Memories of 2012

I’m very grateful for all of you who have been so supportive of my family and I during my cancer journey and beyond and of my music, and for the many memories I’ve made in 2012, including:

• Celebrating my two-year anniversary post breast cancer diagnosis on July 15, 2012, and thankful to be in remission and to continue on the journey to wellness (see the “My Journey” video on the Sea Siren Music YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHn1bsQ-yFc;
• Forming and getting the whole family involved in our new family charitable foundation, Short Folks For Hope Foundation (http://www.shortfolks.com) with the mission to raise funds and awareness for organizations that support families with health-related challenges;
• Getting involved in more community arts and charity events with performances in music and theater;
• Spreading hope to others facing health challenges by sharing my story, my music, my shoulders, my listening ears, my heart and my time.
• Being a part of The Dempsey Challenge, the inspirational fundraising event for The Patrick Dempsey Center For Cancer Hope & Healing, and being the 2012 recipient of the Amgen Breakaway From Cancer Survivor Award (http://www.dempseychallenge.org/kristen-short-named-amgen-breakaway-from-cancer-survivor-award-winner?doing_wp_cron=1356274729.9289898872375488281250).

There were over 4,000 participants of The Dempsey Challenge this year. I walked the 5K with my family in honor of Jessie Joy Rees, an amazing 12-year-old who inspired other kids with cancer and their families to "NEGU - Never Ever Give Up" (http://www.jessie.org), and upon her earning her angel wings in January 2011, she inspired her family and a global team to keep her Joy Jars and hope efforts flourishing. I also cycled 10 miles with my husband, a feat I hadn't attempted since my cancer treatment. It was very challenging, exhilarating, and so emotional to cross that finish line with my best friend, my husband, and receive a hug from a Dempsey Challenge volunteer, who placed a survivor medal around my neck. I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful survivors and Dempsey Challenge supporters that weekend, to sing the Star Spangled Banner at the start of both days’ events, to lead the Amgen Breakaway From Cancer Survivor Walk with the Dempsey family and a fantastic group of survivors, and to give a presentation at The Champions of Hope Banquet. I look forward to the next Dempsey Challenge and will continue to be involved with The Patrick Dempsey Center For Cancer Hope and Healing year-round.

Also just in...my song "Chairs," which is an inspirational song I wrote about my cancer journey and is dedicated to The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing, is now available as a digital download on CD Baby, iTunes and Amazon.com. (See the CD Baby page here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kristenshort6). Fifty percent of the sale of the digital downloads of "Chairs" (and the CD single/DVD sets for sale at http://www.kshort.com) benefits The Dempsey Center.

This year I have made many memories and friendships that I will cherish always. I thank you all for your kindness and support of my music and efforts, and I wish you a blessed holiday season and a 2013 full of joy, inspiration and hope.

Best wishes,
Kristen

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Kristen Short Website: http://www.kshort.com
Singer/Songwriter Kristen Short Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kristen-Short-Singer-Songwriter/42932994619
Sea Siren Music YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/seasirenmusic