“Memories Tour 2013” next stop…….The Ellen DeGeneres Show! Let’s Make IT Happen

This is my first time talking about my sister Danielle’s husband Chris, battling stage 4 colon caner.   But I need your help!!!!  I want to get them on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and all before 2013 is over.

Chris was diagnosed almost 3 years ago at the age of 28 and just 6 months after his son Scottie was born. Since then he has had surgery to remove part of his colon and tumors, chemo for a year and a half (failed) and most recently radiation on his spine as the cancer has spread.

Through it all Chris has maintained (even on days when it was hard to) a positive attitude.  His witty journal entries ( http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cpennewell) are not only hilarious, but touching, encouraging and inspirational.  He has started a “Memories Movement”, encouraging friends, family and everyone he comes in contact with to make the most memories they can, while they still can.  T-shirts have been made and shipped all over the US and tattoos have been tatted on 17 people and counting  This summer they started the “Memories Tour 2013”  which started in Seattle, and then proceeded to San Francisco, Huntington Beach, Vegas, Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Dallas, New Orleans, Mexico, with a stop at home base in Pensacola Florida for a little bit.  They saw friends they hadn’t seen in a long time, and even were able to see Chris’s brother Brian in TX.

Upon returning home, the went for more testing only to find out that existing tumors had grown and a new one in his neck most likely was cancer as well.  A HUGE tough pill to swallow, but that hasn’t gotten Chris down, he continues to fight and look for non-chemo treatments (he’s been a vegan for over a year and never felt better) and immunotherapy options.  Even though these treatments may cost thousands of dollars ($30k or more) that they don’t have, they still are hopeful to find a cure.

As if having stage 4 cancer isn’t hard enough, just a week and a half ago Chris lost his only brother and sibling to a rare heart disease at the age of 34.  In the past year he’s lost his grandmother, his close friend (of stage 4 colon cancer) at 24, his father in law and now his brother.  AND STILL he remains POSITIVE and UPBEAT!  (They are having a celebration of his brother’s life not a funeral.) He continues to focus on making more and more memories with those he loves in the time he has.

Sooooooooooooooooooo, what does this all have to do with The Ellen DeGeneres Show?  I can’t think of anyone better than Chris to go and spread the “Memories Movement” and what better show than The Ellen DeGeneres Show?  She’s such an inspiration to others and always looking for the positives in the world.  Chris’s story and his attitude are an inspiration to all who know and meet him.  With so many battling cancer or other tough situation, his message and positive attitude would show people all is not lost just because life gave you a sh*#y bag of lemons.  You can still make a wonderful batch of lemonade and share it with those you love and make some kick a$$ memories in the process!!!

*****ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RETWEET MY TWEET @NRbudd********************

ELLEN – if you’re reading this (or someone from your staff) I’ve submitted my story to your website and want nothing more than to end the “Memories Tour 2013” for Chris, Danielle and Scotty on your show!!!  Let people know attitude is EVERYTHING when dealing with difficult situations.  Did I mention he’s hilarious?  They desperately need something positive to look forward to, to help them keep the hope alive!  I can’t think of anyone more deserving then Danielle and Chris (oh and did I mention their high school sweethearts married at 20 and 21?  True story!!!)   Please, Please, Please have them on your show!!!!

#ChrisDanielleELLEN2013, #TheEllenShow, #MemoriesTour2013,  #livestrong, #FightCancer

Courtesy of Endless Expressions by Beth