I wanted to dedicate my first blog on here to a dear friend that I lost just three weeks ago to breast cancer!

I wanted to write about an amazing women who has changed my life forever! In January 2004, I had the honor to be a part of a fundraising campaign here in Reno called Man women and celebrity of the year to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. At the kick off event, I met a young lady (at the time). Her name is Tori Lomonaco. She stood up in front of the room and told us all about how she was diagnosed with Lymphoma at the age of 8 years old. Her story brought tears to the whole room. For the campaign, I wanted to make something special to auction off and I asked Tori and her mom if they would be willing to come over and make something with me. They were more then happy to help out. SO, just days later, they drove to the other side of the city to help paint purses for gala auction. I have to say, that was one of the most memorable days of my life. At the time, tori was a "youngster" lol and Vickie was just so friendly and kind. Both Vickie and Tori made these BEAUTIFUL hand painted purses and we just fell in love with their family. together, their purses brought in $1200 to benefit the LLS!!!!! I also got the honor of sharing a table with them at the gala benefit! Vickie was just so proud of her little girl. I wish you all could see the smile that was on her face that night. When they called Tori on stage she just lit up. Tori and Vickie were best of friends. That night I had to crack up because She would tell Tori in a joking manner, "Hey, there is that boy you thought was cute" lol. Tori blushed a bit, but you can just see their love and friendship in their eyes. The next year, Tori and Vickie helped me out again for the auction by painting pictures for the event. Vickie's went for $250 and Tori's went for $300. They had to move away that year to go to Florida. They moved just two days before the gala. However before they left, they stopped by and gave my kids a bunch of stuffed animals! To this day, my kids still have them and treasure them. They came back the Summer of 07 and we pretty much adopted them. Earlier that year, Vickie was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I just could not believe that cancer hit their family again. Vickie still had such an amazing attitude toward life. Every time Vickie came over, I felt so bad for her because my kids would jump all over her and just would not let her alone. I think my son had a bit of a crush on her ;) He would be the first one on her lap! lol. In the spring of 2008 thy had to go back to Florida. That was one of the hardest goodbyes that we had :( As Tori and Vickie left our house that day, All three kids and myself just could not stop the tears. They had become a part of our family. To this day, Tasha tells everyone that she has a big sister named Tori. Actually Tasha's words are "I have a big sister who really is not my big sister but she is still my sister" 
About three months ago, I started talking regularly online with Vickie. She was given just three months to live a little over three months before that. She was the expert at ignoring doctor's prognoses. Because just three years before that they told her the same and she kicked that prognosis in the BUTT. The last email that I got from her was the hardest to read. Just two days after I got it, I did not hear back from her and Tori emailed me to let her know that her mom was in the hospital. My heart fell to the floor :( I instantly started to think about Tori :( I wish that I could have just hopped into my car and drive all of the way to FL to be there with her. I pretty much stayed on myspace refreshing over and over again for updates. I felt so helpless. On the morning of October 12th, Vickie earned her wings. The pain just really set it the moment that I got the message :( It hit Tasha hard as well. We cried for not only Vickie's passing, but also the pain that Tori, now 16 years old, is in.  Vickie will always be here with us. She did so much good in her life...treated us with so much kindness and respect, and most of all, she was a WONDERFUL mother to her daughter. 
Yes, this is a long bulletin, and rambles a lot, however I wanted to ask you all for your thoughts and prayers for Tori. 
Vickie, Rest in Peace, you were one of my heroes in life and it kills me to know that you are gone. We love you and promise to always be here for Tori.

December 5, 1963- October 12, 2009