First and foremost, I've been meaning to post this for a while. Usually, my readers know that every month I make a post about that month's cancer awareness topic. For the month of December, the topic at hand is cancer-related illness and fatigue.
After seeing several cases of cancer and treatments first hand, I can safely say that not only is the cancer itself tough to beat, but so are the side-effects. Chemotherapy really tears a person down. My mom tells me that it made me really sick, in addition to losing my hair. My Grandma Lexie's body just could not handle the chemo. I do sometimes think that the chemo is what really killed her and it probably was, but I also realize that she was taking any and all chances that she could to live. It was her choice. We all have to deal with our loved one's choices. It's their lives, not ours.
Something else that I want to talk about is selfish family members. I know that the last thing that anyone wants is to see a loved one taken from them suddenly or even deminishing over a period of time, but try not to be selfish. I've seen families be torn apart and not speak to each other for years because of this. Just remember that the time that you're taking to fight, is time that you could be spending with each other! Also, when you fight, don't make the mistake of thinking that your loved one doesn't know or won't find out. It's shameful to make your dying loved one feel worse because someone's being selfish over life and death when we don't get to choose in the first place.
I'm sorry if I've stepped on some toes by saying that, but it needed to be said. Second, New Year's Eve is tomorrow. Take some time to think about yourself, deceased loved ones, and survivors that you love. Even years after, the death of a loved one can still be extremely painful, but don't let that stop you from showing them that you still remember them.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month!!!
Lung cancer is, by far, the most common killer from cancer. I mean, think about it, how many people do you know that currently have lung cancer, or have had lung cancer? How many have died from it?
Most cases are diagnosed very late in life, this is due to the fact that the majority of lung cancers develop very slowly, over a long length of time. While cigerette smoke is the leading cause of development, secondhand smoke, asbestos, radon, and other environmental factors. For the most part, men are affected more, but women are quickly making themselves equals.
There are many different types and few symptoms until late in development.
For more information, please click here to learn about Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
For more information, please click here to learn about Small Cell Lung Cancer.
My grandmother died two years ago this coming March. She had Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and was diagnosed merely months before she passed. I miss her everyday. A word of advice, don't wait until it's too late!
Most cases are diagnosed very late in life, this is due to the fact that the majority of lung cancers develop very slowly, over a long length of time. While cigerette smoke is the leading cause of development, secondhand smoke, asbestos, radon, and other environmental factors. For the most part, men are affected more, but women are quickly making themselves equals.
There are many different types and few symptoms until late in development.
For more information, please click here to learn about Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
For more information, please click here to learn about Small Cell Lung Cancer.
My grandmother died two years ago this coming March. She had Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and was diagnosed merely months before she passed. I miss her everyday. A word of advice, don't wait until it's too late!
 |
| I love you Grandma! <3 |
Thursday, October 13, 2011
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Alright everyone, so we all know that it's Breast Cancer awareness month! Who of you out there have had, or currently have, Breast Cancer? Or maybe you know someone who did or does. Tell me about it. I need content for my cancer stories page. If you need information on Breast Cancer, please see my list of cancers. I will link it for you: Breast Cancer Info. Please scroll down to find what you're looking for.
So my Great-grandmother, Essie O'neal, had Breast Cancer and survived. This one's for you Grandma! <3
So my Great-grandmother, Essie O'neal, had Breast Cancer and survived. This one's for you Grandma! <3
Sunday, August 14, 2011
How to Help Kids Cope With School and Cancer!
Being a school aged child with cancer is difficult sometimes and requires work from everyone, including the child with cancer. While many children are now getting ready to go back to school, children with cancer are getting ready for both school and treatment. The school that your child attends needs to be willing to work with the family where a leave of absence for treatment is concerned. Don't worry too much about your child getting his/her education. If the school is willing to work and the child's assignments can be sent to you or a tutor can be provided, then by all means take that opportunity. Your child will get their schooling. Also, going back to school will help you and your child return to some normalcy. In doing so, educate the teachers. Tell them what will be required of them while the child is in class. Being out of the classroom while learning is not the concern, obviously the main concern is for your child's well-being and health!
Now, another fear is that your child may be picked on when he/she goes back to school inbetween treatments. Let me just say that getting sick and losing your hair comes with chemotherapy territory and that we all know that kids can be cruel. If your child comes home upset one day because someone made fun of them due to their condition, comfort them and tell them that it won't last forever. Knowing what to say will come to you in time, don't get frustrated if you don't immediately know what to say. Not knowing what to say is not your fault, after all, most parents haven't been through cancer as a child, therefore they don't know what it feels like. Whether your child's condition is terminal or not, it won't last forever!
Let me share my experiences with you, just to give you an idea of what I went through. First off, I did spend a lot of time in the hospital during the school year, but I still was promoted to the third grade the next year. I was diagnosed and started chemo in second grade. I was often sick while taking chemo. One time, I came down with the flu and was in the hospital for a week, aside from chemo. My mom tells me that I got so sick during that particular week that I projectile vomited. I don't remember this as there are some things that I don't remember, but she assures me it happened. This is just an example of how sick you can get, even when it doesn't come from the chemo. I also had to wear a mask, so that I would lower my chances of getting sick, even though it still happened.
Also, as far as bullying goes, there was one kid who made fun of my not having hair. He continually taunted me for a long time, even after my hair started coming back. When I was in fifth grade, one day, out of the blue, he came up to me and apologized for all the bad things that he'd ever told to me or said about me. I was in awe! Like I said, things like this don't last forever.
Now, another fear is that your child may be picked on when he/she goes back to school inbetween treatments. Let me just say that getting sick and losing your hair comes with chemotherapy territory and that we all know that kids can be cruel. If your child comes home upset one day because someone made fun of them due to their condition, comfort them and tell them that it won't last forever. Knowing what to say will come to you in time, don't get frustrated if you don't immediately know what to say. Not knowing what to say is not your fault, after all, most parents haven't been through cancer as a child, therefore they don't know what it feels like. Whether your child's condition is terminal or not, it won't last forever!
Let me share my experiences with you, just to give you an idea of what I went through. First off, I did spend a lot of time in the hospital during the school year, but I still was promoted to the third grade the next year. I was diagnosed and started chemo in second grade. I was often sick while taking chemo. One time, I came down with the flu and was in the hospital for a week, aside from chemo. My mom tells me that I got so sick during that particular week that I projectile vomited. I don't remember this as there are some things that I don't remember, but she assures me it happened. This is just an example of how sick you can get, even when it doesn't come from the chemo. I also had to wear a mask, so that I would lower my chances of getting sick, even though it still happened.
Also, as far as bullying goes, there was one kid who made fun of my not having hair. He continually taunted me for a long time, even after my hair started coming back. When I was in fifth grade, one day, out of the blue, he came up to me and apologized for all the bad things that he'd ever told to me or said about me. I was in awe! Like I said, things like this don't last forever.
 |
| This is me, my Grandpa Varnadore, and my little cousin at my graduation party...10 years after being diagnosed! |
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Jersey Mike's For The Cure!
Last night, I went out to eat with my family. We decided to go to Jersey Mike's Subs. Sitting in the truck, I could clearly see the window to the restaruant, which was nearly completely covered with pink donation slips for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I thought it was absolutely wonderful that they were doing this. I've seen other stores, restaruants, and businesses doing this too, for different causes as well. I would have bought a donation slip, had I had any money. However, if any of you wonderful people out there would like to donate, please simply go to my donations page and find the link for the cause that you wish to donate to. Also, please don't think that your money is wasted or is unuseful, breakthroughs in research are made everyday, they simply may not be seen as important enough to cause a stir about it.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Underdog Becomes A Hero!!
ABC's world news reporter, Maggy Patrick, wrote an amazing article about a three-year-old goldendoodle named Dozer. He was the underdog as a puppy, the last to be picked out of his litter. Thankfully, Rosana Dorsett's family made him a permanent member of their household in 2008. Three years later he ran past the invisible fencing of his yard. After catching up with the other runners around the five-mile mark, he made his way to the front. When he finished the race, the muddy-pawwed-pup turned tail and started to run the eight miles back to his house. When he arrived home he was awarded a finishers medal by the University of Maryland's Cancer Center. He raised over $17,000 for cancer research and in honor of his awesomeness and enthusiasm, a facebook page has been put together to raise more money for cancer research and he now has 2,500 friends! Way to go Dozer! We love you! <3
To see Dozer's Marathon and A Half page and/or to donate, please click here: http://www.ummsfoundation.org/dozer
To see Dozer's Facebook page, please click here:
http://www.facebook.com/dozerthedogfanpage?sk=wall
To see Dozer's Marathon and A Half page and/or to donate, please click here: http://www.ummsfoundation.org/dozer
To see Dozer's Facebook page, please click here:
http://www.facebook.com/dozerthedogfanpage?sk=wall
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Who Do You Relay For?
Many of you that are involved with Relay for Life have probably heard this phrase before. So, before I ask you, I'll tell you who I relay for.
Besides relaying for myself, several family members and friends of mine have been affected. One of my grandmothers had ovarian cancer. As it turned out, it was somewhat of a good thing that the doctors did find the cancer. By finding it, they could remove it. After they removed it, they reported to us that it was the size of a soccer ball. It was affecting her breathing and mobility for a very long time and no one knew it. The only reason she even found out that she had ovarian cancer was because the tumor ruptured and landed her in the hospital. It was a good thing that she felt that something was wrong enough to go to the hospital after it ruptured, because most women don't realize that anything has happened. Women...get checked, don't wait until it's too late! This ribbon is for her! <3
Besides relaying for myself, several family members and friends of mine have been affected. One of my grandmothers had ovarian cancer. As it turned out, it was somewhat of a good thing that the doctors did find the cancer. By finding it, they could remove it. After they removed it, they reported to us that it was the size of a soccer ball. It was affecting her breathing and mobility for a very long time and no one knew it. The only reason she even found out that she had ovarian cancer was because the tumor ruptured and landed her in the hospital. It was a good thing that she felt that something was wrong enough to go to the hospital after it ruptured, because most women don't realize that anything has happened. Women...get checked, don't wait until it's too late! This ribbon is for her! <3
One of my grandfathers had bladder cancer. He found it by seeing certain symptoms indicating bladder cancer. Men...you need screenings too, not just the women. Some men seem to think that they are somehow invincible and that they can't get cancer. This ribbon is for him! <3
My other grandfather has skin cancer. When he was my age, he spent quite a bit of time in cotton fields and such. As a result of spending so much time in the sun he now has large patches of skin removed and/or grafted almost monthly. Everyone...protect your skin, it's the largest and one of the most important organs. It protects you, it's your turn to protect it! This ribbon is for him! <3
My other grandmother passed away a little over a year ago from lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the biggest cancer killers. She had always been a heavy smoker in her younger years and then started chewing tobacco after she finally stopped smoking. She found it by going to the doctor to have a CT Scan. Soon after that she started taking chemo and then not long after that we spent our last Christmas with her. Lung Cancer doesn't just result from smoking, many carcinogenics cause lung cancer. This ribbon is for her! <3
For those of you who don't know, I had cancer when I was seven. I had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Here's a ribbon for me! <3
So, who do you relay for?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month!!!
Many people don't know what Sarcoma is. Even I had to do a little research. Here are the facts; Sarcoma is also know as Adult Soft Tissue Cancer. There are two types of Sarcoma, Bone Sarcomas and Soft Tissue Sarcomas.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas come from soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, and deep skin tissues. They can be found in any part of the body. Not all Sarcomas are cancerous, in fact, many Sarcomas are not cancerous. For example, a lipoma is nothing more than a benign fat tumor.
Unfortunately, there are about fifty different types of Sarcoma and many of them are cancerous. :(
The risk factors for Sarcoma are being exposed to radiation, genetic syndromes, a damaged lymph system, being exposed to certain chemicals, and injury to certain areas of the body.
The only known way to prevent Sarcomas is to avoid exposure to the risk factors above. However, many Sarcomas develop without being provoked.
P.S. The American Cancer Society's records show that Colorectal Cancer awareness has helped to dramatically decrease the amount of this cancers cases! Yay! =D
Soft Tissue Sarcomas come from soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, and deep skin tissues. They can be found in any part of the body. Not all Sarcomas are cancerous, in fact, many Sarcomas are not cancerous. For example, a lipoma is nothing more than a benign fat tumor.
Unfortunately, there are about fifty different types of Sarcoma and many of them are cancerous. :(
The risk factors for Sarcoma are being exposed to radiation, genetic syndromes, a damaged lymph system, being exposed to certain chemicals, and injury to certain areas of the body.
The only known way to prevent Sarcomas is to avoid exposure to the risk factors above. However, many Sarcomas develop without being provoked.
 |
| Keep Fighting!!!! :D |
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Breast Cancer Genes!!!!
So, how many of you women, or men, out there have found a mass or lump in your breast? Did you set up a doctors appointment as soon as you could? Did you blow it off? Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer, or know someone in your immediate family who was diagnosed with it?
Breast cancer can develop suddenly, without warning or reason, but in this article I will update you on some of the more recent breakthroughs in breast cancer research, signs and symptoms, and ways to help prevent it.
As some of you may already know, several months ago I found a small lump in my breast. I waited for a short while to see if maybe it would go away, but it didn't. I proceeded to tell my mother about it and we immediately set up an appointment with the doctor to have it checked out. We were somewhat worried that with my personal history of cancer and then my family's history of breast cancer (among others) that it could be something that we really didn't want. After having it biopsied, the doctor told us that it was just a fibroadenoma, which if you don't know, is a benign tumor that comes from caffine build up in the breast. We were very relieved. The doctor told me some facts about them and that if it started to hurt or itch a lot, then he would do a very minor surgery to take it out. At that point in time it was not giving me any discomfort, so I elected to leave it alone. Later on, in my second semester of college, it started giving me problems. So, we set up another appointment with my doctor to set up a surgery date.
The surgery was short and sweet, with no pain afterwards, seeing as I was completely doped up on pain meds. My family and boyfriend were there, even though it only took thirty minutes for the actual surgery to be completed. The scar healed and I don't have any more problems with it.
The point of me telling you this is that every lump should be checked out. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing, but it could have easily been something!
Here are some things that I didn't know:
-Though Fibroadenomas (Fibroids for short) can never become cancerous, they do raise your chances of developing breast cancer later in life.
-Fibroids are not cancerous, don't believe everything you read on the internet, much of it isn't true. I did some research on Fibroids and the majority of what I found was quite the opposite of what the doctor told me.
-Where there is one Fibroid now, there will probably be more later. Cutting back on caffine can help with that as caffine is a main contributor to them.
Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids:
-Finding a relatively small to medium sized lump in the breast. Though, some Fibriods can be quite large and take up the entire breast.
-If the lump feels rubbery, round, and smooth, it's probably a Fibroid, but still needs to be checked out, as actual breast cancer can take on many forms
-If the lump moves, as Fibroids often do, it could be one. Fibroids are often called "tit mice," because they move around quite a bit and hide from fingers when they are trying to be found.
-Fibroids can hurt and itch, but this pain and irritation should definitely be checked out if it is more than just once in a while or is of a severe amount
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
-Lumps of any kind, shape, or size should be checked out...period.
-The lump is abnormally shaped, very hard, itches a lot.
-The lump does not move. Cancer lumps typically don't move.
-The affected area on the breast starts to take on an abnormal shape or swells
-There is swelling of the lymphnodes in the armpit
-Pain and/or discharge of the nipple. This discharge should definitely be taken seriously, especially if you are not pregnant or breast feeding. The discharge can be cleary to bloody.
-An inverted nipple is often a clear sign of cancer
-Pain anywhere in the breast
-Scaly or pitted spots of skin on the breast
-Breast tenderness
Women should at least have one yearly mammogram and conduct self-exams!
Researchers are finding more and more that genes have everything to do with diseases and their inheritance. Also, smoking has recently been heavily linked with Breast Cancer.
At my latest doctors appointment, the nurses who take my vital signs have recently been told to start asking questions about the patients family medical history. I think this is a good thing, especially because so many different things run in my family and the doctor won't know about them unless I tell him. Like I said, so many diseases and illnesses are being linked to genetics, that people are finding it more important to ask these questions. Any couples that are looking to start a family should consult the elders in their families about any illnesses that their children could inherit, especially if it could be something serious enough that the childs life depends on it. Consulting a family pedigree is a big help with looking at the probability of your child inheriting any diseases.
If you need more information, or would like to donate to finding a cure for breast cancer, please visit the Susan G. Komen website, the link is below:
http://ww5.komen.org/
If you have any question, comments, or concerns, please voice them! I'd love to hear from you! =D
Breast cancer can develop suddenly, without warning or reason, but in this article I will update you on some of the more recent breakthroughs in breast cancer research, signs and symptoms, and ways to help prevent it.
As some of you may already know, several months ago I found a small lump in my breast. I waited for a short while to see if maybe it would go away, but it didn't. I proceeded to tell my mother about it and we immediately set up an appointment with the doctor to have it checked out. We were somewhat worried that with my personal history of cancer and then my family's history of breast cancer (among others) that it could be something that we really didn't want. After having it biopsied, the doctor told us that it was just a fibroadenoma, which if you don't know, is a benign tumor that comes from caffine build up in the breast. We were very relieved. The doctor told me some facts about them and that if it started to hurt or itch a lot, then he would do a very minor surgery to take it out. At that point in time it was not giving me any discomfort, so I elected to leave it alone. Later on, in my second semester of college, it started giving me problems. So, we set up another appointment with my doctor to set up a surgery date.
The surgery was short and sweet, with no pain afterwards, seeing as I was completely doped up on pain meds. My family and boyfriend were there, even though it only took thirty minutes for the actual surgery to be completed. The scar healed and I don't have any more problems with it.
The point of me telling you this is that every lump should be checked out. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing, but it could have easily been something!
Here are some things that I didn't know:
-Though Fibroadenomas (Fibroids for short) can never become cancerous, they do raise your chances of developing breast cancer later in life.
-Fibroids are not cancerous, don't believe everything you read on the internet, much of it isn't true. I did some research on Fibroids and the majority of what I found was quite the opposite of what the doctor told me.
-Where there is one Fibroid now, there will probably be more later. Cutting back on caffine can help with that as caffine is a main contributor to them.
Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids:
-Finding a relatively small to medium sized lump in the breast. Though, some Fibriods can be quite large and take up the entire breast.
-If the lump feels rubbery, round, and smooth, it's probably a Fibroid, but still needs to be checked out, as actual breast cancer can take on many forms
-If the lump moves, as Fibroids often do, it could be one. Fibroids are often called "tit mice," because they move around quite a bit and hide from fingers when they are trying to be found.
-Fibroids can hurt and itch, but this pain and irritation should definitely be checked out if it is more than just once in a while or is of a severe amount
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
-Lumps of any kind, shape, or size should be checked out...period.
-The lump is abnormally shaped, very hard, itches a lot.
-The lump does not move. Cancer lumps typically don't move.
-The affected area on the breast starts to take on an abnormal shape or swells
-There is swelling of the lymphnodes in the armpit
-Pain and/or discharge of the nipple. This discharge should definitely be taken seriously, especially if you are not pregnant or breast feeding. The discharge can be cleary to bloody.
-An inverted nipple is often a clear sign of cancer
-Pain anywhere in the breast
-Scaly or pitted spots of skin on the breast
-Breast tenderness
Women should at least have one yearly mammogram and conduct self-exams!
Researchers are finding more and more that genes have everything to do with diseases and their inheritance. Also, smoking has recently been heavily linked with Breast Cancer.
At my latest doctors appointment, the nurses who take my vital signs have recently been told to start asking questions about the patients family medical history. I think this is a good thing, especially because so many different things run in my family and the doctor won't know about them unless I tell him. Like I said, so many diseases and illnesses are being linked to genetics, that people are finding it more important to ask these questions. Any couples that are looking to start a family should consult the elders in their families about any illnesses that their children could inherit, especially if it could be something serious enough that the childs life depends on it. Consulting a family pedigree is a big help with looking at the probability of your child inheriting any diseases.
If you need more information, or would like to donate to finding a cure for breast cancer, please visit the Susan G. Komen website, the link is below:
http://ww5.komen.org/
If you have any question, comments, or concerns, please voice them! I'd love to hear from you! =D
Hello Again!
Hello All,
I'm sorry that I haven't been updating my blog in a while. I really want to get back into my blog topic. Any and all cancer topic ideas to address are welcomed as well as pictures of relay for life and ideas for the blog in general!! =D
I'm sorry that I haven't been updating my blog in a while. I really want to get back into my blog topic. Any and all cancer topic ideas to address are welcomed as well as pictures of relay for life and ideas for the blog in general!! =D
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Martin County Relay for Life!!!
As most of you know, the Martin County Relay for Life is up and coming this weekend, Friday and Saturday! Everyone please come out and support your local relay teams!!!! I will be camping out at South Creek High School booth. Come find me! =D
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Locks of Love!!
Have you have ever heard of "locks of love?" No? Let me tell you about it!
Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that makes wigs/prosthetic hair pieces for pediatric patients with alopecia, which means they have no hair. People everywhere today are cutting their hair to send to Locks of Love so that they can use it in a wig to give some self-esteem back to these kids.
There are requirements that have to be fulfilled in order to donate:
-Has to be at least 10 inches long
-Colored and/or permed hair is acceptable, NOTE: Colored hair is not acceptable if it has been colored over bleached hair
-Hair that has been cut years prior to donation is acceptable as long as it has been kept in a ponytail or braid
-Highlighted and/or bleached hair is not acceptable due to the chemicals in bleach, however, if the hair was highlighted and/or bleached years before donation and has grown out, it is acceptable
-Hair swept off the floor is not acceptable
-Hair that is shaved off is not acceptable unless it was cut off in ponytails, then shaved.
-Dreadlocks are not acceptable
-Layered hair is acceptable as long as the longest layer is 10 inches
-Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails
-Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches
-When the hair is received, the shorter hairs will be separated and sold to help pay for the manufacturing costs, as shorter hair cannot be used
-Gray hair will be accepted, but will not be used, though it will be sold to help pay for manufacturing costs
I have included a link at the bottom of this page that will take you to the donation form, if you would like to donate. However, the donation form is not required to donate. If for some reason you cannot download or receive the donation form, simply write your name and address on a full size separate sheet of paper and include it in the envelope with the hair. I have also included the Locks of Love address for this purpose.
Here's the link for the donation form:
http://www.locksoflove.org/HairDonationForm.pdf
Here's the Locks of Love address:
Locks of Love
234 Southern Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Fl, 33405
Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that makes wigs/prosthetic hair pieces for pediatric patients with alopecia, which means they have no hair. People everywhere today are cutting their hair to send to Locks of Love so that they can use it in a wig to give some self-esteem back to these kids.
There are requirements that have to be fulfilled in order to donate:
-Has to be at least 10 inches long
-Colored and/or permed hair is acceptable, NOTE: Colored hair is not acceptable if it has been colored over bleached hair
-Hair that has been cut years prior to donation is acceptable as long as it has been kept in a ponytail or braid
-Highlighted and/or bleached hair is not acceptable due to the chemicals in bleach, however, if the hair was highlighted and/or bleached years before donation and has grown out, it is acceptable
-Hair swept off the floor is not acceptable
-Hair that is shaved off is not acceptable unless it was cut off in ponytails, then shaved.
-Dreadlocks are not acceptable
-Layered hair is acceptable as long as the longest layer is 10 inches
-Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails
-Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches
-When the hair is received, the shorter hairs will be separated and sold to help pay for the manufacturing costs, as shorter hair cannot be used
-Gray hair will be accepted, but will not be used, though it will be sold to help pay for manufacturing costs
I have included a link at the bottom of this page that will take you to the donation form, if you would like to donate. However, the donation form is not required to donate. If for some reason you cannot download or receive the donation form, simply write your name and address on a full size separate sheet of paper and include it in the envelope with the hair. I have also included the Locks of Love address for this purpose.
Here's the link for the donation form:
http://www.locksoflove.org/HairDonationForm.pdf
Here's the Locks of Love address:
Locks of Love
234 Southern Boulevard
West Palm Beach, Fl, 33405
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Research!!!!!!!!!!!!
US scientists have done so much research in the name of cancer. As you well know, Breast Cancer is the leading cancer killer among women. New types of Breast Cancer are continually being discovered, this includes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, but thanks to a breakthrough, that could all very well change! Click on the link below:
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/bcs/article/New-research-makes-headway-in-triple-negative-breast-cancer734&origin=BCS_FACE_BC-AWARE_ADGROUP_NEWS_TRIPLENEG_0324_CTG
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/bcs/article/New-research-makes-headway-in-triple-negative-breast-cancer734&origin=BCS_FACE_BC-AWARE_ADGROUP_NEWS_TRIPLENEG_0324_CTG
Keep fighting!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Relay for Life
I'm somewhat surprised at the number of people who don't know what Relay for Life is. During my time as Relay Captain, while trying to get more people involved in Relay, I found that many had never even heard of it. Let me explain exactly what Relay for Life is!
Relay is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the cancer research funding process. Relay for Life is a money raising organization; this money goes directly to the ACS to help fund cancer research and finding a cure.
How Relay raises the money:
There are many, many ways in which Relay for Life raises the money. The biggest, and probably the most well know way, is the Relay for Life event that every county has around April-May, which is normally held at the counties high school. During this event, vendors set up around a running track and sell food, clothes, face painting, and many many many other fun things. All proceeds go to the ACS. This is a two-day, overnight event.
High schools get involved, as well as churches and businesses. People get others to sponsor them to walk. Relay is a family-friendly event and there is something for everyone to do!
So find out when and where your local Relay for Life event is held and head on out there to show your support!!!! You won't regret it and neither will the people you help save!!
Relay is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in the cancer research funding process. Relay for Life is a money raising organization; this money goes directly to the ACS to help fund cancer research and finding a cure.
How Relay raises the money:
There are many, many ways in which Relay for Life raises the money. The biggest, and probably the most well know way, is the Relay for Life event that every county has around April-May, which is normally held at the counties high school. During this event, vendors set up around a running track and sell food, clothes, face painting, and many many many other fun things. All proceeds go to the ACS. This is a two-day, overnight event.
High schools get involved, as well as churches and businesses. People get others to sponsor them to walk. Relay is a family-friendly event and there is something for everyone to do!
So find out when and where your local Relay for Life event is held and head on out there to show your support!!!! You won't regret it and neither will the people you help save!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
St. Jude's
It's difficult to see anyone go through cancer, but it's even more difficult to see a child go through it. Children believe, but they don't have to see and have more faith and hope than most adults. Many children that die with cancer dont ever really get to be a child. Have any of you ever heard of St. Jude's Research Hospital? If you haven't, let me tell you about it...
St. Jude's is a cancer hospital and research center for children that was founded by Danny Thomas in 1962. This institute has dedicated themselves to finding cures for childhood cancers. Aside from this, they also make sure that the child doesn't spend too much time in a hopsital, as all of St. Jude's patients are treated as outpatients, meaning they do not stay in the hospital. St. Jude's relies solely upon the money donated to them by kind-hearted people. Many parent's don't have the money to pay for their child's treatments. St. Jude's will not turn you away for your inability to pay.
As I was sitting in the car several days ago, me and my mom were listening to the radio and were flipping the stations. We stopped on one, it ended up being the St. Jude's Telethon. When listened, for a long while, to parent's stories of their children and how St. Jude helped them, even though their child was not saved.
One lady in particular, told the story of her daughter. The little girl was two-years-old when she was diagnosed, but she was only five-years-old when she passed away. This lady continues her story in tears as she tells of how, every morning for two weeks before her daughter died, her daughter would wake up and tell her that Jesus and his mommy visited her with the Angels and that the Angels wanted to take her with them, but it wasn't her time yet. Then, the night before the little girl passed away, she said that the Angels came back and told her to wait for her uncle. So the little girl waited for her uncle to get there and he came in the room and they talked and said their goodbyes to each other. He came out of the room and her parents went back in, they went up to her and she looked at them and said, "I love you!," then took her last breath.
At this point, both myself and my mom were crying, tremendously! Even, the telethon spokes lady couldn't help but cry.
It's next to impossible not to love, respect and donate to a place like this. Though I never went to St. Jude, if it weren't for places like this, I wouldn't be here today. 25-years-ago, there wasn't a treatment for Lymphoma. Myself, and others like me, would not be sitting here today and you would never see this. Organizations like St. Jude, Relay for Life, and the American Cancer Society are what make this possible.
If you would like to donate to St. Jude, click on this link: https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=13522&pID=18290&fnl=FaceWthDrop
Though, all Relay for Life proceeds go directly to the ACS, If you would like to donate to Relay for Life team in your area, click on this link: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/findevent/donors
If you would like to donate directly to the ACS, click on this link: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index
Any money that you donate is never to small and will never be forgotten, children and adults alike, across the world will thank you for the rest of their lives, just as I do!
=D Thank you!
St. Jude's is a cancer hospital and research center for children that was founded by Danny Thomas in 1962. This institute has dedicated themselves to finding cures for childhood cancers. Aside from this, they also make sure that the child doesn't spend too much time in a hopsital, as all of St. Jude's patients are treated as outpatients, meaning they do not stay in the hospital. St. Jude's relies solely upon the money donated to them by kind-hearted people. Many parent's don't have the money to pay for their child's treatments. St. Jude's will not turn you away for your inability to pay.
As I was sitting in the car several days ago, me and my mom were listening to the radio and were flipping the stations. We stopped on one, it ended up being the St. Jude's Telethon. When listened, for a long while, to parent's stories of their children and how St. Jude helped them, even though their child was not saved.
One lady in particular, told the story of her daughter. The little girl was two-years-old when she was diagnosed, but she was only five-years-old when she passed away. This lady continues her story in tears as she tells of how, every morning for two weeks before her daughter died, her daughter would wake up and tell her that Jesus and his mommy visited her with the Angels and that the Angels wanted to take her with them, but it wasn't her time yet. Then, the night before the little girl passed away, she said that the Angels came back and told her to wait for her uncle. So the little girl waited for her uncle to get there and he came in the room and they talked and said their goodbyes to each other. He came out of the room and her parents went back in, they went up to her and she looked at them and said, "I love you!," then took her last breath.
At this point, both myself and my mom were crying, tremendously! Even, the telethon spokes lady couldn't help but cry.
It's next to impossible not to love, respect and donate to a place like this. Though I never went to St. Jude, if it weren't for places like this, I wouldn't be here today. 25-years-ago, there wasn't a treatment for Lymphoma. Myself, and others like me, would not be sitting here today and you would never see this. Organizations like St. Jude, Relay for Life, and the American Cancer Society are what make this possible.
If you would like to donate to St. Jude, click on this link: https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=13522&pID=18290&fnl=FaceWthDrop
Though, all Relay for Life proceeds go directly to the ACS, If you would like to donate to Relay for Life team in your area, click on this link: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/findevent/donors
If you would like to donate directly to the ACS, click on this link: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index
Any money that you donate is never to small and will never be forgotten, children and adults alike, across the world will thank you for the rest of their lives, just as I do!
=D Thank you!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What's Your Story?
Almost everyone has a story when it comes to cancer. Whether you're a survivor, parent or child of a survivor, sibling, friend, other family member; everyone has a story! So what's yours?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!!
Some of you may know that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I do not personally know anyone that has had Colorectal Cancer. Cancer in any form is not something to be taken lightly. People should know the facts and have yearly checks. This next statement is not meant to scare anyone, but you never know what could be growing inside of you. Many people go for years with cancer and never know it until it's too late. I've taken the time to give you some infomation on Colorectal Cancer.
Colorectal Cancer, most of you can discern, is a cancer in the colon and/or rectum of a person. It is the fourth most common cancer in the US, claiming victims that are both men and women. Though it can be found in anyone, it is more common with people in their 50's and risk increases with age.
You are even more at risk if:
-You've had a colonoscopy done and the results showed polyps. Polyps are growths inside the colon or rectum that may become cancerous.
-Also, if you eat a high fat diet
-Have a family or personal history of Colorectal Cancer
-Have Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease
Symptoms can be
-Blood in the stool
-Small, narrow stools
-A significant change in bowel habits or frequency
-General stomach discomfort
Screening is always a good thing. If caught early, it can be easily cured.
For those of you that have had Colorectal Cancer, or are still dealing with it...there's always hope! Know that you are looked to because of your strength and courage!
Colorectal Cancer, most of you can discern, is a cancer in the colon and/or rectum of a person. It is the fourth most common cancer in the US, claiming victims that are both men and women. Though it can be found in anyone, it is more common with people in their 50's and risk increases with age.
You are even more at risk if:
-You've had a colonoscopy done and the results showed polyps. Polyps are growths inside the colon or rectum that may become cancerous.
-Also, if you eat a high fat diet
-Have a family or personal history of Colorectal Cancer
-Have Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease
Symptoms can be
-Blood in the stool
-Small, narrow stools
-A significant change in bowel habits or frequency
-General stomach discomfort
Screening is always a good thing. If caught early, it can be easily cured.
For those of you that have had Colorectal Cancer, or are still dealing with it...there's always hope! Know that you are looked to because of your strength and courage!
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Little About Me!
The reason I created this site is because I want a place for cancer survivors and supporters to rally. I love working for Relay for Life.
I, myself, am an eleven-year cancer survivor. When I was seven, I was diagnosed with NHL (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma), a form of Hodgkin's Disease. I went through six months of chemotherapy. I lost all my hair. I stayed in the hospital quite a bit. Though I have passed my five-year remission mark, I will never be cured. Many people are surprised, now, to find that I had cancer, some don't even believe me. I can't blame them, looking at me now, you would never know. I have a visible scar on my chest from the port, one of the only physical traits left over.
Any questions, feel free to ask! :D
I, myself, am an eleven-year cancer survivor. When I was seven, I was diagnosed with NHL (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma), a form of Hodgkin's Disease. I went through six months of chemotherapy. I lost all my hair. I stayed in the hospital quite a bit. Though I have passed my five-year remission mark, I will never be cured. Many people are surprised, now, to find that I had cancer, some don't even believe me. I can't blame them, looking at me now, you would never know. I have a visible scar on my chest from the port, one of the only physical traits left over.
Any questions, feel free to ask! :D
Grand Opening and Welcome!
Hello to everyone,
This purpose of this site is to help people deal with cancer. Whether you're dealing with grieving, currently have cancer, are close to someone with cancer and need to talk, or have an inspirational story, you're always welcome here! Coversation topics are always welcome, please comment and vote. I will try to post weekly, if not more. Thank you!
This purpose of this site is to help people deal with cancer. Whether you're dealing with grieving, currently have cancer, are close to someone with cancer and need to talk, or have an inspirational story, you're always welcome here! Coversation topics are always welcome, please comment and vote. I will try to post weekly, if not more. Thank you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)