Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake. - Henry David Thoreau
Fundraising Tip
Send out 5 Corporate Packets to companies you know and/or frequent often. Although big companies may have the most money, they also receive a lot of reqeusts. Be sure to seek out businesses where you know someone, where you have a relationship and that really would benefit from sponsorship with the LLS.
Training Tip
Daily run strategies
It is important to know what your objectives are whenever you have a workout as part of your training regimen. The three topics below address the ideas of 1) building your base, 2) increasing your strength, and 3) avoiding injury. Daily runs and workouts are a key part to getting you to your event in shape to complete and enjoy the day.
Maintenance miles
A critical part to distance training is getting your body and sinews used to the pounding it will take. This involves spending time running/walking on the surface your event will be on. This is usually asphalt. So it is important to spend part of every week working out on asphalt.
All surfaces are not created equal. Concrete is hard and unforgiving. Do not run long distances on sidewalks. Your knees and hips will thank you! On the soft side are things like treadmills and packed dirt. Asphalt is somewhere between, probably closer to concrete than packed dirt.
Building yourself up
Enjoying the event will require most of us to improve our physical condition. There are three basic training concepts you might try. Note that you should be adequately warmed up and loose before doing these. Have a watch handy to track your progress!
Interval training – raising your heart rate to the anaerobic threshold (about 90% of max) for a brief time. Exercise should continue between intervals so that heart rate does not return to resting until after the workout is over. This category can include track work, hills, spin classes, or biking. This builds leg strength.
Tempo runs – holding a pace above your comfort level for an extended period. Heart rate should be about 75% of max. This builds endurance and helps you learn to hold a pace.
Foot speed – the proper pace and form is essential to efficient running. Elite runners are incredibly efficient and run at a pace near 90 steps per minute. Count the number of times one foot hits the ground in a minute. Try to get this number to be greater than 80. Relax and concentrate on moving your legs and feet quickly. Your step should be quick, easy, and light. This will help spare your body some of the pounding and help maintain a good pace for long distances.
Alternating stress and ‘rest’
Rest is part of building yourself up. Muscles must be stressed but then must be allowed to recover in order to strengthen themselves. Over training will lead to injury! Have at least 2 weekly workouts that are easy on your legs. Cross training is a good option. If you do run, keep your pace easy and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE STANDARD FORMS OF TREATMENT?
• The use of chemotherapy, or anti-cancer drugs, usually in combinations of two or more drugs, is largely responsible for the dramatic improvement in managing leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Approximately 30 different drugs are being used in the treatment of these diseases.
• Bone marrow transplantation has been available for the last 30 years and is now standard therapy for selected patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. There are two major types of transplants: autologous and allogeneic.
Autologous transplantation uses the patient’s own marrow. The marrow is collected while the patient is in remission, and it is often treated with chemotherapy agents and monoclonal antibodies before being given back.
An allogeneic transplant uses marrow from a normal donor, usually a brother or sister who has the same tissue type. If a sibling is not available, a search of the National Marrow Donor Program registry of tissue-typed volunteers could be made for a non-related donor.
• Radiation therapy is another treatment that is used principally for lymphoma. It can also be used for patients who are to undergo bone marrow transplantation.
• The aim of treatment is to bring about a complete remission. Complete remission means that there is no evidence of the disease. Relapse indicates a return of the malignant cells and return of other signs and symptoms to the disease. For many forms of leukemia and lymphoma, a complete remission that lasts five years after treatment is considered cured.
Mission Moment
In Memory Of
Ronald Butler
Powder Springs, GA
Lived with CML for 2 years, 2 months
My beloved husband of 44 years, Ronald, was diagnosed with CML in April/2002. He was on Gleevec which kept his leukemia stable for 1 year, but then stopped working. His oncologist told him he would need a stem cell transplant. He was 61 at the time. One of his brothers was a perfect match, and he underwent the transplant in July/2003. He had a hard time with graft vs. host disease and numerous infections, and had some close calls, but he made it; for 3 months anyway. Then the transplant failed. His bone marrow was not producing cells, and he had to have platelets and red blood every other day for months. During this time he had a fungal infection in his lungs, which worsened. He was admitted to the hospital again, this time for 5 weeks. The doctors were trying to treat the infection without any white blood cells to help. He had a 2nd transplant; the white cells engrafted on the 11th day, but he died on the 12th day due to the infection. He was on a ventilator, so we couldn't talk for 6 days before he died. I love him and miss him so much. He showed us what courage is all about. He never complained during the entire 2 years of living this nightmare, even when he couldn't see his beloved grandchildren for 5 months because he had no immune system. He just wanted to live so badly, he was willing to go through whatever he had to. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, and I will love him until I take my last breath...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fall Season Week 5
"Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right." - Henry Ford,
Fundraising Tip
Email your monthly update reminding others to donate. This is a great way to keep people up to date with your training and fundraising progress. It's also a great time to update your potential donors on your honored patients status.
Training Tip
Endurance Nutrition
During endurance training you have to take in more calories than normal because you will be expending more calories than normal.
Don’t try to think of this as a weight loss program. You may or may not lose weight. But that’s not the goal. Hopefully, you will lose some fat and gain some muscle.
You have to properly fuel your body to sustain the training regimen necessary to complete a full or half marathon. Food is fuel. If you put junk fuel in your car, it won’t run properly. If you put junk fuel in your body, it won’t run properly either.
Your diet should consist of 60% carbs, 20-25% proteins,15% or less fats.
Carbs should be complex carbs, as much as possible. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Minimize processed sugars, sodas and junk foods. Protein is necessary for building muscle. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat eater, make sure you get plenty of protein.
Reduce your fat intake. Some fat is necessary and some fats are good for you. Try to eliminate saturated fat (solid at room temp). Use mono and polyunsaturated fats in your cooking. Avoid trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils) at all costs.
4 – 5 small meals a day is better than 3 big meals a day.
Put the note “Food is Fuel” on your refrigerator door to remind yourself that eating is not only ok, but necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS MYELOMA?
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in many tissues of the body, but mainly in the bone marrow. In myeloma, a plasma cell becomes malignant. It grows continuously—especially in the marrow—destroying normal bone tissue, causing pain, and crowding out normal blood cell production.
Malignant plasma cells produce an abnormal protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulins (or antibodies) are an important part of the body’s natural defense against infection since they recognize microbes that invade the body and permit them to be removed and destroyed. The onset of myeloma interferes with normal production of antibodies and makes myeloma patients susceptible to infections.
Mission Moment
Gavin Nicholas Ontiveros
Hebron, IN
Living with ALL for 2 years, 8 months
Age: 18
On Friday June 3, 2005, I was diagnosed with Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL T- cell). All patients with T-cell are considered high risk regardless of age and white blood cell count.
I was born in Chicago & have family in Mexico (Chihuahua, Jalisco, Guanajuato), US (Illinois, Indiana, Texas & New Mexico). My parents Cayetano & Martha, gave birth to their first born Giovani, second Nicky and last but not least, Cathy.
A personalized Web page, called a CarePage, has been created, so you can easily receive the latest news, view photos and share messages of support. At http://www.carepages.com (GavinNicholasOntiverosCarePage).
"My Life with Cancer - My Life Has Change"
• I have Cancer, (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia); it has been a big shock for family and friends to find out. • I turned bald at 15, on New Years Day I turned 16 and it turns out that I still have cancer. I look different on the outside but I’m the same person. I don’t have the choice in many things, but I could choose to make the best of the situation. CANCER will not conquer me.
• I try to make myself happy. Even on "bad" days, between treatments, it always makes me happy to take a week off from treatment.
• I have choices and I can still make some decisions. I chose whether to be asleep or awake for some procedures, and I chose not to eat hospital food.
• I am very independent and I cook whenever I can, but some days I can’t work up the energy to do it.
• I hate different smells. To help make my room more enjoyable I spray the room or use candles of smells I like.
• I try to make the best out of everything. But there are days that I want to stop with the treatment.
• I am determined to fight Cancer, to live my life to the fullest. I see things in a different way; I learned that the unexpected gift of cancer is a way to appreciate life more. I have strength and tolerance to pain that I did not know I had.
• I can say that cancer has made me different. It can make me feel very alone sometimes. When it comes down to it; I’m not alone - I have my family & friends!!! I am very surprised to have such great support from all the people that have made a difference in my experience with cancer.
• I want to fight for my life with cancer and want to live. Everyone dies, but not everyone truly lives.
• I have not been able to return to school and homebound school service has not been approved; the relationship with the school has not been positive.
• I have a life with cancer and I have many family and friends who are caring, concerned and always fun to be with. Fortunately, they can not have been more supportive. They will do anything they can to help in any way: phone calls, visits, gifts, prayers, fundraisers, donations and most of all, words of encouragement and love. These are the things that keep me going. Some days are bad, some are good, and some are great. If I look depressed, someone will always be there with a smile and a big bear hug.
• I can say as awful as cancer can be, it has brought my family and friends together, and we all have grown closer because of it. I guess you could say that I put my family and friends to “the test” by having them deal with cancer right along with me. The result: nothing will ever change the relationship I have with my family and friends. I have the best family & friends anyone could ever have!
Fundraising Tip
Email your monthly update reminding others to donate. This is a great way to keep people up to date with your training and fundraising progress. It's also a great time to update your potential donors on your honored patients status.
Training Tip
Endurance Nutrition
During endurance training you have to take in more calories than normal because you will be expending more calories than normal.
Don’t try to think of this as a weight loss program. You may or may not lose weight. But that’s not the goal. Hopefully, you will lose some fat and gain some muscle.
You have to properly fuel your body to sustain the training regimen necessary to complete a full or half marathon. Food is fuel. If you put junk fuel in your car, it won’t run properly. If you put junk fuel in your body, it won’t run properly either.
Your diet should consist of 60% carbs, 20-25% proteins,15% or less fats.
Carbs should be complex carbs, as much as possible. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Minimize processed sugars, sodas and junk foods. Protein is necessary for building muscle. Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat eater, make sure you get plenty of protein.
Reduce your fat intake. Some fat is necessary and some fats are good for you. Try to eliminate saturated fat (solid at room temp). Use mono and polyunsaturated fats in your cooking. Avoid trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils) at all costs.
4 – 5 small meals a day is better than 3 big meals a day.
Put the note “Food is Fuel” on your refrigerator door to remind yourself that eating is not only ok, but necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS MYELOMA?
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in many tissues of the body, but mainly in the bone marrow. In myeloma, a plasma cell becomes malignant. It grows continuously—especially in the marrow—destroying normal bone tissue, causing pain, and crowding out normal blood cell production.
Malignant plasma cells produce an abnormal protein called monoclonal immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulins (or antibodies) are an important part of the body’s natural defense against infection since they recognize microbes that invade the body and permit them to be removed and destroyed. The onset of myeloma interferes with normal production of antibodies and makes myeloma patients susceptible to infections.
Mission Moment
Gavin Nicholas Ontiveros
Hebron, IN
Living with ALL for 2 years, 8 months
Age: 18
On Friday June 3, 2005, I was diagnosed with Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL T- cell). All patients with T-cell are considered high risk regardless of age and white blood cell count.
I was born in Chicago & have family in Mexico (Chihuahua, Jalisco, Guanajuato), US (Illinois, Indiana, Texas & New Mexico). My parents Cayetano & Martha, gave birth to their first born Giovani, second Nicky and last but not least, Cathy.
A personalized Web page, called a CarePage, has been created, so you can easily receive the latest news, view photos and share messages of support. At http://www.carepages.com (GavinNicholasOntiverosCarePage).
"My Life with Cancer - My Life Has Change"
• I have Cancer, (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia); it has been a big shock for family and friends to find out. • I turned bald at 15, on New Years Day I turned 16 and it turns out that I still have cancer. I look different on the outside but I’m the same person. I don’t have the choice in many things, but I could choose to make the best of the situation. CANCER will not conquer me.
• I try to make myself happy. Even on "bad" days, between treatments, it always makes me happy to take a week off from treatment.
• I have choices and I can still make some decisions. I chose whether to be asleep or awake for some procedures, and I chose not to eat hospital food.
• I am very independent and I cook whenever I can, but some days I can’t work up the energy to do it.
• I hate different smells. To help make my room more enjoyable I spray the room or use candles of smells I like.
• I try to make the best out of everything. But there are days that I want to stop with the treatment.
• I am determined to fight Cancer, to live my life to the fullest. I see things in a different way; I learned that the unexpected gift of cancer is a way to appreciate life more. I have strength and tolerance to pain that I did not know I had.
• I can say that cancer has made me different. It can make me feel very alone sometimes. When it comes down to it; I’m not alone - I have my family & friends!!! I am very surprised to have such great support from all the people that have made a difference in my experience with cancer.
• I want to fight for my life with cancer and want to live. Everyone dies, but not everyone truly lives.
• I have not been able to return to school and homebound school service has not been approved; the relationship with the school has not been positive.
• I have a life with cancer and I have many family and friends who are caring, concerned and always fun to be with. Fortunately, they can not have been more supportive. They will do anything they can to help in any way: phone calls, visits, gifts, prayers, fundraisers, donations and most of all, words of encouragement and love. These are the things that keep me going. Some days are bad, some are good, and some are great. If I look depressed, someone will always be there with a smile and a big bear hug.
• I can say as awful as cancer can be, it has brought my family and friends together, and we all have grown closer because of it. I guess you could say that I put my family and friends to “the test” by having them deal with cancer right along with me. The result: nothing will ever change the relationship I have with my family and friends. I have the best family & friends anyone could ever have!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Fall Season Week 4
To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: "leave no stone unturned." - Edward Bulwer Lytton
Fundraising Tip
Setup your phone message, email signature, MySpace, Facebook, etc. and tell everyone you know on a daily basis that you are raising funds for LLS and provide your fundraising website link. We still have plenty of information meetings coming up so feel free to attend another meeting and invite your friends, family, and co-workers along. You will receive a $100 fundraising credit for every person who completes their fundraising and event!!!
Training Tip
Hydration & Nutrition
1. Sweat = lost water & electrolytes
- both are necessary for muscle function
- learn to drink and take in salts
2. Drink before you are thirsty
- try different sports drinks vs. plain water
- judge dehydration by urine color
- learn to take salt to help keep water in your body
3. Hyponatremia – too much water
- typically happens before a race
- don’t front-load too much water
4. Keep nutrients flowing into your system
- carbo-load the night before before long runs, avoid greasy or spicy food
- eat a light breakfast at least an hour before a long run
- get used to taking sports beans, gels, etc
marathons take more energy than you can eat in a typical day
5. Post-exercise nutrition
- eat within 1 hr, best within a ½ hr
- your muscles need materials for rebuilding & strengthening
- Complex carbs & proteins
Power bars, bananas, fruit smoothies, chocolate milk
- Avoid things containing high fructose corn syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS LYMPHOMA?
A general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system, which includes hundreds of bean-size lymph nodes, present throughout the body, and the spleen and thymus.
Result when a lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) undergoes a malignant change and begins to multiply, eventually crowding out healthy cells and creating tumors, which enlarge lymph nodes.
Mission Moment
Karen Jennings
WI
Living with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for 8 years
Age: 39
Towards the end of January of 2000, I was experiencing pain in my spleen area and had developed a swollen lymph node on the left side of my neck. I went to see my doctor and he became concerned right away, and set me up for a CT scan and an appointment with an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist. The CT showed nothing wrong with my spleen and the ENT ordered a biopsy of the lymph node. The biopsy came back Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, low-grade, follicular B-cell, small cleaved. Then I needed a body CT scan to see if it was anywhere else. They found it in my groin too, so they said was Stage 3.
We did the "Wait and Watch" method and things seemed to stay in control. My CT scans went from every 3 months, to 6 months, to every year, until April 2005. I developed a lump in front of my left ear. After another biopsy it showed the lymphoma was in my parotid gland. So I started 20 treatments of radiation. It was a bad experience, and a memorable one at that. I lost my hair from my ear line down, I lost my taste buds, and my throat was so sore it was hard to eat or drink anything. I ended up in the hospital for a few days. I finally got through it with the help and support of my wonderful, caring husband and 2 daughters.
The results of my treatments left me with 1 parotid gland, which I have to be on medicine to help stimulate my saliva. I got most of my taste buds back, but my likes and dislikes of food has changed. Otherwise, I am doing fine. My CT scans are scheduled for 6 months, but I'm always looking behind my back and the illness never leaves my mind. In October 2006 the results of my CT showed that I had a 3 inch cluster of lymph nodes in my pelvis that needed treatment. We did a PET scan and it showed that the cancer was throughout my body now. The biopsy in the pelvis showed that it hadn't become aggressive, and a bone marrow biopsy showed that it's in 5% on one side, and 40% on the other. I am undergoing chemotherapy now (Rituxan and CVP), and so far everything is going well (keeping our fingers crossed).
Fundraising Tip
Setup your phone message, email signature, MySpace, Facebook, etc. and tell everyone you know on a daily basis that you are raising funds for LLS and provide your fundraising website link. We still have plenty of information meetings coming up so feel free to attend another meeting and invite your friends, family, and co-workers along. You will receive a $100 fundraising credit for every person who completes their fundraising and event!!!
Training Tip
Hydration & Nutrition
1. Sweat = lost water & electrolytes
- both are necessary for muscle function
- learn to drink and take in salts
2. Drink before you are thirsty
- try different sports drinks vs. plain water
- judge dehydration by urine color
- learn to take salt to help keep water in your body
3. Hyponatremia – too much water
- typically happens before a race
- don’t front-load too much water
4. Keep nutrients flowing into your system
- carbo-load the night before before long runs, avoid greasy or spicy food
- eat a light breakfast at least an hour before a long run
- get used to taking sports beans, gels, etc
marathons take more energy than you can eat in a typical day
5. Post-exercise nutrition
- eat within 1 hr, best within a ½ hr
- your muscles need materials for rebuilding & strengthening
- Complex carbs & proteins
Power bars, bananas, fruit smoothies, chocolate milk
- Avoid things containing high fructose corn syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS LYMPHOMA?
A general term for a group of cancers that originate in the lymphatic system, which includes hundreds of bean-size lymph nodes, present throughout the body, and the spleen and thymus.
Result when a lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) undergoes a malignant change and begins to multiply, eventually crowding out healthy cells and creating tumors, which enlarge lymph nodes.
Mission Moment
Karen Jennings
WI
Living with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for 8 years
Age: 39
Towards the end of January of 2000, I was experiencing pain in my spleen area and had developed a swollen lymph node on the left side of my neck. I went to see my doctor and he became concerned right away, and set me up for a CT scan and an appointment with an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist. The CT showed nothing wrong with my spleen and the ENT ordered a biopsy of the lymph node. The biopsy came back Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, low-grade, follicular B-cell, small cleaved. Then I needed a body CT scan to see if it was anywhere else. They found it in my groin too, so they said was Stage 3.
We did the "Wait and Watch" method and things seemed to stay in control. My CT scans went from every 3 months, to 6 months, to every year, until April 2005. I developed a lump in front of my left ear. After another biopsy it showed the lymphoma was in my parotid gland. So I started 20 treatments of radiation. It was a bad experience, and a memorable one at that. I lost my hair from my ear line down, I lost my taste buds, and my throat was so sore it was hard to eat or drink anything. I ended up in the hospital for a few days. I finally got through it with the help and support of my wonderful, caring husband and 2 daughters.
The results of my treatments left me with 1 parotid gland, which I have to be on medicine to help stimulate my saliva. I got most of my taste buds back, but my likes and dislikes of food has changed. Otherwise, I am doing fine. My CT scans are scheduled for 6 months, but I'm always looking behind my back and the illness never leaves my mind. In October 2006 the results of my CT showed that I had a 3 inch cluster of lymph nodes in my pelvis that needed treatment. We did a PET scan and it showed that the cancer was throughout my body now. The biopsy in the pelvis showed that it hadn't become aggressive, and a bone marrow biopsy showed that it's in 5% on one side, and 40% on the other. I am undergoing chemotherapy now (Rituxan and CVP), and so far everything is going well (keeping our fingers crossed).
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Fall Season Week 3
The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith the faith to believe it possible.
Fundraising Tip
The best tip we have this week is to strongly encourage you to attend the Fundraising Clinic this Tuesday, June 9, at 6:00 pm at Healthwise, 2601 N. Bogus Basin Rd., Boise. Our top-notch Fundraising Committee has all the information and advice you need to kick off your efforts and ensure your fundraising success. Don't miss it!
Training Tip
WARM-UP EXERCISES
Write the Alphabet (This one is a MUST!)
This exercise is done sitting with one leg crossed over the other, ankle resting on knee, or standing with one foot raised. Begin “writing” the cursive letters of the alphabet using your foot, making the largest letters possible. Start with the first half of the alphabet and when the shin and ankle get stronger and more flexible, continue with the rest of the alphabet. Do this with both legs.
This exercise will strengthen the ligaments in the ankle and shin, increasing their range of motion. It is particularly helpful when walking on hills and uneven surfaces where ankle and shin strains can occur more frequently. You should do this at least once a day!
Hip Circles
Hold on to a waist-high wall with feet shoulder-width apart and the arms relaxed and fully extended. Lean your hips toward the wall and rotate them in a large circle to stretch the entire mid-section. Do this 8-12 times then repeat in the other direction. Begin with small circles and gradually make the circles larger as the muscles warm up.
Hurdler’s Drill
Stand about 2-3 feet away from a wall, holding on for support. Lift one knee out to the side and slightly to the back. Keeping the knee bent 90°, circle the leg forward as if clearing an imaginary hurdle. Ideally, the lower half of the leg should be parallel to the ground until the leg clears the hurdle. Do five rotations with each leg and repeat with the other leg.
Standing Torso Twists
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Keep arms relaxed and straightened out to the sides at shoulder height, parallel to the ground. Twist the torso slowly to the left and then the right while keeping the arms extended. Make sure and keep the arms in one straight line with the body. Feet remain in place with knees straight. Repeat 10 times.
Windmills
Start with arms straight down along the sides of the body. Twist arms so palms face away from the body. Begin walking while swinging the right arm backward and completely around the shoulder, in a backstroke motion. Try to keep the elbow straight, the palm facing out and the upper arm as close to the ear as possible. Hold the other arm gently against the back with the elbow bent or resting in front across the waist. Walk in a straight line 20-25 steps, maintaining correct hip rotation, with right arm rotating. Stop, turn around and return, doing the same thing with the left arm. After completing one circuit with each arm, repeat another circuit with alternating arms like a windmill. Repeat the entire process.
YOU ARE STRONG AND POWERFUL!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS LEUKEMIA?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells. It originates in a primitive blood-forming cell in the bone marrow. Leukemia occurs when immature blood cells accumulate in an uncontrolled manner in the marrow. The marrow often can no longer produce enough healthy red and white blood cells and platelets. The loss of red cells leads to anemia. The lack of functional white cells impairs the body’s ability to fight infections. A shortage of platelets result in bruising and easy bleeding.
The major forms of leukemia are divided into four categories: acute and chronic myelogenous and acute and chronic lymphocytic. Myelogenous or lymphocytic denotes the cell type involved. Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that affects mostly immature cells. Chronic leukemia progresses slowly and involves greater numbers of more mature cells.
Mission Moment
Son Ngoc Dang
San Diego, CA
Lived with AML for 3 years, 7 months
We just had our second daughter (our first was 2) when Son Dang started to have symptoms of leukemia. A month later, after many tests, his was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at the age of 34. That night, we laid in bed holding hands staring blankly at the ceiling with tears streaming down our cheeks. We were both watching our dreams of a “normal” life disappear. We did not know what lay ahead of us, but inside we shook in fear of this unknown disease that adopted itself into our family. Son was lucky to have his sister’s blood cells match his for a bone marrow transplant. He was thankful that he had this choice to do the transplant, but we did not realize how much our lives will change afterwards. For the next 3 ½ years, Son had to deal with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD); effects of the transplant. Life for me, his 2 girls (5 and 3) and his mother (who lived with us to help us out) was not easy. Every day I watched him fight for his life. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, 2002 I got a phone call from his doctor that he suspected stomach cancer. A few days later it was confirmed. On January 22 he was admitted to have part of his stomach removed. He never came out of the hospital. A month later he passed away leaving me 5 months pregnant. Miracles do happen; just in unexpected ways. For all the families who have to go through cancer with a loved one, I reach out to you in prayer for strength and support. And I pray and hope for many other cancer victims out there that your journey to fight for your life will be surrounded with love and happiness as it was for Son Dang.
Fundraising Tip
The best tip we have this week is to strongly encourage you to attend the Fundraising Clinic this Tuesday, June 9, at 6:00 pm at Healthwise, 2601 N. Bogus Basin Rd., Boise. Our top-notch Fundraising Committee has all the information and advice you need to kick off your efforts and ensure your fundraising success. Don't miss it!
Training Tip
WARM-UP EXERCISES
Write the Alphabet (This one is a MUST!)
This exercise is done sitting with one leg crossed over the other, ankle resting on knee, or standing with one foot raised. Begin “writing” the cursive letters of the alphabet using your foot, making the largest letters possible. Start with the first half of the alphabet and when the shin and ankle get stronger and more flexible, continue with the rest of the alphabet. Do this with both legs.
This exercise will strengthen the ligaments in the ankle and shin, increasing their range of motion. It is particularly helpful when walking on hills and uneven surfaces where ankle and shin strains can occur more frequently. You should do this at least once a day!
Hip Circles
Hold on to a waist-high wall with feet shoulder-width apart and the arms relaxed and fully extended. Lean your hips toward the wall and rotate them in a large circle to stretch the entire mid-section. Do this 8-12 times then repeat in the other direction. Begin with small circles and gradually make the circles larger as the muscles warm up.
Hurdler’s Drill
Stand about 2-3 feet away from a wall, holding on for support. Lift one knee out to the side and slightly to the back. Keeping the knee bent 90°, circle the leg forward as if clearing an imaginary hurdle. Ideally, the lower half of the leg should be parallel to the ground until the leg clears the hurdle. Do five rotations with each leg and repeat with the other leg.
Standing Torso Twists
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Keep arms relaxed and straightened out to the sides at shoulder height, parallel to the ground. Twist the torso slowly to the left and then the right while keeping the arms extended. Make sure and keep the arms in one straight line with the body. Feet remain in place with knees straight. Repeat 10 times.
Windmills
Start with arms straight down along the sides of the body. Twist arms so palms face away from the body. Begin walking while swinging the right arm backward and completely around the shoulder, in a backstroke motion. Try to keep the elbow straight, the palm facing out and the upper arm as close to the ear as possible. Hold the other arm gently against the back with the elbow bent or resting in front across the waist. Walk in a straight line 20-25 steps, maintaining correct hip rotation, with right arm rotating. Stop, turn around and return, doing the same thing with the left arm. After completing one circuit with each arm, repeat another circuit with alternating arms like a windmill. Repeat the entire process.
YOU ARE STRONG AND POWERFUL!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS LEUKEMIA?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells. It originates in a primitive blood-forming cell in the bone marrow. Leukemia occurs when immature blood cells accumulate in an uncontrolled manner in the marrow. The marrow often can no longer produce enough healthy red and white blood cells and platelets. The loss of red cells leads to anemia. The lack of functional white cells impairs the body’s ability to fight infections. A shortage of platelets result in bruising and easy bleeding.
The major forms of leukemia are divided into four categories: acute and chronic myelogenous and acute and chronic lymphocytic. Myelogenous or lymphocytic denotes the cell type involved. Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that affects mostly immature cells. Chronic leukemia progresses slowly and involves greater numbers of more mature cells.
Mission Moment
Son Ngoc Dang
San Diego, CA
Lived with AML for 3 years, 7 months
We just had our second daughter (our first was 2) when Son Dang started to have symptoms of leukemia. A month later, after many tests, his was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at the age of 34. That night, we laid in bed holding hands staring blankly at the ceiling with tears streaming down our cheeks. We were both watching our dreams of a “normal” life disappear. We did not know what lay ahead of us, but inside we shook in fear of this unknown disease that adopted itself into our family. Son was lucky to have his sister’s blood cells match his for a bone marrow transplant. He was thankful that he had this choice to do the transplant, but we did not realize how much our lives will change afterwards. For the next 3 ½ years, Son had to deal with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD); effects of the transplant. Life for me, his 2 girls (5 and 3) and his mother (who lived with us to help us out) was not easy. Every day I watched him fight for his life. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, 2002 I got a phone call from his doctor that he suspected stomach cancer. A few days later it was confirmed. On January 22 he was admitted to have part of his stomach removed. He never came out of the hospital. A month later he passed away leaving me 5 months pregnant. Miracles do happen; just in unexpected ways. For all the families who have to go through cancer with a loved one, I reach out to you in prayer for strength and support. And I pray and hope for many other cancer victims out there that your journey to fight for your life will be surrounded with love and happiness as it was for Son Dang.
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