Chemo Cranor Cupcake Challenge

A New Year

2010-01-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

With an excellent prognosis from the doctor on his condition for 2010, Rich has a new lease on life. He expresses his sincere gratitude for everything this cancer journey has brought him. Freedom from problems that used to weigh on his mind. The gift of new relationships. Closer relationships. The way in which everyone came out to show full support. His ability to accept love, generosity, compassion.And of course, I couldn't help reflecting on what his journey has brought me. I was, and continue to be, deeply moved by all of you who came out and supported Rich 100% with his battle. People came together and made amazing things happen. You are all an inspiration and an example of the good that can come when people work together. I cannot thank you enough. I am humbled, inspired, moved.

Thank you to Elizabeth and everyone at Martini Design who hosted Rich and organized meal drop-offs, visits, rides.
Thank you to Angie and Yuji at Kona Kitchen who have always been so gracious
Thank you to Ross Asdourian who organized the comedy night for Rich
Thank you to Albert Oh for the amazing Rock N' Roll auction for Rich

Thank you to the countless people who donated items for auction at the Cupcake Challenge and the Rock N' Roll auction. To everyone who visited, made meals for, provided transportation and sent notes of cheer to Rich.

And a huge thank you to the Cupcake Challenge Team - Jules, Carla, Kristyne, Rachel, Skye, Adam

We will make sure to keep you updated on Rich's journey this year. We aren't sure what his next project will be, but we do know he is ready to take on the world.

An Interview with Rich About His Cancer Experience

2009-12-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Up close and personal with Rich Cranor on his cancer experience. A while ago I had asked if anyone had any questions for Rich about his cancer experience and you wrote in with great questions!

Below is the interview you created answered in Rich's own words. Have any other questions? Send them on!

Q. How did you become aware you had cancer? Was there pain? A. Well, a girl I was seeing noticed my left testicle was completely rock hard. I hadn't noticed. I was born with it undescended, which made it a prime candidate to become cancerous later in life. There was no pain at all. In fact, pain is good. It means that you probably don't have cancer and have an infection, like epiditmytis. However, Lance Armstrong had pain, but that's because it had progressed to a horrifying degree.

Relatively speaking, I caught it early, though the strain of cancer I had was the fastest spreading and most dangerous (same as Lance's). It had managed to spread a bit to my lungs too, making me a stage III. As of now, it's in remission.

Q. Did they estimate how long you had cancer before you knew? A. I actually think my body was telling me via several dreams I had 2 years ago. They involved my testicles being put into vice grips. I'd wake up screaming! I also found out my last name was an Gaelic spelling of "Armstrong". Also very serendipitous. This later gave me a lot of hope when times got tough, but I should've seen it as an omen of things to come when I first came across it.

Q. Do you have advice for others? A. My advice for others is to play with yourself, often. The sooner you catch this, the better.

Q. What is chemo like? A. Chemo is difficult, but with the right mindset and support you can do it. I'm not sure how to really describe it, but if you go in with a fearful attitude everything will be a thousand times worse. The hardest part is getting pumped full of noxious chemicals and still not having a guarantee any of it will save your life. You really have to surrender to life, the universe, find a higher power within yourself or externally, and dig deep. I'm a resilient bastard, and managed to get through it pretty well, though there were some serious hiccups along the way. It'll be a while before I'm truly out of the woods. To be honest, the cure (chemo) was worse than the cancer. The worse you feel, the better you're getting apparently.

Q. What is the next step? A. The next steps are to manage these left over side effects. My lungs may have been damaged permanently from the chemo, though I'm hoping it's repairable or another issue unrelated. I have all kinds of pains in places that are scary to have pains in, so I'm just hoping for the best right now, waiting it out for the chemo to start leaving my system. A big part of dealing with cancer is dealing with fear, and learning acceptance. I have to go to checkups every 2 months for the next year, then every 4 months the next year, up to 5 years total. They say the hardest part is actually just showing up to these check ups.

Q. Are there long term side effects from chemo or the disease? A. Hopefully, like a lot of TC survivors, I'll go on to be just fine. It will take some time to heal up, but I'm hoping to move forward with what's left of me and enjoy the rest of my life. This experience has taught me the importance of health on all levels, that healing, not curing, is really the most holistic thing you can do. What I mean by that is seeing cancer as an opportunity to really look at life on a primal level. It's very liberating to face death, but it's also extremely difficult. But it stripped me down to my basic being, and allowed a lot of long term healing to take place that I had not been able to do on my own. A lot of issues resolved themselves. My heart opened up to all the love I received from family and friends. It had to! I do believe cancer is something that has to be healed on spiritual, physical, and emotional levels of being. Luckily for me, that process has been kick started a hundred fold and I feel better than I have ever felt in my life, though I still struggle through some of these side effects. And I don't really have any guarantees right now, but I'm very hopeful that if I listen to my body and soul I can prevent this sort of thing from happening in the future by being very proactive in my life and reducing all stress and healing all physical and emotional pain naturally.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has helped me. Without this support, I would not have gotten through this experience. I thank you for all your prayers and love.

A Rockin' Christmas Present for Rich

2009-12-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

One of the items for auction at Albert Ochosa's "Oh's Industrial Strength Rock 'n Roll Auction" for Rich was a Vince Neil autographed guitar. By the end of the evening, the guitar had been claimed by the highest bidder via phone bid and the auction closed.

The highest bidder was Lance Buker, a friend of Rich currently serving in Afghanistan, who decided to secretly gift the guitar he had won to Rich Cranor.

On Christmas Day, Kristyne Mednick Bosaiya and family delivered Vince Neil's autographed guitar to an unsuspecting Rich who was extremely delighted and got right into the rock n' roll spirit!

Happy Holidays to you all and Rock On!

Rich's Last Day of Chemo

2009-12-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

The chemo seems to be working, as Rich's HCG levels continue to drop. His last chemo appt is Tuesday, December 22nd. Please send him your thoughts, wishes, acknowledgments. Goodbye cancer!!!

Rock N' Roll Auction a great success!!!

2009-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Albert Oh's Industrial Strength Rock n' Roll Auction and Concert at Club Motor was a great success bringing in $2800 for Rich Cranor! People bid on Albert's amazing collection and took home some amazing goods.A huge Kudos to Albert Oh who planned the event and donated all of his items for the auction, Little Ben, the folks at Club Motor! And our Cupcake Girls who got everything running flawlessly and really kicked things into high gear: Julie, Kristyne, Carla & Skye!!!

You all are an inspiration!

Auction and Rock n' Roll TONIGHT! CLUB MOTOR

2009-12-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Come to the Happy Hour Rock & Roll Benefit Auction Today at 5-7pm!! Club Motor in SODO (one block south of Krisy Kreme)! Free to attend the auction. Rockin' concert to follow!!! $8 Tickets to see The Endless Still followed by Lacero, Esitu, and Ravages of Time

See you there!

Auction Items! This Friday at Club Motor

2009-12-09T08:30:00.001-08:00

Autographed Vince Neil Guitar

Fletch of Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode
- 5x7 framed autographed Anton Corbjin photo from the band from the Madrid show
- European “Tour of the Universe” merchandise bag (assorted tees, fidel cap, hoodie, mug, keychain, shrink-wrapped tourbook) **Various items to be auctioned separately**
- Framed after show Madrid pass
- PLUS - “SURPRISE SIGNED GOODIES FROM THE BAND DIRECTLY FROM GERMANY”

Albert OH
- Box of 100+ unused Ozzy Osbourne/Rob Zombie plastic 3.5x2 room keys for their December 2007 show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Poster Pack - OH autographed - Joint Grand Opening, The Killers, Paul McCartney

Skinny Puppy
- Autographed Ogre Microphone
- Ultra-Rare Skinny Puppy photography from Maryanne Bilham
- 11x14 B&W photo of never before seen “The Process” promotional photo (Last known photoshoot of Dwayne Goettel) - autographed by Ogre & Maryanne
- 11x14 Color photo of Ogre “Electric Chair” - autographed by Ogre & Maryanne
- 11x14 Color photo of Ogre “Barcode”- autographed by Ogre & Maryanne
- All prints expertly framed, matted and printed on archival paper process

Slaughter
- Autographed Jeff Blando leather jacket (Size M)
- Autographed Limited Edition VW First Act Guitar

This Friday's Run Down At Club Motor!!

2009-12-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

5:00 Silent Auction opens at Club Motor (http://clubmotorseattle.com/main/)
- Drink, mingle, and marvel at really sweet rock memorabilia
- Buy your tickets to the evening’s entertainment that begins at 8pm ($8 from any of the 4 auction hostesses)
6:50 Last call for auction bids
7:00 Auction closes and winners of memorabilia can collect their rock booty
- Stroll to the bar area and get your drink on while the bands set up
8:00 The Endless Still followed by Lacero, Esitu, and Ravages of Time

AUCTION ITEMS

Motley Crue
Autographed Vince Neil Guitar

Depeche Mode
- 5x7 framed autographed Anton Corbjin photo from the band from the Madrid show
- European “Tour of the Universe” merchandise bag (assorted tees, fidel cap, hoodie, mug, keychain, shrink-wrapped tourbook) **Various items to be auctioned separately**
- Framed after show Madrid pass
- PLUS - “SURPRISE SIGNED GOODIES FROM THE BAND DIRECTLY FROM GERMANY”

Skinny Puppy
- Autographed Ogre Microphone
- Ultra-Rare Skinny Puppy photography from Maryanne Bilham
- 11x14 B&W photo of never before seen “The Process” promotional photo (Last known photoshoot of Dwayne Goettel) - autographed by Ogre & Maryanne
- 11x14 Color photo of Ogre “Electric Chair” - autographed by Ogre & Maryanne
- 11x14 Color photo of Ogre “Barcode”- autographed by Ogre & Maryanne
- All prints expertly framed, matted and printed on archival paper process

Steve Vai
- Autographed disc

Slaughter
- Autographed Jeff Blando leather jacket (Size M)
- Autographed Limited Edition VW First Act Guitar

Sinister Records
- A Christmas stocking full of autographed The Sins discography & merchandise

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
- Rockstar Vegas Getaway Package for 2!*
- 2 night stay in the Paradise Tower guestrooms
- Dinner at Ago ($100 max)
- VIP table at Wasted Space (1 bottle)
- VIP transportation from/to McCarran Airport
* Based on availability

Albert OH
- Box of 100+ unused Ozzy Osbourne/Rob Zombie plastic 3.5x2 room keys for their December 2007 show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Poster Pack - OH autographed - Joint Grand Opening, The Killers, Paul McCartney

Auction is free to attend and is all ages. Please note: Anyone under 21will not be allowed in bar area.

Albert “OH” Ochosa, from Renton, Washington, has traveled the world to collect memorabilia from some of the most influential names in rock (Vince Neil of Motley Crue), industrial (Ogre of Skinny Puppy with Maryanne Bilham) and electronic music (Depeche Mode) to help Richard Cranor, a life-long friend and cancer patient, pay his rising medical bills.

Oh's Industrial Strength Rock n' Roll Auction Friday!!!

2009-12-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

Oh's Industrial Strength is this Friday at Club Motor! Auction starts at 5pm. Buy your tickets for $8 and stay for the show featuring The Endless Still, Lacero, Esitu, and Ravages of Time! All ages!!!

Auction starts at 5pm and is free to attend! Tickets for the Endless Still are $8.00 and some of the proceeds from each ticket go to Rich! Show is all ages!!!

We have some new items up on the auction block!

Supreme Beings of Leisure:
3 signed "Divine" remix cd singles, 1 rare signed import "Strangelove Addiction" remix single, 1 SBL messenger bag, 2 mens "11i" T-Shirts, 1 womens 11i T-shirt, 2 womens "Divine Operating System" Tshirts

Chemo is Working!

2009-11-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

As reported yesterday, Rich's HCG levels have dropped from 4000 to 220! HCG levels are secreted when certain types of germ cell tumors are present. The mere fat that they have dropped is great proof that chemo is doing its job on fighting off the cancer.

Rich still needs your support! If you can come cook for Rich, give him a ride, etc, please get in touch. Elizabeth Adams at Martini is the person coordinating rides, meals, etc.

Have a question about testicular cancer and are too afraid to ask?
We are conducting an interview with Rich about his experiences and we need your questions! All of his answers will be posted here as a way to create awareness about cancer. Help us help the public!!

Thank you to all who have been giving Rich rides, cooking meals for him and keeping him laughing!

Another GREAT Fundraising Event for Rich Cranor

2009-10-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Laughter heals the soul and invigorates the body!

Kill Cancer Comedy Show

*ABOUT DA SHOW
---A phenomenal cast of improvisers from Unexpected Productions and Theatre Sports are coming together for both fun and funny. There will be raffles, prizes, cocktails and plenty o' audience participation. I would love to tell you more, but we're going to make it all up when we get there!

*TICKETS
Get them here http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87193
It says Gum Wall Rally, but it lies. Make sure the Nov 6th date @ 8:30 is selected.
$12 at the door, $10 presale, $8 with a presale code "RICH"
...but if you use the discount code, you better buy a raffle ticket!!

Friday, November 6, 2009
Time:
8:30pm - 10:00pm
Location:
Pike Place Market Theatre
Street:
1428 Post Alley
City/Town:
Seattle, WA

An Amazing Night with Amazing People...Thank You all!!

2009-10-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

What a turn out!!

We had approximately 80+ guests in attendance and raised over $5,000 for Rich last night!! This amount does not include the very generous donations you have been sending in via the ChemoCranor blog. Thank you!

I acknowledge The Chemo Cranor Benefit Event Team!

Julie
Kristyne
Carla
Rachel

These amazing ladies immediately jumped on board when the discussion was first started about having a benefit for Rich. Without their expertise and hard work, this event would have been a lot more work and not as fun! They really added a personal touch to the event, brought their ideas to the table and really ran with it!

Elizabeth and Emmy - for scheduling meal delivery, visits and rides for Rich
Martini Design for hosting Rich while he is on chemo.
Angie and Yuji at Kona - hosting the event and making specialty shots. There is no other place we would have dreamed having this event!

Sean - for running karaoke
Cupcake bakers - Everyone who supplied refreshments for the evening. They took the time to make delicious cupcakes!
Photographer - Adam Van Dyke graciously volunteered his time to take photographs at the event. His photos of the event will be posted soon!

All of our donors who gave items to the silent auction!

All of you. Without your participation, this event would still just be an idea. You all are an amazing community and I have enjoyed getting to know you over the past few weeks on email or via Facebook.

And last but not least, Rich. The velocity at which people have come to stand in support of you either in person or online speaks volumes to the person you are.

Please stay tuned to http://chemocranor.blogspot.com for updates. If you have an event or know of an event for Rich, please get in touch so we can post it!

Thank you everyone!!!

Kelly

Tonight is the Chemo Cupcake Challenge at Kona!

2009-10-24T01:50:00.000-07:00

Today's the big day! Come out to to Kona Kitchen--have a great night out on the town and know that you're doing something truly good while you're doing it. The cupcakes are calling you... On the list of flavors: Candied Lemon, Red Velvet, French Vanilla, Marmalade filled Chocolate and Vanilla and many more delicious flavors.

Thank you to everyone who has emailed in their support, donated their time, and sent in their favorite stories of Rich. You are all a tremendous group.

If you are out of the area or unable to attend, I will be posting photos from the party online here at the ChemoCranor blog and on the FB page.

Looking forward to meeting you tonight!

A Photo is Worth a Thousand Words

2009-10-21T16:31:00.000-07:00

One of these portraits from a series taken of Rich on the eve of his chemotherapy journey will be available framed and mounted at the auction and one will be given to Rich (both are his choice). If anyone wishes to purchase prints before or after, Kristyne Mednick Bosaiya will make them available and the proceeds donated to Rich's account. Please see www.Bosaiya.com to find out about the artist who took these amazing photographs. The proof sheet and ordering info will be at the fundraiser. All photos were shot on large format 4 x 5 film, hand developed and retouched--old school artistry.

More Special Items for the Chemo Cranor Cupcake Challenge!

2009-10-20T20:53:00.000-07:00

Super Shots at the Bar!
Angie at Kona Kitchen has made some specialty shot drinks for the evening!

Cupcake Shot: Stoli, Vanilla, Creme de Cacao and Bailey's
And a *Special Shot* you will have to see in person! We can't mention it here, but it contains: Amaretto, Frangelico and Bacardi

Both are $5 and some of the proceeds will be donated to help with Rich's medical costs.

Customized Live Strong Bracelets!
Julie has gotten 100 Live Strong Bracelets in a yummy raspberry red color that have a special engraving with a quote from Katana:
"Won't Retire the Sword"

Bracelets are $5 each and 100% of the proceeds will go to Rich. Get them while they last!

Wish Bowl
Write a wish for Rich and drop it in the bowl. All wishes will be collected and given to Rich at the end of the evening.

**The viaduct will be closed 6am-6pm all weekend, so please keep that in mind when traveling!

See you at 7pm on Saturday!

A Big Week Ahead

2009-10-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Rich starts chemo on Monday over at Harborview.

Please send him your words of encouragement!

His chemo schedule is 8am-3pm M-F. This cycle will be repeated for a total of 3 times every 21 days. Rich is in need of rides to and from chemo sessions. If you can help, or would like to visit Rich, please get in touch with Elizabeth Adams. elizabeth@martinimedia.com

Less than a week til the Chemo Cranor Cupcake Challenge at Kona! 7pm to 10pm!

The event is free to attend. Cupcakes and conversation are complimentary! The fun begins at 7pm. Come support Rich and bid on the amazing silent auction. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Rich to help pay his medical bills.

Can you donate an auction item to the event?
Please get in touch with Kristyne Mednick Bosaiya kristyne@oz.net

More ways to help Rich!

2009-10-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

We are looking for friends to help with:

-Driving Rich to and from chemo sessions at Harborview
-Stopping by and keeping Rich company
-Cooking meals for Rich
-Delivering food items to Rich

Elizabeth Adams and Emmy Jordan are heading up a schedule for folks who can help in the ways mentioned above. Please contact Elizabeth Adams at: elizabeth@martinimedia.com

Thank you!

Foods for thought. Below is a list of foods Rich is able to eat.

All organic fruits and veggies.
Especially broccoli, maitake mushrooms
(you can get them at the Central Market),
green tea, nuts, whole wheats.
Basically, vegetarian meals.

Soy protein powder with vitamins.

Free range chicken can be eaten as well.

Cupcakes and Karaoke at Kona Kitchen to Benefit Rich Cranor

2009-10-06T20:21:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes and Karaoke!

Come celebrate Rich Cranor at the Chemo Cranor Cupcake Challenge Benefit. Donate to help with Rich's medical expenses, enjoy a cupcake and sing your heart out to karaoke at the Kona Kitchen.

When: October 24th, 7-10pm

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Location:	Kona Kitchen
Street:	8501 5th Ave NE
City/Town:	Seattle, WA

***Though we're on for cupcakes and karaoke, you are welcome to get yourself a table and order dinner at Kona, as regular business hours will be in effect during the benefit. Please RSVP and let me know (kellyj_van at hotmail dot com) if you will be coming as customers to eat as well as participate in the benefit. They'll need to know if they need to have extra staff to serve dinner that night.

We hope to see you there!

Welcome to the Chemo Cranor Cupcake Challenge

2009-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

“The Cranor Chemo Cupcake Challenge” was actually born out of a funny, albeit serious discussion about how Rich Cranor was about to face the fight of his life. With chemo starting in the next few weeks, we joked about how he was going to get through this challenge with his famous sense of humor in tact.

Why Cranor Chemo? Cranor is Rich’s last name of course, Chemo is what he is about to start. By making a silly super hero named Chemo Cranor, Rich has a mascot who is already in his court. And hey, why not poke fun at cancer? Cupcake Challenge: who doesn’t like cupcakes? And challenge? Yes, life is full of challenge. But nothing makes the journey sweeter than cupcakes.