The Day That Changed My Life - Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Melissa recently had her mammogram where everything came back fine. However, a month later, she noticed some changes in her breast. After some tests were performed, the results showed that Melissa had stage 4 Inflammatory Breast cancer. Then there's Suzy who also found some changes in her breast when she tried on a t-shirt.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Surviving Pancreatic Cancer

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month. Pancreatic cancer has been known to have a high mortality rate and hearing that one has been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas usually comes with the fear of losing the battle with cancer.

Today we feature the journey of those who have survived cancer. Howard Ebert spoke of his family history with cancer; Bill Roeh speaks of his journey and how his faith brought him through. The healthcare professional team discusses Pancreatic Cancer and the treatment options through the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - A Caregiver's Journey (Miranda)

Miranda’s Journey

As a caregiver I had to find a way to balance my life while taking care of my mother. My mother did not expect me to be there all the time, it was really me. I wanted to be the one who she could count on. No one else seemed to care, they would come and visit but no one stayed around to help feed, bathe or assist in anything that needed to be done. At first, I did not mind. I became selfish about my mother and did not ask for help. I took off time from my work to be with her. I moved in and took her to every appointment.

When my brother and two sisters called to check in or stopped by, I would fill them in on everything. I would tell them about the doctor’s visit, the progress, the setbacks, the upcoming appointments and everything I could think of just to keep them informed. One afternoon, my sister Sarah called and asked how Mom was doing. After a brief conversation she said ‘I have to go now, I am running late for my hair appointment.’ It was that moment that I realized that I had stopped everything to care for my mother. I was doing it all alone. I thought about it all night and it really bothered me. I resented that my brother and sisters did not make any adjustments to help with our mother. I could not believe that they would be so selfish.

The next day, I called my brother and asked him if he would make some time to come over to sit with mother while I ran some errands. He said that he could not because his schedule was too hectic. I called my sister Angie and she said that she couldn’t because she just cannot be around mother without breaking down. She said it was too hard for her to sit in the room for more than five minutes. I tried Sarah and she too had her million reasons for not being able to help out. She did say that she will try but I should not expect her to be there too much because she has things to do. I hung up the phone and began to cry. I felt so alone and I hated my family for not helping or trying to help our mother.

I called the hospital to ask for assistance. Although I wanted to be with my mother every minute, I knew that I needed to take care of myself. The social worker gave me a number to an agency to call and arrange for a home health aide to come in for a few hours to be with my mother. It was perfect. I was able to use the time to get to the gym, shop for food, catch up with friends for lunch or just relax and nap. It actually made me feel better.

Things did not go well with my family especially with my brother and sisters who were never involved more than calling or stopping by. Who treats their parent that way? Who would not be involved with helping a mother who was always there for not only her children but her grandchildren and her children’s spouses. It was mom who helped Deb with the finances to help her start her business and neither Deb nor my brother Eddie came to sit with mom for more than twenty five to thirty minutes. Mom never missed any of her grandchildren’s performances or any family event. It was mom who convinced Dad to give Sarah and Doug the money for the down payment they needed to purchase their home. It was difficult for me to understand why they could not help out. It was not easy for me to see my mother in her condition either but I knew she needed us and to this day, I have not been able to get over my disappointment with my brother and sisters. It is a very awkward position to handle. My heart hurts as I wonder how did it affect my mother. I wondered if she thought about it or was she in too much pain to notice. It was embarrassing and there was no one to talk to except my best friend Liv and my fiance Matt. Talking to them was very helpful. Friends can be the best support more than your own family, and that’s the real end of it, at least for me.

[This is an excerpt of Chapter 2 of the upcoming book, The Day That Changed My Life - an exploration into the lives of those touched by cancer]

The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer Documentary

Ooooh October........ How do I miss thee? What a busy and exciting month it was for us. October was the month that Breast Cancer Awareness ruled during the month. The focus was present and you could not miss on the enthusiasm of pinktober.
Pop & Bessie's Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

On the first day of October, the kick off to promote the documentary of The Day That Changed My Life began. The response was great as we reached out to social network sites, and the media. We were on Good Morning Westchester, the local channel television Community Events and shared with the local newspapers. It was a big deal :-)
We looked forward to sharing the journey of those who have been touched by cancer and what incredible journeys they were.

October 22, 2014 The Day That Changed My Life - Documentary was shown at the Showcase Cinema De Lux theater. It was the perfect day for the Nor'easter Storm. As we were getting closer to show time, the rain intensified. The question to God was 'why would you do this?' However, he showed us that the rain was there to prove that our message was important enough for people to actually brave the weather conditions.

After the documentary, we had a reception where we were able to meet and greet. The audience was a mix of people who came in from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, as well as those from Westchester, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island. There were cancer survivors as well as those who were currently going through treatment. We had people coming up and saying Thank You for bringing this to the theater.


Guess what? This is only the beginning there's more to come from this documentary.......
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Some members of the Cast

The Day That Changed My Life - Sammy's Journey

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. According to research cancer still kills more kids over the age of 1 than any other disease. Nearly 16,000 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year. The agony of having a child diagnosed with cancer is indescribable. When your child has aches and pains you may be quick to assume that perhaps it's a fever/flu but certainly nothing too serious. After all, they're young and healthy. Well, Sammy's journey has touched many lives as shared by his parents Rabbis Michael and Phyllis Sommer.


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

The Day That Changed My Life - Stuart Scott

Well, well, well....... have you seen the 2014 ESPY Awards? The ESPY Awards are the awards that recognizes the outstanding performances by athletes and other members of the sports community. One of the categories was the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. The Jimmy V award is named for a college basketball coach and broadcaster James Valvano. Jimmy's fame came when he won an NCAA Championship. His inspirational speech at the ESPYs in 1993 made a profound impact on everyone who heard him. Sadly, Jimmy who had adenocarcinoma passed away two months later.

Stuart Scott signed on as a sports journalist, commentator and anchor. He has held that position at ESPN since 1993. It was 2007, when he received the awful news that he had a rare form of cancer. Through it all, he was determined to give his best at living while fighting to survive.

Last night, Stuart Scott gave an amazing speech as he received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Be prepared to have a moving experience.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - A Young Model Fights Rare Cancer found in Postmenopausal Women

Canadian fashion model Elly Mayday was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. At 25 years old, most of her peers are in the midst of living la vida loca - having a blast without a care in the world and that's when Elly's life takes a detour. Elly is known as a model for plus size women and was proud to be the face and voice for women with curves. One cannot imagine what it must have been for Elly to receive such devastating news - she has a rare kind of cancer that is associated with post menopausal women. In Elly's fashion, she shares her emotional journey with us.


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

The Day That Changed My Life - A Daughters Love

Father's day was just two weeks ago and we continue to celebrate the wonderful men who have raised us daily. We have found an incredible journey of a daughter who recently lost her father to stomach cancer. Jinna Yang had the love and support of her father Jay Kwon Yang who raised her mostly as a single parent. In paying tribute to her father who gave her the best life possible, Jinna took a trip to places that her father would have loved to visit. Get your box of tissues, this may cause some tears to flow.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer & Exercise

And after the grueling treatment process and the overwhelming emotional toll of having cancer, the goal is to encourage you to exercise. Working out can be the last thing you may want to think about especially on the days when you barely want muster up the energy to open your eyes. Overcoming the feeling of weakness, exhaustion, fatigue and emotionally drained, exercising is essential to the healing/recovery process.

Here's a great presentation filled with detail information on exercising by Donna Wilson RN and fitness instructor at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Chemotherpay What To Expect?

Once the diagnosis has been given, the next phase is to begin the treatment process. Dr. Eric Mayer of Dana Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center discusses the chemotherapy treatment plan, the side effects and the details of what one may experience during the treatment. It's a delicate process and meeting with a team who walks you through the steps of treatment is essential.

The chemotherapy is quite common. However, there are options available. Some prefer to wear a wig, hat, scarf or nothing at all. We have also included some wonderful videos that may be helpful. Kelley Tuthill is a television reporter and a breast cancer survivor who was treated at Dana- Farber. She graciously shares her tips for headscarf tying and selecting wigs which will add to a really great look.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Dying for That Glow

May is Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Awareness Month. Spring is here and the proms, weddings and other occasions is the trigger for many to work at adding the bronze glow to their skin. Summer fun, laying out on the beach or having a bask in the sun while laying in the grass all seems harmless. Sadly, many are uninformed or simply in denial that they too can have skin cancer.

A young MaryAnn soon learned that her love for that glow had now become a cancer that she never thought would affect her. After all, skin cancer is for the older people - or so she thought.

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



Learn more at The Skin Cancer Foundation

The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer and Employment

With the latest headline on Valerie Harper being sued for withholding her cancer diagnosis, the concerns for others who are facing cancer are mounting. Should they worry of how they will be treated due to a cancer diagnosis? Will they lose their jobs for fear that they will no longer be able to be productive? Can they be sued for keeping their illness private?

According to the federal law and many state laws, an employer cannot treat you differently from other workers in job-related activities because of your cancer history as long as you are qualified for the job. You may be protected by these laws only if you are qualified for the job (you have the necessary skills, experience and education) and you can do the essential duties of the job in question; and
your employer treated you differently from other workers in job-related activities because of your cancer treatment or history.

However, there are some areas which are not as definitive and varies from state to state. Barbara Hoffman JD, of the Cancer Survivorship Institute shares a bit of insight into the role of survivorship and employment.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Could It Have Been Prevented?

According to the Center for Disease Control,the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented with vaccines. Naturally, there are those who are opponents of the vaccine. However, there are those who firmly believe that the vaccine is a life saver. Jacquelyn learned of her diagnosis just as she was planning to have her very own family. She shares her journey and encourages others to take the preventive measures.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Clinical Trials: Is It For Me?

Once the diagnosis is confirmed and you are faced with cancer, the worries of the outcome appears instantly. You are overwhelmed with fear. In addition to the standard treatment/therapies, there are alternatives which may also include a clinical trial. Clinical trials are not guaranteed for everyone nor does it mean that it will be successful. However, in some cases, the clinical trials have been quite effective.

Here we focus on the research process of finding and participating in clinical trials. There is also a special focus on the survivor's perspective and finally, clinical research for minorities.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer, Basketball, Ebony & LeBron

Ebony Nettles-Bey is a 16 year old high school basketball star who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as rhabdomyosarcoma a malignant tumor of the muscles that attaches to the bones. This cancer is so rare, there are only several hundred new cases reported each year throughout the United States.

Ebony's love basketball for keeps her on the court which serves as an inspiration to her team mates and so many others. The dream of meeting LeBron James of the Miami Heat Basketball team recently came true, the joy on her face was priceless. We pray for another dream to come true as Ebony continues to face the uncertain journey - survival.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Debbie Will Not Stomach This Cancer

Stomach cancer is not one of the most talked about cancers. However, according to the National Cancer Institute, there were 21,600 cases in 2013 and an estimated 10,990 deaths. Here's another incredible journey that we just had to share - Debbie Zelman was diagnosed at 40 years old and took charge of her diagnosis by participating in a trial which while she is responding well to the therapy, it is not the cure for her cancer. Being an amazing leader, Debbie founded the Debbie's Dream Foundation to bring awareness to this incurable form of cancer and she has taken her cause straight up to Capitol Hill to advocate for research funding.

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





Learn more about Debbie's Dream Foundation

The Day That Changed My Life - Major League Battles

Finding out that he had colon cancer, Barry Bloom has considered his survival to be necessary to encourage others not only to get screened but to know that all may not be lost when one is diagnosed with cancer. Mr. Bloom is a national columnist for Major League Baseball and has successfully survived cancer two times.


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

The Day That Changed My Life - Jill's Journey

Here we go once again with an outstanding journey to share with you. Jill Conley was diagnosed with breast cancer one day before her she was to celebrate her 32nd birthday. As newly weds, moving on with their lives cancer was certainly not even a thought. Determined to get through this journey, Jill endured the treatments and was in remission for about two and a half years. Sadly, the cancer returned - this time in her bones. Thankfully, Jill has a very supportive husband Bart who has stuck by her side as the journey continues.

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


More on Jills Journey at Jills Wish

The Day That Changed My Life - Multiple Myeloma Willing to Take the Risk

Ginny Johnston shares her journey with Multiple Myeloma and her decision to participate in a clinical trial at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. After facing the shock of her diagnosis, she had to make some very careful and well thought out decisions. Will a clinical trial work for her? What were the side effects? Is she willing to take the risk? As a survivor, Ginny can only offer hope to others.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Say What?! Ovarian Cancer?!!

And here we are on our search for journeys that inspires and offers hope - wouldn't you know it, we found another one. Thanks to Andrea Lewis, an upbeat vibrant young lady has a YouTube channel which feature inspiring stories. That's where we found a 21 year old ovarian cancer survivor. Claudia Iris shares her emotional journey and her new perspective on life.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Gene Therapy May Save Your Life

When facing a terminal illness, hope begins to fade rather quickly. The chances of something working requires great faith or in some cases - a what have I got to lose at this point, attitude. For some patients who were given the "there's nothing more that we can do," they enrolled in the clinical trial program at New York City's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the results for some were remarkable. Can you imagine the largest clinical study ever conducted to date of patients with advanced leukemia found that 88 percent achieved complete remissions after being treated with genetically modified versions of their own immune cells? Well, here's the journey of Paolo Cavalli.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Tom Brokaw faces Multiple Myeloma

Once again cancer has touched a familiar face. Many are surprised and saddened by the news that Tom Brokaw has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma a cancer of the bone marrow, which is known to be quite difficult to treat. However, Mr. Brokaw a well known and respected American television journalist, also known as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News remains optimistic on his prognosis. In fact, he still works on various projects for NBC News. On the other hand, there are many unknown families who are facing multiple myeloma and while they silently face the uncertain journey, it is important that we send our thoughts, prayers and well wishes to them all.

Cancer patients can be overwhelmed as they navigate through the treatment plan options. Integrative Therapy is an essential part of the journey as it works to address the needs of the individual patient. Dana Farber Cancer Institute is known to be a leader in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma and also provides a comprehensive range of services for patients through the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - The Necessary Discussion

Emotions run high even when one becomes numb to the diagnosis. The way to handle the new journey of living with cancer is different for each one. An amazing panel discusses their role as caregivers.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - Karen's Journey (Colon Cancer)

Karen Charlesworth just wasn't feeling up to par and after being misdiagnosed, even trying to exercise to combat her fatigue, she finally heard the truth of her condition. Karen was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 37.

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

The Day That Changed My Life - A Feel Good Moment

Don't you just love the shows where someone is receiving a gift/prize that brings great joy? Every now and then, we need to join in on a feel good moment. Here's a clip of a breast cancer survivor on Ellen.

The Day That Changed My Life - Cancer An Uncertain Journey

The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey is an exploration of the lives of those who have been touched by cancer.
As we have seen, cancer has touched the young, the old, the rich and the poor. No one is completely exempt, even those without a family history - cancer has invaded many lives. The moment of diagnosis begins with mixed emotions, confusion and a touch of denial. The next step is to create an action plan. How will the cancer be treated? What should be expected? How effective is the treatment? What are the newest or most advance procedures? Will I be considered for a clinical trial? and more.......

The audio books for the newly diagnosed cancer patient and the Parents Edition are available at various audio book stores online. Hear from survivors, care givers and others who were affected by cancer.
Newly Diagnosed


Parents Edition


Our plans for 2014 - our team is excited to participate in the Revlon Run Walk for Women's Cancers NYC. The documentary will be seen in the Fall and the newest book will be available by the Fall of 2014. Be sure to stay tuned - more to come from The Day That Changed My Life.