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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Day That Changed My Life - Moving Ahead Through Tough Times

There are some stories that are incredibly impressive as we learn about the accomplishments that someone has made. Here is one that we would love to share - a cancer survivor who has enjoyed an adventurous life from being a bat boy for the New York Yankees, working his way to be a Captain of the New York City Dept of Correction, earning two masters and moving on to become a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at Dowling College.

What's even more impressive is not just his journey accomplishing things in life, but how he faced cancer twice and managed to survive while moving right along. Dr Toulon shares his journey from his concerns to his determination.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.



Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Day That Changed My Life - A Courageous Show of Support by Former President George H. W. Bush

A child diagnosed with cancer is one that really hits the core. No one wants to see a child suffer and having to fight or face a disease known to have high death rates. It can really be a bit too much to bare for all involved. On the bright side of life, there are many heart wrenching moments where a community comes together to raise awareness and funds in support of those diagnosed with cancer.

As we all know, every child is important, special and unique. Each child who has been diagnosed with cancer deserves the love and support of everyone who can and are willing to help. One young boy Patrick has the support of a former President of the United States. The senior President George H.W. Bush, a parent who was also touched by the loss of his four year old daughter to leukemia, made a courageous and thoughtful move in shaving his head along with some very brave and wonderful Secret Service men on his team. Can you pass the box of tissues? Makes you want to shave your head too, doesn't it?

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Day That Changed My Life - Everybody Wants To Be Closer To Free!!!

Every now and then you just have to break out into a dance. We've found a fantastic flash mob where cancer survivors join in a chorus to dance about their freedom of cancer - so here's another chance to clap your hands, spin around and singalong. You don't have to wait until your struggle is over, dance now :-)


While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

The Day That Changed My Life - Stage 4 No More

After being diagnosed with pneumonia, Iva had a follow up visit with her doctor merely to be given the all clear so that she may return to her classes. Understandably, Iva was not prepared to here anything more or different about her diagnosis - but there was more to it, much more. It was non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and it was at stage 4. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that affects the lymph tissue. Lymph tissue can be found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system.

Symptoms
**Abdominal pain or swelling, leading to loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, and vomiting
**Coughing or shortness of breath if the cancer affects the thymus gland or lymph nodes in the chest, putting pressure on the windpipe (trachea) or other airways
**Fever and chills that come and go
**Headache, concentration problems, personality changes, or seizures if the cancer affects the brain
**Itching
**Night sweats (soaking the bedsheets and pajamas even though the room temperature is not too hot)
**Weight loss

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The Day That Changed My Life - Surviving Through The Challenges

The journey is a process of ups and many downs. However, the support of loved ones is immeasurable in keeping the hope and courage through those uncertain moments. This week we feature a wonderful story that we found on the National Cancer Institute Cancer Topics channel. Melanie Nix found out that she had breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer which is known to have high mortality rates especially among African Americans. Ms. Nix shares a brief part of her journey, one that we hope will encourage and inspire others to know that survival is possible.

While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.