
Many thanks for this special creation. As a cancer survivor, I will be able to use it to create many wonderful pages. Take care.
Thank you! One of my best friends was just dx with breast cacncer a few weeks and has surgery and starts treatment later this month.
Thank you! What a special kit. My daughter’s didn’t die from cancer but from a different terminal illness – but I will still be able to use this kit for their pages. Thank you!
What an awesome thing to do, Kate! Thank you.
Thank you so much. My mom is a breast cancer suvivor. This is so special.
Thank you so much!
what a wonderful kit- thank you so much!
WOW! I am one of Beth’s other daughters. I thought this was great and cool for my mom, but then to come here and read all the comments of people who are so excited to have this too, it blows my mind.
Thank you for taking the time to create this. I am constantly blown away by the goodness and kindness of others. Thank you thank you thank you.
Bless you for making this kit.
I just had a cancer scare and know how it feels. Best wishes to Beth.
To all of those afected by this awful illness please consider checing out a book “The cure for all cancers”.
oh kate, your so sweet and so kind! love ya
Thank you so much for coming up with these Kate. My mom was just diagnosed last month with breast cancer. Luckily they caught it very early and she just had her lumpectomy this past Wednesday. I am taking a break from scrapping to concentrate on my mom and my family but I hope these will still be available when I do start to scrap again.
These are wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing them!
Thank you for these. I was just looking at pics of my mom going thru chemo last night and will use these to scrap those pics!
What a beautiful kit, and what an evern more beautiful story of friendship. Thank you for sharing both the story and the kit with me. I pray Beth’s journey is soon her “molehill” and nothing more but a memory in a scrapbook
Thank you so very much for your gift. You are right there are very few who have not been touched by cancer. We walk in the RELAY FOR LIFE eachyear and your gift will make my LO extra special.
How sweet of you to provide these. God bless.
Thank you so much! It IS difficult to find anything dealing with cancer, at least the day to day surviving part. Great job!
Thank you these – they are so appropriate at the moment and will help me make a special page for a special family member.
Love your artwork and Beth’s cards are brilliant, best wishes to you both
Many hugs to Beth and her family! Kate,this is such a sweet and nice thing to do!!!
You are absolutely wonderful and Beth is so brave and courageous and beautiful. My dad died of cancer, and it really stays in the back of my mind that it may be something I have to face again someday. You guys are fabulous and I really appreciate your beautiful work.
Thanks so much for this super gift. I have a brother and a friend both battlingthis awful disease right now and I know how heartbreaking it is. B x
Bless you, Kate. This is just totally awesome!!! It must be so rewarding for you to be able to share this kit.
Kate,this is such a sweet and nice thing to do!!! Many hugs to Beth and her family! And also to you,for beeing such a great person!!!
Thanks for this kit Katie! I have been looking for cancer/medical type kits all over, and they are few and far between. I had cancer when I was 12, and my pictures that we took at that time remind me of the love my family and friends showed me during that time, as well as how far I’ve come in recovery (about 12 years!). This kit is a really cute way to scrapbook my pictures.
Beth is a wonderful woman and your talent to bring out an idea is amazing! Thank you for always inspiring through your talent!
my friend Beth just had a double mastectomy yesterday for breast cancer….gonna make a card for her right now with these!
THANK YOU so much for creating and sharing these… I’m the wife of a 13-year cancer survivor and I work for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Finding great stuff to scrap the emotions and events that go along with a cancer journey isn’t easy. These are perfect and will surely be used a TON. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in CBH Digital Scrapbooking Freebies, under the Page 5 post on Apr. 08, 2010. Thanks again.
Thank you Katie, this one really is special.
Love the last comment!!!
I know this kit has been a special one, as always very proud of you and the lovely kits you design my love. Hubby xxx
Beautiful cards; and thank u very much. I have my nephew, Victor diagnosed with Leukemia when he was 1 yr old, now he’s 3 we r still fighting
thank u thank u
KATE YOU ARE THE ONE! This pack is very special!
What a sweet thing to do!
Hope it’s ok that I spread the word in my blog too? (In Norway)
http://zelinus.blogspot.com/2010/04/belief-freebie.html
That was so sweet of you Kate to do this, and thank you for sharing with everyone too. Wishing Beth all the best on her continuing journey. x
These are wonderful Kate! How kind of you to design these for Beth and then share them with everyone else too. Thankyou so much.
Thanks for sharing your history Beth *best wishes*
And Kate, so sweet of you to make this kit. Awsome!
thanks, Kate! YOU are the sweetest for coming up with such an awesome kit for Beth to scrap with!
Thanks for sharing this story of Beth and for the kit. You were correct when you said almost all have been touched by cancer some way or another and that is truly sad. Prayers to Beth and her family!
What a treasure, and Beth and Katherine seem amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Wow Kate this is so sweet! Hugs to Beth and your family!
Hi…this is Katherine, Beth’s daughter…thank you for inspiring and encouraging my mother’s creativity during this time in our lives! I don’t know that much about digital scrap booking but I do recognize some of your artwork from some of my school projects that my mom has used them in. i love all the images!
I can’t say thank you enough… i am still coming up with pages to scrap… and my hannah asked if she could you could use some on the kit to make something for me. well, of course i am excited to see that. And your post here today moves me, i thought all those emails were special only to me…. it was a great and special experience for me. I looked at a calendar today and in a little over a month we will hopefully be done with the treatment and awaiting the MRI results to see how far we have come. You are one of the reasons it no longer seems like a mountain, rather a few more hills to climb. thank you yet again
These are beautiful! Really an incredible gift and personal for so many. It’s wonderful to be able to personalize a page and/or cards. Thanks so much for sharing these.
thank you Kate, this is a really sweet gesture!
Thanks, Kate! ๐
Wow Kate – this rocks! I’m a big fan of Beth’s and this is an amazing kit! God bless you!
Thanks, Kate!
What an awesome thing you have just done!