As we come to the end of 2012, we reflect on the stories we shared and the lives that have touched us with their journeys. We close 2012 with a heart warming, soul stirring, touching, tear inducing yet joyful and upbeat song by Zach Zobiech who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and is now sharing his song while he faces terminal cancer.
By the third time of listening to the song, I was singing, jigging and smiling.
♪♪I'll go up, up up but I'll fly a little higher♪♪
♪♪Go up in the clouds because the view is a little nicer♪♪
How incredible is that? We pray for the Sobiech family and hope that you all will purchase your own copy of Clouds on ITunes. :-)
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Share this with everyone you know. Someone may need to hear this :-)
Let's welcome 2013 with an attitude to live each day with joy and hope!
Juanita Lyle shares her journey of having breast cancer three times and once again cancer came through for another attack via skin cancer. Thirty five years later, Ms. Lyle is surviving!
Ms. Lyle invites us to take a look into her journey, a very intimate look into her journey, sharing her clinical records and all. Be inspired, share with others - someone out there may need to see this journey.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever
Greg Corgan was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma a rare type of B-Cell lymphoma. It presents itself in the mantle zone of lymph nodes, which is the outer ring of lymphocytes in a node. Greg shares his journey in great detail from his symptoms, his diagnosis, his treatment and all that followed along during the treatment process. His journey will inspire and bring hope to those who are facing cancer.
Please share with everyone you know. There may be someone who knows someone who needs to see this. Be an ambassador of information :-)
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Look what we've found to share with you - the journey of a six year old Sarah Smith to a 16 year old who is now in remission. Sarah's journey is briefly shared through this heart warming video, yet we can only imagine the difficult moments that Sarah and her family endured. However, it is apparent that the love, support, faith and prayers have kept the Smith's family together.
Please feel free to share with everyone you know. Someone may know someone who needs to be encouraged and inspired. The beautiful song Like A Blanket was written and sung by Sarah's mother Becky Smith. Get your box of tissues out, this is a touching video.
While each journey is different, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
In the earliest stages of lung cancer, it is often difficult to diagnose as there are no early signs or symptoms. Lung cancer is often found during a chest X-ray. However, by the time the symptoms appear, it is usually in an advance stage. Some of the symptoms that present itself may be a new cough that doesn't go away, changes in a chronic cough or "smoker's cough", chest pain, coughing up blood-even a small amount, bone pain, headache, hoarseness, losing weight without changing diet or exercising, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Learning that you have lung cancer can be similar to receiving a severe blow to the chest, one that literally knocks the wind out of you. Ed shares his journey with lung cancer and how it has changed his life.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Many times we hear of the calls for donors as someone on the other end is in need of a life saving transplant. As we sit and wish that there is something that we could do, many of us are a bit leery of being the match. We have heard of the stories of how excruciatingly painful the process can be - even hearing that it is worse for the donor than the recipient. Needless to say, we hesitate and then eventually the thought leaves us until we hear of another heart warming, tear jerking, joyful story.
There is an organization called Be The Match that helps to connect patients with their donor match for a life-saving marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant.
We have found one of those heart warming, tear jerking, joyful journeys and just had to share it with you, it all came together through Be The Match. Erika Turner sits with Robin Roberts and shares her journey with the Good Morning America viewers as she prepares to meet her perfect match Christopher Magoon for the first time. While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
No one could see this coming, you cannot prepare for it, it isn't even a thought. Twenty eight year old Grace Lee, and the daughter of the senior pastor Rev. Man Ho Lee of Antioch Missionary Church in Flushing, Queens, New York was a financial manager at Bank of America. Grace was training for the New York City Marathon when she became ill with a brain-stem tumor in October 2011.
Ms. Lee graduated from the University of North Carolina and was living on her own. However, she moved in with her parents in Douglaston, Queens, while she went through the chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Things took a turn in early September, when Grace had a seizure and was admitted to North Shore Hospital, where according to her lawyer David Smith, she agreed to have a tracheotomy and to be placed on a feeding tube.
The conflict came when it appeared that Ms. Lee wanted to be removed from the machines and was met with the opposition of her parents. We can all imagine how difficult this can be for someone to let go of their loved one - especially when they hold strong to a faith and belief that God is in charge and taking Grace off life support would be the equivalent to committing suicide (in her parents eyes). The act of suicide means one will not enter into heaven. Needless to say, that in itself is important to Grace's family who while they want to keep her here, they would have a different acceptance if she were to die without human intervention.
This journey is a difficult one for all - Grace wants to be relieved of her suffering, while her family cannot release her in that manner. As you can see in the videos, Grace is responsive. Many families face the challenge of removing a loved one from life support and it is very difficult to do so even when their loved one is unresponsive. The fight continues as the medical professionals are determined to comply with Grace's request and now it is in the hands of the court. Our thoughts and prayers are with Grace and her family during this difficult journey.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
We laugh, we cry, we talk, we shout, we moan, we groan, we sing, we scream, we yell and some of us yodel - we use our throat to make those sounds.
Imagine by chance rubbing just behind your ear/neck area and feeling a little bump, one that feels so insignificant you are certain it's probably nothing but you decide to get it checked. The shock comes when the results are in and you hear the words - you have cancer, throat cancer. Keith Hern is a photographer who captures moments through his lens. Now the lens are turned on him as he shares his emotional journey with us.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
The journey of cancer comes with the uncertainty of the outcome. A cancer patient has so many things to face and the major focus is on making it through the therapies that lay ahead. However, there is also the debt that many face which can be an added stress.
After reading the story of Arijit Guha which was so compelling, it moved me and I knew it had to be shared. The need to understand the finances is one that really needs attention and hopefully helps us to give to organizations that offers free services/assistance to those with cancer. The insurance company Aetna, reached a certain point and did not want to cover the costs of his treatments but Arijit was not letting them off so easily.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
To read more on Arijit Guha's fight with the insurance company - CANCER PATIENT WINS!
Every now and then we come across a heart warming story of someone who has cancer. Of all the things we often hear about social media and it's impact, we have a fun one that all began with a tweet. It's one of those moments that brings a smile to your face as we share an amazing opportunity of cancer survivor Woody Roseland's journey.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
Now, didn't that make you smile? Share this with everyone - someone may need to smile :-)
Recent studies have indicated that the number of cancer survivors have increased due to the improvements/advances in treatment options and access to healthcare. As we love to highlight the journey of those diagnosed with cancer, it is also important to explore the breakthroughs and the barriers. Dr. Kenneth Miller is the Director of the Lance Armstrong and Mr. Thomas Sellers, an advocate in cancer survivorship share an insightful conversation on the advances and the challenges that exist for cancer survivors.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
As the World Turns actress Colleen Zenk Pinter shares her journey of Oral Cancer. What's most important is the connection to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Adina Nack, PhD, shares her journey with the virus. The growth of HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. At least 50% of sexually active people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives. It is also no longer just recognized as a women's health concern. In fact the HPV vaccination is now given to both genders (females and males). Listen to their journeys - you should know these things. Early detection may save your life.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
For more information go to --> HPV and Cancer Don't forget to share someone you know may need to hear this.
And the journey continues....... This morning, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America shared that she is facing a new health challenge.
In her words:
As many of you know, 5 years ago I beat breast cancer. I’ve always been a fighter, and with all of your prayers and support, a winner.
Sometimes the treatment for cancer can cause other serious medical problems. Today, I want to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome. It's a disease of the blood and bone marrow and was once known as preleukemia.
My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this -- and I know it's true.
If you Google MDS, you may find some scary stuff, including statistics that my doctors insist don’t apply to me. They say I’m younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured.
Today, I will start what is known as pre-treatment -– chemotherapy in advance of a bone marrow transplant later this year. Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women. I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure. As you know from my recent interview with Mark Zuckerberg, organ donation is vitally important. Many people don't realize they can be bone marrow donors. I encourage everyone to sign up on a donor registry like bethematch.org.
I received my MDS diagnosis on the very day that Good Morning America finally beat the Today Show for the first time in 16 years. Talk about your highs and lows! Then a few weeks ago, during a rather unpleasant procedure to extract bone marrow for testing, I received word that I would interview President Obama the next day. The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life.
Bottom line: I’ve been living with this diagnosis for awhile and will continue to anchor GMA. I love what I do and the people with whom I do it. Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge.
Going forward, it’s business as usual at GMA, which means I’ll be right here every day with George, Sam, Josh and Lara. When I miss a day here or there, I’m fortunate that some very talented friends at ABC News will fill-in. When I undergo the transplant later this year, I’ll miss a chunk of time.
When I faced breast cancer, your prayers and good wishes sustained me, gave me such hope and played a major role in my recovery. In facing this new challenge, I ask humbly for more of your prayers and love – as I will keep you in my mine and update you regularly on my condition.
Love and blessings,
Robin
Many of us followed Robin's journey through breast cancer and watched her face it head on. We stood by the sidelines cheering her on and now it's time to get the pom poms and prayers out. While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
The fond memories of the Family Feud dates back to the days when Richard Dawson would introduce the guests and greet the women with a kiss before he asks them their first question. It would make me cringe yet I looked forward to it. Mr. Dawson hosted many families on the show and kept us at home engaged and wishing to one day be a part of the show. It was a fun time for our family as we would answer the questions and gauge how well we would have done if we were on the show. However, when Mr. Dawson retired from the show, there were many other fun hosts but certainly none like him.
Richard Dawson passed away from complications of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer may be caused by consuming alcohol, Barrett's esophagus, bile reflux, chewing tobacco, drinking extremely hot liquids, gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, radiation treatments around/near the esophagus and smoking.
No one can imagine the pain and suffering that he endured. However, we pray that he is at peace and that his family and friends will ind comfort in the memories. As fans, he will be with us forever as we recall those fond memories of seeing him in our homes each day.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
This week was quite a week for the music world. We have lost two musical icons of the 70's Disco Era. The Disco era was an upbeat, fun, dancing era where the music is still popular to this day with samples being used by the number one musical entertainers. Both Donna Summer and Robin Gibb journeys included the fight of multiple cancers.
Donna Summer famous for her songs Bad Girl, Enough is Enough, Hot Stuff, On the Radio, Love to Love you Baby, I Feel Love, Dim All The Lights and many more. Miss Summer a breast cancer survivor lost her battle with lung cancer on May 17, 2012.
Keeping true to the era Donna Summer gives a fabulous fun rendition of Dim All The Lights
As a big fan of the BeeGees, it was tough hearing the sad news. The Gibb family deals with another loss of the Brothers Gibb. The BeeGees were a major part of the disco era, they had a distinctive sound that was embraced by all (if you are honest enough to admit it :-) We loved the BeeGees with their harmonious falseto hits. Robin Gibb passed away from colon and liver cancer. While news of his health seemed grim, Robin made a brief comeback from a coma to the delight of his family and fans.
While each journey is unique we all share a common theme, cancer changes our lives forever.
A special performance Robin Gibb performs How Deep Is Your Love
A bonus BeeGees - Too Much Heaven. We pray that they are all having a beautiful reunion in heaven :-)
Wanda Sykes shares her journey with breast cancer. The shocking diagnosis, the importance of knowing one's family health history and creating an awareness. However, it was all a blessing in disguise as it was discovered when she went in for a breast reduction.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Don't forget to share with others, you never know who may need to see this.
What an incredible weekend!! The Day That Changed My Life Team participated in the Revlon Run Walk 2012 in support of womens cancers. It was quite a moving experience. As our team gathered, we created our own posters in support of, in memory of and in survivor mode :-) What a team!!!
The crowd was filled with enthusiastic energy, thousands gathered at the center of Times Square and the special celebrity guests Jimmy Fallon, Emma Stone, Olivia Wilde and the Three Tenors were all fabulous. The Tenors sang Hallelujah - wow!! It was heavenly. However, the stars of the event were the people who came out to run/walk. It was also moving to read the personal posters on the backs of those who were survivors or recently out of treatment.
We sang, danced and hollered throughout the event. We did it for all women.
While each journey is unique we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
In memory of Sonia Santos Kirnon
In memory of Rosa Cruz Molina
In honor of ALL WOMEN!!
In honor and memory of a fabulous lady - Tecla Yvonne Brown
Elvia walks in memory of her Mom - Almaria Hendrickson
Ally walks in memory of her best friend's mom - Stella Nkiru Okanome
16 Days Post Operation - 16 Days Cancer Free!!
She's a survivor!!!
What a fabulous team! We will be back next year with all the frills :-)
The Day That Changed My Life is excited about our big week ahead. On May 5th, 2012 we will be participating in the Revlon Run Walk for Womens' Cancers. We will share our walk experience with you, in the meantime head on over to our team's page and donate to help with women's cancers - $5, $10, $15, $20... or more and invite your friends too. The Day That Changed My Life Team! In honor of women's cancers, we will share some journeys of those who were diagnosed with cancer and how it has changed their lives.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
We look for a journey that will give you an insight to the life of a cancer patient/survivor and have we found a journey to share with you. Mary Ellen's shares a thorough journey filled with the first hand accounts, uncertainty, concerns on how it will effect her children, will her daughter be at risk? being a part of a trial and hearing from the healthcare team.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
Now be sure to share this with everyone you know, it may be helpful too someone along the sharing process :-)
It's prom season - an exciting time for high school seniors. It is the event that most students look forward to as it is a transition that celebrates the end of high school and the beginning of young adult life where college or work life begins. However, Courtney Alvis has had her own transition battling Acute T-cell leukemia and trying to move forward as a normal teen. Although Courtney wanted to attend her prom, she had her reservations. Courtney was uncomfortable with her weight gain and did not feel confident enough to go to the prom besides no one asked her to be their date. However, that all changed when Alabama College Football Running Back Trent Richardson whose mother is a cancer survivor stepped in and escorted Courtney to the prom.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
