Swimming for Katie blog hop and fundraiser

If you haven't heard the story of Katie before hitting my blog, here's a bit of background.

Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here: http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/2010/12/sad-story-with-unkown-ending-that.html

The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post:http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/2011/09/ive-been-swimming-but-it-hasnt-been.html

Her post reminded me of Finding Nemo: “Don’t give up! Just keep swimming! Keep swimming…just keep swimming…” because that was the only way to survive and escape from the fisherman’s net. When Becky Oehlers (she designed the adorable image) and I chatted about this, it seemed like a good route to go and to just encourage Katie to “Keep swimming” for her own survival, just like the fish. The little octopus reminds me of a cheerleader pom-pom too, which is also encouraging. 

Marianne (the Copic Queen) has also donated a digi that will be for sale.

It took me all of 2 seconds to agree to be a part of this hop for Katie. I can't image what she's going through. And if me making a card to inspire you to buy a stamp or digi download to help her and her family, I'm in.

Here's the card I created with the stamp created by Becky Oehlers.

Keep Swimming card by Kimber McGray

Supplies: Card base (Doodlebug Designs), Cardstock (Core'dinations), Markers (Copic), Buttons (Doodlebug Designs), Ink (Memento), Pen (Uniball Signo), Stamp (i {heart} papers by Becky Oehlers)

 Take some time to browse around the creative blogs listed below to see what all the designers created with this fun image.

If you are interested in purchasing the stamp, digital image and/or digital cutting file. Click and buy. ;)

Or if you'd rather just make a donation straight to Katie and her family, click the donate button below.

Ashley Harris 
Clare Buswell 
Jessica Diedrich 
Lisa Somerville 
Charlene Merrick 
Eva Dobilas
Judy Rozema 
Sharon Doolittle 
Tifany DeGough 
Windy Robinson 
Ashley Cannon Newell 
Connie McCotter 
Heidi Van Laar 
Karen Maldonado 
Lori Craig 
Melissa Phillips 
Tosha Leyendekker 
Amy Kolling 
Angela Thomas 
Angelica Suarez 
Angie Blom 
Becky Oehlers 
Betty Wright 
Bev Gerard 
Brenda Weaver 
Carolyn King 
Chari Moss 
Charlene Driggs
Claire Brennan 
Corinna McGregor 
Craft Critique 
Karen Hunsaker (Rubbernecker Stamps Designer) 
Keely Yowler 
Kelly Schirmer 
Keri Lee Sereika 
Kim Hughes 
Kimber McGray  <--- you are here
Kittie Caracciolo 
Kristin Eberline 
Wendy Price

Kate at i {heart} papers is the go-to-gal for everything involved with this project. If you have ANY questions please direct them to her. She's an amazing kind and giving woman. I'm so glad to call her a friend.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my blog today.
Have a great one!
-kimber