Image by: Julia Ordodi

The How-To

Often people who feel as if there is too much they need to do to reach their goals, and then avoid setting them. Asking yourself what you’d like to do with their future may represent too much of a stretch, especially if they are not accustomed to setting goals. A better way set goals are to ask:

What are my yearly goals and what are my seasonal goals?

Automobiles contain a variety of toxic substances that can enter your body through your skin and by breathing. Inside of your car, heavy metals and other toxins, including mercury, cesium, cadmium and barium are contained within the electronic components of the vehicle. These toxins are primarily within the microchips and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens found on your dashboard and on accessories such as portable geographic positioning system (GPS) units.

The plastics in your vehicle, which make up your dashboard, console, storage compartments, covering of your steering wheel, and components of your vehicle's carpeting, floor mats and safety belts may contain bisphenol A (BPA), which is an endocrine disruptor that can cause hormonal problems when it enters your bloodstream. The heat of the sun can leach this chemical out of the plastics, as can scratches and dings caused by everyday use.

More on Protecting Yourself During Mechanical Work

When doing any type of mechanical work on your vehicle, personal safety protection is key in avoiding or reducing exposure to the toxins in your automobile. Work in a well-ventilated area. While doing the work, place goggles on your eyes and wear a facemask to avoid breathing in fibers and particles that contain toxic substances. “Jewelry should never be worn when working with mechanical equipment of any kind, including when working with automobiles.” Wear long sleeved shirts and pants, as well as gloves that protect your hands. Do not eat or drink until you have thoroughly washed your hands.

Protecting Yourself Inside of the Vehicle

As a driver, you may spend many hours every week inside of your vehicle. This frequent exposure to toxins can adversely affect your health, although there are ways you can protect yourself inside of your automobile. Avoid using chemical air fresheners or cleaners inside of your car. These can damage the plastics and release toxins. Replace plastic floor mats with wool carpets. On hot days, attempt to park in the shade and leave your windows slightly down to allow the heat to dissipate, reducing the leaching of BPA from the plastics. If the upholstery in your car becomes damaged, take your vehicle to an automobile repair shop to repair the upholstery so none of the fibers escape into the air that you breathe in while driving.

Sources:

• http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/cadmium.htm
• http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/EWaste/upload/HWMP_FS_SB20_LCD.pdf
• http://www.safetyrisk.com.au/2011/04/25/mechanics-workshop-safety/
• http://cincovidas.com/toxin-alert-air-fresheners-pollute-the-air-with-hormone-disruptors/

According to the DVNF, the overriding concern is not necessarily paying monthly bills, but preventing homelessness. Since DVNF's inception, combating homelessness among veterans is the organization's top priorities.

The number of veterans and disabled veterans in low-income or subsidized housing has increased recently, and with that increase, many veterans are often just one unpaid bill away from eviction. Further, homelessness among veterans has also dramatically escalated since the early 2000s, especially among the Iraq and Afghanistan veteran population.

Though these “emergency” grants are a temporary fix, it prevents another growing problem among low-income veterans: payday loans. Payday loan centers offer quick money to desperate people at exorbitant fees, and perpetuate the poverty cycle.

The economic pressures hit the veteran population the hardest. More veterans are struggling to stay in their homes than ever before, and this is the reason behind the DVNF's “emergency” grant program. Each grant application is reviewed on an individual basis, often dependent on the type of need requested and how many individuals are in the household.

DVNF's individual grants may be used for rent or mortgage, and for “essential” utilities, such as heating, water, electric and waste. Applications must include DVNF's financial request form, copies of bills, copy of the veteran applicant's DD214 form and signed consent form. Further, DVNF encourages veterans to work with a caseworker from a local Veterans Affairs office ( VA) or any Veterans Service Organization (a list can be found at the VA). Cover letters are required with every application, and if a cover letter is written on the behalf of an applicant by a caseworker from the VA or VSO, it speeds up the grant review process.

Many local and state veterans' departments also offer emergency grants to help alleviate household costs. Check with your local VA for availabilities.

My wife has often commented she can't imagine what I went through after her mesothelioma diagnosis. I have only really talked to her once about my experiences as a caregiver and with this I hope to share more.

A Shocking Diagnosis

Three months prior to her diagnosis we celebrated the birth of our first and only child; our daughter Lily. We went from a time of great joy and promise to a period of fear and uncertainty. I can remember the day the doctors said “mesothelioma” for the first time. I remember looking into my wife’s eyes as she was crying from the news thinking,

"how are we ever going to get through this?"

I was feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of breaking down, when suddenly, the doctors questions about future medical choices brought me back to reality. That was the first of many days in which I would feel emotionally overwhelmed and still be required to make difficult life decisions with my wife.

Hardships & Sacrifices

Immediately following the diagnosis I was full of rage, anger and fear. At times, I was reduced to communicating with others by using only profanity. This included members of the Church and medical community. Fortunately, with time I was able to control my emotions a little bit better. I realized I had to be strong for my wife and daughter. They were depending on me. I had my moments, but I always tried to be strong when I was around my wife. I never wanted her to see my fears. I needed to be her rock, a source of optimism and stability. As with many things, this is easier said than done.

Right after the diagnosis there were many days where I had an impossibly long to-do list. I had to deal with everything, from work and travel arrangements, to caring for our daughter and pets. At first I was overwhelmed but I quickly learned to prioritize and focus on the most important tasks. I also learned to accept the many offers of help we received from others. We were blessed to have so many people offer to help during this time. I am not sure what I would have done without all these wonderful people in our lives. However, even with all of the help, I still felt overcome with the responsibilities at times.

There was a two-month period in particular that Heather can’t imagine what I went through. It was directly following her surgery in Boston. Heather had flown to South Dakota to spend time with her parents, recovering from the surgery and preparing for the next phase of treatment, chemotherapy and radiation. Our daughter was also staying with Heather’s parents while I was home, working and trying to keep our heads above water. During this time I only saw Heather and Lily once.

One Friday after work, I drove the 11 hours through the night, in the middle of a late season snowstorm to see them. I slept a few hours in the car, hoping the snowplows would have time to clear the roads. When I arrived Saturday morning I was exhausted. I spent the rest of Saturday and a little time on Sunday morning with them before hopping back in the car and driving the 11 hours back home to be at work Monday morning.

No Regrets

While it was extremely difficult for me to be away from my wife and daughter, I never look at this time as a loss. Instead, I realize it was the choice that made the most sense. There was no way I would have been able to take care of Lily and work at the same time. I don’t look back at this, or any of the other difficult choices we made with regret. I accept them as things we needed to do. The cancer diagnosis forced us to make many difficult choices, but I took comfort in the fact that we could still make choices.

If I learned anything during this difficult time it was to accept the offers of help from others, and to take comfort in the fact that having the ability make choices, although extremely challenging, was a way for us to maintain a level of control during a time of such uncertainty.

Fortunately, scientists are continuing to test and experiment new types of treatments. Some of these emerging forms of treatment include:

• Immunotherapy:
  Immunotherapy utilizes the body's immune system and natural defenses in order to strengthen the body's ability to fight cancer. Immunotherapy uses biological response modifiers (BRM's) to do this. Some BRM's such as cytokines and antibodies are naturally occurring in the body. New developments, however, have now made it possible to produce BRM's in the laboratory. BRM's may have the effect of reducing cancer growth; blocking or reversing the process that changes a normal cell to a cancer cell; and/or making cancer cells more susceptible to destruction by the immune system.
• Anti-Angiogenesis:
  Anti-Angiogenesis treatment uses drugs or other substances to prevent tumors from creating new blood vessels thereby stopping the growth of the tumor. Anti-angiogenesis treatments do not attack cancer cells but rather attack the blood supply required by those cells to grow and multiply. Both natural and synthetic anti-angiogenesis inhibitors are currently being studied in clinical trials including trials of cisplatin, permetrexed and bevacizumab (for untreated Mesothelioma) and of bevacizumab and eriotinib (for previously treated Mesothelioma).
• Photodynamic Therapy:
  Phytodynamic therapy works by injecting a photosensenitizing drug into the patient. The drug then operates by avoiding healthy cells and attacking diseased cells. Doctors can then use a special laser light capable of activating the photosensitizing agent. When the light hits the drug, surrounding cancer cells are destroyed.
• Gene Therapy:
  Gene therapy involves removing, replacing or altering genes in order to treat or to prevent disease. To deliver new or changed genes to the correct location, scientists use carrier molecules called vectors. The most commonly used vector is actually a virus. Currently gene therapy is only targeted towards "somatic" cells and therefore cannot be passed down to any offspring. A clinical study of the treatment of malignant pleural Mesothelioma with gene modified cancer cells is currently underway at the Gene Therapy Laboratory at Louisiana State University.
• Hormone Replacement:
  Hormones are known to increase the rate of cancer growth. Therefore, cancer scientists take advantage of this fact by blocking certain hormones or their receptors. This treatment is frequently used as a follow-up to other traditional treatments and may help to decrease the risk of cancer reoccurring in the body. Recent studies using dexamethasons, a synthetic hormone, yielded promising results for the treatment of patients with mesothelioma.

If chemotherapy isn't working for you, or you are interested in supplementing your existing treatment plan, you may want to talk to your doctor about utilizing another form of treatment.

Exercise is beneficial for your overall health and quality of life. It improves your circulation, the health of your bones, and increases your appetite. It also greatly improves the health of your muscles by rebuilding lost muscle mass. Research has found that exercise can also decrease nausea and pain, and that cardiovascular activity can boost your immune system. Another benefit of regular exercise is that it reduces fatigue and creates an energy balance in your body. Suggestive, but by no means definitive studies show exercising may make you have a less likely chance of relapsing and dying from cancer.

Exercise can also be very helpful to your morale. It can keep you focused and positive, take your mind off of negative aspects in your life, and decrease stress. Exercise has been linked to improved rates of self-esteem and general emotional well-being and reducing depression and anxiety. For an added boost of morale, it could also be very beneficial to look for an exercise program for cancer patients in your community and find others to work out with.

There are also important considerations to take heed of before developing an exercise routine. It is very important that you discuss exercising with your doctor and develop and individualized plan because every person is different. Exercise can impair patients with reduced lung function, such as those who are undergoing mesothelioma treatment who will need to start slow with light exercise. Your physician will advise you on your preferable frequency and intensity and what activities are safe for you. Cancer patients beginning their exercise routine should start slowly and moderately, as exercising too much, too fast should be avoided. Choose activities that are easily accessible, comfortable and enjoyable. Timing is also important. Cancer patients undergoing their first chemotherapy treatment therapy should wait until their cycle is complete. For those using radiation therapies- you should decrease the intensity of exercise towards the end of your treatment cycle. It is also important to listen to your body: You should skip your routine if you are not feeling well enough to participate. Also, Inform your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, dizziness or swelling.

While it is true that many cancer treatments take their toll on a woman's physical appearance, she can still feel beautiful by adding to her wardrobe

According to Psychology Today, those who are in good mental health show fewer side effects from cancer treatments. The American Cancer Society has stated that some tumors may have an increased rate of growth in those who are under a great deal of stress. Women with cancer, such as that due to asbestos exposure, are at a heightened risk for psychological problems and increased stress, and for good reason. Cancer is quite possibly the most difficult trial a person can ever face, and remaining positive and optimistic after a cancer diagnosis can seem impossible.

Beautiful In Your Own Skin

Feeling beautiful can do wonders for a woman's self esteem and stress level. Fashion is a wonderful way to make a woman feel energized and empowered in the face of a cancer prognosis, but it is not the only way for a woman to make herself look her best. Makeup can also give women a lift. Lifetime Television's Executive Producer of Public Affairs famously wrote the memoir "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy." The book details her triumph in the face of tragedy, and how trying to look her best even when feeling her worst helped her through the hardships of cancer. Trying different types of cosmetics can be a fun and inexpensive way for a woman to put her best face forward.

Beauty is not something that can only be accomplished through outward appearance. In order to feel beautiful on the outside, it is vital to know that you are beautiful on the inside. When cancer strikes, it may seem impossible to keep your head held high. Knowing how special and unique you are on the inside, no matter how the disease has ravaged your outward appearance, will let the world know how truly beautiful you are.

Prayer

Although prayer may be the most obvious spiritual healing modality, many forget that asking for help from the prime creator should be the first step. After all, spiritual help from the source of life only makes sense. Certainly, pray for a complete healing, but realize that you are required to do your part with some introspective analysis. Set aside some time in a quiet location, where you will not be disturbed. Consider your daily life and what brings about any negative feelings or reactions. You will be looking for emotions, such as anger, frustration, stress, non-acceptance, shame. Not having the ability to forgive, yourself and others, is one of the most common negative parts of a person‘s makeup. These types of negative emotions can cause disease in your body.

Once you have identified these negative emotions and situations, ask to have them removed from you and to recycle the energy into light and love. Always be sure to send appreciation, as though the deed has already been done. Do your part to make changes, in your life that will work towards alleviating the problem. Also, keep your senses open for help and solutions that may be sent, per your request.

Energy Healing

There are many forms of energy healing. In most cases the healing is performed by another person, who has training or a natural ability. Basically, the healing is done by directing lighted energy towards the patient, which may include direction towards the physical, spiritual and emotional sources of the disease. In many cases energy healing can be done from a distance, as well as in person.

It is said by some healers that everyone has healing abilities in their hands. And, in fact, the well-known energy healing practice of reiki can be learned by anyone. Increased energy alignment is passed to the reiki student, by a reiki master, through a process call attunements. Some other energy healing modalities do not require the attunement process, but assist the student in becoming increasingly sensitive to healing energy. Reiki, and other types of similar healing practices can be used on oneself, others and others at a distance. The lighted energy used in this type of healing is said to be a universal life energy, referred to as chi, shakti or prana.

Whatever spiritual healing you choose to add to your daily routine, remember that mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that demands a full spectrum of healing methods. Use these techniques to complement your cancer treatment and benefit from their palliative benefits.

Sources:

• http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/life-after-treatment/page6
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/101865-effects-spirituality-cancer-patients/
• http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/cancertreatment2000.html

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance survivor advocate, Heather Von St. James, will be hosting a fundraiser in support of mesothelioma research on Saturday, February 4th. Established around the anniversary of Heather's successful 2006 mesothelioma surgery, the fundraiser will support the International Mesothelioma Program, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, and Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. We spoke with Heather about the event below.

MCA: Why are you raising money for mesothelioma research?

HVSJ: To give back to those organizations who have done so much for this disease, and the people who are affected by it. Bringing about awareness is the first step toward a cure.

MCA: Who Will receive the money?

HVSJ: 3 Organizations.. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, and The International Mesothelioma Program.

MCA: What is your fundraising goal?

HVSJ: $10,000

MCA: Can anyone donate?

HVSJ:Yes, absolutely yes! If people would like to donate, they can send money in check or money order to me, made out to any one of the organizations and I will send all donations onward. Or, if they want, they can make the check out to "Heather's Hope," an account set up for me when I was sick. I will deposit all funds into it and send on to the organizations. For donations to be tax deductible, funds need to be made out directly to the organization. Funds should be sent to my address:

Heather Von St James, 2431 Saint Albans Street North, Roseville, MN 55113

If anyone would like further details, I can be reached by phone at 651-330-3614. I'd be more than happy to talk!

Only two of the sixteen top contenders for the Oval Office have military experience – Representative Ron Paul and Texas Governor Rick Perry. Rep. Paul served in the United States Air Force as a Flight Surgeon in the 1960s. Governor Perry also served in the US Air Force, flying C-130s and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1977.

Not since the election of Teddy Roosevelt in 1944 has there not been more military veterans vying for President.

Echoing what most voters are seeing is the online political hub, Politico: “Americans are likely to cast their votes in the first presidential race in nearly 70 years where neither major party nominee has ever worn the nation's uniform.” And, as Politico points out, our standing President, who is seeking another term, does not have military experience.

What has changed, then?

Perhaps the lack of military experience in the majority of the 2012 Presidential candidates is partly because of the evolution of our nation's military to an all-volunteer core. Perhaps this change is due to what American voters are looking for in their Commander-in-Chief. Perhaps those individuals with sights set on the Oval Office are different than those who have sought the Pennsylvania address in the past.

What is also interesting is that since 9/11, our country has been at war. In December, our country formally ended the war in Iraq, but we still have troops on the ground in Afghanistan. As a nation, during times of war and during times of peace, we have always leaned towards having a President that has had military experience.

However, 2012 is a big election year, not only for the Presidency but for Congress, state offices and local positions. It might just be that the majority of the front-runners for President are the exception, not the rule.

Many veterans opt for public office because it is a natural extension of their military experience. Being a public servant, though on a different front altogether, requires the same sense of honor, duty and bravery. These characteristics overflow in veterans, and often make for strong public servants.

Noora is the perfect example of how one individual can truly make a difference when they dedicate themselves to a cause. We are so proud to have Noora as a part of our community, and it’s our honor to share her story with you.

• Has cancer affected you in some way? If so, how? Tell us about your experience.

I think it's safe to say that cancer has affected everyone in some way, shape or form! It's the truth and it's a sad truth.

I was 16 when I visited my uncle Jessie in Nashville, TN. He was diagnosed with Leukemia and making a slow recovery when one day something went terribly wrong. On December 7th, 2005 at around 1:24 pm we got the phone call that he had passed away. I didn't really know what it was like to lose someone in the family, especially someone who was so close to us. He and my mom were best friends. After he passed, my mom wasn't the same.

A few years passed and I was working at a restaurant part-time. My mom had just returned from a trip overseas visiting family. She came home and her breast was inflamed and very red. I didn't think much of it; just assumed she had been bitten by something.

During a busy lunch rush I received a phone call nobody should have to receive. It was my mother telling me she had breast cancer. Inflammatory was the name of it. I lost it at that point. I didn't know what that meant! Was she going to die? Who was going to take care of us? Why her? Why us? I felt as if we were being punished. All these emotions were running through my head. I remember being angry and in denial. My mom on the other hand, had the best attitude! She knew we all would come together and beat this!

Unfortunately it took my mother way too soon. I remember sitting in the hospital room on my 19th birthday, May 22, 2007, listening to the doctor ask my Mom where she wanted to die-- at home or at the hospital. No one at 19 should have to sit through that. Nobody should have go experience what I did. I didn't even know what palliative care was and that it even existed! I would give anything for one last hug!

• How has this shaped you as the person you are today?

In a weird way this experience has made me grow up. I've matured in a way that I didn't think was possible. Not for a 22 year-old anyhow. It's made me stronger. It’s made me more motherly towards my family and others around me. It feels good but I never imagined I would have to grow up this fast.

• What are the two biggest things you learned through this experience?

I've learned that time goes by so fast! It’s been 3 years since my mother’s passing and it feels like yesterday when I was taking her to chemotherapy and doctor appointments.

I also realized how short life really is. Travel, regardless of how much it costs! Do something! You honestly don't know when you or someone you love is going to go. You need to grasp them and cherish those people and the time you have with them. We're not here for a long time; We're here for a good time!

• If you could say one thing to the world about cancer, what would it be?

Live your life to the fullest. Be grateful for everything and remember that whatever you're going through, someone else is going through worse. If I could say something to the caregivers and people affected by this disease, honestly say your goodbyes if it's time. Talk everything out and don't wait. Even though we are sad and angry at losing a loved one, remember you're getting a chance to say goodbye. Think of the people who lose their lives in accidents that don't get that chance. Take advantage of that. To the cancer patients, don't stop fighting. Keep faith and believe you'll be okay. To the people in remission, God bless you with health and happiness.

• Is there anything else you would like to say to the MCA audience?

Don't stop supporting the MCA! Without you all, we couldn't raise awareness! Remember, if you need anything, just message them! They inspired me to be great and I'm thankful for that! I would love to continue working with MCA!

Take Action!

Be proactive and stay positive! Do extensive research to learn as much as possible about treatments, survivors and things people did on their path to healing! Use the internet! There are many internet of support groups for people going through the same experience as yourself; seek out help and encouragement! You may have your own ideas and experiences that can serve as encouragement for others. The ability to share stories about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis will help you to better understand what it is you are experiencing and what life is going to entail from this point forward.

Channel Your Thoughts..

When you are home, write down your thoughts, questions, anxieties, goals and inspirations. Fortunately, with the popularity of blogging, it is easier than ever to read firsthand accounts from others about almost any disease imaginable as well as make your own blog. You can read how individuals were diagnosed and their treatment options. You can read their innermost feelings and thoughts as they go through the process of being diagnosed and being treated and you may feel a sense of friendship to these anonymous bloggers going through the same thing as you. Reading and participating in a personal journal or a public journal can make your thoughts tangible resources and serve as motivation—

                                                                          Start Healing From The Inside Out!

Share & Communicate

It’s amazing that you can help others in this way. Think about what you read on a daily basis. Turn your illness into inspiration. Perhaps you read a firsthand story full of inspiration from a woman suffering cancer that wanted to be strong enough to dance with her son at his wedding or a blog from a patient that motivated you to start living a fuller, healthier lifestyle that increased your quality of life and made it possible for your body to react more quickly to your treatments. Maybe you even took at look at Heather’s story within this blog and gained an understanding of her success overcoming a rare aggressive cancer, mesothelioma. With the abundance of firsthand information on the internet these days, it is possible that you can take your negative experience and turn it into something positive for yourself and others.

Sharing your experience with others may help them in a way you'll never know. Perhaps your story will inspire another to seek better treatment, reconcile with friends or seek a second opinion that could save their life. Emotions you feel during a potentially life altering experience is probably the exact same range of emotions others are feeling. Who wouldn’t love to hear how you dealt with those experiences when they could consequently inspire them to overcome this new obstacle and continue living their life to the fullest? Communication is the key to overcoming stress and anxiety, which will improve the quality of life of the sick and make healing easier.

All thanks to you…you can inspire yourself!

All thanks to you…you can inspire others!

There Might Be More Under The Hood Than You Bargained For!

Many enthusiasts have a passion to work on and manually install parts in their car. Certain parts may be easier to install than others, such as brake pads. An avid do-it-yourselfer might feel no need to send their vehicle to a professional auto mechanic as they’re confident enough to fix it on their own. However, many people don't know that car parts may carry toxins such as asbestos, especially when found in older cars. Certain parts including brake pads, hood liners, clutch assemblies are common places where asbestos can be found. If a person does not take safety precautions before working on their vehicles, they will could develop health issues in the future that can be fatal. Being exposed to asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Ok, But How About New Cars?

There are many toxins in newer car models as well. The following are substances often used within plastics and interior components of newer autos.

• Bromine
• Benzene
• PBDE’s
• Phthalates

According to the article published by The Ecology Center, these toxins have been related to serious health problems. In fact, they report that these toxins among others can cause:

“birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births, and early puberty in laboratory animals, among other serious health problems.”

When working on your car, take safety precautions. When changing parts, especially on older and classic cars, one must make sure he or she is protected. The most important gear one should use is a facemask to decrease the chances of inhaling dangerous toxins. Latex gloves and goggles can also help avoid contact with harmful substances. Oh, and don't forget to maintain a clean workspace, to prevent others from inadvertantly coming into contact with toxins!

How Do I Become Advocate of the Month?

• Share our content more than the average fan
• Participate in discussions on our page, and provide supportive feedback to our community members!
• Tell your FB friends & Twitter Followers why they should be involved in our community!
• If you’re a blogger, write a blog article about why you want to be our Advocate of the Month, and send it to us!
• Send us a short video or email me at ewalsh@mesothelioma.com to tell us why YOU should be Advocate of the Month. Tell us what you would do if you were chosen. Be creative. IMPRESS US!

What are my responsibilities as Advocate of the Month?

Here are just a FEW of the ways you can help be the BEST Advocate:

• Share the MCA’s tweets & FB posts
• Tweet to celebrities & influential twitter users to follow @CancerAlliance and ‘like’ our Facebook Page!
• Spread our message to as many people as possible—blogs, twitter followers, FB friends, etc.
• Write a blog post about the MCA for your site, or someone else’s if they’ll let you. Tell the world why you were compelled to become our Advocate of the Month!

What Will I Receive as Advocate of the Month?

Here’s the best part! You will receive an AWESOME gift package that includes the following:

• MCA Advocate of the Month T-shirt

• MCA REFUSING DEFEAT coffee mug
• MCA REFUSING DEFEAT Bracelet
• Choose one of the following LIVESTRONG Items:
• Duffel Bag
• Hat & Gloves Set
• Hoodie
• Blanket
• A feature article on the MCA Blog about YOU! We’ll also share your story with our online community of over 65,000 people!

This picture, presumably of a young girl with cancer, was one of the most retweeted photos on Twitter for the week of November 27th, 2011

2) Trending Now: Young Girl with Terminal Cancer Raises Thousands for Research Through Twitter

Alice Pyne, a young girl battling terminal cancer, checked something off of her bucket list; to be trending on Twitter. Her simple request to be trending went viral and raised thousands for cancer research. #AliceBucketList

3) 10 Year Old Cancer Patient Sings Star-Spangled Banner at Ball Game

Lily Anderson, a 10 year old girl suffering from stage 4 neuroblastoma, receives a standing ovation after her rendition of the National Anthem at Turner Field in Atlanta.

4) Mark Herzlich: From the Oncology Unit to the NFL

Mark Herzlich was an All-American football player at Boston College with dreams of becoming an NFL star. In 2009 at the age of 21, Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Not only did it seem that his football days were over, but he was told that he might not ever run again. Herzlich surprised everyone and made a full recovery, finishing out the 2010 Boston College football season strong. Despite his performance, NFL scouts passed on Herzlich at the 2011 draft, doubting that Herzlich was well enough to withstand the grueling demands of the pro level after cancer. Again, Herzlich proved his critics wrong and was signed by the Giants in September. “I’ve been told that I couldn’t play football before, and I played. Again at the draft, I was told we don’t want you to play, but now I am back.” Indeed he is.

5) Rice University Embraces Cancer Stricken Fan

Ross Keeler, a 6 year old boy in remission from medulloblastoma (a form of brain cancer), is not fighting his cancer alone. A fan of the Rice University football team, he now has the whole line-up behind him after Coach David Bailiff and his team took Ross under their wing.

6) Jack Marshall

This touching video tribute was created in memory of Jack Marshall, an avid Manchester United fan who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 4 years old. Jack remained positive and smiling through it all, and made headlines as his love for the UK’s favorite team captured the hearts of the League’s biggest stars. Jack’s favorite player, Wayne Rooney, along with the help of his teammates, helped Jack form an army of more than 40,000 twitter followers and dedicated time to raising awareness about childhood brain tumors in honor of the little boy. Jack Marshall lost his fight with cancer on October 13, 2011, but Jack’s smile and resilience will forever be remembered.

7) Christmas Miracle for Parents Diagnosed with Cancer

If these parents didn't believe in miracles before, they've certainly changed their outlook now. Elisa and Nathan Bond were diagnosed with cancer just 9 days apart; Elisa with stage IV breast cancer at age 36 and Nathan with stage III rectal cancer at age 38. While caring for their 2 year old daughter Sadie, both went through intense chemotherapy for their cancer. Now only a year later, Elisa is celebrating the miracle of being N.E.D.- "No Evidence of Disease".

8) Death of Steve Jobs: Visionary, Entrepreneur and Cancer Warrior

Steve Jobs was an iconic American visionary and founder of Apple, Inc. who lost his 7-year battle with pancreatic cancer on October 5th, 2011. Despite eventually succumbing to the disease, Steve inspired many as he continued to revolutionize the technological universe as we know it while simultaneously fighting for his life with tenacity. Perhaps Steve said it best: "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. ... Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful ... that's what matters to me."
Mission accomplished, Steve.

9) Allison Eberhardt Sings Cover of Adele Hit, Goes Viral

In September, Allison was diagnosed with Leukemia but didn't let that stop her from pursuing her passion: singing. Allison says about her Leukemia, "It may have taken my hair and a significant amount of my body weight, but it didn't take my voice!"

10) Inspiring Post-It: “This is a challenge, not a disease.”

This post-it note was found on the desk of a co-worker who had recently lost his battle with cancer, but had remained positive throughout his battle.

Original photo found here: http://imgur.com/gallery/6cu0m

In its achievements, the VA has:

• found housing for 33,000 veterans
• updated the requirements for substance abuse treatment, and
• monitored carefully the progress of mental health of veterans

All of these factors, along with the downturn in the economy, contributed to the sudden and rapid increase of homeless veterans.

This ambitious project targets veterans who have found themselves habitually without a roof over their heads, veterans who pose an imminent risk of homelessness and those who are newly homeless.

Besides the VA, there are many local, state and national programs that help combat homelessness in veteran groups, including Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army. However, the VA does offer grants to these organizations dedicated to help homeless veterans.

But, another question that naturally arises when talking about homeless veterans is that, why are there so many to begin with? Are we, as a nation, abandoning these brave souls, or is there something else going on?

Ambitious or not, the VA's five-year project of ending homelessness actually does more for the veterans' community than just provide stable and consistent housing. The program tackles the underlying issues that cause the homelessness in the first place: substance abuse and mental health issues, both stemming from time in the service.

You are beautiful too.

By one school of aesthetic thought, you have a transcendent beauty that no merely pretty model could hope to match.

The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi embraces the transience of beauty. In this artistic philosophy, weathering and visible repairs only make something more beautiful because they show both the changes an object has undergone and its enduring quality. Although your cancer has changed you, you remain; that makes you uniquely beautiful. The changes you've undergone show the living, vibrant woman you are all the more clearly.

Embracing wabi-sabi beauty in theory is one thing, but facing it daily in the mirror is a more difficult proposition. Every woman in any state of health sometimes sees the beautiful teen or adorable child she was, and it's impossible not to compare your current self with that mental picture. You may feel that the present you suffer by comparison, but those around you see you differently. They see your present beauty, and even if they don't know the name of it, they recognize the principle of wabi-sabi.

Embrace your present self openly and honestly. If you've lost weight from chemotherapy treatments or undergone surgery that changed your appearance, choose fashions that suit you today, not what you might have worn years ago. Older clothing that is now too large for you emphasizes your weight loss, while a new outfit that fits will flatter you. Contrast draws the eye, so use it to your advantage when picking out new clothes. A colorful printed scarf with plenty of contrast brings attention to your face and doubles as a wrap for thinning hair if you feel more comfortable with your head covered.

Let makeup help your outer self reflect your inner self. On good days, few things bring you down faster than a well-meaning friend's concerned looks. Wabi-sabi embraces change, and that includes the changes wrought by a dab of lipstick and a touch of eyeliner. Befriend your new face and practice with new makeup techniques. Blush on the apples of your cheeks might not have worked in your teens, but it may be a great look for you now. If your lashes and brows have grown sparse, experiment with new lining techniques.

The average one-year survival rate after a diagnosis of mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure is 40 percent. You are more than a statistic, though; you're an individual, a unique work of wabi-sabi art. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful, none more so than those who have weathered so many changes. Walk the path of the wabi-sabi aesthetic and love the beautiful, enduring self you are today.

That is not the case for the Iraq War, so it seems.

For some, since there is still another war going on in Afghanistan, big, nation-wide celebrations are a bit premature. There are still men and women fighting and dying.

However, others believe that to honor the end of the Iraq War does not necessarily mean that our thoughts and prayers are not with those service men and women in Afghanistan, and that their sacrifice isn't any less important just because their conflict isn't over yet.

Furthermore, it may also be a distinction between the two different administrations that have overseen both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. President Bush, for example, took many opportunities to celebrate the achievements in the wars. It is the thought, however, that President Obama is taking a more conservative point of view when it comes to celebrating the end of the Iraq War.

Professor of military history Don Mrozek of Kansas State University via The Huffington Post echoes this thought, “It's going to be a bit awkward to be celebrating too much, given how much there is going on and how much there will be going on in Afghanistan.”

Celebrations for end of war have pervaded our nation's hearts and minds for centuries. However, larger, more prolific celebrations that require approval and permission from the federal government will not happen, as of yet.

Smaller, more intimate, community-oriented parades will pop up across the country as the troops return from Iraq. These smaller celebrations will also honor the duty, bravery and sacrifice veterans of the conflict added.

Perhaps, the question that remains is whether when the conflict in Afghanistan is over, will there be celebrations, parades and ceremonies for both wars?