I can’t imagine what you are going through, but I hope that all this glorious madness around you and the peas is making it all just a little bit easier on the really tough days.

Thanks for sharing your world and reminding us all of the value of human contact and the personal touch, even in cyberspace.

When I got to “1) be completely human and (2) let others run with your ideas. That’s how to build an online community that actually accomplishes something” I started.

Then I read “I seriously doubt that posting a photo of herself with frozen peas sticking out of her camisole was some calculated move to raise money. Instead, it was authentic, natural, and also a bit funny” and through my tears I thought - wow - Kivi really gets it. That picture of me warming up peas with my cleavage was just me being me; trying to lighten the moment a little for both myself and for people I was breaking the news to.

Often I wonder if people realize that donations to the American Cancer Society are not for ME - and I’m not raising any of it or seeing any of it.

Truth be told, I’m just watching in amazement because something I did with a bag of peas somehow brought out so much caring and community in otherwise disconnected strangers.

As for me, I’m still at the beginning of my cancer treatment. My mastectomy happened 4 weeks ago and now we’re trying to find an oncologist who will welcome me as part of the team.

My reconstruction doc at George Washington Hospital says eventually I’ll look like a well balanced woman. It might be misleading to portray myself like that. But I’ll keep trying.

That’s what has made the Frozen Pea Fund so successful–it’s people connecting with people. I admit, it’s been a bit scary to “let go,” as you said. We can barely keep up with all the volunteers who want to get involved and do something to help. But what a great problem to have!