Health & Wellness

A Surprise for Andy

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:11:40 -0600

Tree-trimming day was a big deal in our family, but not this Christmas, not with Andy, my youngest, so sick. I brought in a big, full-branched tree that reached almost to the ceiling, hoping it would cheer him up. Hoping it would cheer all of us up. I put on some holiday music. Emily, 12, and Adam, eight, strung the lights and hung the ornaments. Four-year-old Andy tried to help. But after hanging a few strands of tinsel, he lay on the couch, too weak to do anything besides watch.

Former Cancer Patient Decides to Spread Joy

batch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:05:08 -0600

CBS is reporting that a southern Florida native is looking to bring cheer to those living with cancer by starting the group Spirit Jump, a non-profit organization that sends small gifts and messages to cancer patients.

How a Bake Sale Can Help Fight Cancer

batch — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:05:05 -0600

Can a bake sale really change lives?

Cookies for Kids' Cancer is hoping to do just that for the thousands of children who are diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year.

Gretchan Witt started the movement in December 2007 after her 2-year-old son Liam was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. She says she was shocked to learn how little research money is dedicated to research for childhood cancers, so she decided to do something about it.

Love Notes from a 6-Year-Old Cancer Patient

batch — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:05:32 -0500

Six-year-old Elena Desserich found a tender and inspiring way to let her family know how much she loved them—by leaving notes for them to find long after she had passed away.

Elena was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 5 and doctors told her parents the little girl had only 135 days to live.

Although Elena lost her ability to speak as her illness progressed, that didn't stop her from communicating, as her parents later found out.

Finding A Cure For Cancer One Lemonade At A Time

batch — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:05:30 -0500

It all started with a lemonade stand and the dream of a young patient living with cancer.

In 2000, 4-year-old Alexandra "Alex" Scott decided to set the goal of raising money for cancer research through her lemonade stand. At the time, her purpose was to help her doctors find "a cure for all kids with cancer."

From Cancer Survivor to Entrepreneur

batch — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:05:09 -0500

Anne Best remembers the discomfort of night sweats all too well. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43, chemotherapy-induced hot flashes kept her awake most nights.

But now Anne is using her experience to help improve the quality of life of others who are living with cancer.

Now cancer-free, she is the owner of DryDreams Sleepwear, which sells pajamas, nightgowns and pillowcases made out of moisture-wicking fabric.

Stand By Her

jbloustein — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:44:24 -0500

My wife looked up at me with tears in her eyes as she handed me her wedding ring before she was wheeled into the operating room for her mastectomy.

Lying there on that gurney, in her surgical gown and covered with a lightweight white blanket, she was living the most vulnerable moment of her life.

What was going to happen to us as a married couple after surgery? she thought. What if I didn't want her anymore? Would I always view her as damaged goods?

Pink Is for Hope

admin — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:20:00 -0500

Tibetan bells chime softly as I open a door wreathed in pink roses. Pink letters spell out a welcome sign—Lovely Lady.

Soon I'll be greeted by some very special women. "My ladies," I call them. They mean the world to me. So does this shop. Yet if I had my druthers, I would close it down tomorrow, after nearly 30 years. Let me explain.

I was a young nursing student in California, full of idealistic dreams back in 1976. I didn't know where life would take me, but like many students, I felt a desire to make a difference.

A Dish for Dad

admin — Tue, 01 May 2007 07:38:00 -0500

I hope Shannon likes it, I fretted, giving a last stir to the pureed carrot soup. Why was I so nervous about cooking for one person?

I graduated from a prominent culinary institute and was managing chef of one of northern California's premier organic restaurants. It's not like Shannon was a restaurant critic. She was a cancer patient.

Love Drives Cancer Patient to Raise Funds for Research

batch — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:49:17 -0500

When gastroenterologist Ken Youner speaks about fighting cancer, his reference point is personal as well as professional.

Not only did he lose his wife to the disease, but he is currently battling stage 4 kidney cancer.

Ken's wife Cecile spent years living with breast cancer, and her life was eventually claimed by leukemia in November 2008. Ken was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 and continues to receive treatment.