Dear Blogger Family & Friends,The Pink Crusader continues her wayward journey through the "Promised Land," and sends warm hugs and best regards to each and every one of you. Although it will be some time before we resume our weekly schedule, we'll make every attempt to keep you updated as frequently as possible. In the meantime, thanks so much for your patience and understanding during this transition....and please read on for the latest news...Enjoy!
“Life is the greatest journey you will ever be on." - Unknown
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SURVIVOR UPDATE Cheryl P. Donlin (Excerpt from recent correspondence)
Today is Day 17 of my chemo and my hair is just now beginning to let go. I beat the 14-day prediction for hair loss by three days! It is a truly weird sensation to experience -- this losing hair thing....
Big sigh. I know that life is intrinsically meaningless and that we must create meaning for ourselves, but what can losing my hair possible mean in the larger context? Where's Einstein, or Carl Sagan when you need 'em?!? Guess it's a good thing I got that sassy little wig. I'll have options. Wish me luck!
Love, Cheryl
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FYIFrom Marsha Yeager:
Hi Ladies,
Some of you may know or remember Tammy Sweed of H.O.P.E Lymphedema Treatment Center. She has spoken to our group in the past about lymphedema treatments. She has for sale T-shirts that have the pink ribbon with wings and with "Hope" printed below. The colors are brown, black, white and raspberry. The cost is $27.50. If you are interested in purchasing one, I would call first to see if she has your size
(281 242 5807). Her business is located at 9914 Hwy 90, Suite A in Sugar Land.
Blessings, Marsha
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From Josie Sethi:
The Faces behind Breast Cancer
Great online review by Karen M. Lynch
Visit: http://www.pinkribbonreview.com/
April 28, 2008
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From Serenitea Tea Room
Mother's Day Tea
Saturday, May 10th
Celebrate Mother's Day with a very special tea service. Enjoy a three-tiered tray with an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, dessert and tea! All Moms receive a gift compliments of Serenitea!
Limited Seating Available. By Reservation Only.
Serenitea Tea Room and Gift Shop
13889 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
Tel: 281-491-4588
http://www.sereniteatearoom.com/
Hours
Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Private Events by Appointment
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From Victoria Silva:
Feminine Living
Ladies, This month our meditation will be KINDNESS.
As always the seed for the month focuses on YOU first. Many of the qualities we have been focusing on in our meditation group is new to some of you. We live in a culture where we are conditioned to giving certain qualities to others and not to
ourselves... and the truth is your needs and wants should be first. When we
nurture and love ourselves as the most important person in the world... all
your other relationships will be healthy and right. Learning to say NO to
the demands of others, and giving yourself the space and time for
yourself... Is an act of kindness and self respect. We allow others to treat
us the way we want them to treat us. It is so common as women that we let
others treat us so badly, and yet we often bend over backwards to be kind to
others. This is crazy. Be kind to you, your life depends upon YOU. When we
practice kindness towards ourselves and feel complete and joyful, it is only
natural to treat others with kindness.
If we as women do not heal first, and GIVE to ourselves first... we will
never reach our full potential as women... nor learn to care for ourselves
in a healthy, empowered way.
KINDNESS MEDITATION
Lay or sit down comfortably and begin to breath deeply from your belly area.
Just allow your breathing to relax your body, mind and Spirit.Begin to
breathe into your heart area, slowly and deeply, going deeper into your
meditation space.
Now focus on the word kindness, repeating it as a chant... over and over
again. Allow any images, events, words or feelings to come up for you. You
might recall an unkind act you did to yourself... or allowed another person
to act againest you. These are clues to what you might need to heal... in
order to embrace the act of kindness towards self. Just practice this
meditation daily... and watch how kind you become.... towards YOU... and
then begin to send kindness towards others out into the world.
OUR NEXT MEDITATION IS MAY 31ST AT 7:00.
Love and kindness,
Victoria
http://www.feminineliving.com/
RSVP at http://www.feminineliving.com/ or 713.849.3535
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From Jane Weiner
Hope Stone, Inc.
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/
Hope Center is closed Thursday
May 1 thru Sunday May 4th due to renovations!!!!!!
Please note due to the move of sister organization Pink Ribbons Project this weekend, we are taking the opportunity to shut our doors for a few days and do some necessary renovations....to make Hope Center better and more efficient!
So please note ALL classes are closed from Thursday May 1st 8 a.m. and we will re-open for Maria's Pilates class on Monday May 5th @ 8:15 a.m. (a perfect way to start your week!)
Classes cancelled:
Thursday 9:30 a.m. Ballet
Thursday 3:45 p.m. CM II (make up is May 22)
Thursday 6:30 p.m. West African
Thursday 8 p.m. Yoga
Thursday Ballet @ DWDT is OPEN!!!
Friday 9:30 a.m. adv. modern
Friday 6:15 p.m. Iaido Sword
Saturday 9 a.m. CM I (make up May 24)
Saturday 10 a.m. Ballet
Sunday 4 p.m. Yoga
Sincerely, Jane Weiner
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/
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From Donna Fong:
http://www.breastcancer.net/
Download a free copy of Living Beyond Breast Cancer's Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. This brochure talks about the physical, emotional and practical aspects of the first few months after diagnosis and provides an overview of breast cancer and a general understanding of the medical options, available support and resources, as well as practical tips to help talk to your healthcare team. Order bulk copies at a low rate for your office, or get a free single copy for yourself.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer is also unveiling two new website communities, one for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer at
http://www.lbbc.org/newly-diagnosed.asp
and one for women living with advanced (metastatic) disease at
http://www.lbbc.org/advanced-breast-cancer.asp
for easy access to a wealth of cutting-edge information.
Each section features the latest breast cancer news, updates on clinical trials, and comprehensive information on medical and quality-of-life issues. Use our search to easily find and access topics of interest, ranging from chemotherapy treatments to anxiety and depression to side effects and pain management. Other features include survivor profiles, frequently asked questions, a message board, information for caregivers and direct links to additional resources.
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Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Advocacy Alliance - Action Alert
Legislation has been introduced in Congress for a Mother's Day commemorative coin. A portion of the proceeds from this coin will benefit breast cancer research.
In the United States, one woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes.
Just stop and think about how many families will be affected by this diagnosis, how many children will have to see their mothers go through treatment, and how many will ultimately lose their mothers.
We must put an end to this heart-breaking disease - and the Mother's Day commemorative coin will help us do just that. Please click here to honor your mother by urging your members of Congress to support the Mother's Day coin. http://komenpolicy.org/campaign/us_mothersday_coin/8kgxk8n4h7w8bej8
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From the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Advocacy Alert
Cancer Survivors' Bill Reaches the Senate!
The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act, S.2790 was introduced in the Senate this month! S. 2790, is the companion to H.R. 1078, which now has more than 100 co-sponsors in the House. Having a bill in the Senate as well moves important cancer care planning that much closer to becoming a reality. This bill will improve cancer care by ensuring that cancer survivors have access to care plans and survivorship plans that will enhance their decision-making about treatment and assist them in managing all elements of their care.
Please contact your senators and urge them to become co-sponsors of S. 2790, the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act.
Read the full text of, S. 2790, The Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act.
Thank you for working with us to improve the quality of cancer care for all Americans.
Sincerely,
Ellen L. Stovall
36-Year Cancer Survivor
President & CEO, NCCS
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From Cure Today, online:
Spring, 2008
Attention Caregivers! Coming this summer, CURE will publish a special issue for Caregivers, and we want to hear from YOU! Send your tips and essays on caregiving to editor@curetoday.com by May 19th.
http://www.curetoday.com/currentissue/departments/findinghope/index.html
Just launched! You can still find us online at http://www.curetoday.com/ / , but take a look at all we have to offer at http://www.curemediagroup.com/ /
Disclaimer:
Information presented on the CURE website is not intended as a substitute for the personalized advice given by your health care provider. The information is provided solely as a resource for you to become an informed participant in understanding treatment options for management of cancer and blood disorders. Although CURE strives to present only current and accurate information on the website‚ you should not consider it as professional advice‚ which can only be given to you by your health care provider. The views expressed and opinions expressed on the pages of the CURE website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor or publisher. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy‚ the authors‚ CURE Media Group‚ LP, and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors‚ omissions or inaccuracies on this site‚ whether arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever or for any consequences arising therefrom.
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From Emma Jacobs:
Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation
The Unbeatable movement has begun! Next Fall, Unbeatable – A New Musical, which chronicles one woman’s struggle with breast cancer, will have its world premiere production at Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre and the anticipation is remarkable. More importantly, the comprehensive network of support that this new musical has already generated is awe-inspiring: M.D Anderson, The Pink Ribbons Project and The Susan G. Komen Foundation have joined dozens of individual donors to pledge significant support to develop this amazing project. Now is your moment to join our Unbeatable movement and bring this inspirational musical to Houston.
In a time when there are so many worthy causes drawing our attention, I encourage you to consider Unbeatable as a unique way to support the arts and provide a message of great hope to those taken ill with an insidious cancer. Thanks to your support we are well on our way to our goal of bringing Unbeatable to Houston!
Sincerely,
Emma Jacobs
Fundraising chair, Unbeatable
Stages Repertory Theatre
Checks made payable to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation, 206 Terrace Drive, Houston, Texas 77007.
Portions of your donation to the Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation (a 501c3 organization) may qualify for tax deductions under the laws of the State of Texas.
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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!HOPE STONE
Teen Yoga Classes
Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hope Center
1210 west clay #26
May 3
713.526.1907
ROSEBUDS SUPPORT MEETING
May 6, 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: May 20
ROSEBUDS II SUPPORT GROUP
May 8th, 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.
UNBEATABLE FUND RAISER - PAMPERED CHEF
As you know Emma has been feverishly working with Stages to bring Unbeatable to Houston. For those of you who have still not had a chance to sample the music, this is it! The ladies will be show casing the songs from the musical at the home of another of Stages board members. Please try to drop by and enjoy the music and if you happen to purchase something from Pampered Chef even better as a portion of the proceeds will go to Stages Theatre and the American Cancer Society.
RSVP: 281-261-4878 or 713-449-2792
Saturday, May 10th at 2:00pm
Home of Thomas Spiriti and John Marcellus
6431 Ivy Falls
Missouri City, TX 77459
tspiriti@comcast.net
Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 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
KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, May 12th, 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. Survivors Offering Support (SOS), a peer Breast Cancer support group will meet on Tuesday, May 13, from 7-9p at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in New Territory.
Do not forget our "Honoring of Survivors" (5 year, 10 year, 15 year) meeting next month. As for refreshments, please bring something that you can share with the others. However, bringing a refreshment is not a requirement for attendance. This will be the last formal meeting of the year. Please let me know if you are planning to join us.
During the summer we meet informally at no-host luncheons held at various restaurants in the Sugar Land area. Notice is by email. Directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/ /
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 May 20, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.
VICTORIA'S PLACE
Our next meditation is May 31st at 7:00 pm.
For information visit: http://www.feminineliving.com/ /
Or call 713.849.3535 to register.
SUSAN G. KOMEN for the Cure - Houston Affiliate
Survivorship Houston ‘08
Teaming Up to Fight Cancer: Hope, Inspiration & Fun
Celebrate cancer survivorship on Cancer Survivor’s Day, Sunday, June 1 at a free city-wide event for all cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families. The event takes place at the Methodist Training Center – Home of the Houston Texans at Reliant Park from 1 – 4 p.m.
The program, to begin at approximately 1:30 p.m., will be hosted by former news anchor, Linda Lorelle. Registration is required.
Activities
· Hear inspirational words from cancer survivors and others
· Learn more about community resources
· Talk with cancer survivorship experts
· Meet Houston Texan Cheerleaders
· Enjoy live entertainment and more!
Activities for kids include: face painting, football toss and cookie decorating.
This event is sponsored by the Survivorship Houston Coalition. For more information, including event registration, visit www.survivorshiphouston.org or call 713-745-0549.
(A Komen Houston Affiliate funded event.)
M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
Save the Date!!!!!
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
Keynote Speaker, Actor Gerald McRaney
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
2900 Briarpark Drive
Houston, Texas
Online Registration starts Monday, June 16, 2008
Details TBA or visit www.mdanderson.org/andersonnetwork
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA
"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ / / Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com
SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA
SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/ /
PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
2nd annual Pink Pairs luncheon
This year the pairs being honored will be Girlfriends - the survivor and her best supporting friend.
October 29th
River Oaks Country Club.
Details TBA
CURE MAGAZINE
Coming later this fall, the 5th Annual CURE Patient & Survivor Forum will take place November 1 & 2 in Dallas. CURE is proud to offer a Young Adult Track at this meeting in addition to CNE credit for nurses. For More information visit:
http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html
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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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“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost
Until we meet again...stay strong, stay well and keep on dancing no matter how many interruptions!
Love, JosieThe Pink Crusader
thepinkcrusader1@aol.com
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