Friday, October 29, 2010

Swing Fore! Yellow: Linked In To Fight Cancer

After months of planning, I can't believe it's finally here! Our 1st Annual Swing Fore! Yellow Golf Charity Classic to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation is this Monday, November 1st.

It is not too late to sign up (but do it today!). You can register at: http://www.sandiegolivestrongarmy.org/swingfore.

"LIVESTRONG is grateful to Swing Fore! Yellow for supporting our work on behalf of cancer survivors everywhere,” said LIVESTRONG President and CEO Doug Ulman. "This partnership demonstrates the power of sport in furthering social change and we welcome the golf community to the LIVESTRONG movement."

I am truly proud of our local San Diego community for their involvement in putting together this event, sponsoring, donating, volunteering. Cures Rock! and this event will rock, too!

I know we're all (just a tad, ha ha) competitive -- so let's turn that competitive, sportsmanship nature into energy in the fight against cancer on Monday 11/1. Tell a friend, sign-up to play, or donate. It's that easy. Stay updated on the latest on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/curesrock

Saturday, October 23, 2010

What We Should Talk More About (CAM)

In thinking of the LIVESTRONG Challenge going on this weekend in Austin, I started to consider about all the ways the Lance Armstrong Foundation challenged me to take control of my fight with cancer, and create awareness of prevention and/or treatment of the disease. One of the biggest lessons that I've come away with is that cancer patients have the right to make their own choices about the way they handle their treatment.

Did you know that more than 70% of all cancer patients use complementary and alternative (CAM) medical therapies, according to a study in the journal Cancer?

I bet that leaves you scratching your head because I'm also betting that the two treatments you've heard about are radiation and chemotherapy. Well, think again. Patients (including me) learn about these other options as they search for a way to mitigate side-effects of traditional western medicine, and also find a way to heal themselves.

Yes, I'm going into that space nobody wants to talk about, except in hushed tones -- "uh yeah, I tried meditation and tai chi, and it worked...but don't tell anyone." WHY NOT? Why not let folks know that there are options?!? Why do we do this in our society?
Let me be clear. I firmly believe in the science of medicine, and as a survivor of multiple fights with cancer, I've done my share of radiation and chemo. But - I also believe in balance -- and that it's ok to integrate some other, uh, shall we say, "more unique" therapies into the mix.

Times are changing and those days of hushed voices are long gone (or should be). This ain't yo mama's healthcare anymore. Now, many medical centers DO have integrative health centers, like UCSD or Scripps -- and I applaud them loudly (maybe even with a wolf whistle or two to cheer them on). Last year, the American Cancer Society released its Complete Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies reference book listing hundreds of therapies and possible side effects. Ok, I admit, some of the therapies listed in there just don't look safe (uh, shark cartilage? gulp.), but they also tell you that. My own personal verdict is still out on the use of supplements --- I feel and have lots of research to back me up - that some supplements may interfere with the way your body breaks down chemo drugs...making them less effective (or worse, toxic).

However, most CAM patients aren't looking for cures -- they are looking for help with side-effects, reduce stress, boost their immune system and fight back against recurrences. And many therapies listed for that include exercise, prayer, meditation, tai chi, yoga, qi gong in the mind-body category which I think are all equally awesome. And yes, I integrated all of these into my own treatment plan...and still do to stay healthy.

Like I said, the LIVESTRONG Challenge got me thinking about my own battle with cancer today. I realized I've never taken the time to write a post about some of the things I did outside my western treatments, and I'm going to start changing that. No more hushed tones about prayer, meditation, mindfulness and yoga -- the stuff reduces stress folks...try it! I'm not advocating religion which is what some of you may think, but I am advocating slowing down and treating your body with kindness when its struggling to fight this disease.
My biggest advice however is that if you're considering any alternative medicine -- please (please!) -- talk to your medical doctor or oncologist about it first. As always, I believe in an integrative "team" approach is the best way to get healthy and prevent illness in the future.
LIVESTRONG!!

P.S. Good luck to all the LIVESTRONG Challenge participants in Austin this weekend! You rock & CURES ROCK!

Friday, October 22, 2010

LIVESTRONG Challenge Participants ROCK.

Cancer better run for those Texas hills because 10,000 people just arrived in Austin for the LIVESTRONG Challenge (benefitting the Lance Armstrong Foundation). I'm already bummed that I won't be there this year, but tremendously sparked and on fire for the cause seeing the viritual (and in person) rally that's happening for this event. If you've never been, get it on your calendar for next year!! LIVESTRONG Challenge participants and their cheerleaders (whether in person or online) ROCK.

For my friends, soon-to-be-friends or tweeps (and of course, the Lance Armstrong Foundation staff that I adore)....know that I'm there in spirit with you today. I think you all ROCK for fighting against cancer and making your voices heard. Thanks for all the fundraising that will go towards raising awareness and helping cancer patients/survivors.

I will be there next year. Circling the calendar now. :)

LIVESTRONG! CURES ROCK!

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Present

"The older one gets the more one feels that the present must be enjoyed.
It is a precious gift, comparable to a state of grace." -Marie Curie
Or,
As quoted from the movie, "Kung Fu Panda"...
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present."

Saturday, October 2, 2010

LIVESTRONG Day 2010 (**TODAY**)

In celebration of LIVESTRONG Day on Sat. 10/2 (**TODAY**) in San Diego, join us for the film screening of the movie “MY RUN” @ The SAN DIEGO FILM FESTIVAL – October 2nd & 3rd. Wear your LIVESTRONG Yellow colors!!

“MY RUN” will make its San Diego Premiere at the SAN DIEGO FILM FESTIVAL on Saturday, Oct. 2nd at 3PM and Sunday, October 3rd at 5:30PM - At the Gaslamp Theater (701 5th Avenue, San Diego, Ca). You may purchase Tickets and add “MY RUN” to your San Diego Film Festival Calendar by clicking here.

“MY RUN” is the inspirational documentary narrated by Billy Bob Thornton, about a real super hero, Terry Hitchcock, who ran 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days after his wife died of breast cancer. "Like" on Facebook by clicking here. Or "follow" on Twitter by clicking here. Filmmakers will be in attendance!!

Looking forward to seeing you all there! Please invite your friends, buy your tickets ASAP (!!!) and don't forget to wear your LIVESTRONG colors!

If you're not in San Diego -- show your support today for those fighting cancer by wearing yellow! Sign up for your commitment for LIVESTRONG Day or learn more about it on http://www.livestrong.org

As always, thanks for your support in kicking cancer to the curb. This is near and dear to my heart, and I speak for the 10 million people fighting cancer around the world when I say "thank you" for the continued support and fight against this disease!!!

Friday, October 1, 2010

5 Ways to Celebrate LIVESTRONG Day With Social Media


LIVESTRONG Day is tomorrow, 10/2. I'm really looking forward to it, and I know ya'll are, too! Even if you can make an event in your local town, check out the latest LIVESTRONG Blog post for some ideas of how you can help online through social media!!
(Come on...I just KNOW this is perfect for you tweeters, facebookers, bloggers, podsters, etc.)

Click here to read the LIVESTRONG Blog and grab some great ideas!

Lance Armstrong's "Tour de France" Dedication to Julie

A great reminder that I had armies of support beside me in my fight. (Thanks, Lance!) Even with the recent media, this video isn't about the bike...but the fight against cancer. LIVESTRONG!

Stage 2 Dedication: Julie Westcott -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Guinness World Record Broken to Fight Cancer

We *Heart* Our Fans

Cures Rock! on Facebook

Donate & fight to kick cancer to the curb!

500 Miles. 17 days. 2 States. 1 Mission to Cure Cancer.

500 Miles. 17 days. 2 States. 1 Mission to Cure Cancer.
January 1 - 17, 2010
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