A Livestrong Christmas

While I was happily snuggled up with my dog enjoying sleeping in on the holiday weekend, I decided to check Facebook.

It was an early Christmas gift.

There on my profile page was a "tagged" photo --- a LIVESTRONG badge, hanging from a Christmas tree...all with love from the LIVESTRONG Leader and fellow friends in San Jose, CA.

They celebrated Christmas in the park, LIVESTRONG-style. To be honest, the idea, well, rocks. This time of year, I am so thankful to my friends and family...and also to my health (cancer free!)...which allows me to enjoy spending time with all of them.

"Unity is strength" is one of the LIVESTRONG mottos -- and I think it's very true. Today, I felt the solidarity from my pals in San Jose, and they reminded me what this season is all about for me.

Happy Holidays. Cures Rock!

Pics:
1. My "ornament" hanging on the Christmas tree in the park
2. Blaine Mauldin & Ryan Moll (not pictured, but there, SJ Livestrong Leader - Ginna Baldassarre)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Today, I am grateful for my health, family, friendships and your support! Thank you!

Get Up. Get Moving. Get Rid of Cancer.

WRITTEN BY GUEST BLOGGER: ANGIE VANDERBURGH

Helplessness. There is no worse feeling than that. How well I remember those moments when I sat talking on a phone in a country across the world, hearing my sister say those hateful words, “Angie, I have cancer.” Emotions flooded though my veins---anger, sadness, more anger, and fear—but the worse feeling was helplessness. What could I do for her? I didn’t even live in the country where she lived!

Julie’s battle was long and all chronicled here throughout this Cures Rock! blog. I don’t need to dig through piles of stories to tell you the hell that journey can be. Yet in the midst of this journey also rose feelings that I thought odd and misplaced in this new world. Words like hope, perseverance, and humor became familiar to my vocabulary, and I knew that through prayers, kindness, letters, and roll-up-your-sleeves hard work, that there were indeed things that I could do as a family member watching a loved one battle cancer.

Even though I cheer at the thought that my twin has been cancer free for over two years, this battle won’t be over anytime soon for my family. I have other family members and children and friends that I want to make sure never journey down the road that my sister did. This is where committing my time to great organizations comes in to play. Recently, my daughter and I ran together at the Yellow Hat Run benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Next week, I’ll head down to San Diego to volunteer at the Swing Fore! Yellow golf tournament benefitting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Thanks to a simple request at work and a very generous company I work for, my company is also one of the sponsors of the event. (Thank you Preferred Hotel Group and Preferred Golf!) In February, the Cures Rock! running team will join the Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon race in Huntington Beach, and join Team Livestrong at the Livestrong Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, to continue to raise funds that go toward finding a cure.

Helpless? I don’t think so. It’s all perspective. Perhaps I won’t be the one in the lab finding the cure, but I might just be the one that raised that final dollar needed to fund the research that found the cure.

Feel free to join us in raising funds by signing up for an incredible day of golf at the Swing Fore! Yellow Livestrong Golf Tournament THIS COMING MONDAY, November 7th! Your involvement will earn you an incredible day of golf, a membership to Preferred Golf for 1 year (a $295 value!), lots of cool swag, and—best of all—a part in helping to end cancer forever.

See you there!
Angie

Note: To join the Cures Rock! Running team at the Surf City H.B. race, select the "Cures Rock Running Team" during registration and post here so we know you joined! To join the Cures Rock! team fundraising for Livestrong at the Austin race, go to www.teamlivestrong.org, search for the race and choose our team when you sign up! Post here so we know you joined!

LIVESTRONG Blog » Calling All Patients Affected by Recent Drug Shortage

If you're a patient, healthworker or family member that's been affected by the recent drug shortages, the LIVESTRONG Foundation has a place to share your story....check out their blog from yesterday: LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Calling All Patients Affected by Recent Drug Shortage

LIVESTRONG Blog »PSA Tests: What the Debate Means for Men

What are your thoughts? Post your comments on the LIVESTRONG blog at the link below regarding some of the recommendations of the PSA test for men and prostrate cancer. Men, pay attention!

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » PSA Tests: What the Debate Means for Men

Join us: San Diego LIVESTRONG Day, 10/2!

Tomorrow, Sunday 10/2, is LIVESTRONG Day! Join us for San Diego's celebration for the Wear Yellow Art & Pet Stroll in Del Mar!

This is our 3rd annual, San Diego LIVESTRONG Day "Wear Yellow Walk"....with a twist this year!

We're joining up with the Del Mar "Taste, Art & Pet Stroll" for LIVESTRONG Day! Wear yellow to raise awareness and stroll through the gorgeous Del Mar Village!

Check in at the Del Mar Association booth, and yellow LIVESTRONG bandanas will be handed out to your pups (until supplies last).

** Some of us will be headed there around 12:30pm-1pm ish, so we hope to see some yellow around that time!!***

It's an informal meet-up of family and friends, where we all come together, wear yellow and stroll to raise awareness in our SD community.

AGENDA:
Art Stroll - Live Music - Kids’ Art - Pet Stroll, 10am – 5pm
Taste of Del Mar, 1pm – 4pm

The event includes a FREE art & pet stroll, and a TICKETED restaurant taste.

The goal is to WEAR YELLOW, bring your pets, and show our colors on LIVESTRONG Day!

More info is posted on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/sdforlivestrong, and remember, we'll try to all meet up around 12:30pm with our pets (we believe in a cancer free world for all sentient beings!) to stroll the Del Mar Villiage in our yellow together!

Event web site at: http://www.delmarmainstreet.com/

*TONIGHT* San Diego for LIVESTRONG Volunteer Meeting

For those located in San Diego (or around it, or traveling by, or willing to crawl to it):

TONIGHT, 9/28 is our San Diego for LIVESTRONG Volunteer Meeting!

Here are the details, and I promise, you won't want to miss this one!

Wed. 9/28 at 6pm-7pm
Domain Associates Offices (Suite #150)
12481 High Bluff Drive
San Diego, California 92130

We'll be discussing areas we need volunteer help to support LIVESTRONG programs here in our San Diego community --- however --- our BIG focus of tonight's meeting is the much awaited discussion about how to volunteer for the 2nd Annual San Diego Swing Fore! Yellow Golf Charity Classic (Benefiting LIVESTRONG)

Stay classy, San Diego! See you there!

50/50. Beat the Odds.

There is a little kick to my step this morning. Tonight, I'm heading to the screening of Summit Entertainment's movie, 50/50...along with other local San Diegans for LIVESTRONG volunteers, AYA survivors and representatives from the Emilio Nares Foundation (recipient of the Community Impact Project Award from LIVESTRONG).

It's true. I've already screened this movie once. It was amazing. Wait, that didn't seem to get my point across. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. There. That's better. It is a serious movie and seriously funny, and one of the best movies I have seen all year (I'd say THE best, but I am a Harry Potter fan, so that's a little hard for me to say....). This is a story about a young adult cancer patient, his family, friends and therapist --- all wrapped up and put into a movie by the same folks that brought us the movie Superbad.

And you know what? They got it right. I'm serious, and I consider myself an expert on the topic as a cancer survivor! When I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 31, a friend brought over a bunch of Julia Robert movies to help cheer me up. Nothing like total indulgent in movies to zone out from the suffering of chemotherapy. That is until I came across the movie, "Dying Young." (Seriously, a note to all of you that read this blog: Never EVER give your friend who has cancer the movie "Dying Young" to watch while they are sick.) And, being in a "pity me" mood, I watched it. Oh yeah, I was that smart. Now don't get me wrong, it's a great flick. But it's just sad, sad...and then sad.)

50/50 captures what so many other "Big C" movies don't: the experience of facing it as a young adult, the effect on friendships and family, the importance of trying to get mental health therapy support (although, um, I'd recommend a more seasoned one in real life), the freakouts, the humor, the not wanting to tell people, the wanting to tell people, the dating, the sex, the humor and the resilience.

I spent most the movie laughing so hard I almost fell out of my chair, and at the same time, I was trying to be sneaky and wipe away my tears without the person next to me seeing me (until I saw that the whole movie row was crying and laughing, too). I found myself nodding because I, too, am a young adult cancer survivor, and I remember those same experiences. I remember shaving my head, not wanting to tell my family, struggling with a relationship and trying to express all this in words to others.

So, I am looking forward to tonight. It'll be special because Summit Entertainment has been awesome enough to partner with LIVESTRONG and allow us to have a table at tonight's screening to share about the LIVESTRONG and other local cancer services here in San Diego. I'm a little nervous about addressing a theatre packed full of people, but I figure they won't walk out on me because, hey, they all want to watch a movie, right? Ha ha. I'm kidding. I bet most of the audience has been affected in some way by this disease, and I believe this movie intelligently and with tons of humor captures the experience in a very entertaining way that is definitely worth seeing on the big screen (don't wait for DVD folks...you'll want to see this one in the theatres, trust me).

So, mark your calendars now for September 30th when the movie 50/50 releases to theatres everywhere, and watch Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen #BeatTheOdds. You can check out the trailer and gallery on the movie website by clicking here or: http://www.50-50themovie.com/

Cures Rock! (Cancer does not.)

LIVESTRONG Blog » Face Up To It

This September, world leaders will meet at the UN to meet about cancer and other noncommunicable diseases. This is our chance to make cancer a global priority. LIVESTRONG is collecting photos of supporters like you from around the world to confront world leaders with the faces of their global movement. Join thousands of others and make sure that world leaders cannot ignore our public call for action. Today, LIVESTRONG launched their Face up To It campaign on Facebook to do just that.

Check it out on their blog at: LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Face Up To It or on Facebook at: http://faceuptoit.livestrong.org/1717/

LIVESTRONG Blog » Mackenzie, Philly and LIVESTRONG

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Mackenzie, Philly and LIVESTRONG

A *huge* thank you to all those participating in the Philly LIVESTRONG Challenge and a big high-five to little Mackenzie and CHOP. Stories like this one posted on the LIVESTRONG blog today, bring life to the LIVESTRONG mission. CURES ROCK!

Clavicle Smash-vicle

I've received a few emails asking why I haven't been blogging lately, and the truth is that I was a one-armed bandit there for a week or so. I fell and broke my collarbone last week...a "Z deformity with 4 fragments." I don't recommend falling and hitting the ground onto one's shoulder/neck to anyone. Because let me tell you --- breaking a clavicle hurts like crazy and the doctors don't set the bones (real fun...and by "fun", I mean "not fun"). I didn't realize how much that little bone actually did until it stopped functioning, and I now hold a new appreciation for it.

In my short tenure as a fractured clavicle patient, I have learned a few things through my orthopedic doctors, which I thought I'd share with all of you.

Symptoms :
The first and more obvious symptom to look for is a fall --- and if you fell directly on the shoulder (and if you did, you should worry about your clavicle). If you're worried about your clavicle and you have not sustained any type of fall, then you probably don't have a a break, you are a hypochondriac. :) And, of course, the other obvious symptoms like pain, swelling, a bump on the clavicle, and inability to move the arm on the side of the break.

Please note: Since I realize many of my friends and readers of this blog are triathletes and cyclists (and hence, at risk for this injury), the first thing you should remember when you think someone has broken their collarbone is that the range of motion test IS A BAD IDEA. Seriously. I had a few folks tell me that my shoulder had popped out of the socket, and I just needed to snap it back into place, whip my arm to pop it...you get my point. I mean, even if someone could move their arm 360 degrees, they could have a break....and in all my screaming pain and spasming muscles, my body was doing all sorts of new angles it hadn't tried before. Just leave the poor soul alone in their misery, and get them to an ER.

Docs & ER:

Let me recommend that it's best to head on out to the emergency center for X-rays. The best part was that when I broke mine, I wasn't with my normal crowd of friends, so a perfect stranger (i.e. good Samaritan) drove me to the E.R. and stayed there until I could get home safely. (My hope in the kindness of strangers has been renewed!). And, if the x-rays look anything like the ones pictured here (mine), you don't really need a doctor to tell you what's wrong. Seriously, I think to myself, "How on earth did that happen?!?


The orthopedic doctor gave me a clavicle brace (see pictured) which helps to keep the fracture immobile and straight. This has to be worn for 4-6 weeks depending on the doctor -- and despite the cute smile on the model's face, this is *not* a comfortable brace. It has to be tightened throughout the day and is impossible to put on by yourself. (So, for those that live on your own -- it's time to meet your neighbors.) I mean, a brace that ties in the back? Sounds like a straight-jacket to me. ;) Yes, it's worn all day and night, even when sleeping. If you think it's fun to be up on a coat hanger...well, this is fun. Otherwise, this is torture. I can't really tell you when for sure this brace gets to be removed, as I'm still in the beginning stage of my journey with this injury. But, when you do take it off, hopefully you'll do something fun with it...like burn it. Afterwards through the rest of the healing process, if one is even slightly intelligent, hopefully one will pay attention to the consequences of "high risk behaviors or sport" and "generally stupid ideas." Whatever category you fall into.

I was asked several times at the ER if I did this on accident. Huh? I mean, seriously? Why would I do this on purpose? It took me until the next day and the pain to clear until I realized that they were asking if I was in a car accident (answer: no). Ohhh. But, it did beg the question on how to prevent this in the future, and I think it's pretty easy: Don't land on your shoulder or outstretched arm. However, if you must, try using bubble wrap first, you know, just to keep you safe. (And if you do, take a picture and let me know so I can get a good laugh out of it.)

In Cures Rock! fashion, I didn't cry, but I'm spending plenty of time laughing at the humor of this situation and wondering why my cat-like moves led me astray last week. ;) At this point, we're postponing surgery as there was no shortening of the shoulder/clavicle area, so we're going to see if the bones will heal on their own. Guess it's time I start drinking a lot of milk!

For those asking, YES, I am still planning races so I have something on my calendar to start training for again after I heal. At this point, we've got a Cures Rock! running team for the Huntington Beach Surf City Half/Full Marathons and LIVESTRONG Austin Half/Full marathons. I'd love to have ya'll join me on our team, so please comment or email if you're interested...
...Because, afterall, as my friend John Z. was happy to point out, the one thing the clavicle IS good for, is for hanging those race medals around your neck!

Why I Signed: Sandra

This Summer’s UN Global Health Summit is our chance to make cancer a global priority. Sign on and tell world leaders to fight the global cancer crisis.

Here is a link to a recent LIVESTRONG blog written by a volunteer leader on why she "signed on"....a beautiful story: LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Why I Signed: Sandra

Stupid Cancer Happy Hour - San Diego

June 30th is quickly approaching! And we're very excited about our upcoming Stupid Cancer Happy Hour. This one is extra special because i2y is doing a joint event with mAss kickers, and it's i2y's 6th month here in San Diego!

We also want this to be our biggest event yet. So find some time -- and a friend or two --- and come out with us. Cancer survivors, researchers, social workers, supporters of survivors....ALL are welcome! If you think cancer is stupid, well, this happy hour is for you!

If you can make it, then please go online to Facebook at the link below and click "ATTENDING" so i2y can get a headcount. (One more thing, this happy hour is $8 and that will get you two drinks and appetizers for the group.)

More info here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201294929916425.

Rockin' the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Race for LLS

Yesterday I ran and completed the Dodge San Diego Rock 'n' Roll race....along with 30,000 of my closest friends. The race benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), and I've been training as a member of Team in Training (TNT) to raise funds for LLS.

June 5th wasn't just "race day." It was also National Cancer Survivors Day. As a 3x cancer survivor, there was special meaning in lacing up my shoes, adding a "survivor bib" to the back of my race singlet, and getting out there on the concrete to pound cancer into the pavement.

I'm truly grateful to everyone that donated to LLS, and that continues to support me and the Cures Rock! campaign. Trust me, yesterday me and about 3,000 other TNT runners pounded Cancer into the pavement!
Since I know many of you couldn't make the race and were virtually cheering, I thought you'd appreciate some race highlights from my perspective. Again, thank you for your continued support of the Cures Rock! campaigns --- we will kick cancer to the curb. LIVESTRONG! GO TEAM! CURES ROCK!

2011 Dodge San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Race Highlights:

Total $ Raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at this race: Over $9 Million!!

Best Running Training Pal!: Erin. A loyal friend, and an awesome running buddy that proves running CAN be a team sport! GO TEAM! She didn't run this race because she has the Alaska race to run in a few weeks, but she did stick by my side at the Surf City (Huntington Beach) and LIVESTRONG (Austin) Half Marathons earlier this year as part of Team Cures Rock! And, she came out to support along the course.

Pre-race moments: Tweeting with other runners prior to the race (really built up the excitement!). Getting out of my car in the pitch dark, pre-dawn hours and not being able to find a single landmark in the dirt lot of thousands of cars so I could find my car again. The runners getting out of their car next to me tried to write the serial number of the light post down...yup, it was that dark. Also, rode the shuttle bus with a team that had raised money to build a hospital in Africa. We shared a passion for running for charity, and I shared that I had only plans to have fun during the race, but wasn't planning on winning it --- to which one of the African and incredibly speedy runners replied, "maybe today is your day." Loved that team. :) Hope they all had an incredible day too.

Funniest people seen on the course: Guy holding sign saying, "Sweat is Sexy" (liar) and a guy holding a sign at the .2 mile marker that said "You're almost there" which he would flip to the other side that read "Only 26 more miles" (just plain mean).

Biggest inspiration: A woman on the side of the road holding a sign that said, "Thanks for running for TNT. I'm a survivor." Also, I looked at my yellow "LiveStrong" wristband I wore in honor of National Survivors Day and I knew I would never stop running and raising funds until we find a cure for cancer.

Favorite Spectator: It's true. I adopted a spectator. A gentleman who was riding his bike and cheering for his daughter in an AZ bike jersey, kept appearing about 5x along my run. His sign was simple: "Left Right. Left Right. Left Right." Most the time, by the time I'd run into him again, those simple words kept me moving. Very zen, and it kept me mindful. I actually stopped to introduce myself and thank him. Spectating is a tough sport, too.

My break-down moment: Some runners were goofing around and one crashed into me. Slamming into my foot. At Mile 3. I suddenly felt very alone out there. Took me until Mile 4 to clear my head, suck up to the pain and refocus on the reasons "why" I was running the race.

Surprises during race: Seeing friends and past TNT teammates unexpectedly along the course route cheering (thank you, Myra, BreeAnn, Karin & Pat...and anyone else I forgot!). Having moments of running with my TNT coaches, captains & mentors along the route at times I needed it most. Many thanks to Aimee for finding me in the last mile of my race and jogging with me for a bit. Need it. (You rock.)

Best Post-Race moments: Getting off the shuttle and hitting the parking lot with dread because I knew I would have trouble finding my car -- and I did. Thank goodness another runner asked me what time I arrived and pointed me in the direction of that set of cars. To "pay it forward," I then spent another hour or so driving other lost runners around the huge dirt lot to find their cars. I mean, everyone just ran 13.1 or 26.2 miles -- did they really need to then walk around a huge lot looking for their cars? (Note to self: Suggest to RNR that they mark the lot next year). But, I met some great new running buddies. On the way home, stopped at a burger restaurant for food, and they comped my meal....and gave me extra food to go. Yum.

Favorite Question: "When's your next race?" The best is getting asked this during the race. :) But, I've also been asked it several times afterwards. Stay tuned to this blog...there will be more to come. But, I think it's safe to say that we will have a Cures Rock! team pulled together for Surf City (Huntington Beach) and LIVESTRONG (Austin) Full/Half Marathons again (seriously, I want a BIG team for Austin!)...and maybe even L.A. But first, give me a day or two to recover. All my brain power is working on moving sore muscles at the moment. *smile* In the meantime, check-out Team in Training and Team LIVESTRONG.

Overall, it was a great race. As I like to say, "When your feet get tired, run with your heart" -- and there is no doubt that I ended up running most of that race with my heart. I am truly thankful to be cancer-free, and I am truly thankful for all of those that donate and that support the Cures Rock! campaigns to spread awareness about cancer and the 28 million in the world fighting it. GO TEAM! CURES ROCK!

LIVESTRONG Blog » Survivors: Stand Up and LIVESTRONG

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day....read the LIVESTRONG Blog post on a simple social media way you can get in the action to tell Cancer to take a hike!

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Survivors: Stand Up and LIVESTRONG

In Gratitude on Memorial Day

Take time today to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice and to thank those in military that continue to protect our freedom.

Here are a few ideas on how you can observe the day today....

...by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

...by visiting memorials.

...by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

...by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

...by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

...by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

Vote! (& Bring LIVESTRONG Programs to YOUR Hometown)

Each day LIVESTRONG stays focused on people with cancer. Today they need our focus.

Please visit this site and vote for an organization near you to receive program funding. These funds will help people with cancer and their loved ones find support, gain strength and teach others how to LIVESTRONG. http://vote.livestrong.org/

Vote & Bring LIVESTRONG Cancer Funding to *Your* Home Turf

The LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project is now open for voting.

Go to http://vote.livestrong.org/ now and set the course of the fight against cancer in your community. This if your change to bring LIVESTRONG funding to *your* hometown --- by voting for the programs in your region that you'd like to see funded.

This is an amazing opportunity to make a difference for these programs and your own home turf.

(Please, share this message when you are done voting so your friends and family can also vote!)

LIVESTRONG Blog » 8 Weeks Out, 8 Reasons to Register

8 weeks out until the LIVESTRONG Challenges Series begins -- and LIVESTRONG gives us 8 great reasons why we won't want to miss it! Click on the link to read their latst blog:
LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » 8 Weeks Out, 8 Reasons to Register

Your Life-Saving Drug is Out of Stock

As if cancer patients didn't have enough to battle, they are facing another obstacle in their fights now --- drug shortages. A shortage of a drug used to treat leukemia and lymphoma, called Cytarabine, is now calling national media attention to this problem. There is no substitute available for this drug.

It saved my life.

Cytarabine was one of the drugs in the "cocktail" for my Acute Myloid Leukemia that saved my life. I cannot imagine being told, "Sorry, there's a shortage, so we need to use a second tier chemo-regimen," or "Sorry, there's a shortage, so we need to stop your treatment early. You could die."

I find it completely unacceptable that a life-saving drug is in shortage, and that the manufacturers didn't have to notify the FDA that this could be a problem. Thankfully, it's getting attention in articles in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and Washington Post.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Robert Casey, Jr. (D-PA) have introduced the Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act (S. 296), which will provide the FDA with a warning system in the form of notification of discontinuation or prolonged interruption of a medication's production....and help them better deal with shortages.

Take the time to read the few articles above, and your blood will probably begin to boil like mine. Cytarabine put my leukemia into remission -- others should have that same chance. We're talking about a life vs. death issue here ---- this drug is given on Day 1 of the treatment protocol for Leuk patients ---access to it is truly a life saver.

Please take a minute to send a letter to your senators urging them to cosponsor the Preserving Access to Life-Threatening Medications Act....please. If you'd like help drafting a letter, visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Legislative Action Center by clicking here.

Happy Birthday. And Thank you.

I'm breaking all the blogging rules today about not getting too personal and making your blog all about "me me me!" Specifically, because yesterday was my birthday, and I have one thing to say:

Foxtrot
Uniform
Charlie
Kilo

Cancer.

(I'll let you figure that one out.)

After battling cancer 3 times, I have to admit that there were moments when I wasn't sure I'd see my next birthday. But here I am. ALIVE. Let me be the first to point out that this was a team effort. I know, it sounds wierd, right? But it's true. Dealing with all the ups and downs that a cancer diagnosis, battle and survivorship can bring takes an entire team. I was lucky in that I had the most extraordinary team in my corner. In my case, Cancer didn't stand a chance. We were on the Home team, baby!

So, instead of just wishing a Happy Birthday to me this week (and my twin) -- I also wanted to send out a massive, solidarity shout-out to my family, friends, medical team (traditional & integrative health teams), the Lance Armstrong Foundation/LIVESTRONG and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Thank you for all you did to ensure I'd be cancer-free and celebrating many, many more birthdays to come!!! At this point, I could add a bunch of emoticons to express my endless gratitude and appreciation, but (to spare the readers) hopefully you get my point. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

LIVESTRONG! CURES ROCK!

APPLY! 2011 Community Impact Projects - LIVESTRONG!

A few weeks ago, the LIVESTRONG Foundation unveiled the 2011 Community Impact Project programs. This week they are asking for all community organizations from universities to community organizations to YMCA’s to clinics and hospitals to apply for the funding. Did you know that approximately $700,000 will be awarded through four different award types and will be awarded to approximately 90 organizations??!! That's AMAZING!!! Click on the link below to find out more about the programs (deadline is April 27th!). LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Apply Now

LIVESTRONG Blog » Bills, Bills, Bills

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Bills, Bills, Bills

LIVESTRONG Blog » Young Adults Break Cancer

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Young Adults Break Cancer

Lance Armstrong: Tobacco tax for cancer research - latimes.com

Lance Armstrong: Tobacco tax for cancer research promoted by Lance Armstrong - latimes.com

Rock vs. Cancer

Cures Rock music fans, get ready to rock while kicking cancer to the curb. Rock vs. Cancer is here in San Diego, CA *this* Saturday!

Here's the scoop:

** Rock vs. Cancer** concert THIS Saturday, 2/26 at House of Blues downtown.

From what we hear, Foo Fighters is headlining and they’ve got another 6-8 awesome bands. There is music memorabilia being auctioned (including song lyrics, signed guitars, surfboards, all sorts of stuff) signed by Ozomatli, Christina Aguilera and lots of others.

100% of the proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society!

Saturday, February 26 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location House of Blues
1055 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA

Buy tix at: https://tickets.somasandiego.com/ (or at the door)
Info at: http://www.houseofblues.com/tickets/eventdetail.php?eventid=67869

Thanks Lance

Take a few mins to thank Lance now that he's retiring (Retirement 2.0) & commit to a 2011 Team LIVESTRONG event!

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Thanks Lance

LIVESTRONG Blog » H.R. 1 Cuts Funding for Cancer

FYI- House is to vote on the funding for this year- includes major cuts to NIH and CDC. Call your reps. Tell them to vote NO.

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » H.R. 1 Cuts Funding for Cancer

Making an Impact: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Making an Impact: LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

World Cancer Day

♥ It's World Cancer Day. ♥ (And Day 2 of the LIVESTRONG Assembly.)

In honor of the 28 Million around the globe fighting this disease, please take a minute to think of a way to make a difference today. Donate to an organization you love, go for a walk in memory/honor of someone you love, talk to someone about this disease. Every little bit helps to spread awareness and support to fight this disease as one.

Be a Cures Rock Star for World Cancer Day!

Be a Cures Rock Rock Star in honor of World Cancer Day on Feb 4th! ♥

The winner will receive a CR t-shirt, sticker & orange CR wristband.

RULES:
(1) Take a picture of you advertising for CR.
(2) Make the pic your Facebook profile pic.
(3) Then post on the Cures Rock! Facebook Fan Page at: www.Facebook.com/CuresRock.

Whoever has the most comments/votes under their POST (each person... can only comment 4x) by Saturday, Feb. 5th wins. Spread the word!!

This is our chance to tell the world on World Cancer Day that CURES ROCK (Cancer does not.). Strut your Cures Rock! spirit and spread awareness about this disease that is impacting 28 million around the globe.

LIVESTRONG: State of the Foundation

LIVESTRONG is hosting their first ever “State of the Foundation”. This will be a chance for their leadership to update the community on their 2010 achievements and successes, as well as lay out the goals and objectives for 2011.

The live stream of this event will start at approximately 4 p.m. CT on Thursday, February 3, 2011 and will be posted on their website at http://www.livestrong.org/assembly.

The presenters will be taking questions from both the audience at the event, as well as those watching online. If you would like to submit a question for consideration, read their online blog today for info! Click here: LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » LIVESTRONG: State of the Foundation

TNT: Pounding Cancer into the Pavement...AGAIN.

Well, this morning my alarm clock went off and here's what happened:

My heart was happy.

My brain was wondering why the heck I was up at o'dark-thirty.

My body was crying.

It's true. Today was the first day of my marathon training season with Team in Training (TNT). I'm training for the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

I'm a little nostalgic today. I first started this blog back in 2008 after my first battles with cancer -- because I wanted to document my own "come back" to life and training for my first marathon with TNT. A few years later, and I'm still running...and I won't stop running (& blogging) until we find a cure.

So, my TNT Summer Season blogging begins again. I'll be posting more information and will share more of my story as I continue to fundraise (and run) to pound Cancer into the pavement.

CURES ROCK! (Cancer does not.)

Pic:

My twin sis, Angie, and me at the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon finish line 2009.

Stupid Cancer Happy Hour

Support cancer survivors in their 20s & 30s, and come out to an official "Stupid Cancer Happy Hour" in San Diego, CA (TOMORROW!) --- a re-imagining of the traditional support group brought to you by the i2Y Cancer Foundation.

Come one, come all to chill out, and hang with people who don't care whether you have one boob, one ball, two ports or even a hyperactive platelet count.

Thurs. Jan 20 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Gordon Biersch
5010 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA

ONE. (1/1/11)

Today's date, 1/1/11, is a great reminder that we all need to come together as "ONE" this year to make a difference on this planet we call home.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thank you for all of your support and volunteering in 2010!! If 2011 is anything like 2010 was for the Cures Rock!, then it will be one amazing year.

So today, let's celebrate and bring together our different gifts to bring some light, awareness and change to this world as one.

Happy New Year, and happy 1/1/11!