Hi Friends,
A few weeks ago I was contacted and asked if I would be interested in participating in a fundraiser for Katie Renz...a woman I had never met before, but with whom I felt instantly connected. I was immediately touched after reading her story and felt compelled to share it with you here. Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of three with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here. The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post here. Her story truly touched my heart and I felt the need to spread her story with the hope that somehow it may help.
This exclusive stamp used in my sample was designed by Becky Oehlers. It is available for purchase as a clear stamp as well as a digis, or dig and SVG cut file. 100% of the profits will go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family. Her husband Kevin and three young children need our help and support. In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs also donated digis that are for sale. Direct donations are also accepted. Information central is HERE. This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing. A donation button can be found there as well.
Here are all the items available for sale.
Keep Swimming Octopus
Peachy Clear stamp
$5.50 with free shipping
Keep Swimming Octopus DIGIstamp
$3.00 with instant download 
Keep Swimming Octopus DIGIstamp with SVG cut file
$3.50 with instant download 
Keep Swimming Mermaid DIGIstamp
$3.50 with instant download 
Keep Swimming Ribbon Fish DIGIstamp and DIGIpapers
$5.00 with instant download
Here is a list of all of the participants involved in today's blog hop:
Ashley Harris
Clare Buswell
Jessica Diedrich
Lisa Somerville
Charlene Merrick
Eva Dobilas
Judy Rozema
Sharon Doolittle
Tifany DeGough
Windy Robinson
Ashley Cannon Newell
Connie McCotter
Heidi Van Laar
Karen Maldonado
Lori Craig
Tosha Leyendekker
Amy Kolling
Angela Thomas
Angelica Suarez
Angie Blom
Becky Oehlers
Betty Wright
Bev Gerard
Brenda Weaver
Carolyn King
Chari Moss
Charlene Driggs
Claire Brennan
Corinna McGregor
Craft Critique
Karen Hunsaker (Rubbernecker Stamps Designer)
Keely Yowler
Kelly Schirmer
Keri Lee Sereika
Kim Hughes
Kimber McGray
Kittie Caracciolo
Kristin Eberline
Wendy Price
Please help if you can.
My heart is with you Katie.
Melis
What a kind thing to do, Melissa! I'm saying a prayer today for Katie. I hope everyone that hits on one the designers blogs says a prayer.
Posted by: ValerieC | October 10, 2011 at 10:45 PM
I just read Katie's story and read some of her blog. It made my heart hurt. I also thought how brave to share everything. I pray she makes it through this. I hope someday her children will know how brave their mother is and how hard she fought to live to be with them.
Posted by: ValerieC | October 10, 2011 at 11:11 PM
I was just on Katie's blog last night. I first heard about her last January and pray for her each day. I was trying to find a way to help. Thanks for the links. It is so wonderful of you and the other designers to take part in helping.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | October 11, 2011 at 04:25 AM
sooooooooooo SWEET...
Posted by: ~amy~ | October 11, 2011 at 04:35 AM
thanks for the link to these incredible stamps; the donors are awesome! the support on there blog's over whelming & it won't stop there....every little bit helps!
Posted by: Susan | October 11, 2011 at 06:52 AM
Love your card Melis! So wonderful of you to be a part of this!
Posted by: Geny | October 11, 2011 at 09:56 AM
So soft and sweet! Thanks for helping! Please remember to upload and tag with swimkatie. Thanks!
Posted by: Kate (i {heart} papers) | October 11, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Gorgeous card!
Posted by: Nichole Bryant | October 11, 2011 at 01:26 PM
Very cute Melissa. I could not get to Lori Craig's blog from the hop link. Thank you for doing this for Katie!
Posted by: Lisa Lara | October 11, 2011 at 02:43 PM
This is SO pretty! I love all your work! Only you could make an octopus so vintage-y and lovely! Thanks for spreading the word and helping Katie!
Posted by: Ashley N Newell | October 11, 2011 at 04:29 PM
I LOVE how you have put your splendid style into this card for a good cause!
Posted by: Lisa | October 11, 2011 at 08:39 PM
I read Katie's blog this morning in the car when I had dropped the kids to school and couldn't turn the car on and drive for tears. It is absolutely heartbreaking beyond words. God bless her and her family as they face this tough time ahead.
The card is adorable, Miss M. I think I feel a purchase coming on...
Posted by: Alison Behan | October 12, 2011 at 04:42 AM
An octopus would be a difficult challenge....you rocked it!! Beautiful!
Posted by: jan m | October 12, 2011 at 05:59 AM
SUPER SUPER CUTE!!!!! TFS!!!! Hugs and prayers her way!!!!!!
wyme98@yahoo.com
Posted by: Anne Ayers | October 12, 2011 at 04:19 PM