Long Distance Heroes will leave colon cancer in the dust!

March 9th is the 4th Annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K race for Colorectal Cancer awareness.  I am pumped to run along side all of my Long Distance Heroes –  old and new.  We are about to show cancer who’s boss.   Just four years ago, I along with my dear friend and survivor, Mary-Karen, brought this race to Charlotte.  Our first year we were told we should only expect 500 participants, we moved mountains and had over 1,100.  This year we are expecting as many as 2,000 colorectal cancer advocates.

Just a few short days after last years event, I was told my cancer was back. One surgery and 22 chemo treatments later, I am thriving not just surviving.  I have run three half marathons and

completed one triathlon in ten months time.   I feel fantastic and ironically am in the best shape of my life …go figure!  I am so excited and fortunate to be able to run in this race.  It is truly a gift.

I hope you will consider joining the Long Distance Heroes team on March 9th.  I promise you will not regret your decision and am pretty confident you will leave inspired.  All the race details are below.  p.s. you do not need to run…walkers are ALWAYS welcome. If you are interested in volunteering contact me directly.

The road is long . . .   we’ll go the distance with our everyday heroes!!!  Love,  Sue

To register or donate please click on the link below:

http://events.getyourrearingear.com/site/TR/Charlotte/General?px=1022311&pg=personal&fr_id=1480

Online registration is open until March 6.  Sign up by February 25th to be included in the order for our team identifier…this year we will have red Long Distance Hero hats.

We will have a hospitality tent at the event.  Look for an email with additional race day details.

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Getting a Jump on 2013

A Leap of Faith

They said jump…I asked “How high?”

I took a leap of faith yesterday and this image shows the end result.  What we don’t try, we don’t experience and we will never know what we are capable of.  Thank you to my friend Theoden for inspiring me to bust out the kid in me yesterday.  This image pretty much sums up my year.  I had no idea what I could do while on chemo or if I would even survive my diagnosis, but I had faith and WOW amazing things happened.  Don’t get me wrong…2012  had its ups and downs, but it ended on a high note for sure!

2012 Lessons

Rock n’ Roll medal for completing two half marathons in one year. Rock on!!!

The biggest lesson I learned was to believe.  Believing in miracles and myself. I started 2012 unsure if I wanted to  join the Omega Sports Half Marathon training team. Little did I know that I would not only surpass my goals, but I would do it under very limiting circumstances.  Kind of reminds me of running a hill. Just when you think you’ve made it to the top, the road takes a slight curve and in front of you is the “rest” of the hill.  You’re half way there…no point in stopping.  So here are some highlights from my 2012 uphill journey:

My two biggest fans!!!! I am big fan other theirs as well!!!

1 – Completed my first half marathon – Nashville Rock n’ Roll

2 – Completed my first tri – Ramblin’ Rose Charlotte

3.  Ran my second half 6-months after the first – Savannah Rock n’ Roll

4. Rock climbed, went bowling, canoeing and camping with my girls and John for the first time.

5. Meeting some of the most amazing, inspiring, caring, fun people ever!!!!

I am living large and loving every minute of it.

The Fun Never Ends

So here we are on the cusp of the new year.  The sky is the limit so the planning phase begins.  My next half will be in Folly Beach, South Carolina February 9th.  I can’t think of a better way to spend time with friends and celebrate another birthday.  Speaking of birthdays, we signed-up for the Cooper River Bridge 10k to celebrate my Mom’s 70th birthday (yes of course she’s running it with us).  I can’t wait!

Long Distance Heroes finishing the Free to Breathe 5K. The Omega Nation training team is truly the coal that fuels my engine!

In March the Long Distance Hero team will take to the streets of Charlotte at the 4th Annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K.  This will be a team of amazing friends, family, and survivors.  We are going to show Colon Cancer who’s boss.  I hope you will all join us … feel free to run , walk or volunteer.  The bigger the team the better.  Registration is now open.  If you don’t think you can run/walk…remember to believe in yourself.  2013 will be the year of the lean, mean fighting machines! You can do this.  www.getyourrearingear.com

Here we go!

My super amazing husband and I crossing the finish line. I am one lucky lady.

So as you welcome in the new year promise yourself to take a leap of faith and see what wonderful opportunities great you in the year to come.

Peace and Cheer,

Sue

Medical Update:  Since I last blogged I’ve had two scans.  Both scans showed stability.  Yipeee…I’ve stopped this Cancer in its tracks!  My exercise and diet have created a strong immune system and body. I am filled with energy and happiness.  Thanks for all of your support…this journey would not be the same without you!

 

Finisher, but Never Finished!!!

When I decided to run a 1/2 marathon I thought for sure I would run only one.  Boy I was in for a surprise when I finished my first battle with no intention of being FINISHED!!!  That’s a dirty little “runner’s” secret (well it’s not only for runners). They, runners, don’t tell you about the addiction, exhilaration with the feeling of accomplishment, happiness and well-being that comes when you master an event such as a 1/2 marathon. Even if they did, you won’t believe them until it happens to you.

That is how I live my life.  I may finish something, but I am never truly finished.  I continue to evolve and learn from my experiences and accomplishments.

I completed my first triathlon on Sunday.  It was one of the best days of my life.  That sounds so cliché, but honestly it was a remarkable spate of time.

Lisa, Sue and Sandra waiting to get our swim on!

I am not a swimmer or cyclist, but yesterday, I was … I morphed into a triathlete!!! As terrifying as it felt, I now was a woman on a mission.  Once I started the race, anxiety and fear turned into exhilaration and incurable euphoria.  I was doing it…really, really, doing it.  After the race I met up with family and friends at the post race expo.  In one of the tents, I spotted a purple shirt with the following saying “Finisher, but Never Finished”.  Hello, that shirt had to be mine.  Off I went in search of someone who would take my money in exchange for a message that truly represented my journey.

My favorite tee-shirt EVER!!!

The shirt was from a tri kit company called  re{vici}.  I met one of the founders in the tent only to discover, he had just messaged me on my Long Distance Hero Facebook page.  After he read my story, on the Brooks Running blog, he was offering me a shirt with a message he thought best represented my story.  Ha ha…it was the very same shirt!!  As I was writing this blog I looked up the story behind the company…here is what I found….

What is {re}vici?  From the Latin word for “I conquered”, vici, we started to create something. However, vici seemed to imply we were finished, which is rarely the case. Anyone who has ever chased a “PR” knows that when one race is over, there is always another. Again, we will strive to conquer a new goal. That was it…we conquer goals, races, fears…OURSELVES…again, and again- {re}vici

Wow guys…what an inspiring company name!!!

My two biggest fans!!!!

Another Live Lesson Learned:  The world works in wonderful and inspiring ways most of the time, listen carefully so you don’t miss the knocking when inspiration shows up on your door step!  When it does {re}vici!!! Sue

I’m a survivor baby!!!

Back in the saddle again!!!

Yes, I’m back running and on my beloved Greenway!!!!!  I mean, I never truly got off the saddle, I just had to ride a different horse this summer.  The summers, here in Charlotte, are hot and humid… not a great running environment for someone on treatment.  Here’s the thing about that… what a great excuse to quit running… it’s too hot, I’m getting chemo, I can’t handle the humidity and this is the kicker… no one… I mean no one, would have thought any less of me if I sat on the couch and rested this season.  In fact that’s what they expected.  Well far be it from me to give the people what they want… I like to shake things up and that’s just what I did.

So happy to be “back in the saddle”!

Team Omega Nation to the rescue.  I knew this summer would be brutal so I devised a plan to keep me in shape and help me fight the fatigue of chemo… biking on a trainer. Lucky for me, so many of my amazing teammates are triathletes… finding a trainer and someone willing to help keep me on track was just a Facebook message away. So now that I had the equipment… I needed motivation. Oh right – the fact that I had signed up for the very first triathlon of my life before I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.  Seriously!!!! So biking indoors was the perfect solution!!!!  An hour of biking a few days a week was always my goal… so my plan worked.

Omega Nation Savannah Race Shirts…Sponsored by Brooks!!!

After a long hot summer, the cooler temps were bestowed on us earlier this year.  The first chance I got, I was on the run.  Back in that saddle.  My first few jaunts were short and slow, but mentally fulfilling.  Then an amazing thing happened… I was taken off my energy zapping, nerve damaging, harder-to-handle chemo.  Perfect timing.  I knew this would allow me to train more and that’s just what I’ve been doing.  My week started with a 6 mile run.  I felt so free, strong, happy and cancer free during those miles.  It’s my magic place… a place where cancer cannot touch me.  Running is a gift and I love opening that present every time I hit the pavement.  I followed that magical week with a 12 mile bike ride yesterday.  Confidence that I can finish my ‘tri’ next week… check!  Now I’m not only in the saddle, but ready to ride this bad boy to the finish line.  The horse I’m riding is named Perseverance!  “Percy,” for short!

Lady and I…getting ready for a ride.

I am still on chemo and will be for the foreseeable future… not an obstacle that will get in my way. I will continue to change saddles as life requires, but won’t get off the horse.   “Percy” will take me to the Savannah 1/2 marathon this November.  This is the 1/2 marathon I signed up for after I was diagnosed… I had no plans to ever stop what I enjoyed most. Cancer does not get to take away… it’s only allowed to give.  It is a wake up call, a kick in the pants, and motivation like no other –  to live like you mean it!  Cancer opens doors that might otherwise never be knocked upon. It brings people into your life that you might otherwise never meet. And, it brings together a team of athletes of all speeds, abilities and successes in a way that inspires all of us to stay in our saddles!!!

Giddyup ya’ll!!!! Sue

 Beautiful Molly!

Shy Natalie…

Molly and Jersey showing us what they think of Cancer…Smart horses!!!!

Mary Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

With Silver Bells and Cockle Shells and pretty flowers all in a row.

Healthy plants, rich soil, and a lot of love have made one beautiful garden.  I received my scan results today and I’m happy to say we have a bountiful harvest to celebrate.  Over the last 6 months I have worked tirelessly to create a strong, healthy bed of beautiful plants to enjoy.   The treatment I received, my strong will to survive, along with prayers and passion for a cure have created  a beautiful bouquet that we can really enjoy.  Now don’t be mislead… I am not cured.  There is still disease in my lungs, but the results of my last scan confirm that we have stabilized the cancer!!!!  As I have in the past, I will explain my results in gardening terms as I find that is a great way to visualize my progress and reason for celebration.

In gardening terms, we have not rid the flower bed of the weeds, but we have stopped them from growing and incorporated them into the landscape.  Studies have shown that the complete disappearance of the weeds vs. stopping the growth of the weeds and preventing new ones from growing is the same.  So this is cause for celebration. The results of my scan have also changed the gardening approach.  I am officially off the ever so toxic Weed-be-Gone. Instead of 12 treatments we are stopping at 10.  The typical length for this chemo is 8 – 12 treatments.  Due to the nerve damage it causes, stopping now is a great move.

I will continue with chemo every two weeks, but gone are the days of the more difficult side effect.  Yippeee…no more sensitivity to cold, numb fingers hip pain, or hair loss. I can’t promise I will get my memory back, but that’s overrated anyway.    Oh, and did I mention, I will be able to run every week…I’m so excited I could pop.  Watch out Savannah Half Marathon… here I come!  My next scan will take place in about eight weeks.  At that time we will see if my new course of treatment has kept the lung nodules stable…if so we will continue with this course of treatment for the foreseeable future.   This is one of many hurdles, but each one should be celebrated with energy and enthusiasm…I think you all know me well enough to know I never pass up an opportunity to celebrate.

Thank you to everyone for your positive energy, inspiration, and prayers. I am one lucky lady and I am so very grateful every day.   This garden is in full bloom…so don’t forget to take time to smell the roses!!!!

Thanks for keeping me smiling,

Sue

Going the extra mile! Motivation or Inspiration?

My alarm went off twice Sunday morning.  It was reminder to get out of bed and run.  No simple task as I lay there between my warm, cozy sheets.  So I peeled myself off the mattress and got dressed for a much needed run.   What motivated me to get out of bed?  Well here it is…

We all need motivation some need more than others, but it needs to come from inside.  A professor of mine always said “No one can motivate you, but yourself”.  True that!  We can, however, be inspired by others and I seek that on a daily basis.  Using the inspiration gives me the motivation to run, dance, sing and get a little crazy.

So off I went for my run.  At the 1.5 mile marker I asked my running partner if we should…go the extra mile and we did.  Knowing that I exceeded my goals for the day and at a faster than normal pace for me felt so good.   I felt like I had climbed Mt. Everest. On the way home, I opened the windows and the sun roof and sang at the top of my lungs in celebration of my achievement.  This seemingly small goal had big pay offs and I will ride the endorphins as long as they last or until I do it again.   Achievable goals are the ultimate in success and each one should be celebrated with the same amount of energy and excitement as the big ones (Savannah, her I come!).

Following my run and the dance party in my car I got to fully celebrate my run with my ever fun loving, inspirational, and very competitive training team.  In honor of the Olympics, we held a relay event…USA vs. Canada.  It was great fun and I am so happy I MOTIVATED myself to go out and have a little crazy time.

I hope this story inspires you to find motivation and set achievable goals that should be celebrated and enjoyed!!!

Get Your Game On!!!! The Olympics are coming!

I draw inspiration from many places, people and events in life.  In the last 12 weeks, this has been a major part of my journey.  So, as I tried to rest yesterday, I started thinking about the Olympics and my slumber flew out the door.  I laid on my bed and could visualize my own gold medel just within reach of my finger tips.  Everything I have done for the last 24 weeks will come down to one scan.  I pictured climbing the podium to receive my gold medal along with a scan that showed my progress in battling my disease.  I’ve already had one promising scan and that just fuels the fire to work even harder for the next one.    This is no different than the Olympics.

The athletes that will compete over the next few weeks don’t just practice their sport. Everything they eat and drink, when they sleep, how long they sleep, the company they keep…it all comes down to their thirst for the gold.  As a runner it’s not only about running. They cross-train, eat special diets, and sleep.  It’s their prescription for success.  Ironically it is no different than the model I am working with.  Chemo is not a magic bullet so I have incorporated a wellness lifestyle to get me to the gold.  Time trials are our scans during treatment. They tell us how we are doing and if we are making progress.  I am still three weeks out from my next time trial.  In the meantime, I will incorporate a whole person; wellness lifestyle in an effort to keep myself healthy.  The end of September will be my BIG scan and I hope to bring home the gold.  If not, there are more Olympic games ahead for me. The athletes that don’t win in London this year don’t just pack it up and quit….they are more determined than ever to bring it home four years from now.

I see myself on the podium as they place the medal around my neck.  Red Solo Cup playing in the background as I represent my country of Cureopia.  Being an Olympic athlete is so much more than just being the best at a sport.  And being a cancer survivor is much, much more than scans, infusions, hair loss .. .the list goes on.

So, when you watch the opening ceremonies and the athletes compete, allow them to inspire you to go for the gold.  I don’t personally know any Olympic athletes, but the athletes I do know are my everyday heroes and they inspire me every day to keep my chin up and work for my spot on that podium.

 

Are you Agent enough?…”Operation Get Well” Begins Now!

It’s time to “Get Smart” about our health!  I am Special Agent, Sue, and I am on a mission to learn about Integrative Medicine.  This powerful path to wellness is not classified information, but navigating all the resources can be overwhelming.    I will fight my way through to the details we all can use to be well.  Since diagnosis (Stage IV Rectal Cancer) my plan has been to hunt down, not only the best team of agents, but investigate anything that might hinder “Operation Get Well”.

In addition to this job, I am a mom, so my days are filled with doctor appointments, running errands, and spending time with my kids….you know …life.   While carrying out my daily assignments, I had a meeting with someone of particular interest.  It was a scheduled appointment and recommendation I received through my oncologist.  I have been anxious to meet this “special agent” for some time and yesterday was the day.  I could not be happier or more grounded in this discovery I’ve made about my “care team” and this new doctor elevates my confidence in my future, like no other.  “Operation Get Well” is a go.

The practice is Integrative Medicine and the “special agent” that heads up this area is Dr. Russ Greenfield.  The Center of Integrative Medicine defines Integrative Medicine (IM) as “healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies.”  Dr. Russ was a conventional MD before he became a  leader in this practice.  IM does not dismiss conventional medicine, but integrates the two for optimal wellness.

When I first walked into his office, he was excited to share a website he had found –  it was http://www.longdistancehero.com.  My blog!!!!  THOUGHTFUL!  Taking the time to acknowledge my efforts as a survivor was so exciting.  His willingness to learn about me and my  journey spoke volumes.

We’re now sitting at the conference room table and ready to get down to business.  My hour and a half consultation was my time to suck as much knowledge out of this doctor as possible. That’s how we approach doctor appointments…. right?  Not this one!  Our visit was a relaxed, exciting conversation that rejuvenated my soul.  The topics on the table were diet, supplements, spirituality, rest, and exercise… My Wellness!  Since the focus of IM includes all aspects of a person’s lifestyle we had a lot of ground to cover.  I will break these down into multiple blogs as my “mission” unfolds.

We started our discussion with diet and that is what I’d most like to share today.  I have heard many times that the focus in healthcare is to cure the sick, but the current focus is shifting to being and staying well.  I have a terminal disease, but I am in the best shape of my life.  Clearly, that makes no sense, or does it?  I can be well, but still  have a disease.

On to the diet.  Do not panic… this is not a “diet” in the true sense of  the word… I am going to call it “Gastronomic lifestyle Enjoyment Modification”.   I am Italian and the essence of our being is food… we use it to celebrate, comfort us, and it’s always an excuse to get together.  Well you are not about to take away the very thing that makes this soul happy.  Instead, it’s dietary awareness and the ability to heal through food.  I have practiced this since diagnosis and Dr. Russ and I were meeting to go over this wellness plan to make sure that it will not interfere with the chemo.

So the first thing Dr. Russ wanted to clear up before we talked food is that he doesn’t believe in a “diet of disallowance”.  Can I have an Amen please!    Now we’re talking… and we did … for an hour and here’s a little of what I learned.

Most of us do not eat as well as we should.  We intentionally commit gastronomic crimes on occasion…and we usually get away with them.  Now there is nothing wrong with splurging on a special meal…I mean go big or go home.  The question is how often are you stealing cookies from the processed food jar?  They are making TV shows about it,  that are meant to be entertaining… Biggest Loser, among others.  What the doctors in the practice of Integrative Medicine have found is that many of the food choices we make create internal inflammation in our bodies.  Chronic inflammation is an open door for many diseases, cancer being one of them.  So a focus on anti-inflammatory foods is one of the many tickets to board the train to being well, reducing internal inflammation, and reducing chronic illness. Now this isn’t a magic bullet, this is not temporary… this is a lifestyle change.  So hop on board… we are going for a ride.

If you choose to accept this mission, you will be transported (not literally…sorry) to an international location where eating and drinking and being in the moment is a way of life.  Of the places I choose…top on my list are ones known for food….Italy and Greece are top on my list. A Mediterranean diet is gastronomic lifestyle enjoyment at it’s best.  It’s all about relaxing, eating well, being in the moment, and enjoying food and friends.   Now take this image and head back to home base… you have some work to do.

And so ” Operation Get Well” begins.  Out with the processed foods and in with the foods nature intended for us to eat… fruits, and veggies being the largest part of what we incorporate into our diets.  Whole and Cracked grains, Pasta (al dente) and beans.  The list goes on and finishes with red wine and dark chocolate… again how awesome is this mission!!!!   I encourage all agents to refer to Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid.  Here’s the thing… take this slowly.  Only modify one or two elements at a time.  Becoming overwhelmed with this pyramid or lifestyle change may create stress and  frustration and when it does, your automatic response will be to abort the mission.  Dr. Russ was very clear about this in our meeting and I couldn’t agree more.

We are so very fortunate to have “Special Agent” Dr. Russ here in Charlotte. If you or anyone you know is battling cancer or any number of chronic illnesses and have an interest in incorporating Integrative Medicine and Conventional Medicine as path to being well, please go to Dr. Russ Greenfield’s website.  If I am lucky enough to have this blog travel further than the Queen City, go to Dr. Russ’s Healthy Resources page.  The ‘Integrative Medicine’ links at the bottom of the page will take you to websites allowing you to find other doctors across the country that have studied this amazing practice.

Wishing you wellness.

Sue

Icy, Cold and Fruity Lemonade Helps Raise Money for Booty!!!

Do you remember your first lemonade stand?   I’m not sure why, but it’s such a big deal to most kids.  My girls have been asking to have one for a long time.  Friends riding the 24-Hours of Booty http://www.24hoursofbooty.org/ were in need of funds for their creatively named team…24-Hours of Sue-ty.  Finally, a great cause to host our stand. (Yup, that’s the “Sue-ty” team on the right).

I love when my passion for a cause, the needs of my children and a good time all come together as one.  Truth be told…I made that happen and I’m so glad I did. Hosted by the kids of Omega Nation Full/Half Training Team, we made a statement in Charlotte…cancer ain’t got nothing on us.

The stand was a grand success and if you had the opportunity to participate/donate we thank you.  We would also like to thank Omega Sports for allowing us the space in their store to host this event and bring smiles to these young philanthropists and future “ultra” runners.

A few weeks ago, I posted info on my 24-Hours of Booty challenge.  I gave myself 26 days to ride 24 hours on my bike.  Sounds easy … throw in chemo treatments, pneumonia and an injured toe and, all of a sudden,  26 days is gone in a flash –  but rest assured, I WILL meet my goal and ride the 24-hours of Sue-ty.  Every day I get on the bike, I feel like a million bucks.  I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been.  I can also thank this training program for helping to catch the pneumonia early.  Had I not been riding, every day, I probably would not have given much thought to getting winded when walking to the second floor of our house.  However, after riding an hour a day on the bike, this made NO sense to me.  Excercise is so much more than a tool for weight loss or an attempt at sanity.  It keeps you in touch with your body in ways you may never have expereienced.

Gardening Update:
I feel fantastic…well, aside from the unexpected case of pneumonia.  I really do feel amazing.  My last treatment did not include Magic Potion Number 9…(Oxaliplatin).  My white blood cell count was way too low.  This is the drug that really kicks me in the fanny. It was a welcome break and we will start up again next week.   I am also meeting with Dr. Russ Greenfield… he is an expert in Integrative Medicine. He and my oncologist work together to ensure optimal health, for me, during treatment. I am SUPER excited to work with him and not just depend on chemo.  I am taking my health to a different level by taking control of my diet and daily lifestyle. It feels good to have a few areas that I can grab a hold of and know that I am working with the chemo treatments towards the ultimate goal…being disease free (gosh I hate the way that sounds).  Disease is such an ugly word.  Regardless, I can honestly say that even thought I have disease, I am well and will continue to tend to my ‘garden’… it’s looking really good these days.  (oh and for those of you wanting to know…I do not have a date for my next “weed” scan… when I do I promise to let you all know).

Thanks for keeping me smiling!

Sue

24 Hours of Sue-ty!!!

24 Hours of Booty is coming to Charlotte July 27-28. It’s the official cycling event of LIVESTRONG™.  This event brings together anyone and everyone with a passion for fighting cancer.  Now the “booty” I know most about is the one I’m trying to save… MY OWN!!!  I am so very lucky to have friends working to “save my ASSets” by participating in this amazing event.  They are raising money for the creatively named 24 Hours of Sue-ty.  Now heaven forbid I sit around while generous people donate funds and friends bike in my honor… No way, Jose’… I’ve got a plan.  I hope cancer is ready for another kick in the pants!

From now until July 28th, I will bike a total of 24 hours to raise money for my Booty Brigade.  I just completed my first hour… only 23 to go.  This gives me 26 days to complete 23 hours of biking.  Yes, I’m still on chemo, but I don’t plan on letting that stop me. This may prove to be a difficult task, but that’s the best part. To keep me occupied I will be watching the TV series “24”.  I’ve never seen it and now is the perfect time!

In addition to keeping up on my progress via my blog, please consider donating to one of the following … 24 Hours of Sue-ty fundraising pages (links below).  And, if you were looking for a reason to workout, get on your bike or put on your running shoes and shake your booty for 24 hours just don’t forget to email me and tell me you are joining me in sweat and spirit!!!

Lauren and Michael… The 24 Hours of Sue-ty SuperStars!!!!!!!

Lauren’s Booty Page

Michael’s Booty Page

Thanks friends, family and Omega Nation team for helping to inspire me every day!

Sue

For more information on 24-Hours of Booty go to http://www.24hoursofbooty.org