I love social media! Through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, I've been able to communicate with literally hundreds of people throughout the world. I especially love it during the holidays, because it gives me a glimpse into the traditions and lives of my new friends. Traditions are the rituals we all do year after year and carry on generation after generation without question. We just do them "because it's always been this way".

Today, on Christmas Eve, many families will be gathering to exchange gifts and spend time together. Many cancer survivors say that their cancer journey has already given them gifts greater than any present they could receive on a holiday. Cancer isn't a gift by any means, but the experience of overcoming adversity - of gaining new perspective- is something that is priceless.

Originally, I intended to write this post on a different subject. I had finished the article and asked my wife to proofread it. The article was about a trip I took when my wife and daughter were on vacation. I had taken some time to myself to cross an item off my bucket list while they were gone. My wife read the article and then commented she was glad I took the trip. She pointed out that too many caregivers do not take time out for themselves; they get so wrapped up and consumed caring for loved ones diagnosed with cancer that they fail to take care of their own needs. Which got me thinking – what does it mean to be a caregiver?

The holidays are a stressful time even when you are not sick. Hours of shopping, putting up decorations, and cooking meals and baking cookies – it is no wonder that this time of year can wear a person down. When you are battling an illness like cancer, staying healthy has to take priority. That is easy to say, but not easy to do when the holidays create memories that no one wants to miss. Staying organized and listening to your body is the key to dealing with the stress of holiday season with cancer.

When a patient learns their cancer is in remission after many months of treatments, surgeries, and side effects, a cancer survivor does not need a lesson in gratitude. Every new day and regular activities will bring on a new found appreciation and the small things will certainly not be dwelled on. So what do bigger occasions, like the holidays, mean to a cancer survivor?

With the rise of people being diagnosed with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, it has sounded an alarm with the general public. People everywhere are beginning to wonder if they, or their families, have been exposed to asbestos in their homes or somewhere else in their day-to-day life. A lot of people are under the impression that asbestos only lies in certain building materials, like siding. However, these deadly fibers can be present in a lot of other places as well.

With exactly two weeks until Christmas day, many families and loved ones are in the midst of their holiday shopping frenzy to prepare for the big day. But the holidays may not be bringing comfort and joy to everyone this season. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be at a loss for what to give that person for this holiday season. When going through cancer treatments, patients often deal with side effects that leave them not feeling well and uncomfortable. There are many great gifts that could make a patient smile and feel better. Whether you are a family member, friend, or caregiver, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has put together a list of suggestions to help any gift giver, whether the occasion is Christmas, a birthday, or a “just because” gift.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that few people survive. This disease has made the news in recent years due to lawsuits filed against companies that do not disclose their knowledge of the potential toxic results of asbestos exposure.

The holiday season generally brings to mind memories and images of spending time with your family and friends while you carry out your yearly traditions. However, for someone dealing with a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatments, the holidays can take on a different perspective. No matter the time of year, cancer is not only stressful on the patient, but also very stressful on family and loved ones. Psychologist, physical therapist, and bestselling author, Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, witnesses first hand how cancer affects patients and their families emotionally. Here are five tips from Dr. Lombardo to help families stay strong when someone is fighting cancer:

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to take a moment to thank Diana Davey, the Advocate of the Month for December. Diana has been incredibly active and visible in our Facebook community and continues to help spread the message of the MCA, while lending her support and knowledge to others affected by cancer. Below is an interview with Diana about how Mesothelioma affected her way of life and why she continues to spread the message of MCA.

The holiday season can fill up the stomach with delicious treats, hearty meals and expedient amounts of seasonal goodies. However, if you are on a nutritious diet plan, eating right during the holidays has to be a mission. For certain groups of people, it's a necessity to eat a healthy meal. For example, cancer patients currently in treatment and survivors can't overindulge during the holiday season, because cakes and sweets provide little nutrition. Caregivers need to pay close attention as well in order to enable and support their loved ones during the holiday season, when certain foods are more tempting than others. The following are some good and bad foods for nutritional eating this season.

Dealing with cancer can cause a lot of different emotions, especially during the holidays. With the holidays come a lot of gatherings with family and friends; which means a lot more social expectations and obligations. Often times, the cancer treatments that patients are going through can cause daily nausea and fatigue. This may result in a patient not being as into the holiday spirit. There are many things that cancer patients and their friends and family can do to reduce the stress that the holidays may bring.

It is essential for cancer patients to maintain a strong immune system. Cancer treatments can be destructive to the body and can leave the body even more susceptible to diseases, infections, and germs. One of the best ways to supplement your immune system during cancer treatment is to eat a well-balanced diet rich in immune-boosting superfoods.

First known as Armistice Day, the history of Veterans Day comes from the end of fighting during World War I on November 11, 1918 when an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany went into effect and ended the most destructive and widespread war to that date. The war officially ended seven months later when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to introduce you to an amazing and inspirational 19-year survivor, Sean Gee! Sean has shared his incredible story with us, and hopes to help all of those affected by mesothelioma. Please read his journey below.

Cancer can bring your life to a screeching halt, but you’ll find that as you go through treatment and as each day comes closer to normal, you still need to move forward. One way to normalize each day after a cancer diagnosis is through exercise. The National Cancer Institute states that exercise has an enormous positive benefit on both cancer treatment and cancer risk reduction. However, if you have never exercised before it can be hard to get into it.

When someone goes through a tough time in his or her life, it is always helpful to hear advice from other’s who have been there too, and cancer is no exception. We spoke to former cancer patients and survivors to bring you their best helpful tips and inspiring advice.

“Rules” for taking a Client Deposition

A deposition is simply the out-of-court oral testimony of any witness under oath for discovery purposes or for use in court. Some states, such as New York, refer to deposition as an “examination before trial,” which aptly describes their purpose. A deposition allows opposing counsel a chance to question a witness prior to trial.

The MCA recently spoke to Kate Fitzpatrick, who lives in Connecticut with her husband, a lung cancer survivor, and their daughter, Kelly Rose, who was born exactly one year after her father completed chemotherapy. Below, Kate shares tips from a caregiver’s perspective on how to take care of yourself as you care for a cancer patient.

Michael Stevens, a former member of the Merchant Navy, died from repeated asbestos exposure and subsequent malignant mesothelioma. He was 83.

Similarly to the Merchant Marine in the United States, the Merchant Navy operates on behalf of the United Kingdom. Formerly established and nationally recognized by King George V after World War I, the Merchant Navy served a pivotal role not only in the Great War but also in World War II. These privately operated vessels supported the Royal Navy's efforts during times of conflict.