Pink Crusader: Foiled by the Flu

Dear Blogger Family & Friends,

The Pink Crusader continues to "fly under the radar" while still battling a stubborn case of the flu....Sorry, no hugs this week (sigh). We look forward to returning to our post next week and appreciate your patience while we "starve the fever and feed the cold." In the meantime, feel free to catch-up on the latest community updates, pop a little Vitamin C, and enjoy the following bit of "sick" humor.....

"How to Avoid the Flu"

Eat right! Make sure you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies.

Take your vitamins and bump up your Vitamin C.

Get plenty of exercise because exercise helps build your immune system.

Walk for at least hour a day, go for a swim, take the stairs instead of the
elevator, etc.

Wash your hands often. If you can’t wash them, keep a bottle of antibacterial
solution handy.

Get lots of fresh air. Open windows whenever possible.

Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can.

Get plenty of rest.

OR ….

Think about it: when you go for a shot, what do they do first? Clean your arm with alcohol.. Why? Because alcohol kills germs.

So……I walk to the liquor store (exercise),

I put lime in my Corona (fruit),

celery in my Bloody Mary (veggies),

drink at the bar patio (fresh air),

get drunk, tell jokes, and laugh (eliminate stress)

and then pass out (rest).

The way I see it, if you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can’t get you!!!!

- Unknown

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SURVIVOR UPDATES:

Thoughts and prayers go out to several of our dear friends who are scheduled for surgery this week. We wish them all a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them back in action as soon as possible:

Patty Brown (patty@wbc.necoxmail.com )

Cheryl P. Donlin (cdonlin@tejaslabs.net )

Nadine Eidman (naeidman@aol.com )

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Rosemary Barr:

Get-well wishes to Rosemary as she recovers from a foot injury.

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Lori C. Kwiatkowski:

Congratulations to Lori who was featured in an article on acupuncture treatments in the new AARP magazine (with Jack Nicholson on the cover).

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FYI

From Cheryl P. Donlin:

Josie,
This item is a little unusual in terms of the scope of your blog, but it is such a good thing and such an easy thing to do to help provide some much needed distraction for some very sick children in our community, that I am sending it to you, anyway. Have you met Bear? He's one of the dynamos behind Tour de Pink, donating his time, expertise and enthusiasm. He provided the start/finish balloon arch and much, much more for Tour de Pink last year - Cheryl

Please vote for Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital
It only takes a second, please click on the link below and vote for Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital to receive a "Fun Center" for sick children from Colgate-Palmolive.

Now, you can make a difference by voting to help our children win a Fun Center. Colgate-Palmolive and Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation have teamed up this year to help children with Sickle Cell Disease by providing FUN CENTERS in hospitals. Fun Centers feature a flat screen monitor, DVD player and a Nintendo® Wii and rolls right up to a child’s bedside. Nine centers have been selected to participate in the contest and the THREE hospitals with the most votes win. Click on the following website and place your vote for Children’s Memorial Hermann. Voting ends February 29th. Each user can vote once per day. http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/Corp/CommunityPrograms/show-the-love.cvsp
Thanks,
David 'Bear' Holle
OSO promotions www.osopromo.com

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From Susan G. Komen for the Cure:

International Conference Convenes Young Breast Cancer Survivors, Leading Healthcare Experts to Address Breast Cancer in Young Women

Jacksonville, Florida Plays Host to Only International Conference Addressing Unique Concerns of Young Breast Cancer Survivors

Jacksonville — January 10, 2008 — The world’s leading breast cancer experts will bring the latest medical, research and quality-of-life information on breast cancer in pre-menopausal women to an estimated 1,000 young breast cancer survivors, caregivers and medical professionals from around the world at the 8th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, February 22-24, 2008. For additional information, visit: http://cms.komen.org/komen/NewsEvents/KomenNews/080110_YSC_Conference

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From National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC):

Save the Date

2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
April 26th - 29th 2008

Register now to attend NBCCF's 16th Annual Advocacy Training Conference. Join hundreds of national and international breast cancer activists in our fight to eradicate breast cancer.

NBCCF's yearly gathering helps participants hone their advocacy skills and learn about the latest in breast cancer science, research and policy. Hear directly about the controversies and issues from important leaders, scientists, and advocates.

To learn more about this event and registration, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=598&Itemid=1

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From Jane Weiner, Hope Stone, Inc.

February 9 BELLY DANCE
February 16 PILATES
February 23 INTRO TO MODERN DANCE
March 1 CAPOEIRA MARTIAL ARTS

Cost is $80 for the remainder of the series, $18 drop in, class cards can be used as well!
Call now to register-713.526.1907 ext. 1

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From Donna Fong:

I have registered to volunteer at the walk on April 12-13, 2008. If you want to make a difference, you can register at this website or to volunteer.

It should be fun!!! - Donna
Please visit Avon Foundation for more information at: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_volunteer_2k8&s_oo=PXJJPI_HS81cJnIJpjYXKw..

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From Victoria Silva:

Ladies, February is known as a month of love... with Valentines Day being a
fun and wonderful celebration from the heart on February 14th. But did you
know that February is also a month to practice FORGIVENESS and once and for all put past hurts and mistakes behind you?

Please join me for a heart felt and life changing ceremony of FORGIVENESS...
held in my HEALING ROOM... FEBRUARY 9TH... AT 7:00 to 9:30 PM...

$25 fee which includes all supplies and refreshments... AND as a wonderful nurturing treat and body healing experience RENA LEVERENCE L.M.T. will be giving mini-massages as part of your FORGIVENESS process...

$15 for 15 blissful minutes! CALL VICTORIA TO REGISTER 713-849-3535.
Visit my website http://www.feminineliving.com/ for details

I love you all, Victoria

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From American Cancer Society-Houston Metro Office:

Relay for Life 2008

Relay For Life is a community gathering where everyone can participate in the fight against cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society. It features great entertainment, food, and fun for all ages. Survivors walk the first lap marking the start of Relay. After that at least one person from each team is on the track at all times. Cancer doesn’t sleep and neither will we! The focal point of the evening is the luminaria ceremony honoring those who lost their fight against cancer and celebrates those who have won that battle. There is a true sense of camaraderie as everyone gathers for a common cause.

Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society whose mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and services.

For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080

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DAILY REMINDER #1:
"Fund Free Mammograms" Go to The Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/tpc/EEB_0115_BCSm and help fund free mammograms for the homeless, working-poor, and un-insured women. It costs nothing to you, except one daily click on the pink "Fund Free Mammograms" button. You can even request automatic reminders via e-mail. Please make your free click now, and thanks for your continuing support! The Breast Cancer Site, One Union Square, 600 University Street, Suite 1000, Seattle, WA 98101 Phone: 1-888-811-5271

DAILY REMINDER #2:
Help eliminate Breast Cancer with a daily click at http://breastcancer.care2.com/ebc-about.html You'll be one of the first people to participate in the largest virtual mountain climb in the world! With every click, (or "step") you generate a donation to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer--for free. Sponsors pay for your click and fund The Breast Cancer Fund's programs focusing on environmental links to breast cancer. It only takes a second! The Breast Cancer Fund is the leading national organization focused on identifying – and advocating for the elimination of – the environmental and preventable causes of the disease. For more details on the organization’s work, visit http://www.breastcancerfund.org/

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UPCOMING EVENTS: Mark Your Calendars and Save the Dates!

ROSEBUDS MEETING
February 5th, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
Open to all Breast Cancer Patients/Survivors
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet
Future Meetings: FEBRUARY 19**, MARCH 4 &18
** The Rosebuds 17th Birthday Party

VICTORIA'S HEALING ROOM
Forgiveness Ceremony - A rite of passage.
Saturday, Feb 9th
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

I believe so much in the power of FORGIVENESS... that I hold a FORGIVENESS CEREMONY every February. Look for all the details in February on my website www.feminineliving.com . Rena Leverance L.M.T, will also be available at the FORGIVENESS ceremony with mini massage to help with your release and healing!
For details and RSVP, visit: http://www.feminineliving.com/
or call Victoria Silva at 713.849.3535

HOPE STONE, INC. SATURDAY SAMPLER SERIES
Hit the winter blues and blahs with our new sampler series!!!! Hope Center offers a lovely sampling of classes for you to try out during the next few Saturdays....a great way to try a new movement class.....experience a novel way to move and care for your body....to be in the community with other awesome Hope Center students, and gosh darn it, to HAVE FUN. Our teachers are the best of the best!!!!!

February 9 BELLY DANCE
February 16 PILATES
February 23 INTRO TO MODERN DANCE
March 1 CAPOEIRA MARTIAL ARTS
11:45am - 1:00pm
Call now to register-713.526.1907 ext. 1
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/

KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, February 11th, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675.

SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County.
February 12, 2008, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
La Madeline Cafe and Bistro, Sugar Land.
Please RSVP with Marsha Yeager at marshayeager@yahoo.com

FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK EVENT
Thursday, Feb 14th, 11:00am - 3:30 pm
Appearances Breast Care Boutique
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Mays Clinic
2nd Floor
Houston, TX
Come and meet the author and participants from the book!

ROSEBUDS II MEETING
February 14, 5:45 - 7:30 pm
Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting
For those who have had or are at high risk for recurrence and/or metastasis, 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Future Meetings: FEBRUARY 28, MARCH 13 & 27

FACES BEHIND BREAST CANCER BOOK EVENT
Save the Date! Valentine's Day Tea Party
Hosted by KnockOut Roses
Sunday, February 17th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Randall's Community Resource Center
The Rose Medical Plaza
12700 North Featherwood
Houston, TX 77034
Meet the author and participants from the book.
BYOTC (Bring Your Own Tea Cup)
RSVP with Amy Rigsby at 713-254-1399
arigsby@the-rose.org , by Thursday, Feb. 14th

ROSEBUDS ANNUAL BIRTHDAY PARTY
6:00 p.m - Tuesday, February 19, 2008
At our annual birthday party we recognize those who have attained a 5 year,10 year, 15 year, etc. anniversary of diagnosis/treatment during the past year. If you are one of these people, please advise Donna Fong. 713-681-7716 or donnafong5948@yahoo.com Refreshments will be provided.

M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER LECTURE SERIES
Drowning in Calories: What It Will Take to Turn the Tide
Featuring David L. Katz, M.D., M.P.H,
a syndicated nutrition columnist for The New York Times and O, The Oprah Magazine
Reserve your seat today!
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008
5:30 p.m. Check In
6:00 p.m. Program
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
South Campus Research Building
7435 Fannin Street at Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77054
Free admission and parking
Registration deadline: Feb. 18
To register, e-mail publiced@mdanderson.org
or call 713-745-0549.

VICTORIA'S PLACE ESSENTIAL OIL MAKING CLASS:
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23RD
2:00 TO 4:00 PM
$28 includes supplies, refreshments and
TWO 1oz. take home bottles of your own blend

Anyone who loves using essential oils... needs to take this class... so you
can make your OWN high quality blends, instead of paying those HIGH PRICES
at the store...this is a hands on and super fun class! Go to
http://www.feminineliving.com/ for the details. See you there!

THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on March 18, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.

AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER
Houston - April 12 - 13, 2008
Congratulations on deciding to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! By registering online now, you will have immediate access to all of the tools of your 'My Avon Walk Center' and can begin fundraising towards your goal today. https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/TRR/Walk2008/Houston/1021196898?pg=ptype&fr_id=1420&JServSessionIdr004=x9jrwe2701.app26b or For more information, please call us at (713) 968-9250. Email: volunteer.houston@avonwalk.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
4/18/2008 6:00:00 PM - 4/19/2008 6:00:00 AM

Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080

Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas

During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage

M.D. ANDERSON 3-DAY WELLNESS CONFERENCE
September 4 - 6, 2008
Details TBA

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
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"SHARING is CARING"
As always, The Pink Crusader welcomes your contributions, comments, stories, poems, events and photographs! Posts are updated each week. Please send your written contributions to
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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