Recovering and Life

Well each day is a process I am learning. I had forgotten what it was like to go through gastric bypass and how sensitive my body is to food. I have to admit that it is so amazing to not have nausea 24/7. The fact that I am able to speak is amazing. I can only eat 3 T. of anything; liquid or solids, per hour. I have to drink 64oz. of water everyday, so fitting everything is, is a process! I can't just gulp water like I want to and I can't just constantly sip on soup. I can't drink and eat at the same time or I throw up. Just so many little things that I had forgotten about. But even though I am going through all of this I am still better now than I have been in a year.

I went out of the house yesterday. Dave took me to the grocery store. I was in my pajama's and looked like a scrounge, but I went. It was the longest grocery trip I have ever taken and I didn't get that much. I had to walk so slow and was so tired and exhausted afterward. I guess the best word to describe how I felt was drained. By the time I got home I was completely done! I did it though! It was a step. That's how I have to take each day now, step by step.

I know I shouldn't complain because I finally am eating soup, but I can't tell you how badly I just want to eat a salad and not think about it. I just want to have the food that I want. I'm grateful for the fact that I can eat at all, but I guess when you get an inch you want it all. :) No really if I could do anything right now all I want to do is go fishing. I just wish I felt well enough to go to Provo river and go fishing. Step by step though, right?

I'm so incredibly grateful for my husband and all that he does for me. He supports me in everything. Thank you Dave for being my rock and doing everything for me. Without you I wouldn't be able to make it! I love you!

I talked to lawyer today and things are moving along. They are coming over to my house next week to talk to Dave and me. They have to come to me because I'm unable to go to them. They think I have a pretty good case and if anything they just want me to be able to cover my over $200,000+ in medical bills and my $1,000 of prescriptions each month. I don't want anyone to think I'm sue happy because that is not it. It's just that I need my bills paid for since I don't get insurance and not 1 thing I have gone through in the last year has been covered. I am unable to work, and I don't have any way of paying for my medical bills right now. I'm trying to get on disability to help, but until then I have to pursue the lawsuit against the doctor who did my faulty gastric bypass.

By the way, thank you to all of you who have continued to donate to "Help Jilly Strasburg Live" after the surgery. I can't tell you how much it helps. Every little bit helps whether it pays for a medicine that week or a doctor's appointment, or any other medical issue. I can't thank you all enough for everything each of you have done!! THANK YOU for helping me live....literally.

Anyway I just wanted to update all of you and let you know how things are coming along. I'm getting better slowly but surely. Each day is another day closer to the day I will get to go fishing again! :) Thank you so much for all your love and support. I can't thank each of you enough for all you have done for Dave and me. Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you all soon!

Oh and if any of you winner's of the auctions have any questions please feel free to email me: jillrstrasburg@gmail.com

Hospital Craziness and Going Home!

Well I'm sorry I am just getting to update my blog. I know a lot of you have been wondering how I have been. The surgery went great! The doctor got the results back on my bowels today and it was a good thing they came out. They were full of scar tissue and 90% blocked. They were covered in adhesion's, and my sweet doctor said, "I knew you weren't exaggerating what you have gone through when I saw them." It made everything a little better. I swear I have been through so many doctor's who have not believed me, and to finally have a doctor see what was going on and justify why I was feeling how I have felt was wonderful! My intestines had completely attached to my liver and were pushing on it and making it really painful. All my intestines were pushing on my organs and the doctor said that everything was just stuffed in there and it was no wonder that I have been in so much pain. It's crazy because when I went through my first gastric bypass I was so sick and in so much pain, and this time it is amazing because I finally feel well! I am sore and hurt, but I feel like I can swallow, and breath, and I'M NOT NAUSEATED! This is absolutely amazing! I can't explain how happy I am right now. They had to make my stomach 2 oz. and said that I would most likely lose about 20 lbs. but that I am going to be just fine.

I feel so bad for all the gastric bypass patients who are going through this for the first time because I remember wanting to eat so bad and having those horrible cravings. I on the other hand have had to be forced to eat because I've gone through so much trauma that I am terrified of eating. I have gotten so scared of throwing up and being in pain that I just hate to eat, so finally doctor McKinlay had to come in and tell me to eat. I did, and I can gladly say that I am still feeling good. :) I'm just getting ready to go home and I will tell you all about my crazy Hospital experiences later. Let's just say that I really miss LDS hospital and my amazing staff that I got so used to there. I will never take great nurses, great staff, and great care, for granted again. Praise all you LDS hospital staff. I have never been treated better then I was when I stayed there. Hopefully this will be my last hospital stay for a LONG LONG time! Well, everyone have a great day, and I'm going home to my sweetheart who I miss like crazy!

Oh, and I'll have to tell you all about the earthquake that happened why I was here too! Insane! I love you all and thank you again for all your love and support! I couldn't have done this without you!!

WINNERS!

I have posted the "Winners" in the comment section under the item up for auction. Send me your information and what item you won to:
jillrstrasburg@gmail.com
And I will get it up so you can get your stuff, and give you the info of the person you need to get in touch with. I have doctor's appointments for the rest of the day so I will get all of this done tonight or tomorrow. Congratulations and THANK YOU all so much for donating!
-Jilly Strasburg-

Item #19-Two,1 month memberships to Lifetime Fitness

So the most incredible sports club in the world, or in Utah anyway; has given me 2-1 month memberships to Lifetime Fitness in South Jordan, Utah. This gym is so awesome! They have a salon, cafe, swimming pool, and so much more at this awesome facility! I am so jealous because I have wanted a membership to this gym forever!! These memberships are valued at $250.00!! Here is the website so you can check out all their information:

http://clubs.lifetimefitness.com/Life-Time-Fitness-Clubs/

I want to thank Amanda for getting these memberships for us to auction. She works at the salon there and is my hairstylist who is donating her services as well. I really am so jealous to whomever gets this!

Lifetime Fitness
10996 South River Front Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84095
801-302-0909

Again this bid will last until 11am on Monday so hurry and get your bid in! Have a great weekend and good luck!!

Auction #17-Springville Hair Color

One of my dear friends Annika is a hairstylist in Springville and although I have never gone to her, I have friends that live down there that do and they swear by her! She is donating:

Action a Hair Cut and Color.
Jayda Boutique and Salon
1190 north Main #20

Springville Utah
Annika- 801-318-6443

Thank you so much Annika for your generous donation. You are a sweetheart and I can't thank you enough! You will have until Monday at 11am to donate on this item! Good luck and thank you again!

Auction Item #16-Who Wants Their Hair Done?!

I have the most amazing hairstylist. She is darling and has made for many wonderful compliments from people in my life!! Amanda is an expert at color and specifically blonds. I swear by the girl. She is so cute too! She has a little girl and is pregnant with a little boy. She heard about what is going on with me and said, "Can I please donate?!" She is such a doll and I just love her to death! This is my hairstylist and I absolutely swear by her!!

She is auctioning 5 full treatments valued at $110.00 each!! So that means that you can bid on 5 different ones. SO what we will do for this bidding is the top 5 highest bids will win. If you want to buy more than 1 you can type, "I am bidding $100 for 2" Again this will go until Monday April 12, 2010 at 11:00am.

Amanda Okerlund
Lifespa Salon
801-302-3724

I can't tell you how amazing she is and how much I absolutely swear by her. I will not see anyone else. You look at any of my pictures on my blog and she has done my hair in every pictutre!! Thank you Mandy for doing this to help me. You are a sweetheart! If you live in SL County this is so convenient and an amazing deal!!

Thoughts for the Day

Dave and Jilly a couple summers ago

So today has been a really great day. I was so nervous about today when I woke up, and I think it turned out really well. I woke up at 4am because I was nervous about what I would say when the news crew came. I got up and was so exhausted and so drained that I couldn't do anything and just laid on the couch. My mom was such a sweetheart and came over at 9:30am to clean my house before ABC got there. Dave had a HUGE test today that he has been studying for all week, along with a HUGE test on Wednesday, so he wasn't able to help me clean last night. I'm so proud of him though because he did great on both tests. He amazes me because even though I have been so sick and he has the stress of me dying everyday he still made the Dean's List last semester. I am just so proud of him. I'm just excited for the day when he is a doctor and will be able to cure his wife. All those study hours and long days at school are going to pay off next time I'm sick ;) jk. Anyway, back to the subject. My mom got here and was cleaning and I got dressed and waited for the crew to come.

At 11:15 Jordan (the camera man) showed up and picked out a spot where he wanted me to be. He was so amazing. He told me how he had read my blog and just felt so bad for what I was going through and how much I struggle on a day to day basis. He had such a huge heart and was so caring. I was so grateful that he was the camera man. I was so comfortable in front of him and was not nervous one bit. It was awesome! He was sooo great! I also want to thank him for not making me look fat on camera. LOL ;) Just playing with you Jordan.

My reporter was Barbara Smith. She got stuck in the wonderful traffic on SR92 and finally made it to my house around 11:30. I felt so bad for her. I'm from Highland so I know all the little roads to go around that horrible Highway. I was stunned when she walked in. She was absolutely beautiful and so warm and welcoming. She wasn't the least bit intimidated and made me feel like she was genuinely concerned and wanted to hear my story. We sat and got to know each other for a few minutes. She told me about her family and I talked about how I met my husband and we got married last March and I had been sent in for ER surgery a little less than 2 months later and have been sick ever since.

The interview went so well because I didn't feel like I was being interviewed. Barb sat across from me and we just talked. I got teared up at times from questions she asked about why I wanted to live and what I kept on fighting for. Everyone in the room was crying when I described what I was living for. I am living for my Husband. I am living to spend 1 more day with him. I am fighting this fight and raising this money and doing this blog and doing my facebook so I get to spend a full lifetime with him. I love Dave more than anything in this world and he makes me so happy. The only reason I want to keep living from day to day is because I get to wake up to his face in the morning. I didn't realize how much I love and cherish my husband until she asked me that. It was a very touching moment.

After the interview was over she stayed and talked for a little bit. Jordan recorded B roll while we talked and then Barb kept talking to my mom while I got up and went to get to know Jordan better. His love for his job and his genuine concern for me were very noticeable. He was so kind and sweet and I was just so grateful that he and Barb were the ones chosen to come to my home.

As they left Jordan reached into his pocket and pulled out some cash and said, "This is for you. You are in my prayers." I just started to cry. I couldn't believe that I was having someone who had never met me and didn't know a thing about me other than reading my blog, giving me money to save my life. I just grabbed him and hugged him and thanked him with all I had. I can't tell you what a truly humbling experience that was for me. What an amazing man, husband, and father he must be. I feel truly blessed to have met him.

Barb and Jordan leave. I shut my door and lock it and 5 minutes later a knock comes to my door. Barb walks back in with her check book and she said, "I need you to spell your last name for me." I just cried. I was just so blown away that these 2 individuals who didn't know anything about me until that day freely gave to help me survive. They cried with me, and genuinely care if I live or die this week. I was so touched. I can't express what that meant to me. It was a very moving day, and I thank God for putting those 2 people in my life. The world is good. People are good, and I thank God for sending those people to me this day.

After they left I was extremely drained, so nauseated, and exhausted. I had so many people blowing up my facebook with messages, my email was on overload, my blog was filling with comments, and I was so tired that I couldn't respond to any. My phone would not stop ringing and buzzing with new text messages. I told my mom that I needed her to return some phone calls because I had to go lay down and I was unable to speak because the nausea had become so intense. I was just grateful that I was able to get through my interview.

My mom made sure everything was done at my house and made sure I had everything I needed before Dave got home. She tucked me in bed, hugged, and kissed me, and left. She wanted to get home to be able to record the news cast at 5pm.

Dave got home and woke me up and we watched the airing of the interview on Channel 4 news at 5pm. He was so proud of me and how well I did. I was so glad that he approved because that was all I cared about. I just had hoped that he would get to see how he is my reason for living, and fighting, and trying to raise money. He gave me a hug and kiss and said, "You really love me huh?" :) I said, "I sure do sweetheart. You're my everything." I think that pretty much sums up my day and why I do what I do. That explains why I am doing all of this. It explains why I work on this blog every day, why I had auctions to bid on, why I made the group on facebook, and why I am going to have this surgery. I am doing it all for Dave. My life would be nothing without him.

Thank you to all of you for letting me get that chance because our life could not go on without your help. Thank you for helping me survive so I can be with my sweetheart. I wish I could hug each one of you and help you to see what you are doing for my life. You are giving me a chance to live. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I can never repay you, but just know that I would if I ever got the chance. I promise you I will help others as you have helped me when I am well again. Have a wonderful night and I'll talk with you all tomorrow!

Daily Start Total

Start of day Total $2,906.49

Thank you for all your donations!

Let's have a goal to at least get up to $3,500 today! We can totally do it! Spread the word and let's hit our goal!! It's Friday! We can totally get everyone to see this website and get our total up there! We will definitely have the $5,000 by Monday at 12pm!!!

Thanks to everyone for all your hard work and donations! Keep bidding and donating and have so much fun!! Some great items are going to go to the highest bidder on Monday at 11am MST!!!

MONDAY EVENTS: I go to the Doctor's at 10am. The auctions end at 11am. The winners will be announced on the comments site by me. You pay the money using 1 of our 3 ways to Donate. At 12pm I pay the money for my surgery, and then we start setting up times for everyone to get their items!! This weekend is going to go by fast!! This is going to be an awesome weekend!!

3 Days to hit $5,000!!! We have the News coming this morning at 11am, and then we start going crazy!! :) I will be posting 3 times a day what our total is. On Sunday and Monday I am going to try to post every hour until I go to my pre-operative meeting at 10am!!!

Good luck everyone and thanks for the amazing help to save my life!!

Auction Item#15-Massage

An awesome Massage Therapist and dear friend of mine has donated a 1 hour massage valued at $65 to be auctioned off. She is a traveling therapist in Utah so she can come to your home or you can go to her school. You would just call her to make arrangements:

Shellie Snow
snowtreemassage@gmail.com
801-691-4346
801-818-8916

Shellie specializes in Thai, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hydro, Aromatherapy, Trigger Point, and Acupressure. She is absolutely amazing and I promise you will not be the least bit disappointed!! She has been teaching massage for 6 years now. I wish so badly that I could be the one getting this massage because I would be bidding in a second! I would love to have someone come to my home and give me a massage!! I know whomever wins this is going to love it!

Bid in the comments section and the winner will be chosen on Monday April 12, 2010 at 11:00am MST. Thanks so much Shellie!! We love you!!

Auction Item #14-Designer Purse

We have got another great item to auction! Thank you to an amazing woman who has started her own Boutique in Springville and has donated this designer purse to help toward my surgery fund!

Chelsie Durden-Owner
Jayda Boutique and Salon
1190 N. Main Street #20
Springville, UT 84663
801-367-0394
http://jaydaboutique.webs.com/

Thank you to Chelsie and her amazing contribution! We so much appreciate your love and support! Make sure to check out her Boutique for the latest, and fun fashions!! Her purses and tops are my favorite! You have until 4-12-10 at 11am MST to bid on this item! Good Luck!

Auction Item #13-Name Blocks

This is such a cool item!! My sweet family member gave me this gift for my Bridal Shower a year ago and I have had them on my mantel since then. I get so many compliments every time a new person comes to my house and see's them. I am obsessed with having my name on stuff and so this was such a great gift. Plus, who doesn't love their last name?! I definitely love mine so I love having Blocks on my mantel with my name on it.These blocks are handmade. Kerianne will customize these totally for you... Colors, letters, painted/stained blocks. She will do whatever you like and she will ship them anywhere! This is so exciting! You can do your last name, your child's name for their bedroom, any name you like!

Kerianne Whicker
kewhicker@gmail.com
801-510-9355

After you win the auction you can email her with all of your information and what you would like the blocks to look like. You will have until April 12, 2010 at 11am to bid on these blocks. Again just post your bid in the comments and I will take the last bid at 11am!!

Thank you so much Kerianne for your awesome donation and incredible talent! Thank you for taking the time to make these blocks and offer them to me. I love them so much I can't even tell you and I so much appreciate this!

Auction Item #11-Carseat Cover

This item was donated by a dear friend of mine Whitney Hennen. She makes these darling Carseat Covers for babies. They are so much fun. Thank you Whitney for your donation! You can contact Whitney at:

Missy Moo's Boutique
henndogg23@gmail.com
phone 801-404-2166
913 S 870 E Springville.These "Peek-a-Boo" Blankets are such a cute item to add to your car seat and so helpful! They make it so nice so you don't have to put a huge heavy blanket over your baby! The bidding will go until Monday the 12th at 11am. Have fun! Thanks Whit!!

Morning Total

We had a great day yesterday and we are finally 1/2 way to our goal! Even though we don't have the Brent Brown Automotive Group money in the account yet, I am adding it because I know it will be there. So our new Daily Total for the morning is:

$2,701.49

Thank you for all your help, and donations! You are the ones that are sharing my story and that is how it keeps moving! Thank you for all your love and support! Let's have another great day! I know we don't have the $5,000 yet, but we only have $2,298.51 left! We can absolutely make that before Monday!! Thank You!! Have a great Thursday!!

Auction Item #10-AZ/UT 1 Hr. Massage

So I have an amazing friend in Phoenix AZ who has donated a 1 hour massage. This is estimated at $50! She is absolutely amazing and has been such a huge help in this process! She has called Hospitals, and checked with nurses, and found out all about Doctor's to make sure I will be getting the best care possible. Megan we love you!! I can't tell you what you mean to me.

Anyway you people in AZ that want this massage are truly lucky! I wish she was here in UT 24/7 so I could make her my personal therapist! She said if you are from Utah that you could bid on it too and she will be here within the next few months. If you are willing to wait you will get an amazing massage, or you AZ people have fun bidding!

Megan MacDonald
Massage Therapist

You can bid on this massage and we will give the winner's information to Megan and she will contact you personally. Again she is in Phoenix AZ, but will be in Utah in the future if you are willing to wait. This will go until 4-12-10 at 11am. THANK YOU MEGAN! We love you!!

Auction Item #9-SCENTSY!!!

So thank you to another amazing woman! Aubri Bale has graciously donated a LOAD of Scentsy stuff! It's estimated value is $84!! Thank you Aubri! You are amazing to donate when you don't even know me. That is true kindness and charity and I can't tell you how much we appreciate it! You can contact Aubri for you Scentsy needs at:

Aubri Bale
www.scentsy.com/aubrib

We will close this bid on Monday the 12th at 11am. Have fun bidding! How can you not absolutely love Scentsy stuff?! I'm so excited because now I have my Scentsy girl!!

Inspiration

So I just have a little heartfelt story to share. Tonight was a rough night. I ended up in the ER with severe vomiting that would not stop and needed attention. After 2 hours they were able to get it under control and get me feeling better (only 7 days!!). As Dave and I were driving home we were talking about a lot of stuff and how amazing people are. We pull into the driveway and we have a gift sitting on our porch wrapped in beautiful silver wrapping paper and fun ribbons all over it. The card says:

We want you to Fight We want you to Live So someday you Might Get a chance to Give Always remember and never disguise the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. You have really touched our lives and don't forget.....WE LOVE YOU!! Your friends in Highland

As I open the gift with Dave it is full of envelopes that have a quick little comment on the front. They don't have any cards in them and no information on who left them. In each envelope was money. I just cried. I couldn't help be so deeply touched. I can't believe the good that is in this world.

There was a particular envelope that made me cry and truly made me realize how much love Christ has for me. The envelope had a little child's writing on it with a big smiley face. I opened it and inside were 2, 1 dollar bills. This hit me so hard. I could only imagine a little child who saves their money up from allowance, and helping with chores, etc. and giving me everything that they had. They gave me all the money that they had earned to help me live.

I just pictured my little niece's and nephew's and how hard they work for their money and them giving their $2.00 to someone they don't even know. Wow, what unconditional love the Children of God have. Jesus loved the little children for a reason. They are the heart and soul of my faith and why I have so much hope for this world. Thank you Highland!

Because of Highland and all your donations on Paypal today, we raised $1,000! I can't believe we raised that much in 1 day! I am truly touched by your love, support, and generosity. What incredible people I have in my life! I want you to know that I am the one blessed to have you.

Auction Item #8-Fort Knox Pistol Safe

Hey everyone! I am really excited about this item! For all of you guys out there, this is a item just for you! Or girls like my friend Sara that loves guns! :) My Dad is one of the VP's at Fort Knox Security Products. He is donating a pistol safe. I have one that I keep all my medication in and my documents and prescriptions at my house. You can store anything in them. They are great! I have had mine for years and I absolutely love it! The estimated value is $189.00 A special thanks to Tom James and the rest of the Fort Knox Team for donating this safe!!
Fort Knox Security Products
993 N. Industrial Pkwy.
Orem, UT 84057
http://www.ftknox.com/
801-224-7233

Again you have until 4-12-10 at 11am to bid on this item!! Thanks Dad!!

My Thoughts

So I have been posting donations so much this week and I haven't had a chance to post how I am feeling. I can't express in words how deeply touched and how amazingly grateful I am for the love and support that has come my way. People that have known me for years, people that have just met me, people that know be through the last year, and people that have never even met me, have touched me so deeply. Your outpouring of love is the most amazing act of kindness and true charity that I have ever experienced. I can't express to each of you what you mean to me. I wish so badly that I could wrap my arms around each of you and tell you how much I love you!

This week has been a rough week. I don't know if my body is just kind of giving up because it knows the surgery is so close or if I am just really weak, but whatever it is I can tell you I am exhausted! Last night was horrible. I slept all day yesterday and then spent the entire night throwing up so violently sweat was pouring from my face and chest. I hadn't even eaten anything either which was weird, because I only really throw up when I eat something. My body seems to just slowly be shutting down though. Today I have tried to rest and slept until about 2 hours ago. I just can't seem to get the strength to do anything. I can't tell you what strength your love has given me. It helps me get out of bed to be able to post things on my blog. To know that I have to update my Facebook because people genuinely are concerned and want to know how I am doing. It's such an amazing feeling to know that someone cares. I had no idea there were so many amazing people in this world.

I want you to know how thankful I am for each of you. I know I don't have all the money yet, but I know we will get there. I know I am going to be able to have this surgery and be able to live. I have to tell you that when my doctor told me that I had to have this surgery to save my life I was terrified. Then when he said I had to have to money up front I knew I was going to die. I knew that there was no way that I would be able to pay for my surgery, and I truly thought that I was just going to slowly die. I was scared to death. I have never felt that way and I hope no one ever has to feel that way.

I can't express the gratefulness I have to my Father and Mother for donating the first $15,000 dollars toward my surgery. They have truly given everything they have for me and I can't explain how truly thankful I am to them. Because of my parents and each of you I am going to be able to live. Because of the kindness of all of you I am going to be able to continue to live with my sweet husband. I fight everyday so that I can spend one more day with my Dave. He makes my world go round. I love him more than anything in this world and if it wasn't for him I would have given up so long ago. I can't describe the pain I have been in for the last year. I can't describe the horrible exhaustion I have had. I can't verbalize the overwhelming emotional and mental trauma this has caused in my life, and I know I wouldn't have gone this long and kept fighting without my sweet husband Dave standing by my side.

There have been so many days when I have not wanted to wake up. There have been so many times I have gone to sleep and prayed that God would take me home, but I know I am here for a reason. I know I have gone through all of this for a purpose and although I don't know what the purpose is at this moment, I know I will one day.

I can't wait for the day that I am able to give back to someone what all of you have given to me. You have given me my life. I know that this surgery is not a 100% guarantee that I will live. I know there is a huge possibility that I will die from this and never wake up, but I know that if I don't have it there is a 100% chance that I will die. I am having this surgery for a chance to live. I couldn't do it without you and I just want each of you to know how grateful for each of you in my life. For your donations, your prayers, your support, your love, and your outpouring of kindness you have shown me over the past year. I can't wait to have many more years with each of you! Thank you for giving me that opportunity. I would not have it without you!

Love,
Jilly Roberts Strasburg

Auction Item #7-Nursing Cover by Liz

Thank you Liz for donating this darling nursing cover!!

Nursing cover: handmade by Liz from
alittlegirlie.blogspot.com
made in a smoke free pet free home. Size: approx 36" x 46"

Liz has been a family friend for such a long time. She has been so loving and kind to me forever! I remember being little and Liz would come over to my house and take me out just the 2 of us. I love that we have the chance to keep in contact through Facebook. Liz is such an amazing person and as sweet as pie! I know I have so many amazing friends, but I just have to brag about each one of them a little bit! Thank you Liz for donating this darling nursing cover!

You can bid like all the others until 4-12-10 at 11am. Liz will get your information and will ship it to you. Thank you so much for your generous donation! I wish I had a baby so I could have it! I love you tons Liz!

Auction item #6-1 Hour Family Photo Shoot

Mandy Roper Childs Photography
This photo shoot is being donated by one of my best friends! Mandy Childs is an amazing photographer! I especially love her work with children! Here is what she had to say about her dontation:Hey Jill...I want to donate a photoshoot to auction or raffle off...You can say it will be a 1 hour family photo shoot up to 4 kids with individuals of each kid and the couple. They will get around 30-50 photos completely edited and on a cd to order their own pics from. I will take the pics during the month of May. Location will be my choice, outside for sure, probably in Springville or Provo either 10am or 4pm weekdays only...I'll email you some pics of other shoots to put up on your blog...Hope it helps...I was trying to think of something I could do...hope this helps! Love you!
Mandy is such an incredible person and so talented. I have posted a few of my favorite pictures she has taken to give you an idea. This is an awesome photo shoot to win!! Thanks Mandy for all your Love and Support through all of this!

Again, you can bid on this in my comment section up until April 12, 2010 at 11am.

Auction Item 5-90 Min. PHOTOSHOOT!!

This auction is going to be fun! I wish I could just keep all of these fun things that I am auctioning off! Anyway, this item is a 90min. Photo shoot by an amazing photographer!! It is being donated by Urban Xpressions Photography. Here is a link to her Facebook and Website:

Leslie Smith
http://urbanxpressionsphotography.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Urban-Xpressions-Photography/184868295360?ref=ts#!/pages/Urban-Xpressions-Photography/184868295360?v=info&ref=ts
She is willing to do a family/individual/kids session!! This will be such a fun giveaway! Above is an example of her amazing talent!

Like always what we will do is have you bid on the item in the comments and the highest bidder on the last second on April 12, 2010 at 11am will win!! You can pay by donating on my blog by using the paypal Donation button.

Thank you to another amazing person who is helping to save my life! I'm so grateful and blessed to have you, and what an amazing talent you have! Everyone loves your photography!!

Cute Girl Crocheted Hats!!

We have another amazing woman donating to my surgery!! She makes the cutest hats and is going to donate 100% of the profits toward my surgery!

"Cute hats for baby girls, little girls, young women, or a grown up women like yourself! Hats crocheted with a flower that can be attached or de-tachable. Any color can be requested and any size (just a few measurements will need to be provided). Small hats for $3 or large ones for $5."

Let me know in my comments what size, and colors you want your hat!! Whit is absolutely amazing and I am so thankful to her for donating! You can just pay using my donation button and you can email your information to her to set up arrangements to get your hat(s). She asked to please give her at least 2 weeks for a hat!

Whitney Bishop
mammaofchad@gmail.com

Thank you Whitney, Evan, and Chad!! We love you!

3rd Auction Item

This is our 3rd item for Auction and is donated by:

Roberts Craft
640 E. State Road
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0133

This is the cutest shelf and has 3 fun little drawers. It was created and designed by the cute Roberts Craft team!

This auction will go until April 12, 2010 at 11:00am. Again, you have to be in Utah or Salt Lake County or be able to meet me those areas to pick it up. Have fun bidding and good luck!!

Auction-Scrapbook Basket

Our 2nd item for Auction donated by:

Roberts Craft
640 E. State Road
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0133
They are absolutely amazing and have given me 2 darling things to donate. This Basket is FULL of fun Scrapbook supplies and is valued at $150.00!! It is the perfect "Vacation" Scrapbook starter Kit! It has a scrapbook, paper, cut outs, tape, themes, etc. So much fun!
Like the other items, we will take bids on this basket until April 12, 2010 at 11:00am. (The only stipulation is you have to be in Utah or Salt Lake County or be able to meet me in one of these areas.) Thank you so much to our wonderful contributor!!
I buy all my crafting supplies at Roberts. They are incredible and such a fun store! Make sure to vote for them in the Daily Herald for best Craft store in Utah County!! www.heraldextra.com

Standing Mirror Auction

This is the 1st item for auction. It is a standing mirror that is being donated by

The Wandering Wardrobe
511 South Main Street
Springville, UT 84663
801-489-3893

All auctions will close on Monday April 12, 2010 at 11:00am

(You can make your bid in my comments under the item post. The last bid for each item before 11am will win. You can make your payment using my "Donate" button on the upper right side of my blog with Paypal. You can also pay the money directly to my bank and I will be more than happy to give instructions for that. )

Thank you to all of the amazing companies who are helping me to get well!!

THANK YOU

I want to give a special Thank You to:

Brent Brown Automotive Group in Orem
The Wandering Wardrobe (Patty Hulce) in Springville
Jim Hoban General Manager of Brent Brown Chevrolet, Jeep, and Dodge
Roberts Craft in American Fork

These companies have been so wonderful and donated so much! Roberts Craft is donating a Scrapbook Basket to auction off on my Blog! The Wandering Wardrobe is auctioning off a Standing Mirror which I will be posting pictures of! Brent Brown Automotive is matching ever dollar donated up to $500! And Jim Hoban is matching ever dollar donated up to $250!

I can't thank all of you enough and tell you how absolutely grateful I am to each of you. You are all truly amazing companies, and people. I love you all so much! I know I can never repay your kindness, but hopefully we can get your name's out there and let people know what incredible companies you have!

Donations Daily Total

I have been asked to post what we have gotten so far in Donations so people know. What I am in need of is $5,000 by April 12, 2010. The Donations were started yesterday, April 5, 2010. Every morning from today until the morning of April 12, 2010 I will post what our running total is. So far we have raised:

$390.64

That is amazing!! Thank you to all of you who have contributed! You truly are going to help save my life and I could never thank you enough! I appreciate your giving hearts more than you could understand!

Also, this week I will be auctioning off a Scrapbook Basket from Roberts Craft. Roberts Craft heard about my story and have so generously donated a scrapbook basket. I will post a picture of the basket on my blog as well as my facebook group page, "Help Jilly Strasburg Live". You will be able to post under the blog post what you are willing to spend to get the basket and on Monday the 12th I will announce the winner. The donation will be made through my Paypal account or the money can be deposited into my bank account at Family First Credit Union. I will then give the winner the basket! So keep watch for this!! Thank you Roberts Craft!

Thank you again to all of you! Please keep spreading the word. I will do my next post with what we have raised in my behalf again tomorrow morning. Love you all!

-Jilly-

Help Jilly Strasburg Live

Thank you to all of you who have joined my Facebook group, "Help Jilly Strasburg Live."

I know the whole bank and writing a check is a LONG process. If you would like an easier way to donate, I'm sure that is why you are on my blog. At the top right of my blog is a "DONATE" button. You can sign into your paypal account and donate directly through that. Then you don't have to deal with the bank at all.

Thank you so much to all of you for your amazing support, love, and help! Thank you for the donations! You have no idea how much they are going to help me to get the surgery I need to survive! Also, to those of you who can't donate, thank you for your prayers. They are so needed and I appreciate them so much! You are all amazing people and I am blessed to have you in my life!

Love,
Jilly Strasburg

So Close!!!

So I hate to beg, but Dave and I have come to place where we don't have a choice. We have been able to raise $15,000 for my surgery. We need to raise another $5,000 by April 12th. I want you to know that I understand that is a lot of money. Any amount is appreciated. It could 10 cents or 10 dollars. I just so much appreciate your love, support and help, to keep me alive. So now that you know what I need this is how you can help:

Family First Federal Credit Union
801-225-6080
Savings Account #75481
Jill Roberts Strasburg

You can call the above bank and donate a deposit into that account. You can also send your donation by mail to:

Jill Strasburg
339 East 300 North
Springville, UT 84663

I can't express how difficult this is to have to ask my friends and family for help, but Dave and I have done all we can do and we're so close, we just need a little more. I can't tell you how even the littlest amount helps. I love you all so much and am so grateful for your friendship. Thank you for helping to keep me alive!

Sincerely,
Jill Strasburg