Carrie & Jason

BRIDE'S BIO

Carrie was born and raised in Arizona. Moved up to Oregon to pursue a college education in Interior Design from Oregon State. Since then, she has worked for two of the top remodeling firms in the state, received accreditation, won awards and made long lasting relationships.

Recently, after being laid-off, I have decided to return to School for a Masters in Social Services and Health Promotion Education. Ultimately she would love to work collaboratively with other Cancer care providers to develop and deliver Cancer survivorship programs throughout Oregon.

GROOM'S BIO

Jason was born in California and moved to Oregon at the age of 5. His upbringing was challenging to say the least and at 14 Jason found himself living on the streets. After many odd jobs he found inspiration and mentor-ship at a bakery. Thus sparked a colorful career in cooking and baking. In 1998 he opened his own bakery in California. This was a taxing and educational undertaking. When he returned to Oregon 3 years later he decided to attend the Oregon Culinary Institute to validate his talents and thrust his career in Portland. 12 years later he is taking his passion for cooking and food to the next level. Jason is pursuing his bachelor degree in Dietetics and Nutritional Sciences with the objective to promote healthy eating and nutrition as medicine.

Carrie's Story...

In December of 2008 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After many rounds of chemo, a stem cell transplant and radiation, I am in my 3rd year of remission. Every day I thank my lucky stars for Cancer. It made me realize what was worth dying for and what was worth living for.

Believe it or not, cancer played second fiddle to the abusive relationship that I was in at the time. Amazing how there can be something more frightening than actualizing the end of your life- the prospect of living a miserable one.

Doctor's appointments and lab visits became my escape. People were kind, gentle, caring. As I read more about the affliction of cancer and attended more support groups, I learned to appreciate this vessel I call my body and honor the spirit existing within. It took a year and a half to realize I, Carrie Trant, was worth the fight.

Two years ago, I met Jason. I was timid and guarded. Conversely, I was alive and wanted to seize the day. He was genuine and receptive but most importantly, he was patient and respectful. Did I mention how much we laughed? Jason likes to say, "It was love at first sarcastic remark." My cheeks would ache and my stomach would burn. After years of being poked and prodded by cold, sterile hands, there is no value that one can put on tender touch, a full embrace, holding hands, or Eskimo kisses.

Now I know what everyone was meaning when they said, "you will just know when you have found your one." At the time, I couldn't imagine what that looked or felt like. Jason and I have become best friends. We respect and support each other and work side by side to achieve the things we both value and dream of. He proposed on October 19th and I said, "Yes!"

Since my experience with Cancer, I have had the distinct calling to help others. I was blessed with such support and love from family and friends during my illness. I would love to take my experience and offer help to cancer patients and survivors. It's as if the stars have aligned to make this possible. You see, I was recently laid off. This might not seem like opportunity to some, but when one door closes, another one opens. I am currently applying to Portland State University for a Masters in Social Services and Health Promotion Education. The end goal would be to partner with Cancer care institutions to develop programs that assemble and disseminate information on Cancer survivorship throughout Oregon.

Jason's Story...

Jason is pursuing his bachelor degree, a double major in Dietetics and Nutritional Sciences. After years in the food industry, he has decided that he would like to teach or council the public in health and nutrition. He works part time as a cashier at New Seasons. Financial aid helps with the bills, but there is nothing like being a poor student (kind-of comes with the territory.)

We have both agreed and committed to being full time students together. I proof Jason's essays and he tutors me in math. While this sounds romantic in a renaissance sort of way, it makes for a very tight budget with lots of constraints on time.

WHY WE SHOULD WIN THE WEDDING GIVEAWAY

This wedding would not only mean the world to Jason and me, but our families are deserving of celebration as well. Both sides couldn't be more thrilled with the engagement or more worthy of our show of appreciation for their support and love. This marriage is a symbol of renewed life, love and family in a time of great hardship. We have seen the loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, miscarriages, break-ups, failed plans and even rejection. Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth not just for Jason and me, but also for those we hold dear. If you ask me what this "Dream Wedding " would mean to me, I would answer, "It would mean the celebration of one word; one worth dying for and one worth living for- Love."

Thank you sincerely for you time and consideration.

Carrie Trant