Hoops for Hope 2010

 We had an amazing start to our weekend.  We we able to go to Hoops for Hope again this year.  If you aren't familiar with this game, please click here for more info.  Because one of the event organizers knew of the former-WNBA player that was my nurse in Wichita, he invited her to come take part.  I am so glad she accepted, because her family has since moved to Washington.  She elected not to play for the same reason she retired from the WNBA in 2003 - a knee problem.  She did coach the winning black team, though!  You can see my nurse, Cass, sitting at the end of the bench with black pants and pink top.

 There were very few names that we had heard of this year.  One was the amazing Sheryl Swoopes - number 4 in the white jersey.

 Saturday morning, after the game, my amazing friend, Gayly, made sure Cass and I had time to catch up.  We were so excited to see each other again.  The last time I saw Cass, I was very sick and she was getting me ready to load the ambulance then plane to Denver.  She was an amazing nurse and friend to us when we were in Wichita.  She was my nurse the first 3 days I was in ICU, which were also the days they did not think I was going to live.  She was amazing to me, but also lended support to Matt, our kids, and the rest of the family.  She is married and has twin boys who are 6 years old.  She also is only a year older than me, so my situation really struck home with her.  Cass not only took care of physical needs, but she was also willing to hold my hand and cry and pray with us.  What more can you ask for with a nurse?  She was deeply moved by mine and Matt's faith and the sheer number of people who showed up at the hospital to support us.  Several times she has said that she will never forget me.  We also will never forget her.  (And yes, Gayly and I really do just come to her armpits!  She is 6'5"!)

Cass's friend Greta also came down for the weekend and did play in the game.  She played in Montana against Cass in college and they have been friends since.  It was great to spend time with both of them!