I remember the day we met.....

The following is a guest post written by Karen Kelly. She is a mother of five beautiful children and has been instrumental in the organization of benefit events for Lotte's of Love, including making many of the yummy treats at the bake sale table during the Yard Sale we held in early July.

I remember the day we met.....

Photo by Karen Kelly

My husband and I and our three kids had just moved into a Blackhawk Condo. Boxes were everywhere. We knew no one. There was a knock at the door one afternoon. I was confused at who it could be. I opened the door to a woman about my age. She apologized for bothering me and said they had just returned from camping and she was wondering if I had some milk she could borrow for her 18 month old little boy. She told me they lived just through the parking lot from us. She told me her name was Charlotte. And we have been friends ever since.

She has been there for me in every aspect of my life. When I feel my world is crashing down around me. Her arms are there to hold me up. When great things come about for myself or my family, her smile is there to cheer me on. We are often asked if we are sisters and I want to wrap my arms around her and yell, "Yes!" because she is that close to my heart.

Charlotte is strong. Strong body. Strong and clear mind. Strong values. Strong feelings for what she is passionate about. Strong in the face of adversity, from many angles. Strong, raw love for her family, especially her two young sons. Strong faith. When I am with her I pull from her strength. Whether we are playing at the park or on a late night shopping trip. She makes me strive to be better, hold on for longer and trust that the Lord will pick up the rest. I find peace in her testimony and love listening to her speak of the things she knows are true.

I can't believe she has cancer. I just can't grasp it. Not Charlotte!! When I look at her I think, "No. Please, no." I am still in denial some days. Then she talks of the treatments she will need and the side effects and I am sick to my stomach. A quiet acceptance comes over me. And I know it is real. She does have cancer. It's very serious. I could lose her. And I don't think I can handle that right now. Not ever. We are supposed to grow old together and go on Cruises when we are in our sixties. (Well, not a Cruise. We both get motion sickness.) But a mountain retreat somewhere.......

All my love and sincerity,

Karen

Sponsor Lotte's of Love!

We are working hard to make sure that all of the money donated to Lotte's of Love goes to help Charlotte pay for her ongoing cancer related medical expenses and treatments.  One way that you can help us do this is to become  a sponsor either as a business or an individual.

Based on your interest, there are several levels of sponsorship available, each having their own unique
benefits to suit your needs. All types of contributions are welcome including donations of goods or
services in helping to support Lotte's of Love.

By becoming a sponsor of Lotte's of Love today, you can realize these many great benefits:

• Exposure of your brand/business at our events and in our advertisements
• Recognition for supporting a community member in need and building goodwill in the community
• Additional exposure to your business through sponsor links at http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com

There a few ways to do this:

Gold Level

$1000+

• Recognition in largest format on T-shirts and event programs
• Recognition of your Sponsorship in our radio ads and newspaper announcements
• Your Banner displayed at our events*
• Sponsor Link at http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com

Silver Level

$500-$999

• Name or Logo in medium font on T-Shirts and event programs
• Your Banner displayed at our events*
• Sponsor Link at http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com

Bronze

$100-$499

• Name or Logo in small font on T-Shirts and event programs
• Sponsor Link at http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com 

Friends

$25-$99

• Recognition on http://lottesoflove.blogspot.com
• Name listed on event programs

*You or your company must provide a Banner for us to display

Send an email to lottesoflove@gmail.com to learn more about becoming a sponsor

The beginnings of Lotte's of Love

Photo by Keri Andersen and used with permission

So if you've found your way to this blog you may be wondering what exactly is Lotte's of Love and how did it come into existence.  It all started in early May 2011 when I received a letter with a handcrafted friendship bracelet from a friend of mine.  Her letter says it better than I ever could.

Hi friend!

We all love and know Charlotte super well.  We all know that she is a strong, special and faithful woman.  When I heard from her that she has cancer, I was shocked, but it didn't sink in for awhile.  She was playing it so cool.  After going home and pondering it, I wanted to do something to show that I cared and supported her 510%.  I thought of making these bracelets to wear.  Though simple, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to involve some of her closest friends too.  That's why you're getting one!  I hope you can support Charlotte by wearing this until she has had her surgery and she is "all clear" from the cancer.  I learned and interesting thing about friendship bracelets (or BFF Bracelet" according to Danny).  Part of the reason they call them that is because they are extremely difficult to put on yourself...you need a friend to help you.  I thought this was perfect.  Charlotte needs her friends to help her through this difficult time.  I hope you choose to wear it!

Lots of Love, Brenda

PS.  White and teal are the colors for cervical cancer.  I used silver instead of white (thanks Karen for the fab idea), and the black just looks cool.

So initially this small group of Charlotte's closest friends started wearing the friendship bracelets that Brenda had crafted with love and sent to each of us, we took pictures of us wearing our bracelets and posted them as our Facebook Profile Pictures.  We loved on Charlotte and supported her.  We knew she was juggling medical stuff but didn't want to pry or get in her business.

Before long we all realized that the monetary commitment her uninsured family was going to have to come up with just in order to get the hospital to schedule the surgery she needed was really beyond their resources.  Not to mention the toll the added stress of trying to handle all the phone calls and paperwork was taking on her health.  So for our love of Charlotte we started to put plans into place to help with the financial needs.  Thus with some phone calls and conversations we all pooled our talents together and Lotte's of Love became a reality.

We can't lose her!  Please help us get our dear friend the medical treatments she needs to save her life.

Cynthia

The story of Charlotte's cancer of course all begins months before that right before a St.. Patrick's party and a much anticipated Girls' Night Out.  

to be continued. . . .

Results of Lotte's of Love Benefit Yard Sale

On behalf of Charlotte and her family I want to thank everyone who helped make the Benefit Yard Sale on July 9th a huge success.  With the generous help of many people who donated goods to sale, helped to sort, categorize, set-up and price donations; shopped at, staffed the sale and helped clean up we were able to collect a little over $2000 in donations.  This would not have been possible without everyone who helped in so many ways both big and small.  Thank you so much! 

Your generous donations and support 

are very appreciated!  Thank you!

Upcoming Lotte's of Love Events

August 26th            Pool Party at the Logan Aquatic Center  7:30-9:30 PM
                               Come celebrate the end of Summer and beginning of the school year 
                                while supporting a great cause.
October 15th        5K and 1 mile Fun Run 

October   20th                 Massive Bunco Party 
                                 If you play Bunco you won't want to miss this event!
Sept and October      Benefit Dances  (Dates and Venues to be determined)

              Check back here for more information on these upcoming events!

Lotte's of Love Benefit Yard Sale

A Benefit Yard Sale will be held for Charlotte Gardner, who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.  All proceeds go to pay for her ongoing medical costs and treatments.


When:  Saturday, July 9th  8 AM - 2 PM
Where:  131 West 1260 South  
             Blackhawk Drive in Logan 
             (behind Watkins Printing on the South end of Logan)

Grab a bite for a buck and shop our large selection of furniture, toddler bed/crib, baby gear, bike trailer, strollers, 'Thomas the train" table, clothing, appliances, upright freezer, large gas grill and much, much more. 

Thank you for your 

generous donations and support!

Upcoming Lotte's of Love Events

August 26th            Pool Party at the Logan Aquatic Center  7:30-9:30 PM
                               Come celebrate the end of Summer and beginning of the school year 
                                while supporting a great cause.
October 15th        5K and 1 mile Fun Run 

October   20th                 Massive Bunco Party 
                                 If you play Bunco you won't want to miss this event!
Sept and October      Benefit Dances  (Dates and Venues to be determined)

              Check back here for more information on these upcoming events!