Happy New Year 2024

Happy New Year 2024

Well hello there 2024, we’re happy you’re here!!!!

This year we are focusing on more than raising awareness, we are committed to making a genuine impact on the lives of several individuals battling cancer.  With regards to my very own personal journey, I come from an immediate family of six.  Three that have had cancer, two of which have passed on. That is 50% of my immediate family members who have had to endure the physical pain of cancer.  All of us had to endure the mental and emotional pain. That is where heyyou3 came into fruition. I needed to do something…!!!!  

We donate gift cards to individuals battling cancer and/or their loved ones. It takes all of us to stand together and continue to raise awareness, continue researching for a cure and taking care of those in the fight of their life!!!!! 

Please visit heyyou3.com and do your part.  Together we truly will make a genuine impact.

Thank you,

Candace 

heyyou3.com

Thankful Grateful and so very Blessed

Thankful Grateful and so very Blessed

On this weirdly quiet Thanksgiving Day, I sit here reflecting on all of my treasures…. that is what I call my memories….treasures.  I feel happy, and sad all at the same time. 

Growing up was not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but when the holidays came, it was ALWAYS perfect.  Family is one of the most important things in my life.  Being together and celebrating each other. We sing, we hoot, we cheer and then of course, we shed our tears.  Since losing both of our parents to Lung Cancer, it has not been the same.  Their presence is greatly missed.  

I am Thankful Grateful and so very Blessed to have the best family I could ask for.  Thank you all for being you and thank you God for picking me!!!!!

     Happy Thanksgiving enjoy those treasures you are making!!!!

3rd Birthday

Happy 3rd Birthday

Happy birthday to us.  We are excited to begin our third year of making a difference.  Over the past two years we have learned so much.  For example, almost every person we have come in contact with either had cancer themselves, knew someone who has/had cancer or lost someone they knew to the disease.  Another example, there are many people who are willing to give, wanting to be part of making a difference.  While at events, we were blessed to hear stories about how cancer has impacted so many lives.  Those stories are heart wrenching at times and exhilarating at others.  The power of love and the strength that goes into fighting cancer is incredible.  

  In celebrating our third year, we are even more focused on exactly what “ Raising Awareness” means.  Most people are aware of cancer, but do not know what it means or what it takes to fight it.  Our mission for 2022 is to raise even more cancer awareness.

Please join us in our commitment to help those impacted by Cancer.

Visit heyyou3.com today

Americade 2021

Americade 2021

What an amazing event.  We met many incredible people.  Every single person that we talked with had been impacted by cancer in some way.  Listening to their stories reinforces the need to keep spreading awareness and making a difference.  

We met so many survivors, family members of folks that didn’t survive and people who have a loved one still in the fight.  There was a woman who shared her story of lung cancer that spread to her brain.  She fought her battle and for now, won.  She said she is scared every day with the thought that the chances of it coming back are high, yet, she chooses to live in every moment, not wasting any time.  Then, there was a dad, who told us the story of his seven year old daughter who had, what they thought, was an ear infection.  It turned out to be Neuroblastoma.  Typically, the survival rate is not good.  They agreed to do some trial treatments and I’m happy to share, she celebrated her eighteenth birthday recently.  Amen!!!!  

You see, this is why we do what we do.  Stories like these give others hope and strength.  When I say “ making a difference is what we do”, this is what I mean,  I thank God for the path that has been chosen for me and my team.  The fit is perfect!!!

I’d like to say “THANK YOU” to my incredible team; Doug, Jayme, Michele and Wendy, without you and your commitment to our mission I would be lost.  Thank you to the best “vendor mates” we could have asked for. You helped us more than you probably know.  Thank you to the Pink Ribbon Riders for your tips and ideas.  We appreciate you and what you do.  Finally, thank you to all of YOU who purchased our items.  YOU made a difference!!!!!

Next stop…...Poppin Up in the Cuse on October 7th for the Carol M. Baldwin Foundation.  See you October 7th, 5-9pm at the Craftsman Inn & Suites in Fayetteville NY.  This event is free to attend!

For Fathers Day In Loving Memory of Our Dad James Charles Hazeltine, Sr.

A son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a teacher, but Best of All Our Father!

Love is felt in so many different ways. Sometimes it gives us butterflies and makes us happy.  Sometimes you don’t know how much you love someone or something until it's gone. Gone completely, except for your memories.  Only then do you feel a love you never realized existed.

 You become so grateful for those memories that you pray they won't fade as time goes on just so you can feel that rush of love. You begin to regret not seeing this love before it was too late and wonder how you didn’t feel it before. You become thankful that this love exists so you don’t feel complete agony and sorrow.

This month for Father's Day, in memory of our superhero dad, James C. Hazeltine Sr., I want to share some of our journey with our dad through the eyes of his kids and how we are learning this new way to love.

You see, life is all about perspective, and no two individuals are the same and no two perspectives are the same. Therefore, knowingly or unknowingly, the world sees many “versions” of everyone.

The final “version” we had of our father was a man who was very sick. Suddenly deathly sick from maybe cancer. The doctors needed to biopsy the mass to confirm it. For 12 days he was put on IV fluids for the procedure all while trying to keep his heart and other organs stable. His hands began a slow twitch again as they always did every time he went into the hospital. Becoming sober from the outside world this was part of what happened every time he would go in to the hospital. In a time of Covid where no one can come and go from a hospital, no matter the circumstances, he began to have trouble using his cellphone. His hands began twitching so bad he could no longer answer it, text or even plug it in to charge. All while there, alone.

Unimaginably, we were asked what we would do if he needed to be put on a ventilator. It became like something you would see on the news. The next day our dad was intubated. Little did we know that we would never ever hear his voice again. Meaning we would never get to hear him say “I LOVE YOU” to us again. NEVER EVER!!!!! More days went on and then he was quarantined for “possible exposure” six days earlier. Even with two negative Covid tests seven days apart, no biopsy, no visitors, and now no voice, my dad had to fight on his own.

Throughout our lives we hit many bumps and potholes along our journey with our dad, but no matter what we love him and always did with every bit of our souls. We lived with feeling a desperate, kind of worried love, constantly. We worried that we didn’t love him hard enough along the way to save him now. The last time my phone rang and said “Dad” on the screen was November 14, 2020. He was saying sorry for not being able to answer the phone because of his hands twitching. I didn’t care, it just was relieving to finally be able to talk with him. The last thing me and my sister said to him was when we asked him if he knew who we were. He screamed “YES! YOUR MY DAUGHTER AND YOUR MY OLDEST GET ME SOMETHING to f%^&*#  DRINK”!

Fast forward a few days...by this time, he's been intubated and his organs are slowly shutting down. Still no biopsy to find out why. We were supposed to be able to see him finally for Thanksgiving. We had been counting down the days of quarantine to be over and then, we got the news that we still couldn’t see him.

The next day, November 28, 2020, I got dressed to finally go see my handsome dad!! I sat in the parking lot for a little bit and called everyone. I was terrified but sooooo excited! I held my head high and walked through the hospital doors. Throughout our lives we have a couple sayings we live by; adapt and overcome and Chin up ALWAYS, but the dad that I saw I just wanted to rescue.

I rubbed his hands to find the moles and beauty marks and tattoos. I felt his hair as I rubbed his head so he could finally feel a real comforting touch. I whispered something I always promised to him, I always told him I would always come back.

 As many of you may know, we are a divorced family. We've fought through many versions of ourselves as well as watched our dad fight through many versions of himself. Sometimes it was hard and hurtful and seemed unforgivable. Sometimes we pulled back because it hurt us too much to watch. But the love we have and have always had never changed. He always knew that we loved him and we always knew he loved us back.

 Since we are his children, not many understand or see our dad through our eyes. That is because WE were picked for that journey. People don't understand our pain or our perspective because it is NOT theirs and no two are the same. WE saw him leave at night to fix a furnace for free because he had the ability and the love to do it. Many saw “Big Jim” run down the beach at camp and dive into the water, but they didn’t see it through the eyes of his kids. No one but us saw him leave our home knowing we were never going to wake up to both of our parents together again but us. That never took away our love. A love that was tried more times than most but tough enough to last through any storm.

 No matter what “versions” we got or he got, our love never shattered and our strength and faith evolved. James Charles Hazeltine Sr, is the proud father of 3 incredibly strong, humorously humble, and sincerely genuine kids. Growing up we may not have had much but we always had us. Something we are grateful for every day. Thank you, God, for picking him, we couldn’t become ourselves without him being him!!

In loving memory of a courageously simple man!

written by Jayme Hazeltine

Five years ago today….

  Five years ago today I lost my mother to cancer.  We found out that February that she was sick.  It grabbed ahold of her body with great force and never let go.  Her biggest fear had come true.  I’m so sorry Mom that you had to endure that.  She was a tough cookie and I can honestly say I never saw or heard her in pain.  She said to me “I didn’t know cancer would hurt so bad”.  She worked hard to be physically fit, always eating only half of all meals.   One day at the hospital during lunch, she looked at me and said “I spent my whole life only eating half and now I would give anything to be able to finish a meal”.  Another time when we had to go to an appointment, I asked if she wanted me to drop her off at the door and I would park the car...she said “no, I will walk as long as I am able”.  I always park in the spots far away from the door and I will do that as long as I am able.  I don’t take having the ability to walk for granted!!!

As a nurse, she spent thirty two years taking care of others.  She even received the “Nurse of Distinction” award from the hospital she worked in.  She spent all thirty two years working in the psychiatric unit, not an easy place for sure.  She was determined to make a difference and I thank God the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.  She worked the 3-11pm shift and then had to drive a long way to get home.  She lived in Upstate New York.  Again, not an easy task in the dark and snow.  She did that all the way until the day she retired.

When she realized she was not doing good and was losing her strength she did the most amazing thing a mother could possibly do.  She prepared us!!!  Our whole life we were told that no matter what you stick together.  You take care of each other because at the end of the day...eachother was all that we had.  She told us her wishes and she was stern about what and how she wanted things.  She told us to make her proud.  We made secret promises that we still hold to this day.  She wrote us a letter that included all things that were important to her.  She took us to the cemetery to pick out her plot.  The same cemetery that she promised her best friend they would be buried in and they are.

The pain that April 15th still brings is unimaginable.  I dread this day every year.  I tell myself she is happy and our faith is strong.  As I continue to miss you, I promise to do the best I can to help others like you did...to make a difference just like you!!!

Happy Birthday heyyou3!!!!!

Happy Birthday to us--heyyou3 is celebrating our first birthday.  What a whirlwind our first year has been.  We have learned so much….. We have learned that there are many caring, compassionate, giving people who are willing to go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer.   We have learned there is strength in numbers and have seen how families and friends come together to support each other in the hardest of times.  Cancer is a horrible disease that affects all walks of life with no rhyme or reason. 

Often I find myself lost in thoughts...we are the richest country in the world and yet we can’t figure out a way to help people “live”.  How to help more people beat cancer.  There has to be a better way.  A way that doesn’t hurt so much, cost so much, steal so much!!!!  

I also find myself wondering if we should continue...I mean, after all, we could always personally donate to people or places and help that way.  Then, I tell myself no way.  We cannot stop the fight, we cannot give up.  We have to keep going, raising awareness, making a difference, donating gift cards.  Whatever it takes, we have to keep fighting...giving up is not an option!!  

We would like to recognize Rookies Tavern, O’Connor Printing Inc. and Awesome Country, all of Boonville NY for being the top three corporate contributors for our cause.  The Boonville community is amazing!!!!!  Thank you all for everything you have done to help us in our mission.

To begin year two...throughout the month of March we will have “pop up” deals on all of our items, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and instagram!!! 

Heyyou3.com     

Raising awareness and making a difference is what we do!!!!

Where’s the Cure????

I’m sitting here thinking about heyyou3.com.  I do it all day, everyday.  Ask my husband and he will tell you I spend every possible moment engrossed in it.  I also have a team of volunteers who spend their time working on our mission to help those battling cancer.  I have to admit…..soooooo many times I get frustrated.  Tonight, I found out that a friend who has been fighting for a few years is in a really bad spot and needs all the prayers she can get.  Yes, years she’s been fighting.  I can’t stand it.  How can it be that there is no cure?  How can it be that here and now in 2021 so many people will die from Cancer?  What are we missing?  I just don’t get it!!!!!  To ALL of you who are fighting….To ALL of you who have someone you love fighting….and to ALL of US who have lost someone to CANCER I am so sorry.  To ALL of you who are SURVIVORS I am so happy for you and your loved ones.  You are truly blessed.  Heyyou3 will continue our mission...one day at time, fighting to raise awareness, fighting to make a difference and fighting to help those living the nightmare of fighting cancer.  We will not give up!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year 2021

Our wish for you is that you are able to embrace all of the wonderful things that life has to offer.  That you are able to take all that you have endured or lost and turn your sadness or sorrow into something that will bring a smile to your face. We wish that 2021 will be filled with joyous times and memories that will be cherished forever.  All we need is a little HOPE!!

From all of us at heyyou3.com

Merry Christmas 2020

Merry Christmas 2020

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. Be sure to make memories and count your blessings!!!!  For those who are battling an illness or suffering from the loss of a loved one, we are deeply sorry.  The holiday season can be stressful, demanding and overwhelming.  Sometimes it’s important to take a “time out” and focus on the reason for the season.  It’s not about the gifts or celebrations, it’s about the “little things”.  The true gifts in life.  Even in tough times and times of loss, if you take a moment to look for the bright side, you will find it. 

This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it. I want it to be a gain, not a loss – good not evil. Success, not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.” – Heartsill Wilson

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at heyyou3.com

 Here we are December 19, 2020 and what a year it has been!  I live knowing that every second is a memory in the making.  So many people spend their days filling their financial banks.  Me, I’m different, I spend my days making deposits to my memory bank.  Think about it.  Most people think things over before spending money on big purchases or even little ones, yet, they spend their days, hours or minutes like they are endless.  As if they will always be there.  Time scares me...I hate it being wasted.  I need to suck it up like a sponge, every single second of every single day!!!!!   What I wouldn’t give to have more time...more time with each of my parents and other loved ones that have passed on.  More time with my children, grand children and siblings.  My husband and my friends.   

    However, here in 2020, I’m ready to move on...the faster the better.  There has been so much pain and sadness.  So much selfishness.  So much harsh judgement.  I’m just ready to move on to 2021.  My hope and belief is that 2021 will be outstanding.  It will be doubly good to make up for 2020.   

    To those of you who have suffered the loss of a loved one this year, I’m so very sorry.  To those who have not, be sure to reach out to them.  Spend time with them.  Make memories with them.  Those memories are the best gifts a person can give.  Don’t take one second of time for granted, we never know what tomorrow will bring so let’s spend it wisely today!!!!!

Thankful & Grateful

November 2020

So, let’s talk about it!!  The holidays are coming and some families will be gathering, making those wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!  Some however, will not.  In fact, many will not.  Those battling cancer may have to continue to isolate themselves to protect against not only COVID-19, but also from many other illnesses that are spread during this time of year.  Think about it, there’s moms, dads, grandmas, grampas, siblings, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles and other loved ones that will not be with each other this year.  That hurts my feelings.  

Growing up, the holidays were always a great time of the year.  We have the best memories.  No matter what was going on in the world, we were always together on the holidays.  As we grew up and had families of our own, we would still gather together.  Rain, snow or sleet could not keep us a part.  I remember one time thinking there is no way my sister would make it as there was a blizzard.  But, of course she did.  She wouldn’t miss it for the world!!!  I thank God for those memories, they are what will get me through this year.  

Last Thanksgiving we did things a little different but we were all together.  We knew the journey we were about to embark on was going to be the toughest to date.  While we went around the table and said what we all were thankful for, we all had a hope and prayer deep inside that this Thanksgiving we would be celebrating the end of the journey together.  As it turns out, that will not be the case.  Thankfully, the journey is almost over and has an amazing end.  However, due to COVID-19 we will not be together.  We will still count our blessings and thank God for hearing our prayers.  We have decided that once this pandemic is over and it is safe, we will have the biggest celebration that will include all of the holidays and then some!!

If you are able to spend time with your family and friends for the holidays this season savor every minute.  Take it all in, the sights, the sounds and the smells.  They are the things you will cherish forever.  

Candace

Together We Can Do This…

Heyyou3 was born out of the need to make a difference in the lives of those battling  cancer, a terrible disease.  It is relentless in its mission to destroy.  Personally, my family has experienced the dreaded disease too many times.  Since the beginning of heyyou3 we have helped many individuals.  But more importantly, what I have found is that cancer is so much more prevalent than I thought.  It is everywhere.  We need to do more, we need to find a way to stop the suffering. 

Today I am asking you, my family and my friends to share heyyou3.com as often as possible.  With your help we can do this.  We can make a difference. We can ease the pain.  We can put a smile on the face of someone that hasn’t smiled in a long time.  Let’s do it together.

Thank you,

Candace

heyyou3 Bundle Bag

September 2020-heyyou3 Bundle Bag-First Time

We are so happy to announce because of YOU we were able to provide our very first heyyou3 Bundle Bag to an amazing person battling cancer!!!  Because of YOU, we were able to make a difference in their life.  Words cannot express the gratitude we have for all of YOU who have made this possible.  This is just the beginning!!!!   Let’s make a difference one Bundle Bag at a time!!!!  

To our very first recipient, from the bottom of our hearts, we hope this makes a positive impact for you.  We understand how hard things can be at times and we hope this helps.  Personally, I hold you deep in my heart and keep you in my prayers.  Your strength and bravery is unbelievable.  You truly are amazing!!!!!

We would like to give an extra special thank you to the following major contributors, Rookies Tavern, O’Connors Printing and the Awesome Country Store.

If you or someone you know is battling cancer and you would like them to receive a heyyou3 Bundle Bag, send us an email at heyyou_3@aol.com and we will be in touch.   

Let’s make a difference together today and everyday!!!!

Thank you,

Candace and the heyyou3 team

*items included in each Bundle Bag may vary

September 2020

Fall 2020

Oh how I love Fall in upstate NY.  The sights and the smells are awesome.  This fall, I’m counting my blessings for sure.  She completed all of her treatments and is on her way to feeling better everyday!  Thank you God.  Recovering from all of the radiation and chemo treatments will take time but everyday she is feeling a little better.  Everyday she is feeling like she wants to  do a little more than yesterday.  We all are counting down to when we can finally be with each other and hug.  

Cancer steals so much. Having a compromised immune system means that you should isolate as much as possible during the treatments.  That is just another thing that makes the battle so hard.  Support from others is not as easy when it’s done from a distance.  Mind you, it is better then nothing but a nice hug goes a long way!!!  

We started heyyou3 to do as much as possible to help people battling cancer, their families and/or loved ones.  There are so many expenses to consider: co-pays, gas, travel for families, meals and maybe even something that puts a smile on their face.  I know there are so many causes to choose from to support.  Please consider heyyou3.  If you have any questions or comments you can post it below or send us an email at heyyou_3@aol.com.  We truly appreciate your support.

Thank you,

Candace

heyyou3.com

Awesome Country 9/11-9/13/2020

Awesome Country Sept 11-13, 2020

Awesome Country Craft Fair & Flea Market

We knew that exhibiting at the Awesome Country Craft Fair and Flea Market would be a great way to help our cause of making a positive impact on the lives of people battling cancer or their loved ones.  What we didn’t know was just how much people would be willing to give.  So many purchased our handcrafted items, many just because they were aware of our mission.  There is no way the words “thank you” could ever show how much we appreciate all of the support we received.  

The community of Boonville is a small community with big hearts!!  I watched the way they all came together to support one another and so many smiles could be seen throughout all three of the days we were there. I was surprised how many people were willing to share their stories about how cancer has impacted their life.  It’s unimaginable how many people have endured the pain of cancer.  Whether it is the physical pain from cancer itself or the emotional pain of seeing someone you love fighting the battle.

Thank you so much Awesome Country, the community of Boonville, Rookies Tavern and everyone else who supported our cause.  Because of all of you we are able to help someone in your community battling cancer.  

heyyou3

August 2020

Best Day Ever!!

Last Day of Chemo

You did it!!!!  You made it!!!  Can you believe it?!  There were so many days, hours, and minutes that you questioned if you really would be able to do it.  One time so sick that the doctors said that you shouldn’t have the treatment.  You were so strong and so brave that you refused to leave without having the treatment.  And here you are today.  Officially done with Chemo, the second scariest word!!  Every day going forward, remember it's one day closer to feeling better, getting stronger and discovering the “new” you.  After all that you have been through, you have proven there is nothing that you can’t do.  Oh the boundaries are endless.  Congratulations to you and your family.  You did it!!!!!#strongerthanchemo

Fourth of July 2020

The Fourth of July

   Oh how I love the fourth of July and my dad.  I can never thank him enough for the memories he has given me.  Independence Day was one of the most important holidays for my Dad.  So many of his brothers and buddies served in the military.  He is where I get my American pride from.  I wish he was here today to celebrate it with me at camp.   I’ll be thinking of you a little extra today Dad.  Enjoy today with your brothers and buddies in heaven.  I love you

July 2020

July ...my best month and my worst month!

There are so many exciting things to celebrate in the month of July. First our incredible nation’s birthday!!!  I cherish our independence and do not take it for granted one bit.  I am a very proud American.  Many of my family members and close family friends have served this wonderful nation and some even paid the ultimate sacrifice.  

July also happens to be my birth month.  I treasure my birthday one because it’s the day that God picked for me to be born. The other reason, it’s a day that God picked for a very special angel to be born.  Thank you God for that blessing.

Now, the reason why it’s also one of my worst months….well, it’s because it is the month my Dad passed away after battling Lung Cancer.  It was very very difficult to see him go through so much pain.  Cancer was his worst fear as he saw many of his own family members suffer from it.  He prayed often that it wouldn’t happen to him.  I’m so sorry Dad.   My faith is strong and I know that he is happy with my mom in heaven..they are both pain free and smiling down upon us so proud of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As always, count your blessings everyday.  Pay special attention to the “little” things in life.  I find they are actually the biggest and best things.  

Heyyou3.com was born out of love and compassion for those battling cancer and their loved ones.  Please visit our website, your purchase will make a difference in the life of someone who needs it the most.  Thank you.

Happy Father’s Day 2020

Fathers day 2020

Happy Father's Day to all father’s. To those that are blessed enough to be able to spend the day together enjoy every moment.  Take your time and absorb every part of the memory you are making.  I lost my father to cancer over sixteen years ago and this day is still just as hard as the first Father’s Day after his passing.  I hate cancer for taking away the opportunities to make more Father’s Day memories with him…