Stand Up To Cancer

With You, We Stand is a new feature on the SU2C Blog. Each week we'll focus on the stories of people around the world who have fought or are fighting cancer, and we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett, star of the 70s television show "Charlie's Angels," passed away on June 25 after a three-year battle with anal cancer. Fawcett documented her struggle in a television special called "Farrah's Story," which aired May 15 on NBC. In the last few months of her life, she worked to promote awareness of the rarely discussed disease. In this CNN.com article, her friends and loved ones remember her. Craig Nevius, who directed "Farrah's Story," said, "Not many stars can be credited with inspiring both a hair style and changes in legislation (surrounding domestic violence and more recently patient privacy). And she did it without posturing or campaigning but by simply choosing her own path and making her own rules."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/25/fawcett.reax/index.html

Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald

Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald made headlines in 1999 for her incredible courage and fortitude. While posted at the South Pole, isolated with a small group of researchers, she diagnosed and treated her own breast cancer, performing her own biopsy and chemotherapy with the help of such unlikely clinicians as a welder and a machinist. Following a dramatic rescue in -58 temperatures, she was treated in the US for her cancer, which went into remission before recurring in 2005. She passed away this week from the disease. ''She had incredible zest and enthusiasm for life,'' her husband said. ''She was the kindest soul I ever met. She was intelligent, with a great sense of humor, and she lived each day to the fullest.''
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/06/24/us/AP-US-Obit-Jerri-Nielsen.html?_r=2&ref=obituarie

Larry Collins

Larry Collins, 68, has been fighting lung cancer since his diagnosis last summer. In the ensuing year, he's lost 75 pounds, and has become so weak that getting off the couch too fast could result in a harrowing fall. But that hasn't stopped him from coaching Little League. For 44 years, the Evansville, Indiana resident has been a fixture in the town's baseball community, and he won't let cancer stop him from working with the kids he loves. "Do the boys know I'm sick?" he says. "Probably, but I don't mention it. I've only missed one game this season. Somehow I find a way to get myself to the dugout."
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/jun/25/little-league-skipper-coaches-through-cancer/

Maimah Karmo

Over at Jayne's Breast Cancer Blog, one remarkable survivor, Jayne England Byrne, profiles the work of another, Maimah Karmo. After Karmo's diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 32, she created the Tigerlily Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young women with breast cancer. As she explains it, "younger women have specific needs to their demographic - dating, insurance coverage, financial issues, fertility, coping with a longer lifespan while living with cancer or being metastatic, life after cancer, during college, dating, caring for younger children, not having a strong support system, being single, being in the prime of their lives and then having to face their mortality. Even the issue of them thinking they are too young and not being aware of their risks - someone needs to stand up and create a voice and a change for these younger women."
http://jaynesbreastcancerblog.com/2009/06/interview-with-maimah-karmo-part-1/

--Cat

Posted on June 26, 2009 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Reid Sacco

In a comment on our inaugural "With You, We Stand" post, Deb Sacco wrote in to share her family's story. Reid Sacco passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma at the age of 20; now, for the fifth year running, family and friends will participate in a 28-mile bike ride across Boston's North Shore to raise money for young adult cancer research. "After his gallant 2 year battle, we promised to make a difference, so no other young adult, so full of life, would have to struggle to live life," Deb wrote. To learn more about this year's Reid's Ride, which is right around the corner, visit www.reidsaccofoundation.org.

Peter Tork

In the Washington Post, Peter Tork, formerly one of the Monkees, writes in to tell his cancer story in his own words. Tork is facing adenoid cystic carcinoma, a relatively rare cancer of the mouth. "I recovered very quickly after my surgery, and I've been hoping that my better-than-average constitution will keep the worst effects of radiation at bay," he writes. "My voice and energy still seem to be in decent shape, so maybe I can pull these gigs off after all. Just in case, though, I've invited some friends to join me, including my friend Lauren, a world-class slide guitar player. People will be so dazzled by her that they won't notice whether I'm doing well. I'm also bringing in belly dancers, and I'm expecting a fly-over by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Maybe elephants."
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2009/07/my_blog_last_week_about.html?hpid=sec-health

Tom Weber

Tom Weber, a prostate cancer survivor from Wisconsin, has found a new way to stay upbeat about the disease: music. Weber writes songs with titles like "Little Prostate Let Me Down" and performs them at a local cancer care center. By putting a funny slant on some of the more negative side effects of prostate cancer treatment, including incontinence and sexual dysfunction, Weber says he's found a way to keep smiling through his illness. "I believe in having humor in my life every day," he said.
http://www.htrnews.com/article/20090707/MAN0101/907070430/1984/MAN04

"srutledge"

Another SU2C Blog reader shared her story in the comments on June 26. srutledge was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the age of 30; today, eight years later, she's cancer free. She writes, "I had only heard sad, depressing stories about melanoma. I knew it was the most fatal cancer. I was, in a nutshell, freaking out . . . I let fear hold onto me for years. One day I was in my dermatologist's office and I said, Why don't we ever hear good stories about melanoma? He said to me, Share yours. It is a success story. That moment was defining for me . . . I have decided this cancer won't rule my life. I will not be fearful, but thankful."

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on July 7, 2009 5:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Emily Zimmerman

Just a few months after completing chemotherapy for leukemia, Emily Zimmerman, 12, is helping to organize a fundraiser to give back to two charities that helped during her treatment, The Jeremy Foundation and the Casey Cares Foundation. Emily and her friends will stuff baskets to be used as prizes in a charity bingo game and are hoping to raise $5,000. And the experience has also helped her figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. "I want to be child life specialist," she says. "They're the people who work in the playroom at the hospital. They kept me busy. Then I want to be a nurse."
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1717116

Janis Tacy

Janis shared her cancer story with us in a recent blog comment. At 61, she's survived both melanoma and breast cancer. She writes, "Early detection is the key . . . My melanoma was small and had developed on my back in the six months between visits to my dermatologist. It was in the early stage and completely removed. My breast cancer was caught on a screening mammogram and finally diagnosed June 1, 2009. Fortunately, it was less than 1 cm and a slow grower. I had a lumpectomy on June 9 and am in the process of healing . . . I feel blessed that both times my cancers were caught early. Please get your mammogram and see your dermatologist. Early detection takes the fear out of a cancer diagnosis."

Alison Rubin

Alison got through her chemotherapy using techniques she'd learned as a yoga teacher of over 25 years. "Be still," she would tell herself during three-hour stretches of treatment. "Be open to the moment." Now she's starting a series of yoga classes in Spokane designed for women with breast cancer. The eight-week series will teach students to gently stretch and strengthen their bodies while learning to relax. "Knowing that you have cancer can be scary," Rubin says. "Yoga has made the difference between me getting well with ease and the possibility of struggling through the cancer."
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/jul/14/an-escape-from-cancer/

Deborah Lewis

In this article for the LA Times, cancer survivor Deborah Lewis describes living - "well" or not - as the best revenge. She addresses an issue familiar to many with cancer, the implication from those around them that they got sick because of lifestyle choices. "They must have done something wrong, their diet must be flawed or they are overweight or drink too much or don't drink enough," she writes. Lewis, who had always maintained a healthy lifestyle, asks that we suspend judgment against those who get cancer. "We know too much, and it is perfectly understandable that we are greedy for every bit of life and health we can grab," she says. "But there should also be room to grab onto the things that make life joyful and fun. Perhaps the trick is to acknowledge that there is no magic formula for keeping our bodies going. We're all guessing here."
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-cancerfirstperson6-2009jul06,0,2407853.story

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on July 14, 2009 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Frank McCourt

This week brought the news that Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, has passed away from metastatic melanoma. After moving from Limerick, Ireland to New York City at the age of 19, McCourt taught high school English for nearly 30 years before writing his childhood memoirs in his mid-60s. "I think there's something about the Irish experience -- that we had to have a sense of humor or die," McCourt once told an interviewer. "That's what kept us going -- a sense of absurdity, rather than humor."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/20/books/20mccourt.html?pagewanted=1&em

Ryan Tomoff
Ryan Tomoff, a 14-year-old native of Annapolis, Maryland, has already faced cancer three times in a short number of years: his acute lymphoblastic leukemia, first diagnosed at the age of 2, has recurred twice, once in 2002 and again in 2004. Now Ryan is a regional ambassador for Hyundai's Hope on Wheels, which raises money for cancer research. Says Dr. Aziza Shad, chief of the department of pediatrics at the hospital where Ryan was treated, "He was a pillar of hope for himself, for his parents, and no matter what happened, (he) remained positive . . . He's gone back to a normal life and he gets the most out of life. It's a very thrilling feeling; it's a wonderful feeling to see him stand up there."
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/top/2009/07/20-25/3-time-cancer-survivor-shares-story-offers-hope.html

Pamela's Abuelita

In a comment on last week's edition of With You, We Stand, reader Pamela shared a link to a blog entry where she remembers her grandmother, who passed away from colon cancer in 2007. "My grandma isn't around to see how clumsy my daughter is, just like her mom," Pamela writes. "She won't be around for Natalie's quinceanera. She won't be sitting on the second row of her wedding. But I know that forever and always she'll be looking down at us smiling. This is who I'm writing for. This is my muse. My inspiration. My Abuelita."
http://pamelaperez.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/grandmother/

Adam Yauch
This week also brought the news that Adam Yauch, better known to many as MCA of the Beastie Boys, has cancer of the salivary gland. Yauch announced the news in a video posted to the band's Web site; their upcoming tour has been cancelled so he can undergo surgery for the rare, though usually curable, form of the disease. "It is a little setback, a pain in the ass, but this is very treatable in most cases," Yauch says in the video. "And they've caught it early, so that's the good news. So that's what's up."
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20090720/beastie-boy-adam-yauch-has-salivary-gland-cancer

As always, we invite you to share the stories that inspire and motivate you in the comments below.

Posted on July 21, 2009 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Faye Harris

In a piece for the Huffington Post entitled "Unemployed Due to Illness, Glad to Be Alive," Faye Harris tells her cancer story. At 51, Harris was diagnosed with rectal cancer and wound up losing her accountant position at Emory University Hospital. In spite of everything she's been through since her diagnosis, Harris says she's happier now than before: "I have to get up and say every morning I'm alive. Being above ground is a good thing . . . Even though I'm suffering, people in some places have it a little worse, so get up off your butt and start your day."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/27/unemployed-due-to-illness_n_244297.html

Judy Elsley

This article out of Ogden, Utah, tells the story of British professor, Judy Elsley, who after facing cancer at the age of 23 realized "she was mortal, life was short, and if there were things she wanted to do, she had better get on and do them." After finding her way to Weber State University in 1990, Elsley became the leader of several campus programs, found inspiration working with nontraditional students, and even became an expert quilter. "Having gone through something like Hodgkins, there wasn't much else that was very scary to me," she says in the piece. "So when I thought of taking the risk of giving up my job, selling all my stuff in England, gathering up my money and coming over here on a visitor's visa, I just said: 'Go for it.' And I've pretty much had that attitude ever since."
http://www.standard.net/live/news/179247

Kaylin Marie

Kaylin's blog, "Cancer is Hilarious: Terminally Illin'," covers her treatment and recovery after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. With raw honesty and plenty of humor, Kaylin provides an amazing look at the experience twenty-somethings with cancer face when they "refuse to go the way of headscarves and hospital gowns." She writes in her most recent entry, "Life after cancer is a wonderful and terrifying thing - my body feels stronger with every passing day, but my psyche is taking quite the beating . . . Though chemo was the toughest trial of my life, I was able to revert to a safe, catatonic state in which I had no responsibility other than getting well. Now I've got to start living again."
http://cancerisnotfunny.blogspot.com/

Jack Beckman
This story out of Sonoma, California tells the story of Jack Beckman, a cancer survivor and professional drag racer, who now spends his free time visiting the cancer ward at his local hospital to help fellow patients through the treatment process. He tells his story honestly: "I am the same person I was before, with 10 percent less energy. Somber? Yes, I think that's a good word for it. I'm a little bit somber about it. I don't have the same edge I had before . . . Anyone who has cancer or who has survived cancer should continue to do what they find gives them joy. And drag racing gives me my joy."
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090725/NEWS/907259962?Title=Cancer-survivor-Jack-Beckman-Drag-racing-gives-me-joy-

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on July 28, 2009 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dana Jennings
If you haven't read Dana Jennings occasional guest entries on the NYT's Well Blog, now's a great time to start. Jennings has been blogging about his experiences since being diagnosed with prostate cancer. In his most recent entry, he writes about gratitude: "I'm well past the anger that I felt after my diagnosis, but I still get frustrated sometimes by the physical challenges I face in the wake of prostate cancer, wishing that by mid-afternoon my brain wouldn't become a test pattern as my body begs for a nap," he says. "Gratitude is an antidote to the dark voice of illness that whispers to us, that insists that all we have become is our disease. Living in the shadow of cancer has granted me a kind of high-definition gratitude. I've found that when you're grateful, the world turns from funereal gray to incandescent Technicolor."
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/jennings/

Megan Engle-Shroeder

In a comment on last week's "With You, We Stand," one of SU2C's followers on Facebook, Megan Engle-Shroeder, shared her story. "I'm battling skin cancer while pregnant and it's a lot tougher than I lead on at times," she wrote. "My reality is looking at my scars . . . the eye-opening part is it opens your eyes to the true value of life and how fragile, precious and unappreciated it is."

Deborah Marqui

An article in the Chicago Tribune profiles Deborah Marqui, who retreated to her two-acre garden during recovery from two battles with cancer, and has now opened up the space as a "healing garden" for others facing the same struggle. "I'm not a master gardener; these are not formal gardens," she says. "But I don't look at it as work. I found that when I was in the gardens, I lost track of time and had no thoughts of cancer and whether it would come back . . . I see this as a gift from God that I can share with others."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-healing-garden-w-zone-29-jul29,0,5064865.story

Alec and Vananh Martinez

In this moving tribute out of Oregon, a community remembers Alec Martinez, age three, who recently passed away from an ependymoma brain tumor. Alec was diagnosed a few months after his mother, Vananh, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. "Last year, around this time, Vananh's duties as a mom changed," said Alec's uncle Duyanh. "She was diagnosed with cancer and it changed her ability to be a mom a little bit. After several months of therapy and treatment, Alec was diagnosed with his own cancer. Vananh wiped her tears away and went onto another level as a mom. From that day on, you would never see her complaining or talking about herself. That showed me a lot about her strength."
http://beavertonvalleytimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=124896930052302200

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on August 4, 2009 4:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ron Mutka
Cancer survivor Ron Mutka has turned what some might call an unusual hobby, crocheting, into a source of comfort for cancer patients in his community of Loveland, Colorado. During treatment at McKee Medical Center, Mutka crocheted scarves as gifts for the hospital staff; now that he's recovered, he makes pink scarves for women going through breast cancer treatment. "Just tell them some old fart made it," he told the staff before handing them out. Of the patients who receive his anonymous gifts, he says, "I saw those women lose their hair and thought it must be hard for them. It just makes you feel good to do it."
http://www.reporterherald.com/features/Feature-Story.asp?section=Neighbors&ID=24398

Bits of Myself

Bits of Myself is the blog of a new mom undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She details the side-effects of her chemo and the struggle to keep parenting the way she wants honestly, and with plenty of humor. "the nurses are great so far," she writes in one entry. "he pharmacist = FAIL. it took foreverrrrrr to get my pain meds, and frankly they're no better than what i take at home. one likes to imagine that at least while in the hospital, pain might be better managed. ahem."
http://bitsofmyself.com/

Kristi

In a comment on last week's With You, We Stand, a reader named Kristi wrote in to share her story. "At age 24 I was diagnosed with maligament melanoma," she says. At the time I had a 1 year old and a 6 week old baby. I was scared out of my mind and didn't know what to do. Cancer really made me look at myself and do a lot of changing. I no longer fret over the little things and I appreciate everyone around me . . . with the love I had for my kids i was armored with the determination to become a survivor. I have been clear of all disease for about six months. I don't know what will happen five years from now. But I do know I will fight with all my heart and continue the fight against this disease."

Dawn Anderson

After facing basal cell carcinoma two years ago, Dawn Anderson of Gilbert, Arizona decided to fight back - with style. The 35-year-old created a website, SunBling.com, to sell handcrafted sun-sensitive jewelry that changes colors when exposed to direct sunlight. Bracelets are $7, necklaces $14, and a portion of all proceeds goes to skin cancer research. "It's really just an awareness thing," she says. "I don't ever want another girl to have to go through this. That's kind of what prompted me to get going with all of this."
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/142716

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on August 11, 2009 4:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Erica Rex

In a blog post for the New York Times, Erica Rex, diagnosed last year with breast cancer, looks at the high cost of cancer care. Her piece, "Cancer I Can't Afford," offers a firsthand perspective on managing the exorbitant co-pays and bills that come from treatments including a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Eventually Rex and her boyfriend decided to move to the UK. "Finding out I had breast cancer came as a shock," she writes. "But the really rude awakening was learning I'm not middle class anymore."
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/12/cancer-i-cant-afford/

Amelia Frahm
This article out of Decatur, Alabama looks at a mom who, following a mastectomy, was inspired to write a children's book to explain "why Mommy always seemed to be feeling bad or grumpy." The mother of two wrote "Tickles Tabitha's Cancer-tankerous Mommy" and later founded her own publishing company, which sells the book. "Companies told me they didn't think there was a market for children's books about moms with cancer," she said. "But that was 15 years ago, and now things have changed . . . The main thing is I really want people to know that there is a children's book and cancer education program out there."
http://www.wkrg.com/raw_news/article/survivor-writes-kids-book-to-explain-cancer/268379/Aug-17-2009_3-07-am/

Joanne Munding
In a comment on last week's edition of With You, We Stand, Joanne Munding shared some inspiring words: "Being diagnosed is not the end, sometimes it is the beginning. I have been diagnosed several times and each time I fought back, but you know what? We are not victims, we are not to be pitied! We are survivors and thrivers!"

Ann Marie Della Fera
This article looks at kidney cancer survivor Ann Marie Della Fera, who in the months following removal of her cancerous kidney was inspired to record a CD of covers from the '40s to today. Now, having completed a lifelong dream, she offers the CD for free in return for a donation to the Kidney Cancer Association. "It's about how I can affect other people - getting the word out about kidney cancer and getting the word out about finding your passion," she said. "Everybody has a dream. You don't want to be at the end of your life and say, 'Why didn't I learn to cook? Why didn't I go to Spain or learn to horseback ride? Don't live life with regrets."
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090816/ENCORE01/908159966/-1/OPINION01

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on August 18, 2009 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Brian Nelson

Writing for the NYT Well Blog, Brian Nelson provides a window into an aspect of cancer many people are unaware of: changes in appearance. After being diagnosed and treated for head and neck cancer, he suffers from chronic facial swelling. He writes, "My neighbor's 3-year-old daughter treats me just like everyone else, someone to flirt with! So if you see a slightly hobbled, melon-headed man wearing a hat, walking toward you with a stick, just say, 'Hi, it's a great day, isn't it?' And I'll say, 'Yep, it's a great day,' and feel it too."
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/20/when-cancer-changes-your-appearance/?em

Marge Lees

Marge, who we featured in SUTV last winter, recently updated us on her struggle with cancer. "It will be a year [since diagnosis with colorectal cancer] in September," she said. "I'm still being closely monitored by my oncologist as she says it likes to come back. It's weird, but I don't feel like the same person I was. I feel like there has to be another purpose in life for me, but I just haven't figured it out. I want to do something, but I'm not sure what. I was so happy to see that one of the dream teams will be involved in pancreatic cancer. That is what my dad died from." To learn more about Marge's story, click here:
http://www.standup2cancer.org/sutv?sid=2&vid=3458

Sean Berry

After facing renal cell carcinoma, Houston Astros coach Sean Berry decided to change his life. Already accustomed to a rigorous workout routine, he now works out 30 to 45 minutes six times a week, does Pilates at home and has cut red meat out of his diet. "Recovery was the hardest part," he nores. "Being told I couldn't do things that are second nature: running, lifting weights and working out . . . I like being in the stadium. I'm not training to play. I'm training to be strong so I can do my job."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6578539.html

Faith Coleman

Faith Coleman describes her kidney cancer diagnosis as "one of the absolute greatest blessings" of her life. Coleman was diagnosed in 2003, when she was working as a nurse practitioner with no health insurance of her own. Now in remission, she's determined to help those without insurance get proper medical care through the free clinic she cofounded in Bunnell, Florida. "I have been given another chance, and I felt that it was important for me to make a difference and to help other people," she says.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/08/20/cnnheroes.faith.coleman/index.html

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on August 25, 2009 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Senator Ted Kennedy

Last week Ted Kennedy, the "lion of the Senate," passed away from brain cancer. Over the course of his 46 years representing Massachusetts in the Senate, Kennedy led the US' effort to impose sanctions on South Africa over apartheid, denounced the Vietnam War and co-sponsored numerous acts of legislation designed to bring better health care to US citizens, including, in March of this year, a bill focused on improving cancer prevention, detection and treatment. "His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity, in families that know new opportunity, in children who know education's promise, and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just -- including myself," said President Obama.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/us/politics/27kennedy.html

Kathryn Rae Hunt Mortenson

This moving article from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune looks at the life of Kate Hunt Morenson, wife, mother, volunteer and cancer blogger, who recently passed away from paraganglioma at the age of 37. For four years, she wrote on her website about her radiation and patient advocacy, inspiring those who, like her, were facing rare cancers. "Meeting Kate is a life-changing experience for most people," said one of her friends. "She was like a magnet. She drew you in. She was genuine and sincere, and she cared about you as if you were the only person in the room."
http://www.startribune.com/local/54879942.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:U0ckkD:aEyKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Dominick Dunne

Last week, Dominick Dunne, journalist and novelist, lost his battle with bladder cancer at the age of 83. In a piece remembering his life, Brooks Peters describes Dunne as "the life of the party," and recounts many of the incidents that marked his journalistic career. "Dunne was not afraid to take risks with his books," Peters writes. "He often tackled thorny issues with a fervor and boldness that were actually ahead of their time . . . Even at the end of his life, when the party was winding down, and Dunne knew he was deathly ill, he never lost his sense of humor or his gratitude for his good fortune."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brooks-peters/life-of-the-party_b_271163.html

Stefania Ocsay Mustain

In a comment on last week's "With You, We Stand," reader Stefania wrote in with her story. "I am encouraged by reading everyone's story," she said. "My grandfather passed away two years ago after a battle with lymphoma. We never watched anyone's appearance change so drastically. He lost so much weight that he obviously looked ill. The one thing that I admired the most about my grandfather "bunu", was that he continued with his life after being diagnosed with cancer. He lived to see me, his 1st grand-daughter, pregnant with his 2nd GREAT-Grandchild! He has 9 grandchildren in all! He had some bee hives in the surrounding area. I remembered this about him the most. So much, that we wore bee pins at his wake and funeral. No matter how his appearance changed, we knew him on the inside and that is what we cherish the most."

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on September 1, 2009 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Ernie Harwell

This article from the Detroit News looks at the life of Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who for 19 years announced games at Tiger Stadium. Harwell was recently diagnosed with incurable cancer of the bile duct. Writes Neal Rubin, "Listeners always had the sense that Harwell was the nicest man on the planet. They were correct. He has a knack for deflecting and refocusing awe . . .You want to talk about him, but he wants to hear about you. He's a truly humble soul who has accepted last week's diagnosis with the same grace he accepted all the good things to come his way."
http://detnews.com/article/20090908/OPINION03/909080329/1005/LIFESTYLE/Ernie-Harwell-accepts-cancer-news-as-humbly-as-accolades

Dan Barry

In an article for the New York Times, Dan Barry, who has been through chemo twice in the past decade, writes about the effects that cancer treatment had on his mind. Arguing with the concept of "chemo brain," he writes: "Chemotherapy transformed me into a bald guy whose pallor was offset only by the hint of terror in his eyes. But the chemo also wiped away the muddle, revealing the world in all its mundane glory. I won't tell you that I wept at the sight of a puppy. But I did linger over my sleeping daughter to watch her tiny chest rise and fall. I did savor the complexities of a simple olive. I did notice fireflies, those dancing night sparks I had long ago stopped seeing."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/health/01case.html?_r=3&ref=health

Nina Gleason

A piece out of Visalia, California looks at the incredible life of Nina Gleason, a former Army spy turned whitewater-rafting chef. Now Gleason, who was treated for cancer three years ago, is helping to recruit participants for a long-term study aimed at identifying the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. "You just want your life to have a different quality" after surviving cancer, Gleason says. "You don't want to waste any of your time."
http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090908/NEWS01/909080322/Plucky+cancer+survivor+pushes+participation+in+research

Cindy Selig Sabin

In a Facebook comment on last week's edition of "With You, We Stand," Cindy Selig Sabin shared her story. She wrote, "My dear mother passed away August 5th from colon cancer and fought the good fight. Never let cancer rule her life. She was diagnosed at 83 and given three weeks to live. She lived to 85, an amazing quality of life all the way to her last breath. I say, how beautiful that I was there as she took her last breath, as she was there as I took my first. I will ALWAYS stand up to cancer."

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on September 11, 2009 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kathryn Joosten

Kathryn Joosten, two-time Emmy winner for her role on "Desperate Housewives," recently revealed that she is facing lung cancer a second time, after triumphing over the disease in 2001. Joosten, who quit smoking the day she was diagnosed for the first time, hopes to raise awareness of the disease and erase some of its stigma. "The first thing everyone says is, 'Did you smoke?' Yeah, I smoked," she says. "I got addicted because the tobacco companies add additives to their tobacco to make it more addictive. I'm damned mad at all of them. But that stigma has to go away. No one deserves lung cancer."
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/14/kathryn.joosten.cancer/

Cindy Castner

In a blog for readingeagle.com, breast cancer survivor Cindy Castner writes about her experiences facing down the disease twice. She documents honestly the feelings she experiences while undergoing what so many women before her have, writing, "One good day, one bad day. The day of surgery draws nearer and it gets more real. Today I spent wonderful, precious time with my granddaughter. I hold her close and look into her beautiful face. I wish and I hope and I pray that I get to see her grow up. I think about how hard this is to believe. Is this really happening?"
http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=157730

Nicole Rowe

Rowe, 40, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and learned she would need to undergo a double mastectomy. Her response? A trip to Atlantic City to enter a women's poker tournament. During the succession of card games, Rowe encouraged other female participants to get sonograms alongside their yearly mammograms. In the end, she took home the second-place prize of $11,000. "The whole reason was to keep my mind off of reality, which was cancer," Rowe said. "There was a buzz in the casino . . . I had strangers coming up to me, hugging me, telling me I was going to be all right."
http://news.aol.com/article/cancer-patient-nicole-rowe-finds/671972

Brian Moran

This article out of Westmont, Illinois looks at the life of Brian Moran, who, after being diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 17, decided to dedicate his life to cancer treatment. Now, as medical director of the Chicago Prostate Center, Moran helps men every day toward earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer. "Over the last few years, we are seeing a lot more men coming in for the testing now than they were a few years ago, and coming in earlier for it," Moran notes in the piece. "A lot of is that their wives and girlfriends are encouraging them to get tested."
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/westmont/newsnow/x2023997669/Cancer-survivor-dedicates-life-to-detection

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on September 22, 2009 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

William Safire
Safire, formerly a Nixon speechwriter and a Pulitzer Prize-winning political columnist for the New York Times, passed away Sunday from pancreatic cancer at the age of 79. Safire was also the author of "On Language," a New York Times Magazine column that looked at the origins and meanings of words and phrases. In an NYT obituary, he is remembered for his witty commentary and his indomitable humor - even in the face of criticism from his opponents.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/us/28safire.html?_r=1&hp


Andrew Skoda
Skoda, a high school junior from Chicago, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor at the age of 7. After a recurrence at the age of 11 and multiple surgeries, he began writing about the ups and downs of his treatment in hopes that his story could help others going through the same thing. Today his story is part of a book called "The Little Prince Who Taught a Village to Sing," and proceeds from its sale benefit the Midwest Children's Brain Tumor Center. He says, "I wrote about what happened and all the feelings that I was going through from the day I was diagnosed until the last surgery to try and calm kids down and give them a point of view of what might happen and show them everything is okay."
http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1790620,092809stellarstudent.article


Sarah Joanis
In this article out of Chicago, Joanis, who is facing a recurrence of ovarian cancer while pregnant, shares a dilemma that one in every 1,000 women in the US face: whether to begin cancer treatment while carrying a baby. Joanis eventually elected to have her left ovary removed at 28 weeks into the pregnancy; after her daughter was born, she had a hysterectomy. "I was supposed to be OK," she wrote on her blog (sarahjoanis.blogspot.com). "I was supposed to go on with life with one less fallopian tube. Big deal. But here I am now. Standing at the start of what is going to be the longest and hardest journey of my life."
http://www.freep.com/article/20090928/FEATURES08/909280302/1033/Pregnancy-and-cancer-collide--creating-agonizing-choices-for-couple


Charles Snodgrass
In a comment on last week's "With You, We Stand," reader Charles Snodgrass shared his story. "I was married in September 2002 and the following June I was hit with prostate cancer," he wrote. "I was only 47 years old. I'm 54 now and things are still okay, thanks to the doctor who treated me and helped me along when I didn't think I could take anymore. I was depressed and thought my life was over, but it wasn't, I have learned to live life to the fullest and enjoy every day."


As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on September 29, 2009 5:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Susan Snodgrass and Shahla Masood

In this article out of Florida, two physicians who have faced breast cancer share their stories. Shahla Masood is the medical director of UF-Shands Jacksonville's breast health center; Susan Snodgrass is director of breast imaging at Shands. In a talk about breast cancer detection and treatment, Snodgrass reminded women that symptoms of breast cancer may vary, so it's important to discuss any changes in your breasts with your doctor; Masood noted that while a breast cancer diagnosis sounds dire, it's important to stay positive. "There are always worse things that can happen to us," she said. "Breast cancer compared to other cancers is a piece of cake."
http://jacksonville.com/interact/blog/jeremy_cox/2009-10-01/health_caring_two_physicians_share_breast_cancer_battle_stories

Dana Jennings

In another contribution to the NYT's Well Blog, Jennings writes about the depression he is facing following treatment for an aggressive case of prostate cancer. Noting that as many as 25% of cancer patients develop depression, Jennings writes, "This isn't about sadness or melancholy. It's more profound than that . . . Cancer feels bleaker than other diseases. Even though my health keeps improving, and there's a good chance that I'm cancer free, I still feel stalked, as if the cancer were perched on my shoulder like some unrepentant imp."
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/after-cancer-treatment-waiting-for-the-sadness-to-lift/?hp

Mark Herzlich

Facing down a diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma at the age of 22, Herzlich, a linebacker for the Boston College Eagles, recently shared his story with ESPN. His oncologist is almost certain the cancer is gone, but has yet to do a biopsy; meanwhile, Herzlich is happy to be back on campus in the company of his teammates, though he cannot play - yet. "Being part of the football team was probably the biggest part," he said. "Being welcomed back into the football team the way I was can lift anyone's spirits."
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/ncf/news/story?id=4526574

Alexandra Avakian

Avakian, a photojournalist by profession, has been documenting her battle with breast cancer in a series of self-portraits. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease in 2007, Avakian has photographed everything from her treatment to wig-shopping in Virginia. She writes, "Cancer puts everything into perspective. It makes life's annoyances smaller, and life's pleasures more intense. It can also increase one's sense of determination . . . In tribute to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and those struggling with breast cancer, I wanted to share a few pictures from those months."
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/behind-18/

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on October 6, 2009 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Budge and Arlene Brown

After losing his wife Arlene to breast cancer in 2005, Budge Brown, a Napa Valley winemaker, found a unique away to raise awareness of the disease - his Cleavage Creek wines, which feature the faces of breast cancer survivors on their bottles and benefit breast cancer research. The Cleavage Creek wines include a cabernet sauvignon, petit sirah and cabernet-syrah, all award-winners. The stories of the women featured on this year's Cleavage Creek wines are available on his vineyard's website. "Wasn't any grand plan," Brown says of the project. "It all just came together. A lot of wines have forgettable names, but people remember 'Cleavage.'"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,560440,00.html

Tess Gallagher

Gallagher, a noted poet and the widow of famed short story writer Raymond Carver, shares how her battle with cancer "quickened her clock," giving her the courage to take care of her terminally ill mother, buy the cottage in Ireland she'd always dreamed of and go toe-to-toe with a publishing giant to preserve Carver's legacy. "Having cancer made me realize, 'you better get your dream accomplished.' Right now is the moment," she says. "I think I take a lot more chances," she said. "Cancer gave me all kinds of courage and quickened my clock."
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_tess_gallagher.html

Dominic Osorio

Dominic is a 7-year-old boy from Maryland fighting brain cancer - but thanks to some creative storytelling on the part of his mom, Nicole, he's come to think he's a superhero fighting evil with every difficult procedure or treatment. Inspired by his story, a friend raised funds to create a comic book about the superhero "Dominator," who wears a red body suit with a big blue D on the chest. Though Dominic continues to fight against the tumor - and the forces of evil - his grandmother reports that he isn't giving up. "He has been fighting for two years, and he is still fighting," she said. "He always told us to believe. We are still hoping there is one more treatment to try."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,562240,00.html

Gloria Mallory and Becky

In this moving piece out of South Dakota, writer Brady Mallory describes his mother Gloria's heroism in facing breast cancer as well as the same heroism he recently saw in a woman named Becky. "She had just had chemotherapy the day before . . . not once did she say her condition was an injustice," he writes. "Instead, and gracefully so, she said, 'You can choose to stay in bed every day, or you can choose to get out of bed and fight. I choose to fight.'" He adds, "As a 22-year-old man, my hero is still very much my mother."
http://media.www.sdsucollegian.com/media/storage/paper484/news/2009/10/07/OpinionEditorial/Mother.Displays.Heroism.In.Her.Breast.Cancer.Battle-3795834.shtml

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on October 14, 2009 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Peter Criss

Criss, the original drummer in KISS, is celebrating a year since completing treatment for breast cancer. The disease is almost always seen in women; male cases represent less than one percent a year. That's why Criss is helping to raise awareness of the disease in men, who he says can feel embarrassed about the possibility of having the disease. To men who notice lumps in their breasts, Criss says: "Don't sit around playing Mr. Tough Guy. Don't say 'It's going to go away.' It might not and you might not see life anymore and how beautiful that is."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/15/male.breast.cancer/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Stefanie Spielman

This touching article out of Ohio looks at Stefanie Spielman and her husband Chris, a former linebacker for Ohio State. In 1998 Stefanie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and the disease has recurred multiple times since then. In the piece, Chris celebrates his wife's courage in facing what he calls "her biggest challenge" yet again. Since 1999, the Spielmans have helped raise over $6.5 million for cancer research. "They're strong," says Spielman's former coach. "It's easy for us to say, 'That's how you should be.' It's a heck of a lot harder to be that way -- and they are. They're amazing."
http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2009/10/20/1A_SPIELMANS.ART_ART_10-20-09_D1_UOFDQTF.html?sid=101

Alan Margolies

At the age of 56, Margolies was diagnosed with prostate cancer during a routine physical for a life insurance policy. Now, three years later, he appears to be cancer-free, and is leading a prostate cancer support group in his town of Jacksonville, Florida. Thirty-five men came out for the group's first meeting, which connected newly diagnosed men with men who have been through prostate cancer treatment. "To be with other men who have dealt with prostate cancer is an opportunity and a privilege," he says. "In battling cancer your mental attitude is crucial. It's important to feel positive."
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-10-20/story/prostate_cancer_survivor_leads_new_support_group

Marianne Godfrey
This article out of Atlanta remembers Godfrey, who faced down breast cancer twice in her life - once in the sixties, when she was 32, and again 12 years ago when she was 68. Godfrey devoted her life to educating the public and raising money for the American Red Cross, and was a familiar face at American Cancer Society fundraising events; she passed away last week from congestive heart failure. "She was an unbelievable fighter," her son says. "If anybody ever had room to complain, moan or grown about her circumstances, it was her. But she never did."
http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/marianne-godfrey-80-offered-166389.html

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on October 20, 2009 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

John Gibbs

This article out of North Carolina tells the story of Beau's Buddies, a nonprofit providing a wide range of services and support for families facing cancer, and particularly of Dr. John Gibbs, a founding member of the organization who faced a cancer diagnosis himself in 2006. "I treated thousands of patients before, but now, when I look at the disease process after being a patient myself, I see that there is a medical aspect of treatment and a psychological and emotional aspect to treatment," Gibbs says. "I've started to learn that the heart is as important as the medicine, particularly with a disease like cancer."
http://www.reflector.com/news/beaus-buddies-gather-to-fight-cancer-918143.html

Jodi and Cici Beutel

Jodi Beutel, who owns a hair salon in Rochester, New York, was inspired to take action following the deaths of her mother-in-law, Cici, and a longtime client, Kim, from breast cancer. Six years ago, Jodi began an annual "Cut-a-thon" designed to raise money for breast cancer research; haircuts cost $15, and all proceeds are donated to the Breast Cancer Coalition. In this article, Jodi recalls shaving Kim's head for her when chemotherapy began to make her hair fall out. "We cried while we did it," Jodi says. "We hugged. I was glad I could do it for her."
http://www.13wham.com/guides/health/story/Haircuts-Help-Fight-Breast-Cancer/HHhUYHDTnU2wR-d0sKD6CQ.cspx

Laurren Smith

Laurren Smith is a Dallas-area 13-year-old facing down a rare form of cancer. When her doctors warned her family she might not make it to Christmas, the community rallied around her to create Christmas in October. Their parade included fancy cars, trucks and a Christmas-themed float done in hot pink and zebra stripes - Laurren's favorite colors. "We believe that a miracle is still possible," says one of the parade's organizers. "But we believe that part of the miracle is about how many people's lives a 13-year-old girl can touch."
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-earlyChristmas_26met.ART.State.Edition1.4bace7a.html

Heather Insley Klein

In a Facebook comment on last week's "With You, We Stand," Heather shared her story: "I stand up for my aunt who has a crazy stomach cancer usually found in men over 70. She's fighting like mad! I also stand up for all the women in my life who were diagnosed with breast cancer and so far beaten it. I love you all so much."

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on October 27, 2009 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Elena, Brooke and Keith Desserich

In this heartbreaking journal, parents Brooke and Keith Desserich remember their young daughter's fight with brain cancer, as well as the notes and drawings Elena left hidden around their home in the last months of her life. "That night, the doctors sent us home for rest, but after they told us that our daughter had only 135 days to live, sleep wasn't in our plans," Keith writes in one entry. "Still we smiled, wiped the tears from our eyes and tried to pretend that everything was all right."
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33505113/ns/today-today_books/

Chuck Biscuits

Biscuits, punk drummer for bands like Black Flag and Danzig, has passed away from throat cancer at the age of 44. Known for his energetic drumming style, Biscuits - born Charles Montgomery - was influential in both the punk and metal genres. "It came very natural to him," said the drummer for the Descendants, Bill Stevenson. "He was hugely influential without really being as 'famous' as drummers who were actually much less influential musically."
http://www.zimbio.com/Chuck+Biscuits/articles/RvWU9dtSUA3/Chuck+Biscuits+Drummer+Black+Flag+Danzig+Dies

Rick Lyke

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 47, Lyke, from Charlotte, NC, decided to fight back in a unique way - he founded "Pints for Prostates," an organization that reaches out to men on the importance of prostate screening through beer festivals and events held in pubs. "The pink ribbon campaign has really made it possible for women to talk about breast cancer, so we're trying to do the same thing for guys," Lyke said. "I'm hoping that there's a whole bunch of other guys out there who'll be able to experience the same thing [as me] -- see their families grow up and grow old."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/30/cancer.pints.prostates/index.html

Kelly Molineaux

Molineaux's story comes to us from Great Britain. The mother of two was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25 and is the youngest cancer patient ever to undergo a mastectomy at the hospital where she's being treated. The social worker made it home from treatment just in time to celebrate her twin sons' birthdays. "I hope that my story will encourage other women, who might think that they are too young for cancer, to check themselves -- it could save their life," she said.
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/north-warwickshire-news/2009/10/31/nuneaton-mum-battling-to-beat-breast-cancer-tells-her-story-92746-25054729/

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on November 3, 2009 1:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Abdul-Jabbar, who played in the NBA for twenty years and earned six championships and six MVP awards, recently went public with his battle with chronic myeloid leukemia. Abdul-Jabbar first learned he had the disease last year. "I think that someone like me, who has a public presence, because people pay attention to what's going on in my life, can help save some lives," he said. "I want to get the message across: this condition is treatable. I want to get people to go to doctors, take the medication. This disease can be managed and you can continue to live a very meaningful life."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/sports/basketball/10rhoden.html?_r=3&hp

Barbara Gray
Diagnosed with breast cancer was diagnosed with breast cancer around this time last year. Initially after completing treatment, Gray had a hard time embracing the term "survivor." Now, in a story in her local paper, she talks about recovering from both the disease and its after-effects - and learning to reach out to others to move forward with her own life. "I would just really urge people to do their annual mammograms," she said. "If you catch it in the early stages, then your prognosis is much better . . . This has been an exciting year for me. It hasn't been a year out of my life. It's been a great adventure."
http://www.theolympian.com/living/story/1029347.html

Nancy Thompson

This uplifting piece out of the Berkshires tells the story of a group of local cancer survivors who use humor to, in one member's words, "thrive and not just survive." The group's uplifting and educational events have grown from about 80 people in attendance to over 300. "There were just hundreds and hundreds of people there," said Thompson of the event that inspired the group. "And they were all having a good time. They were talking and laughing and eating. I saw that cancer doesn't have to take away from you."
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/local/ci_13744726

Robin Pelka

In a comment on last week's "With You, We Stand" entry, Denis J. Lanza shared his story: "My amazing, beautiful, loving and unique fiance, Robin Pelka, died on Saturday, September 19th at the age of 34 of brain cancer. I had already begun writing a blog in her memory at the time of her death. It is an account of the woman who changed my life forever. She is my soulmate and the love of my life. Please stop by and read about my angel. Thank you and God Bless you all."
http://denisandrobin.blogspot.com

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on November 10, 2009 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dominic Osorio

A while back we shared the story of Dominic Osorio, a 7-year-old boy from Maryland fighting brain cancer. Thanks to some creative storytelling on the part of his mom, Nicole, Dom came to think of himself s a superhero fighting evil with every difficult procedure or treatment. Inspired by his story, a friend raised funds to create a comic book about the superhero "Dominator," who wears a red body suit with a big blue D on the chest. Dominic recently lost his battle with the disease. "He always told us to believe," his mother said.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575302,00.html

Cheryl Snyder

This article our of New Port Richey, Florida, profiles Cheryl Snyder, who after beating cancer herself began the Diva Hope Foundation, which raises money for free breast, cervical and uterine cancer screenings for women in her area. "We just started this because of the need for it. There is nothing that local does that," she says. "The other foundations are great, but we want to take care of our community."
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/From-cancer-patient-to-crusader/d-wu0nYinEm0V7ytbGWK0Q.cspx

Janice Stompro

After undergoing a double mastectomy and four months of chemo, Janice Stompro decided to fight cancer again in another way: by compiling and selling cookbooks to raise money for research. For ten years, Stompro has released an annual "Recipes for Research" compilation. Recipes are submitted by both friends and celebrities, including five former first ladies. "I consider myself one of the lucky ones," Stompro says.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/trivalleyherald/localnews/ci_13786511

Dave Jacobs

In this piece out of Seattle, friends and family remember firefighter Dave Jacobs, who recently passed away from esophageal cancer. Jacobs had spoken about his battle with cancer at meetings of the State Council of Firefighters, and fought to prove that his form of cancer, as well as others, were occupational hazards. "My heart goes out to the other firefighters who have yet to be diagnosed," he said during his chemotherapy treatment. "This job is a killer."
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/412118_jacobs13.html?source=mypi

Posted on November 17, 2009 5:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dax Locke

Dax, a two-year-old with acute myeloid leukemia, may not have much longer to live, according to his doctors. So his community of Washington, Illinois has come together to bring a little early holiday cheer to Dax and his family, putting up Christmas decorations before Halloween and keeping them up straight through the holiday itself. "This is a family who stayed united and formed a team to help Dax," one neighbor says. "They gave everything they had. We're trying to do the same thing."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/11/18/decorate.dax/index.html

DeAnn Chatlosh

Chatlosh, a breast cancer survivor in remission for about eight years, is so passionate about finding a cure that she's even decorated an entire room of her house in all pink. She participates in walks to raise money for research, and even organized a craft and vendor show to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. She and her daughters are halfway to their $5,400 goal for the walk in June. "We want to find a cure," she says. "I've created a history for my daughters."
http://www.southtownstar.com/neighborhoodstar/tinleypark/1895732,112209TPbeat.article

Kairol Rosenthal

In a moving piece for the NYT Well Blog, Rosenthal writes about the impact thyroid cancer has had on her memory. The 37-year-old's account of how cancer has "reconfigured my body and mind" is a moving and honest testament to the powerful side effects of both the disease and its treatment. "My big leap is not quite as glamorous as running a marathon or climbing a mountain after treatment," she writes. "But it is hard work just the same. Exposing my rickety mind is getting slightly easier with time. Hopefully I'll have decades to practice."
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/when-cancer-muddles-the-mind/

Sophia Mohler

Sophia, a seven-year-old who just finished eight weeks of treatment for brain cancer, recently received a special gift courtesy of the Long Beach, CA Pink Hearts fund. The Pink Hearts were able to provide her with a new wig made from hair donated by Long Beach students. "We just want her to feel good about herself and be able to smile all the time," says Sophia's mother.
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=11555576

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on November 24, 2009 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Nitin Mongia

Mongia, a survivor of chronic myeloid leukemia and silver medalist at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, has turned his passion for sailing into a way to help his fellow cancer patients. Between hospital visits and chemotherapy sessions, Mongia takes patients out on his boat for a breath of fresh air. "Cancer may not always kill you, but it can leave you without any life," he says. What I do is help patients forget their daily hassles of medical tests and heavy medication for a while."
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Mongia-s-story--Fighting-cancer--sailing-to-hope/544680

Kathryn Brown

Brown, a two-time cancer survivor and deputy in the Bexar Counter Sheriff's Office in Texas, recently formed the Cancervive Foundation and hosted its first event, the Breast Cancer Awareness Motorcycle Bash. The fundraiser brought out a big crowd, including several biker chapters; Brown rides her own Harley Davidson to relieve stress. "You don't see very many minorities on the forefront trying to promote cancer awareness, so I wanted to be that trailblazer to let minorities know you don't have to be ashamed," she says.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/health/69537422.html

Randy Zisook and Jessica Neal

This Chicago Tribune article looks at the lives of two very different lung cancer patients. Zisook, diagnosed in 2007, is undergoing palliative care for the disease, which is terminal; Neal, a lifelong nonsmoker, had her tumor removed and is in remission. The two have teamed up to spread their message: that smoking kills, but lung cancer is also not just a smoker's disease. "There is a bond between cancer patients," Neal says. "You learn that life is precious, enjoy it while it lasts."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-lung-cancer-zones-18-nov18,0,5723649.story

Tyler Shipman

Shipman is an eighteen-year-old battling end stage cancer. He always dreamed of restoring his 1986 Pontiac Fiero. Now a group of Fiero lovers have joined forces to help him see that dream become a reality, contributing time and crucial parts to the project. "This weekend, the high school senior will sit back and watch his car take shape," the article's author writes. "His parents cannot believe what is happening. It has come down to time for Tyler. It means cherishing it tonight, teaching the rest of us to embrace it."
http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/27097/

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on December 1, 2009 2:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jack Ganster

After facing brain cancer in 2003, 47-year-old Ganster decided to combine his love of the great outdoors with his desire to help other survivors. As co-founder of a new organization called Survivor's Outdoor Experience, he now gets to do just that, bringing cancer survivors of all ages the opportunity to learn about the benefits of healthy, active living. Classes start in January and will include yoga, healthy cooking classes, and a snowshoe demonstration. "I know that I may still face more complications from this potentially deadly disease, but as I returned from my exhilarating outing, I knew that life was not out to get me," Ganster said. "I was out to get life!"
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20091207/news/312079993

Ellie Othick-Bowmaker

Ellie is a 14-year-old girl from the UK who has been facing down cancer since 2007. Now the young patient has directed her efforts toward raising money for a children's brain tumor charity called Ali's Dream, recording three songs with her uncle, Glenn Coggin, and selling the CDs in local music stores for five pounds apiece, the majority of which will go to Ali's. "Ellie's brilliant," her uncle said. "She's doing well and her sense of humor is still there. We're all really proud of her."
http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/Ellies-on-song-for-childrens.5888686.jp

Jothy Rosenberg

At the age of 16, Rosenberg lost a leg to osteogenic sarcoma; three years later, he had two-fifths of his lungs removed. Now the two-time cancer survivor, who went on to become an accomplished athlete and found six technology companies, has written a memoir designed to help others overcome obstacles, "Who Says I Can't." "The book is really about when something bad happens to you -- whatever it is, it could be cancer, depression or getting a divorce -- you need to find tools to bounce back," said Rosenberg.
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/needham/2009/12/cancer_survivor_hopes_book_wil.html

Patricia Ross

Ross faced breast cancer twice, in 1997 and then again in 2008, and the second time around, finding herself unable to work because of treatment, it was her local Salvation Army that helped get her through financially, providing Christmas gifts for her kids. Now Ross is giving back, volunteering at the food bank in her local town and giving two Salvation Army coordinators angel pins. "They helped us, so we want to help them," she said. "Every one of those people care about you, it doesn't matter what your situation is. If I need help in the future, I'll know who to turn to."
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20091203/NEWS01/912030332

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on December 8, 2009 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bryant Gumbel

Last week, Gumbel, host of HBO's Real Sports, revealed that he was recovering from surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his chest cavity, near his lung. According to his spokesperson, Gumbel's prognosis is good; the tumor was not in the lung, as some previously believed. Gumbel was one of the first sports announcers to make the switch to general entertainment. His spokesperson added that he'd be back to work without missing a show.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2009-12-08-gumbel-tumor_N.htm

Rachel Flotard

Flotard, the lead singer and songwriter of the band Visqueen, took a break from her music for several years to care for her father as he fought prostate cancer. After his death in April, she threw herself into her music again, and Visqueen's new album Message to Garcia is full of songs she wrote during his illness. Surprisingly uplifting and upbeat, the album kept her "alive and normal during a completely abnormal time," Flotard says. You can hear some of the songs at the link below.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121402293

Chris Pablo

After battling cancer for 14 years, Pablo, a tireless advocate for cancer patients, recently passed away at the age of 59. He worked for 15 years as director of public affairs for Kaiser Permanente before going on to work in health policy law, and "gave hope to countless others with cancer, telling them they can survive and be productive." Among other things, Pablo arranged organ donor drives and worked with fellow leukemia patients to help them get through their treatment.
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20091210_chris_pablo_advocate_for_cancer_patients_dies_at_age_59.html

Joni Jasterzbski

After surviving stage IV breast cancer, Jasterzbski, of Wayne, New Jersey, was inspired by the random acts of kindness of total strangers she experienced during her treatment. Now she's "paying it forward" through the same organization that was so good to her, working with an organization called Hearts of Hope that provides hand-painted ceramic hearts and notes of support to cancer patients. "This past year has been incredibly hard and very draining emotionally for me and my family but creating these hearts has filled mine right back up with hope," she said.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/78940007.html

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on December 15, 2009 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Katie Widmar

One of the things Katie Widmar remembers most clearly about chemotherapy is the cold. The 22-year-old relied on a fleece blanket to keep her warm during her 2006 battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and now Widmar brings donated fleece blankets to the same oncology ward where she received treatment. "Christine Kosmeja, a 42-year-old with a bright smile and a bald head, confides that she's had a rough couple of days," the author of the article writes. "When she sees the blanket, she breaks down sobbing. 'It's perfect,' she says, pulling it around her shoulders."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-talk-mastony-blanketsdec30,0,2701115.story

James Mannett

This excellent Wall Street Journal article tells the story of 45-year-old Mannett, whose battle against a rare form of carcinoid cancer has made him an overnight expert in medical bills and insurance. He's gone so far as to schedule conference calls between his doctor and insurer and to negotiate lower fees from surgeons before operations. "Unless you go through something like this, you don't understand this stuff," he says. "I just assumed that when you have insurance and you have a bill, they pay it."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704718204574616181790811124.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_personalfinance

Dylan McElfresh

McElfresh, a track star at Wright State University, was shocked to learn he had testicular cancer in the spring of last year. Since his diagnosis and treatment, he has dedicated himself to sharing his story, both in order to raise cancer awareness and to spread a message of hope and optimism. "People ask a lot of questions about cancer and it's always a bad thing, there are never any good things that come from it," he says. "Everyone hears cancer and thinks the worst. It's not always the worst. It depends on the person you are, the will you have, how bad you have it, the doctors around, the support you get."
http://www.coshoctontribune.com/article/20100104/NEWS01/1040303

Kinsey Morrison

Morrison, another young adult from the Midwest, fought cancer as a five-year-old, facing down aplastic anemia. Now the 13-year-old she helps raise funds for cancer research by sharing her story at events sponsored by groups like the Red Cross, Make a Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society and Gilda's Club, a support group in Louisville for people of all ages with cancer. "There, we're just people," she says. "There might be a bald woman singing karaoke. Some people ask you how you're doing and it's like your cancer defines you. There, you can talk about things at other levels of your life. You're not cancer; you're you."
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100103/ZONE09/1030371/1008/NEWS01/Cancer+survivor+aids+Gilda+s+Club

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on January 5, 2010 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Brian McQuestion

McQuestion was 25 when he found out he had Ewing's sarcoma. Eight months of chemotherapy and five cancer-free years later, the 31-year-old now fundraises for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and other events that support cancer research. One of McQuestion's biggest events is the "Endure for a Cure" bike ride, which raised $25,000 in its first year. "I don't consider myself a hero, I am just raising money to fight cancer," he says. "Ultimately, cancer is treatable and research is critical to help save lives -- without research, treatments would not be found."
http://www.timesleader.com/features/25-year-old_cancer_survivor_rides_on__gives_back_01-05-2010.html

Alyssa Lewandowski and Kori Brown

Kori Brown, age 12, has a congenital blood disease; during trips to a local hospital for treatment she became friends with Alyssa Lewandowski, who was undergoing treatment for leukemia. Kori has gone on to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society in honor of her friend, and her family was recently featured on "Extreme Home Makeover"; they donated $50,000 of their winnings to help Kori launch her iroK Foundation, which helps families burdened by medical bills take care of day-to-day costs.
http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_010232250.html?start:int=0

Doug Oxendine

Oxendine, an endurance sports enthusiast, recently learned he's facing a whole new kind of battle: he has blood cancer and is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant this spring. The 38-year-old Floridian has hiked 10 miles of the Grand Canyon, completed two triathlons and taken two 100-mile bike rides in the past two years. Now he's approaching his cancer treatment with the same endurance and temerity: "People would always ask me, 'how do you do it?' and I'd tell them that you just got to put one foot in front of the other," he says. "I can't slow down at this point; I have to keep going."
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-disney-marathon-advance-0109-20100108,0,3055963.story

Melanie Bone

In this fantastic blog post on the Palm Beach Post's website, Dr. Melanie Bone, a cancer survivor, talks about her New Year's resolutions. "Cancer makes us preciously aware of our own mortality. Many survivors 'over-live' and try to do everything 'right' to guarantee longevity. Certainly, living a healthier lifestyle will help . . . For cancer survivors and for the rest of the world, may you live each day in 2010 in a way that makes you proud. Taking it one day at a time is a respected time-honored approach."
http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/askalocaldoctor/2010/01/resolutions-and-reminders-same-for-cancer-survivors/

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on January 12, 2010 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Michael C. Hall

The star of "Dexter," who recently won a Golden Globe for his role, also recently revealed that he has finished treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma and is doing "fine." At the Golden Globes, he joked about having a good excuse to wear a hat but didn't mention his illness in his acceptance speech. Later, he said, "When it's a matter of health, it is very much a personal matter," he said. "It was also nice to assure people that I was really on the road to recovery."
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/01/18/2010-01-18_michael_c_hall_globes_winner_for_dexter_doing_fine_in_his_battle_with_cancer.html

Tatyana Abrams

While being treated for Acute Mylogenous Leukemia at the age of 11, Abrams made a video about her experiences in the hospital for her friends so they could see what she was going through. The 13-year-old is now facing a recurrence of the disease and will probably need a bone marrow transplant. Of her experiences with cancer so far, she said, "I wore a hat because I didn't want anybody to see my baldness. I was very worried that my friends were going to treat me different. Then, once I took the hat off, I realized that they were fine with it. They didn't really care and so . . . if they didn't care, why should I?"
http://www.wickedlocal.com/avon/fun/entertainment/x532579831/Avon-youth-shares-cancer-story-with-Nick-News

Jen Bickel

Bickel was 36 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2008. In a column in the Centre Daily Times out of Pennsylvania, the former oncology nurse writes about her experiences facing the disease. "When I was diagnosed, sheer panic consumed me," she writes. "Questions flooded my mind. 'What am I going to do?' 'Am I going to die?' 'What about my family?' 'Do I carry the breast cancer gene?' 'Where would I seek treatment?' . . . I knew my treatment would be a long and sometimes painful journey, but a journey nonetheless."
http://www.centredaily.com/news/local/story/1733774.html

Teddy Pendergrass

R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass passed away this past week from colon cancer at the age of 59. Pendergrass' long career began when he rose to fame in the seventies as the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and continued even after a car accident in 1982 left him paralyzed from the chest down. "Mr. Pendergrass's romantic approach was a touchstone for younger generations of R&B Romeos," writes the NYT. "Ahmir Thompson, from the hip-hop group the Roots, responded to news of Mr. Pendergrass's death on Twitter declaring, "Soul will never be the same."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/arts/music/15pendergrass.html?pagewanted=2

As always, we encourage you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on January 19, 2010 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Braeden Rockow

Six-year-old Braeden is the twelfth person in the world to fight a rare form of cancer that usually starts in the brain, but in his case appeared on his spinal cord. Doctors recently removed 95% of the tumor; the rest had to be left behind or Braeden would run the risk of paralysis. Twenty-eight radiation treatments followed, and Braeden has had a remarkably quick recovery. "He loves life, and one of the phrases he uses a lot is 'I can do it myself,'" says his grandmother. "When you see him, you would never know he has cancer."
http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20100121/FON0101/100120125/1985/FONnews/Boy-with-rare-form-of-cancer-rallies

Susan White

This incredible piece from journalist Susan White recounts her experiences undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer. Two years in, the chemo seems to be working, but it's incredibly difficult to endure: "When I was first diagnosed, I learned of three other nonsmokers in the Omaha area who had lung cancer," she writes. "I never met any of them, and yet I have wept when each died -- for what they went through, for the families they left behind, for the terrible sense of foreboding their deaths give me. But I'm not giving in. I have scores of people praying for me. And we press on with the chemo."
http://www.omaha.com/article/20100125/LIVING/701259957

Lee March Grayson

Grayson, an attorney and 13-year-survivor of chronic myelogenous leukemia, urges cancer patients to take an active role in their own treatment. He learned from experience: when he was fighting the disease, he and his family questioned his doctor routinely to make sure he was getting to best possible care. Now the founder of Marrow Power, which organizes counselors to help patients and families deal with the challenges of cancer, he tells cancer patients, "It's not being disrespectful . . . you are trying to save your life. You're allowed to question your doctor, you're allowed to fire your doctor."
http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/01/randolph_attorney_advises_canc.html

John H

In a comment on a recent "With You, We Stand" entry, John H wrote: "On November 17th, 2008 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It was totally out of the blue, and I will never forget that day . . . I am happy to say there is no detectable sign of cancer in my body today. I am thankful and blessed. But more importantly, I like to think I also became "aware." Aware of cancer, its symptoms, treatments, detection and impacts. I have become a vocal proponent of self-exams. I have become so much more sensitive of the friends near me who since have also been diagnosed with various forms of cancer; sensitive to what they are feeling, and what lies ahead for them . . . But human spirit and resolve is unyielding, and cancer will be defeated. Keep up the site and keep the encouraging posts coming . . . and let's all STAND UP when we need to."

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments as well.

Posted on January 26, 2010 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Jasmina Anema

Six-year-old Jasmina and her family documented her fight against leukemia on Twitter, making her a "torch of hope" for others facing a cancer battle and drawing the attention of Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna and President Obama. Last week, Jasmina passed away. Her family kept her growing audience up to date during the last two months, including sharing a message she got from the President: "President Obama wrote me the most encouraging message: 'Jasmina, DREAM BIG DREAMS' AND THAT IS WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IN THE NEW YEAR."
http://www.limelife.com/blog-entry/Jasmina-Anema-6-Dies-After-Inspiring-Cancer-Battle/33023.html

Linda May Hill

This article out of Utah looks at the efforts of Linda May Hill, a three-time cancer survivor who sells t-shirts with humorous messages to raise money for cancer research: "Of course they're fake . . . the real ones tried to kill me," "I lost my colon, but I'm still full of crap," and many more. (Her website, where the shirts are available, is somuchmoreonline.com.) "It doesn't matter if you have three months or three years, have a blast," Hill says. "If my kids want me to play 'Mario Brothers' instead of doing the dishes, I can tell you right now I'm playing 'Mario Brothers.'  Cancer does not define us. We're so much more."
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700006116/Humor-best-Rx-for-cancer-survivor.html

Phil Brabbs

Brabbs was diagnosed with multiple myeloma the day after his 28th birthday. He and his wife, Cassie, began doing extensive research on the disease, starting with advice from a friend in medical school and moving to the internet as a resource. Eventually the two started a blog, "Multiple Myeloma for Dummies," to share everything they had learned. Brabbs, who is now participating in a clinical trial at the University of Michigan, passed along this advice to others in the fight: "Be real with your emotions. When you're sad, be sad. When you're angry, be angry. When you're furious, be furious. When you're happy, be happy. When you want to laugh, laugh. Whatever you're feeling, it's okay."
http://www.myelomabeacon.com/news/2010/02/01/personal-perspective-former-football-star-and-young-father-%E2%80%9Cdominates%E2%80%9D-cancer-with-optimism-information-and-support/

Debbie Stallings

Stallings, a breast cancer survivor from Texas, carried the same bag to dozens of appointments, biopsies and surgeries during treatment for the disease. Now she makes Journey Bags for other women facing cancer diagnoses. The bags contain a small blanket, a reusable water bottle, a pocket journal and more, and can be personalized to fit the person's needs. "As a survivor, I came across a lot of people who wanted to do something, but didn't know what to give to help me through the process," she says. "I wanted to use my experience to create a Journey Bag for other survivors."The bags are available online at www.journeybags.com.
http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/01/28/news_update/257.txt

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below!

Posted on February 2, 2010 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Louis Gossett Jr.

Gossett, an Oscar-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor, recently learned he has early-stage prostate cancer. He said he was going public with the disease to "set an example for the large number of African-American men who are victims of this disease because of the comparatively low emphasis in our community on preventive examinations and early treatment . . . I want to influence them to seek, as I have, the fine medical care and early detection now available." We've launched a star for Gossett in the SU2C Constellation; you can add a message to it, and see what others have written, here.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/09/louis.gossett.cancer/

Mary Matthias

In 1998, doctors told Matthias, who was fighting stage III endometrial ovarian cancer, that there was nothing more they could do for her. Today, the 55-year-old woman is a proud cancer survivor and author of "Will There Be Cows In Heaven? Finding the 'Ancer' in Cancer," a book of inspirational stories like her own. "God has given me so many stories. He has put so many people into my life. I felt it was for a reason," she says. "The book is about hope, and I needed to give hope back."
http://www.htrnews.com/article/20100208/MAN04/2080453/Sharing-her-story-of-cancer-survival

Dave and Geri Cochrane

Dave Cochrane is fighting mantle cell lymphoma, a rare, aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's that has necessitated six years of cancer treatments and a stem cell transplant. As Dave and his wife, Geri, struggle to cope with massive medical bills, their community has stepped up to the plate, offering gifts - often anonymously - to help them out financially. Marveling at the support and generosity of their friends, neighbors and co-workers, Geri says, "There have been so many angel moments. God just keeps providing for our family over and over again. We're so blessed."
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/featured_story/article_83a53b82-145b-11df-8e71-001cc4c03286.html

Megan White

At the age of six, Megan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Two years later, she's not only an eight-year-old survivor of the disease; she's also attained her dream of being a Sugar Bear, a cheerleader for Missouri State University. As an honorary Sugar Bear, Megan got to cheer with college-level cheerleaders at a recent game. "The day after my surgery, I don't remember this, but my mom said I stood up in the bed and said I was ready to dance," Megan says. "I want to learn and do the flips and stuff that they do."
http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=233432

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below!

Posted on February 9, 2010 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Doug Fieger

Through his most famous song, "My Sharona," Fieger became emblematic of the new wave movement in music hitting the mainstream. He passed away on Sunday from lung cancer at the age of 57. His band, The Knack, disbanded in 1981 but wound up reuniting for regular tours in the 90s, and their biggest hit, which was Billboard's number-one song of 1979, endures to this day, as this NYT blog entry shows.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/arts/music/16fieger.html

Cindy McCrary

A four-year survivor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, McCrary, 46, is now gearing up for her fifth Relay For Life, for which she is making cancer awareness blankets to help raise funds. When McCrary ran her first Relay in 2006, she believed she was going to die from the disease. Now, as a survivor with a newfound passion for volunteering, she says, "This is where I'm supposed to be . . . Not that I wanted to get cancer to find it, but sometimes the bad leads into a blessing."
http://www.ldnews.com/news/ci_14351851

Dana Jennings

It's been a while since we checked in with Jennings, an occasional contributor to the NYT Well Blog who recently completed treatment for Stage 3 prostate cancer. In his most recent entry for the blog, Jennings talks frankly about coping with the side effects of treatment, which can include incontinence and erectile dysfunction. He says, "True manhood is about love and kindness. It's about responsibility and honor, about working hard and raising your children the best way you know how, with love, respect and discipline."
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/15/after-surviving-cancer-a-focus-on-true-manhood/

Joan Fowler

In a comment on a recent "With You, We Stand" entry, Fowler shared her story with us: "My husband was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer, stage 4, going on now four years," she writes. "It was not looking good at first, but now thanks to his doctor and God he is fighting on. He has had no chemo treatments now for two year and there is no sign of new cancer at this time . . . I hope this gives other people the spirit of fighting and not giving up. We trust and believe that whatever Gods will is will be and we try and just live a good life. We have our struggles but we keep on going. So just believe in hope and love and never give up."

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on February 16, 2010 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

George Karl

We've shared George Karl's 2005 battle with prostate cancer in SU2C Mag; now the Denver Nuggets coach is facing cancer a second time, this time of the throat and neck. Intent on seeing his team through the postseason in spite of chemotherapy, he says that coaching "is going to be my sanctuary, to do what I like to do and think about all those things that will pop in your mind" when undergoing cancer treatment. "I need everybody," he says. "I also need the gym. I need the juice from being happy about kicking someone's butt. I felt very early it made no sense for me to separate from the team. I'm using them. I need them. Hopefully, they don't mind it."
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2010-02-18-karl-cancer_N.htm

Frank Lautenberg

Lautenberg, who at 86 is the nation's second-oldest senator, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma of the stomach, which physicians agree is likely to be curable. The cancer will require treatment over the next few months, but Lautenberg will not resign, according to his office. "I wouldn't be too surprised to soon hear how he's once again outpacing younger aides as they walk through U.S. Capitol building," said state Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/19/AR2010021902429.html?hpid=topnews

Mary S. Herczog

Herczog, who passed away last week at the age of 45, was an avid documenter of her own battle against breast cancer, both in national news outlets and at her website, cancerchick.com. Diagnosed at age 33, Herczog told her story with an incredible amount of wit - even after her second recurrence. "People were definitely shocked by her writing," her husband said. "They'd say, 'How can you put so much humor into something so scary?' But . . . they would see she was making it less scary . . . that you could be this real person and have cancer."
http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/84936277.html

Tonie Auer

Auer faced cancer in 1975, as a six-year-old; today, years later, she remains committed to advocating for children facing the disease. She recently donated her hair to Locks of Love, the organization that provides wigs to kids and adolescents who've lost their hair because of a medical condition. Auer says what she went through made her empathetic to those fighting the disease. "It has shaped who I am," she said. "It has made me more compassionate."
http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/stories/DRC_locks_0221.13ab8f74c.html

Posted on February 23, 2010 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Lislie Nunez

Nunez was diagnosed with leukemia at 22. A year later, her friends organized a local drive aimed at finding her a donor for the bone marrow transplant she needs. Over 400 people turned out on February 18th to be tested to determine whether any were a compatible donor match. Nunez says that in the meantime, she's not losing faith. "I'm very thankful," she says. "It's hard but also it gives you strength. Before, I used to feel sorry for people who have cancer, and now that I am going through this, I know that God helps a lot. He gives you strength to go on."
http://www.yumasun.com/news/luis-56649-san-strong.html

Liam Howell

At the age of seven, Liam Howell might be one of the world's youngest inspirational speakers. But Howell, diagnosed at eight months with a rare form of eye cancer that has left him legally blind, has plenty to speak about. Participating in a public speaking competition, Howell has shared his story with his entire school, and on March 27 will take it to an even bigger audience at the next level of the contest. "I lead a very normal life as a seven-year-old boy... and I am still cancer free," he says.
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2470895

Peter Cobb

Cobb was diagnosed with Acral Lentiginous Melanoma, an unusual form of skin cancer, in summer of 2008; that same year, he had half a finger amputated to halt the spread of the disease. Now Cobb, 55, and three of his friends have decided to cycle over 1,000 miles to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. "Cycling that epic journey will be a life-changing challenge and I've wanted to do some fundraising for Macmillan for a while now," he says. "I'm really excited for it and I hope I manage to raise thousands of pounds."
http://www.hertsad.co.uk/content/herts/news/story.aspx?brand=HADOnline&category=News&tBrand=HertsCambsOnline&tCategory=newslatestHAD&itemid=WEED26%20Feb%202010%2011%3A51%3A51%3A630

Kali Sanchez

In a comment on a recent "With You, We Stand" post, Sanchez shared her and her husband's story: "My husband is currently fighting a good fight. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer which rapidly spread to his lymph nodes in his back on October 20, 2009, 7 days before our sons 5th birthday. Finally we have the all-clear, that chemo treatments are a thing of the past and that we will have a CAT scan and see where we stand with our battle. Always fight to win....you can do it, you are not alone!!"

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on March 2, 2010 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Jaime Escalante

Escalante, 79, is the math teacher who was the basis for the movie "Stand and Deliver." Today, the former teacher at Garfield High School in LA is in treatment for bladder cancer in Reno, and his doctors have told him he has a few months, at best, to live. But Escalante still has lessons to share, which he does using a pen and paper since his voice is almost gone. Asked about his former students, he writes, "They understood the significance of ganas, the giant step to success. I had many opportunities in this country, but the best I found in east LA. I am proudest of my brilliant students."
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-escalante7-2010mar07,0,6159259.story

Pam Miller

In this article out of South Dakota, Miller, 47, shares her story. Diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 45, Miller had surgery to remove a tumor the size of a plum as well as a foot and a half of her colon. She says she wishes she would've known the disease was hereditary - her mother had had polyps - and that she'd have seen a doctor about her symptoms sooner. She says, "I should have pursued it with my doctors but I didn't because of the embarrassment . . . I do feel strongly about it. Had I not been so embarrassed I probably wouldn't have had to go through all of this."
http://www.ksfy.com/news/health/86674017.html

Placido Domingo

Domingo, the 69-year-old tenor singer, had surgery last week to remove a cancerous polyp from his colon and is expected to make a full recovery. According to his spokeswoman, the cancer was localized and the operation was minimally invasive. Domingo is expected to return to work in April with a performance of "Simon Boccanegra" in Milan. "His exact return to his performing engagements remains subject to how fast he can heal and regain his characteristic strength," said his spokeswoman.
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14634131

Lauren Gayeski

In a comment on last week's "With You, We Stand," Lauren shared her story: "On this day, 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I was 19. Having cancer had a profound effect on my path in life. Since my surgery, I graduated from college, became an oncology nurse and cared for hundreds and hundreds of cancer patients, got married, and gave birth to three beautiful boys. Now, even when I'm having a rough day, life is still sweeter because I've seen the other side, both myself and from those for whom I have cared. Cancer made me grateful for all the little things we take for granted and I try to live in the moment, because it's scary to not know what's ahead. So, cheers to my 10 years without cancer! Thanks for letting me share my story..."

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on March 9, 2010 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Leasha DeCamp

This article out of Missouri shares DeCamp's story. The elementary school principal was diagnosed last year with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, and last year she had surgery to remove part of her colon and rectum, along with a hysterectomy, before entering follow-up chemotherapy. She writes in first-person about her diagnosis treatment: I cannot express enough how I relied on my family, friends and especially my savior, Jesus Christ. Without prayers, a positive attitude and a loving family, I would not have made it this far . . . If you have abnormal symptoms, I encourage everyone to go to your doctor and get checked out in a timely manner!"
http://www.marshfieldmail.com/articles/2010/03/13/news/doc4b97034bdf047025458431.txt

Andy Whitfield

Whitfield is the star of the new Starz drama "Spartacus"; he has been diagnosed at the age of 38 with non-Hodkgin's lymphoma, and it set to begin treatment immediately, halting production of the new series. His cancer was described as "very treatable" and was caught in the early stages. "I'm receiving excellent care and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me," Whitfield said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6290TM20100310

Layla Grace Marsh

Layla Grace, just two years old, passed away last week after a ten-month battle with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. All over the country, thousands of people followed her battle on Twitter and Facebook, and hundreds turned out at a memorial service for her on Saturday, where 1500 pink and purple balloons were released. "I've learned more from a two-year-old than I have from high school and college in my 24 years of life," said one family friend. "She taught me about endurance and faith and just waking up every day and being happy to be alive."
http://www.khou.com/home/Hundreds-of-Balloons-Released-to-Remember-Layla-Grace-87589572.html

Larry Bergo

Bergo has been battling Stage 4 multiple myeloma for seven years now, since he was diagnosed in May of 2003. A remission brought on by a stem cell transplant lasted only 10 months; since then Bergo has been through multiple rounds of chemotherapy in varying combinations. Now, as part of a clinical trial, Bergo is hoping for a more promising response. "When you have cancer, life takes on a new meaning," he said. Time takes on a new meaning . . . I've always said, 'It'll be OK.'"
http://www.albertleatribune.com/news/2010/mar/15/cancer-survivor-knows-firsthand-value-research/

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on March 16, 2010 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Margaret Moth

Moth was a CNN camerawoman who sought out assignments in conflict zones, including Sarajevo in the early nineties; this article remembers her for her "gutsiness, striking appearance, distinctive humor and sense of fun." She passed away last weekend at the age of 59 from colorectal cancer. In an interview last spring, Moth told a documentary crew, "The important thing is to know that you've lived your life to the fullest. I don't know anyone who's enjoyed life more."
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/21/margaret.moth.obit/index.html?hpt=C1

Lance Mackey

On March 10, Mackey, a survivor of throat cancer, won his second Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (his first victory was in 2007). He won $69,000 and a new truck. "I'm not much to brag very often, but damn, I'm going to this time," he said. "I don't know exactly how to explain it. I'm just blessed with an incredible dog team." Mackey was congratulated by Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska, who told him, "You're a hero, and truly an inspiration to all of us."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/03/12/iditarod.winner/

Norman Surplus

Surplus, 47, beat cancer five years ago, and is now intent on breaking the world record for flying around the world in a lightweight aircraft called a gyrocopter - all to raise money for cancer research. In this article, he shares his story: "Before I got cancer I had never done anything like this," he said. "And then when I was recovering after surgery and chemotherapy at the Belfast Cancer Centre, I saw this program about someone restoring an autogyro on one of those daytime television shows . . . Part of this is to raise funds and awareness for cancer charities but hopefully it will also encourage people who are in the position today that I was in."
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/article14734595.ece

Jack Musgrave

After facing colorectal cancer, Musgrove, whose mother passed away from the disease in her late sixties, learned the importance of being his own advocate when it came to preventive care and treatment: a five-year wait between colonoscopies, recommended to him by a doctor, allowed his cancer to take root and grow unchecked. Now he hopes to share his message with others in the same position. "If it's detected early, it's curable, treatable and beatable," he said. "As good as the medical treatment is we get in this country, you have to be an advocate for yourself."
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/healthfitness/story/FE3996BA74F1AEDA862576E90070E3C1?OpenDocument

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on March 23, 2010 4:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Elijah Alexander

Alexander, a 10-year veteran of the NFL, passed away last week at the age of 39. In October 2005, Alexander, who played for the Raiders, Colts, Broncos and Buccaneers, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma; after treatment, he resumed coaching youth football and took up the fight against cancer through his Tackle Cancer Foundation. "Life is going to knock you down," he said then. "Who is going to get up and who is going to stay down? It's like me being ill. I don't have time for pity. I have to do what I need to do to get better to take care of my family."
http://www.indenvertimes.com/?he0r25b0

Jan Fergerson

After watching both her grandmothers face breast cancer and her mother face uterine cancer, Fergerson herself was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. This article describes how she faced the disease herself while trying to keep life as normal as possible for her family and friends. "The person going through it can find the peace. I think it's harder for the people who love them," she said. "But keeping everything as normal as possible made me happy. I didn't want to let cancer take away anything it didn't have to take."
http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/6872068/article-Survivor-tapped-serenity-to-beat-cancer?instance=home_news

Johnny Maestro

Maestro, perhaps most famous for performing the 1958 hit "16 Candles" with The Crests, passed away from cancer last week at the age of 70. Most recently performing all over the country with The Brooklyn Bridge, Maestro had a long and prolific musical career, with hits like "The Worst That Could Happen" and "You'll Never Walk Alone." His last performance was during a concert on January 17. "I told him afterward it was the most courageous performance I'd ever seen," said the concert's host. "As frail as he looked, that's how strong he sounded. It was a privilege to have known him, and it was thrilling to have listened to him."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jvSekUDkfh_cgRnHulOWS-dREUqAD9ELVKV00

Amanda Hettinger

Hettinger, at 27, is a six-year survivor of colon cancer facing a second bout with the disease, this time with osteosarcoma in her jaw. Diagnosed for the first time during her senior year of college and now a physical therapy technician, she says she lives her life by one word: hope. "I beat cancer before when I shouldn't have, and I believe I am going to beat it again," she said. "If I ever lose hope, I lose everything. I will stay positive. I am not going to let cancer live my life. I am going to keep coming back."
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=209130

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on March 30, 2010 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Desiree Pardi

Pardi, who faced cancer the first time at 31 and was diagnosed with a fatal recurrence of the disease in 2008, was a palliative care doctor; she spent her career treating patients who were near death, even as she fought for her own life. She passed away at the age of 41. "She preached the gentle gospel of her profession, persuading patients to confront their illnesses and get their affairs in order and, above all, enduring that their last weeks were not spent in unbearable pain," the article says.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/04/health/04doctor.html?pagewanted=3&ref=homepage&src=me

Barbara Bates Smith

In 2001, Smith played the role of a cancer patient in the play "Wit"; during production, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, now in remission. This weekend Smith will debut her one-woman show about the experience in Asheville, NC, called "The C-Word: A Life-Meets-Art Cancer Story." The play is based around Smith's journal entries and other writings from the time, and Smith hopes it will make people think about issues like how best to communicate with a cancer patient. "I don't think I am telling anybody anything new about cancer," Smith says. "But I am giving one cancer patient's perspective."
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100404/LIVING/304040033/1311/ADVERTISING

Jeff Jacobson

After recovering from lymphoma and chemotherapy in 2005, Jacobson, a 63-year-old photographer, began a new project called "The Last Roll." He used the last of his Kodachrome 200 - a now defunct film that had been his favorite for two decades - to document his recovery. "Many photojournalists think that they are documenting some sort of objective reality that exists in front of the camera," he says. "Any good photojournalist or documentary photographer acknowledges that what they are documenting is their perception of that reality."
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/02/showcase-147/

Ginger Hamm

In this article, Hamm, a former kindergarten teacher diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, shares her story. No stranger to the disease - her son passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma in 1974 - Hamm now volunteers at the hospital where she was treated eight years ago. "I wanted to give back," she says. She also urges women to stay on top of their annual mammograms: "You have to do everything to keep yourself safe. We are never promised tomorrow."
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/apr/05/survivor-finds-teachable-moment-cancer/

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on April 6, 2010 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Dixie Carter

Carter, one of the stars of the sitcom "Designing Women," passed away from complications of endometrial cancer at the age of 70 on Saturday. After "Designing Women" ended, Carter went on to success as a cabaret singer and split her time between Beverly Hills and McLemoresville, Tennessee. As this NY Times article puts it, in her role as Julia Sugerbaker, Carter "gave strong, opinionated Southern women a good name."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/12/arts/television/12carter.html?src=me

Maura Tierney

Tierney, the 45-year-old actress best known for her role on "ER," is returning to television after battling breast cancer. She dropped out of the series "Parenthood" last summer after learning she had the disease, and will now resume her guest role as Denis Leary's love interest on "Rescue Me." She "has finished treatment and is doing very well and is happy to move forward with the next phase of her life," said her spokeswoman.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100407/ap_en_tv/us_tv_maura_tierney

Charles Florsheim

Florsheim, a two-time cancer survivor who faced prostate cancer in 2008 and lung cancer in 2009, is a consumer reviewer for the Lung Cancer Research Program, a federal initiative that debuted last year. He helped the program's physician panel award a $20 million grant to build a tissue repository, giving his input as a fomer patient and survivor. "If I could prevent one person from going through what I went through, whatever I'm doing is worth it," he said of the experience.
http://www.fwbusinesspress.com/display.php?id=12337

Tim Fletcher

Fletcher was diagnosed with penile cancer at the age of 38; now he hopes to raise awareness of the disease, often thought of as a taboo topic, and the impact it can have on men. Fletcher says talking openly about the disease helped him get through the treatment, which included a partial penectomy and, now, reconstructive surgery. "Life is for living," he says. "And I've just tried to carry on as much like normal as I can. Some people will read this and think I am unlucky, but I don't feel like that. I'm currently in the clear from cancer, I've not had to go through chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my life. I haven't let cancer win."
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/penile-cancer-a-taboo-im-just-glad-to-be-alive-1942837.html

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on April 13, 2010 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Glenn Rockowitz

As a four-time cancer survivor, Rockowitz has plenty of experience talking about the disease. In this hilarious column, "How Not to Cheer Up a Cancer Patient," he offers a few "nuggets of advice" for providing moral support to loved ones facing cancer. Among his tips: don't give them a copy of It's Not About the Bike; don't expect thank-you notes; tell it like it is; and don't say things like "You should've taken better care of your body" or "Maybe this is your wake-up call to do something different with your life."
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2010-04-14/arts/how-not-to-cheer-up-a-cancer-patient/2

River Stillwood

After she was diagnosed with uterine cancer last fall, Stillwood, who built her own cabin in the rural Ozarks, applied the same determination to beating the disease, which had already penetrated her uterine walls and cervix by the time doctors discovered it. Now that the disease appears to have sounded the retreat, Stillwood says hope gets her through the remaining chemo treatments: "I want to see my nieces and grand-nephews grow up. I want to see my family again . . . There are thousands of things that I want to do, but more than anything, I just hope for life. I hope for time."
http://www.ksmu.org/content/view/6439/66/

Harriet Benjamin

Benjamin, who passed away in early April from lung cancer, was the inspiration for the Wellness Community, which was founded in 1982 by her husband, Harold. Benjamin faced breast cancer in 1972, and her experience with the disease exposed a void in the cancer treatment world: very few resources were available for the social and emotional health of cancer patients. Within two years, the Wellness Community offered 25 free support groups a week to those battling the disease; it later merged with Gilda's Club, a similar organization named for Gilda Radner. Benjamin was "the heart and soul of our organization," said the Cancer Support Community's president. "It was a brave and bold move for her years ago to decide she was going to be very public about her own cancer experience. She did not want people to face cancer alone."
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-harriet-benjamin15-2010apr15,0,4878560.story

Mark Goldstein

Goldstein is not your usual breast cancer survivor: he's a 77-year-old man who faced the disease 21 years ago, and has now "strolled," as he puts it, in 203 Komen Race for the Cure events around the country. In this article, he says that his mission is "that men should not die from breast cancer out of ignorance"; so he wears a pink visor when he participates in the races, and runs "slowly enough so people pass me and see the message."
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=12286513

As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on April 20, 2010 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Alicia Parlette

Parlette was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called alveolar soft part sarcoma in 2005, when she was 23 years old; she documented her experience battling the disease in a series for the San Francisco Chronicle called "Alicia's Story." In spite of treatments with interferon and chemotherapy, the cancer eventually spread from her hip and breast to her lungs, and she passed away last week at the age of 28. "It became really like a lifeline in a way for me because I would often come to conclusions about things -- things I didn't even realize until I had written them," Parlette said of her writing in an April 14 interview.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/22/DDMP1D11M1.DTL

Guru (Keith Elam)

Keith Elam, better known as Guru, was one of the most influential rappers in New York's early hip-hop scene. As half of the late-eighties/early nineties duo Gang Starr, he was a major figure in bridging hip-hop and jazz, and went on to have a solo career, releasing four volumes of his "Jazzmatazz" series. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma last summer, Guru passed away last week at the age of 47. In this article, his sister Tricia and the rest of his family remember him as "creative like crazy. Dynamic and curious, eager and ambitious."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/arts/music/21guru.html

Alexis Johnson

While undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, Johnson, 63, found out about Gilda's Club, a national group offering social and emotional support for cancer patients, through a flier in a packet of information distributed to cancer patients. After spending 16 weeks attending classes and programs there, Johnson realized something was missing: there were very few African-American people taking advantage of the club's services in her community. Now, she's partnering with the organization to raise awareness of its resources. "The idea is to get you away from a hospital setting, and thinking about your illness," she says. "More people should know Gilda's Club exists so they can make an informed decision whether or not to come. Gilda's should not be the best-kept secret in town."
http://www.northjersey.com/news/health/91911579_Wyckoff_cancer_survivor_spearheads_Gilda_s_Club_awareness_campaign.html

Connor Olson

Olson, a high school senior who had been battling bone cancer for more than a year, recently passed away from the disease at the age of 18. As his health took a turn for the worse, his school, Tonhanoxie High, arranged a special graduation ceremony just for him. "I think the graduation gave him some closure, gave him a goal that he had worked very hard for," his father, Martin Olson, says. "His pain has been lifted," Olson said. "He didn't lose to cancer . . . it could not quash the spirit of the man."
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/21/1894385_tonganoxie-student-who-courageously.html?storylink=omni_popular#ixzz0mLAntF6v

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on April 27, 2010 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lynn Redgrave

Redgrave, the acclaimed actress who was twice nominated for an Oscar and three times nominated for a Tony for her stage performances, passed away over the weekend at the age of 67 after a seven-year battle with breast cancer. Her children said, "She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before. The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives." We've launched a star in her honor; you can view and add a message to it here.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-mew-lynn-redgrave4-2010may04,0,3487386.story

Gerry Ahearn

This video out of Long Island looks at Ahearn, a high school student battling Ewing's sarcoma, and his friends, who have all shaved their heads to raise money for cancer research in his honor. Donations have poured in from around the community, taking his high school far beyond its fund-raising goal. "It's for a great cause, so I've got to be exuberant about it," said friend Eric Brill. "That mouthful of hair tasted great too." "Being able to know that people actually do care and recognize each other--it's a good thing, it's a good feeling," Ahearn said.
http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=141317@wcbs.dayport.com

Sherri Arnold Graham

After facing breast cancer at the age of 35, Graham, now an eleven-year survivor of the disease, is "waging war" on breast cancer through her nonprofit Sherri Arnold Graham Foundation, which provides free mammograms for women who can't afford them. "We should be mad. We should be out there making noise against this disease," she said. "I was blessed with a strong support system and good medical care. I was able to get second opinions, to make sure that the treatment options were best for me. So many of the women I meet don't have either."
http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2010/04/30/993189

Erik Martin

Erik, a 13-year-old Seattle boy fighting cancer, recently learned he has a secret identity as Electron Boy, a superhero who fights the powers of evil. Erik's day as a superhero, which began with Spider-Man asking for his help on an important mission and ended with Erik helping save a trapped worker from the clutches of Dr. Dark and Blackout Boy, was staged by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Afterward, Erik, whose mom called the day "beyond anything we thought it would be," said, "This is the best day of my life."
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011740342_electronboy30m.html

As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

--Cat

Posted on May 4, 2010 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jennifer White

A 29-year-old fighting colon cancer, White has been undergoing treatment for over three years. Now, thanks to donations from friends and members of the Florida community where she lives, she's traveling everywhere she's ever wanted to go: an ocean cruise, the Grand Canyon, and hopefully New York City, to fulfill her childhood dream of holding up a poster in the background of the Today Show. "Once they read [her story], it's affected a lot of people because she is so young," said a former coworker, who donated her yearly bonus to the cause. Meanwhile, White has already planned what she wants her poster to say when she stands outside the Today Show: "Jen Rocks."
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2010/05/07/woman-fights-for-life-to-the-end.html

Ray Johnston

After an open tryout landed him a spot with the Dallas Mavericks in 2004, Johnston, 31, thought all his dreams had come through. Three months later, however, his leukemia diagnosis ended his short NBA career. Now in remission, Johnston has a new passion: the guitar. His Ray Johnston band recently toured the country promoting their new CD "Sweet Tooth." "Proverbs 17:22 captures it perfectly," Johnston says of his optimistic attitude. "It says, 'A cheerful heart is good medicine to the soul, a down cast spirit dries up the bones.'"
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Cancer-Survivor-Finds-New-Dream-in-Music-93245624.html

Malcolm Sutherland-Foggio

After being diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer at the age of 10, Malcolm decided to fight back. First he recorded a six-minute video about his disease and treatment called "One in 320," because one child in 320 faces cancer in the US; then he led a bike-a-thon to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Meanwhile, his friends help out any way they can - most recently, some of them raised $1,000 for cancer research through a bake sale. One of his friends said that learning his friend had cancer scared him, but that "friendships matter, and you just keep going.''
http://www.dailyrecord.com/article/20100509/COMMUNITIES/100508045/1005/NEWS01/Cancer-survivor--12--leads-bike-a-thon-for-pediatric-cancer

Tamika Poe

After facing choriocarcenoma, cancer of the uterus and overies, in 1987, Poe was told she'd never have children again. But after a partial hysterectomy, several surgeries, chemotherapy and other treatments, three years later she found herself pregnant again. "After they did the tumor removal, they removed half my left tube, half my left ovary, all my right tube and right ovary," she said. "They told me I could never have kids again." Today, Poe's youngest is 19, and her cancer has been in remission for almost two decades. She's a volunteer for her country's Relay For Life, and says she looks forward to many more Mother's Days with her kids.
http://adaeveningnews.com/local/x334276936/Survivor-celebrates-miracle-motherhood

As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.

Posted on May 11, 2010 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Amy Bucher

Bucher is one of 46 moms from across the country who will shave their heads this September to raise money for and awareness of pediatric cancer research. Bucher lost her daughter to neuroblastoma, with which she was diagnosed at the age of 2. "We're trying to raise one million dollars for the St. Baldricks's foundation," Bucher explains. The 46 moms - 46 because that's the number of children who are diagnosed every day with cancer - came together through People Against Childhood Cancer and call themselves the 46 Mommas; you can learn more about their efforts here.
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local-beat/46_Mommas_Shave_for_the_Brave_Philadelphia.html

Dana Jennings

It's been a while since we checked in with Dana Jennings, who blogs periodically about his battle with prostate cancer at the NYT's Well Blog. In his most recent post, he discusses the discovery that "more than anything, cancer is about stories and friendships," recalling a weekend spent with an old friend now facing cancer as well. "In telling our cancer stories, by refusing to be silent, by declining to hide behind stoicism, we take ownership of them," he writes. "[We] maybe even have a chance to understand them. They're our stories, and we need to insist on that fact."
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/11/the-friendship-of-cancer/

Bill Cash

In 2008, Cash was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer and given just 14 months to live after an operation to remove the tumor. Five days after surgery, he began working out again, and three months later, he had already participated in two 5K races; four days after finishing a year-long course of radiation and chemotherapy, he danced at his daughter's wedding. In September 2009, an MRI showed no traces of cancer. "You can't just rely on doctors or anyone else," he says. "You have to do some things for yourself."
http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2010/05/viewpoints_this_story_of_survi.html

Melissa Schultz

In a moving piece for the Dallas Morning News, Schultz writes about her experience with breast cancer, beginning with the morning she discovered a lump in the shower. Wondering about the power of intuition - what exactly was it that led her to check her breast on that particular day? - Schultz talks with Harvard's Dr. Jerome Groopman and others about trusting in a patient's feelings about his or her own health. "Whatever guided me that day in the shower, I listened, and it saved my life," she says. "The bonus in the searching is the sense of peace I emerged with - of feeling the universe offers more than meets the eye."
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/healthyliving2/stories/DN-canceressay_05016gd.ART.State.Bulldog.2d7ffd0.html

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on May 18, 2010 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)

Mark Herzlich
Herzlich, an All-American linebacker from Boston College, spent last year undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma. Now, as he prepares to return to the field in BC's opening game this September, he shares his story at fundraisers for the disease, which usually impacts children ages 10-20. "It is an ordeal for anyone to have cancer," he says. "Food tastes terrible, you get weak and skinny. You're tired and nauseous all the time. But you learn to push on . . . There are 12 million cancer survivors. I am profoundly thankful to be one of them."
http://www.cbssports.com/columns/story/13433887/cancer-survivor-herzlichs-story-inspires-the-inspirational

Abby Steer

Abby was just three days old when doctors told her parents she had a rare, inoperable tumor. She was on hospice care by the age of three weeks. But her father, Michael Steer, was convinced there must be a treatment out there for her disease; after reaching out to doctors across the country, he got a call back from St. Jude, where Abby was treated via an operation and 12 rounds of chemo. Today she's been cancer-free for two years. "I see her getting married, I see her having a family," Michael says. "What we can instill in parents . . . I think that's to slow down and enjoy each step."
http://www.kspr.com/news/local/94746954.html

Garland Harwood

After facing cancer in 2005, Harwood, who had to take taxis back and forth between his home in Brooklyn and St. Vincent's hospital for treatment, was inspired to raise money to help cancer patients struggling with the incidental expenses arising from the disease. That's how "Comedy for Cancer," now in its second year, was born. Five comics take the stage for a show that benefits the American Cancer Society in Brooklyn, which spends the proceeds on rides to treatment, local screenings in low-income neighborhoods and free mammograms for the uninsured. "I wanted to do something that was really affordable. It was exciting and appealing to young people and it wasn't a place where someone was lighting a candle or doing something really heavy like that, but something really light-hearted," says Harwood.
http://statenisland.ny1.com/content/features/119104/nyer-of-the-week--cancer-survivor-lets-comics-stand-up-to-benefit-afflicted

Olivia Winkelhausen
In a comment on last week's entry, Winkelhausen shared her story: "My mom was in her 40s when she got breast cancer for the second time. She went through a lot and my brother and I were only 9 or 10 years of age. She was doing amazing for awhile, but then she got major headaches and couldn't do much. She finally when to the hospital and they told her she was dying and had a brain tumor that they couldn't get. I was the first child out of my 3 other siblings to find out our mom was dying. I was devastated. We brought her home where she died at 4:30 in the morning. My brother was in the room when she took her last breath and to tell you the truth he has never been the same since. It's been almost 3 years since she died and we still have a hard time, but family and friends helping us along the way is the only reason we have come so far."

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on May 25, 2010 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Dennis Hopper
Legendary screen actor Dennis Hopper, who starred in such films as "Rebel Without a Cause," "Blue Velvet" and "Apocalypse Now," died on May 29 after a battle with prostate cancer that began in late 2009. Hopper's funeral was held in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, a place he came to love after scouting there in the late 1960s for the film "Easy Rider." Hopper's last public appearance was in March of this year when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit Dennis' star in the SU2C Constellation to join us in honoring his remarkable life.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2010/05/dennis-hopper-dead-74-video-star.html

Kaitlyn Weber Lang
18-year-old Kaitlyn Weber Lang was diagnosed with leukemia in 2000 and has been in remission for 10 years. She and her family carry a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, known to affect only a few hundred people worldwide, causing them to be vulnerable to a variety of cancers. Within a span of just seven years, Kaitlyn lost her father and brother to cancer and continues to struggle with the difficulties of her own disease and treatments. "It won't stop me from pursuing my dream," she says. "I want to graduate from college, and get a degree in something that will help people."
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/jun/03/class-2010-cancer-survivor-kaitlyn-lang-makes-most/

Mike Smith
During his first visit to a dermatologist, Smith was diagnosed with melanoma after doctors discovered a suspicious spot on his back. "It was within an inch, two inches of my spine. So if we didn't catch it real quick it would have been a bad, bad situation," he explains. A Hawaii resident, Smith says that he hated sunscreen growing up and never wore it. While he feels fortunate that his cancer was caught at an early stage, he knows that others aren't so lucky. After losing a friend to melanoma, Smith is passionate about urging others to protect their skin from the sun. "Put sunscreen on, wear a shirt, it's not worth it."
http://www.kitv.com/news/23779711/detail.html

David Huff
David Huff, pastor of Lifeline Church in West Plains, Missouri, was diagnosed with cancer this past March while on vacation with his wife Melissa. Despite an initial diagnosis of six months to live, Huff remains optimistic and more than anything, wishes to serve as an example to his community. "You can't fight something and run from it at the same time," he says. This Friday, June 4, Huff and his community will celebrate the 16th annual Relay For Life of Howell County Survivor Celebration in hopes of inspiring others to join the fight against cancer. "When it's my time to go, God will take me home. I don't really have any say in that, so I'm going to live my life to the fullest while I can."
http://www.howellcountynews.com/Stories/news_20100603_080422_23252_.php

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on June 4, 2010 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jim Copeland
Jim Copeland, former University of Virginia athletic director, died on Friday, June 4 at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer. His extensive career in sports included time as an offensive lineman for Virginia and the Cleveland Browns, as well as his inclusion into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. In addition to his numerous contributions to the University of Virginia, Copeland was known for his commitment to equity and his tireless attention to the welfare of his student-athletes.
http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/06/05/jim-copeland-hall-of-fame-athletics-director-dies-of-cancer/

Carissa Outen
Despite fighting her second battle with follicular lymphoma and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, 18-year-old Carissa Outen successfully completed her senior year of high school last week. One of her goals was to walk with her class during graduation and another was a childhood dream of attending Gonzaga University which she plans to do this fall. "When you are in the presence of uncommon courage, you know it," says Carissa's godmother, Denise Miller. "I've felt that since the beginning of this journey."
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_graduating_with_cancer.html

Ernie Greenwald
74-year-old Ernie Greenwald is joining documentary filmmaker Dominic Gill on a cross-country tandem bicycle tour this summer in order to raise money for the Livestrong Foundation. Greenwald suffers from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but that isn't keeping him from their 4,000-mile bike ride that begins in Santa Monica, Calif. and is scheduled to last more than four months with a finish in New York's Central Park.
http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/greenwald-19686-patient-year.html

Katy Hudson
In 2004, Katy Hudson was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 16. An avid soccer player and fan, Hudson was recently awarded a trip to this year's World Cup opener in South Africa where the United States will compete. "I was so scared of losing soccer when I got sick," Hudson said. "...Now that I'm ending my career by going to the World Cup - because I'm a cancer survivor - I feel like I went so far beyond my goal that it gives me peace about the whole thing."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-soccer-hudson-0606-20100606,0,25183.story

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on June 8, 2010 6:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This special "With You, We Stand" is dedicated to Deandra Trevino who is an inspiration to the SU2C team.

One of the brightest stars in the Stand Up To Cancer constellation, Deandra Trevino serves as an example of courage and strength for her community. In 2006, when she was just 26 years old, Deandra launched her own business, the West End Salon in Boulder, Colorado where she was born and raised. But just one year later, after noticing an unusual swelling in her stomach, Deandra was suddenly diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Despite her diagnosis, she has spent the last three years committed to fighting this disease, growing her business and staying positive. "The reason I was diagnosed," Deandra said in a 2008 interview, "is so that I could be an inspiration." Recently, Deandra learned that her cancer has spread to her liver, and so she is spending these important days in the company of her friends and loved ones. We Stand Up for Deandra Trevino.

Posted on June 11, 2010 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Sigmar Polke
One of Germany's most progressive and well-known artists, Sigmar Polke died on June 11 after a battle with cancer. Culture Minister Bernd Neumann described Polke as, "one of the most important and most successful representatives of German contemporary art." Polke contributed as a painter, graphic artist and photographer for more than fifty years.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-11/german-artist-sigmar-polke-dies-age-69-after-cancer-battle.html

Maura Tierney
Last year, actress Maura Tierney left her television career after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now that her cancer is in remission, she's getting back to work on a new legal drama, The Whole Truth, debuting on ABC this fall.
http://www.ivillage.com/maura-tierney-tv-show-whole-truth/1-d-211143

Moriah Rieth
9-year-old cancer survivor Moriah Rieth is raising money for pediatric cancer research, inspired by the work of Alexandra (Alex) Scott who lost her battle to cancer 10 years ago at the age of eight. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised over $30 million to date. Both Moriah and Alex were diagnosed with the same type of cancer at the same hospital, and so Moriah continues fundraising in Alex's honor.
http://www.tonic.com/article/child-cancer-survivor-lifes-lemons-lemonade/

Marcella Fritz
In 1973, Marcella Fritz was diagnosed with larynx cancer. In 1992, after an experimental surgery, doctors said she wouldn't live more than three months. Now 18 years later, Fritz can call herself a four-time cancer survivor at the age of 78. On June 11, Fritz continued to inspire others when she participated in a Relay for Life event in Tomah, Wisconsin.
http://www.tomahjournal.com/articles/2010/06/14/news/02relayforlife.txt

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on June 15, 2010 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Kylie Minogue
In May of 2005, Australian pop star Kylie Mingoue was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and has been in remission since 2006. This July, she will release her new album, Aphrodite, and has plans to tour in 2011. "...I'm being positive and thinking at the start of next year I'll be celebrating," says Minogue. "That's the first big mark."
http://www.thesurvivorsclub.org/news-and-articles/breast-cancer-survivor-kylie-minogue-prepares-for-new-album_404.html

George Karl
Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl has returned to basketball for pre-draft workouts after undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Several years ago he beat prostate cancer, and after his throat cancer diagnosis six months ago, he is now in remission. "Energy is good," said Karl. "Draft has got me excited, the team has got me excited. Time to get better."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5312042

Sister Rita Jarrell
In 1982, Sister Rita Jarrell beat breast cancer, later overcame three types of skin cancer, and was recently successfully treated for colon cancer. An active volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Jarrell hopes to inspire others. "I feel one of the reasons I'm here is to help people deal with cancer," she says. "People have the right to a full life... and I really want everyone to have that chance."
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20106200315

Josh Hendrix
At the age of 25, Hendrix was the youngest male in the United States to be diagnosed with breast cancer. After his disease progressed to stage four, he and his wife were told that they were unable to have more children. But for the second time, Hendrix successfully beat the disease and is now cancer free. On June18, his wife gave birth to their fourth child, his first son.
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=204585&catid=9

As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.

Posted on June 22, 2010 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Roger Ebert
After receiving hundreds of comments for a blog post he wrote in 2008 about rice cookers, famed film critic Roger Ebert is now publishing a cookbook dedicated to the subject. For the past eight years, Ebert has battled thyroid and salivary gland cancers and had surgery four years ago, leaving him without the ability to eat or speak. "To be sure, health problems have prevented me from eating," Ebert writes in the book. "That did not discourage my cooking. It became an exercise more pure, freed of biological compulsion."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iCGPgljeM3WrvZ368oQFsfkfs-HgD9GL793O0

Bayler Teal
7-year-old Bayler Teal lost his two-year battle with neuroblastoma last Thursday. A committed fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Teal inspired the ballplayers with his passion for baseball and his courage to fight cancer. "I don't think the team could begin to understand how much it means,'' his father Rob Teal said of their support of his son. "This is such a tough time for all of us, and it is uplifting to know how much they cared about Bayler."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/wires/06/29/2060.ap.bbc.cws.notebook.1006/

Shonda Schilling
In 2001, Schonda Schilling was diagnosed with stage 2 malignant melanoma, underwent five surgeries and suffered more than 25 scars on her back, arms, legs and chest. A former "sun worshipper," Schilling is now cancer-free and has traveled all over the United States promoting sun-safety awareness. She urges people to never sunburn, cover up, seek shade, conduct monthly skin exams and use sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dedham/2010/06/cancer-survivor_schilling_in_d.html

Susan Snow
Four years ago, Susan Snow was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and was given two months to live. Beating the odds, she opened the Orchard Barn Wellness Centre on her own property last week in hopes of helping others who face a cancer diagnosis. "One of the things you do when your life is threatened is make promises," she said. "My promise was to help others with cancer."
http://www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca/article/20100628/CRESTON0101/306289993/0/CRESTON11/cancer-survivor-shares-experience-at-wellness-centre

Posted on July 1, 2010 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Paul Johnson
Southern California traffic reporter and weatherman Paul Johnson retired from his 22-year career this past January, and passed away last week after a battle with brain cancer. An avid and accomplished golfer, he often appeared in charity tournaments benefiting children with disabilities. His wife of eight years, Nancy Johnson, says she first fell in love with him by watching him on the television. "He was on camera who he was in person," said Nancy. "A kind, gentle soul, sincere and trustworthy."
http://www.ocregister.com/news/johnson-255675-years-traffic.html

Annie Yokom
Last year, Annie Yokom attended the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation after her diagnosis with lymphoma. Two weeks ago, at the age of 17, she returned to New York after successfully beating the disease. She performed at Feinstein's at the Regency on Park Avenue through the Michael Feinstein Foundation Great American Songbook high school competition. "Like a lot of 15-year-olds, I was pretty self-centered," said Yokom. "I am definitely more wise and a more empathetic person now. It was awful, but I am grateful for that change. I am a lucky girl."
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2010/07/04/2010-07-04_teen_queen_of_cabaret_illinois_girl_makes_nyc_debut_after_beating_cancer.html

Suzi Lee
After a routine dental check up in 1989, Suzie Lee's dentist discovered a small bump on the roof of her mouth. A biopsy later diagnosed her with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a type of cancer. After successful surgery and a promising diagnosis, the tumor returned 18 years later. Dedicated to her job as a mother and her work in the community as well as with her husband on their farm, Suzi refuses to live her life in fear. "...We do what we need to do to monitor it and live life the rest of the time. I believe God has a plan for me, and I don't want to stand in the way of it," Suzi said. "The support of your friends and family is so huge. I couldn't have done it by myself."
http://www.willistonherald.com/articles/2010/07/03/news/doc4c2fc0f397874189380350.txt

Joey Beauregard
Florida-resident Joey Beauregard recently attempted to climb Mount Shasta, California's fifth-highest mountain and the Cascade Range's second-highest peak. Joined by two-dozen climbers, she participated in an event called "Climb Against the Odds," hosted by the Breast Cancer Fund. At the age of 44, Joey was diagnosed with breast cancer, but has been free and clear since receiving a mastectomy in 2006. Due to harsh weather conditions, the group was unfortunately unable to reach the top of the mountain. While Joey is not ruling out the possibility of trying it again, she admits that raising awareness for the cause is her top priority. "I feel hopeful that this group is truly doing something about finding a way to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer," she said.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-07-02/news/os-lk-breast-cancer-survivor-mountain20100702_1_breast-cancer-breast-cancer-fund-climb

Posted on July 6, 2010 9:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harvey Pekar
Comic book author and cancer survivor Harvey Pekar passed away on July 12 from unknown causes. Pekar wrote his first comic strip in 1972 and published a graphic novel, "Our Cancer Year," in 1994 detailing his personal battle with lymphoma. His autobiographical series "American Splendor" was made into a film in 2003 and received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. "Harvey was one of the most compassionate and empathetic human beings I've ever met," said actor Paul Giamatti, who played him in the film. "He had a huge brain and an even bigger soul. And he was hilarious. He was a great artist, a true American poet, and there is no one to replace him."
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20010313-10391704.html

Jennifer Saunders
English actress and star of "Absolutely Fabulous" Jennifer Saunders has completed treatment for breast cancer and is now in remission. After her diagnosis in 2009, she decided to keep her condition private. "We're all thrilled for her, and very proud of her, for having won the battle..." said friend and fellow actress Joanna Lumley.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20010090-10391698.html

Walter Hawkins
Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer and pastor Walter Hawkins has passed away at the age of 61 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. "Today, I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend," said Edwin Hawkins. "Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and he will be greatly missed."
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-walter-hawkins-obit,0,1874446.story

Neal Benson
Prostate cancer survivor Neal Benson is encouraging others to receive the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test after the age of 50. He participated in this year's Pros8K run in Eugene, Oregon, and hopes the members of his community will take advantage of free screenings being offered at a local clinic. "Everyone has a family - wife, children, brothers, sisters. Why should you deprive them of spending time with you? It doesn't make sense to me," said Benson. "I want to see my daughter get married next year. I want to see my grandchildren. Why would I want to deprive myself and my family of that?"
http://kezi.com/news/local/181031

Posted on July 13, 2010 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Rene Syler
Breast cancer survivor and former Early Show anchor Rene Syler is encouraging others to be vigilant with their health through testing and early detection. "A stage one breast cancer found on a mammogram is 97 percent curable," she said. "It is a disease that can be curable when caught early." Both of Syler's parents suffered from breast cancer, prompting her to have a preventive mastectomy after her own diagnosis. "The fear of having breast cancer was trumped by the fear of dying," said Syler. "I wanted to live. And the thing that I tell people all the time is, that it's not enough to say, 'I don't want to know,' because what you should really be afraid of is not knowing you have breast cancer."
http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=90712&catid=291

Stephen Schneider
On July 19, at the age of 65, Cancer survivor and Biology professor Stephen Schneider passed away after suffering a heart attack. A world-renowned climatologist, Schneider battled mantle cell lymphoma in recent years and published a book about his medical journey. Of both cancer and the climate, he said, "In both cases, there was no room to be wrong."
http://www.stanforddaily.com/2010/07/19/stephen-schneider-biology-professor-dies-at-65/

Annelise Woitulewicz
Nine years ago, Annelise Woitulewicz was fighting breast cancer, preceding a myriad of other serious medical problems. Over the following years, she gained weight as a result of inactivity. But today, she is 90 pounds lighter than she was six months ago and is embarking on her first triathlon in Monroe, Michigan. "I can do anything I put my mind to do," said Woitulewicz. "I know that and I preach that and I tell everyone I won't ever let myself say I can't do anything." As for healthy-eating she says, "I just make it count. I eat whole real foods, and stay away from processed. It's portion control."
http://www.freep.com/article/20100718/COL26/7180337/1025/Features/From-cancer-patient-to-triathlete

Bill McPherson
After growing 25 inches of hair in six years, Bill McPherson donated it all to the non-profit organization "Locks of Love," which benefits children suffering from a variety of conditions that cause hair loss. He began growing his hair in 2004 after his cancer went into remission, and was more than happy to let it go, particularly as he raised more than $500 in ticket sales for the hair-cutting event which went towards a Relay for Life fundraiser.
http://www.daily-times.com/ci_15537614

Posted on July 20, 2010 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Christina Applegate
Cancer survivor and actress Christina Applegate is launching a charity to help at-risk women who can't afford proper preventative care. In 2008, Applegate received a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, detected through an MRI. "It's unfortunate that insurance companies (in America) don't cover the cost of that," said Applegate. "It's such an incredible device because you can find it at an early detection stage." Her charity, "Right Action For Women" will offer MRIs in addition to genetic and nutritional counseling. Applegate and her fiancé Martyn Lenoble are also expecting their first child.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/26/christina-applegate-launc_n_659592.html

Kaye Cowher
On July 23 at the age of 54, Kaye Cowher died after a battle with skin cancer. "Kaye was such a loving and compassionate person and she was the foundation of our family," said her husband and former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher. "Kaye was always at my side throughout my career as a player, coach, NFL analyst and, most importantly, as a parent to our three daughters Meagan, Lauren and Lindsay. They will miss their mother dearly."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5406440

Elizabeth "Ella" Myers
Three-year-old Elizabeth "Ella" Myers can now call herself a cancer survivor after being diagnosed at just 10 months. During a routine check up, her doctor discovered that 80 percent of her bone marrow was already damaged from leukemia. While Ella is now living a healthy life, cancer free, her mother Leah said, "It's hard to go back to normal. Normal is never the same."
http://www.galesburg.com/topstories/x1953792483/Cancer-survivors-gather-to-remember-hope

Joey Mongalier
Diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma in February, 14-year-old Joey Mongalier is now cancer-free after four months of treatment. "One of Joey's doctors told him early on that with his attitude, he had it beat," said his father Randy. "He's just been going with the flow. If it were me, I'd be asking, 'Why me?' You never heard any of that from him."
http://blog.cleveland.com/parmasunpost/2010/07/14-year-old_parma_cancer_survi.html

Posted on July 27, 2010 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)