Saturday, December 21, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
Prayers Requested: Passing of Helen Phelps
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I inform you of the death of Helen Phelps, wife of Deacon Stephan Phelps. Helen passed away in her sleep Friday night. Her death was very unexpected. An autopsy on Saturday revealed a rare form of cancer that had gone undetected. The cancer was very aggresive and had attacked most of her major organs.
Arrangements are pending. Deacon Stephan is a judge at the Archdiocese of Louisville Tribunal and serves at the Cathedral of the Assumption.
Please keep Deacon Stephan and all their family in your prayers.
We pray for Helen's eternal rest and joy in the fullness of the Kingdom.
Location:Louisville, KY, USA
Inspiration: Best Cancer patient and survivor stories 2013
Throughout the year, cancer patients and cancer survivors at MD Anderson share insight, advice and stories from their cancer journeys, giving us inspiration and hope.
Here are some of our best stories from patients and survivors in 2013.
Getting married after cancer: Guilt is part of the diagnosis
Before proposing to his girlfriend, Justin Ozuna couldn't stop thinking about how the proposal would align with his cancer diagnosis and his uncertain future. Find out how the couple accepted their new reality.
Bodybuilding: How a breast cancer survivor regained confidenceAfter a breast cancer diagnosis, double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, Sonia Byrd decided to retake control of her body and life. So, she signed up for a bodybuilding fitness contest. Read her story.
Support groups: A cancer patient's best friendLike many cancer patients, Mike Snyder originally shrugged off his doctor's suggestion to join a support group. But after his bone cancer returned, a co-worker invited him to join one. Learn how this experienced changed him.
A melanoma survivor's take on tanning beds
After tanning three times a week starting at the age of 15, Cheri Huber was diagnosed with melanoma in her mid-30s. Now cancer-free and a mom of two young girls, she's a strong supporter of a new Texas law that prohibits minors from using tanning salons. Read her story.
After chordoma: Coping with anger and change
After two surgeries, feeding tubes, trouble forming words and uncontrollable anger, chordoma survivor Hank Lech just wanted to be back to "normal," not his "new normal." Hank Lech's anger grew day by day after his chordoma diagnosis and treatment. Learn how he came to cope with life after cancer.
Falling off the edge of a cliff
At 20 months out from her last chemotherapy treatment and 15 months from her last medical procedure for uterine cancer, Mary Kurtz knew she was a cancer survivor in name. But she struggled to move forward. Read her story.
My metastatic breast cancer recurrence: "You first" and other lessons
After 15 years in remission, Jody Schoger's cancer returned. Though she's still struggling with acceptance, she's noticed several recurring themes about living with stage 4 cancer. Find out what she's discovered.
Here are some of our best stories from patients and survivors in 2013.
Getting married after cancer: Guilt is part of the diagnosis
Before proposing to his girlfriend, Justin Ozuna couldn't stop thinking about how the proposal would align with his cancer diagnosis and his uncertain future. Find out how the couple accepted their new reality.
Bodybuilding: How a breast cancer survivor regained confidenceAfter a breast cancer diagnosis, double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, Sonia Byrd decided to retake control of her body and life. So, she signed up for a bodybuilding fitness contest. Read her story.
Support groups: A cancer patient's best friendLike many cancer patients, Mike Snyder originally shrugged off his doctor's suggestion to join a support group. But after his bone cancer returned, a co-worker invited him to join one. Learn how this experienced changed him.
A melanoma survivor's take on tanning beds
After tanning three times a week starting at the age of 15, Cheri Huber was diagnosed with melanoma in her mid-30s. Now cancer-free and a mom of two young girls, she's a strong supporter of a new Texas law that prohibits minors from using tanning salons. Read her story.
After chordoma: Coping with anger and change
After two surgeries, feeding tubes, trouble forming words and uncontrollable anger, chordoma survivor Hank Lech just wanted to be back to "normal," not his "new normal." Hank Lech's anger grew day by day after his chordoma diagnosis and treatment. Learn how he came to cope with life after cancer.
Falling off the edge of a cliff
At 20 months out from her last chemotherapy treatment and 15 months from her last medical procedure for uterine cancer, Mary Kurtz knew she was a cancer survivor in name. But she struggled to move forward. Read her story.
My metastatic breast cancer recurrence: "You first" and other lessons
After 15 years in remission, Jody Schoger's cancer returned. Though she's still struggling with acceptance, she's noticed several recurring themes about living with stage 4 cancer. Find out what she's discovered.
Location:Louisville, KY, USA
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Jill's Story: The Light That Shines
From Jilly Beans Barking Bones
Jill Brzezinski Conley was diagnosed with breast cancer one day before her 32nd birthday in July of 2009. Her journey began with the most progressive form of treatment available. Contrary to what most think, the younger one is, the more aggressive breast cancer can be. Jill was a newlywed, only married 7 months, and had just moved to Louisville, Kentucky from Las Vegas, Nevada to be with the love of her life, Barton.
After 16 rounds of grueling chemo, 33 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and several surgeries to remove a severely infected implant, she kept her wit, compelling determination with no room for self pity, while frequently making light of her serious condition. All the while her devoted dog, Honeybear, kept close with a watchful eye while she was home recovering.
After 2 1/2 years of treatment and a short remission, in January of 2012 the “beast was back.” The cancer had now taken residence in her bones, settling in behind her rib cage. A new regimen of treatment began, but Jill accepted the recurrence with compelling strength, in order to overcome the pain and sorrowful thoughts that accompany metastatic cancer. She spent endless days comforted by both Honeybear and Hope, her rescued cat, along with her thoughts about how she could make lemons out of lemonade. Jill did not want to be dying with cancer, but rather living with cancer. Her aching “bones” had a purpose!
Jill grew up in Michigan with strong work ethics and had worked since the age of 16. Because of her ongoing treatment she reluctantly had to leave her job as a leasing consultant and soon became bored and restless staying home. She decided she not only needed to bring in some extra money to help with the mounting medical bills, but also to promote a message about the importance of dog therapy during illness. Thus, Jillybean’s Barking Bones was born!
Jillybean’s Barking Bones, Dog Treats with a Purpose
Distributed from Louisville, Kentucky, Jillybean’s Barking Bones are all natural dog treats made with an extra helping of love! There are no additives or preservatives – only pure, healthy, natural ingredients. Because of Jill’s commitment to helping others, a portion of all Barking Bones Dog Treats sales are donated to the Good Dog Foundation, a charitable organization that provides therapy dog services to people in health care, social service, educational and community facilities, as well as at disaster sites around the country.
Jill’s Wish
Jill understands the burden of dealing with cancer and the toll it can take on patients and their families. That is why she has started Jill’s Wish. The mission of Jill’s Wish is to help minimize the financial struggle for cancer patients and their families, allowing them the resources and peace of mind to focus on recovery.
Jill Brzezinski Conley was diagnosed with breast cancer one day before her 32nd birthday in July of 2009. Her journey began with the most progressive form of treatment available. Contrary to what most think, the younger one is, the more aggressive breast cancer can be. Jill was a newlywed, only married 7 months, and had just moved to Louisville, Kentucky from Las Vegas, Nevada to be with the love of her life, Barton.
After 16 rounds of grueling chemo, 33 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and several surgeries to remove a severely infected implant, she kept her wit, compelling determination with no room for self pity, while frequently making light of her serious condition. All the while her devoted dog, Honeybear, kept close with a watchful eye while she was home recovering.
After 2 1/2 years of treatment and a short remission, in January of 2012 the “beast was back.” The cancer had now taken residence in her bones, settling in behind her rib cage. A new regimen of treatment began, but Jill accepted the recurrence with compelling strength, in order to overcome the pain and sorrowful thoughts that accompany metastatic cancer. She spent endless days comforted by both Honeybear and Hope, her rescued cat, along with her thoughts about how she could make lemons out of lemonade. Jill did not want to be dying with cancer, but rather living with cancer. Her aching “bones” had a purpose!
Jill grew up in Michigan with strong work ethics and had worked since the age of 16. Because of her ongoing treatment she reluctantly had to leave her job as a leasing consultant and soon became bored and restless staying home. She decided she not only needed to bring in some extra money to help with the mounting medical bills, but also to promote a message about the importance of dog therapy during illness. Thus, Jillybean’s Barking Bones was born!
Jillybean’s Barking Bones, Dog Treats with a Purpose
Distributed from Louisville, Kentucky, Jillybean’s Barking Bones are all natural dog treats made with an extra helping of love! There are no additives or preservatives – only pure, healthy, natural ingredients. Because of Jill’s commitment to helping others, a portion of all Barking Bones Dog Treats sales are donated to the Good Dog Foundation, a charitable organization that provides therapy dog services to people in health care, social service, educational and community facilities, as well as at disaster sites around the country.
Jill’s Wish
Jill understands the burden of dealing with cancer and the toll it can take on patients and their families. That is why she has started Jill’s Wish. The mission of Jill’s Wish is to help minimize the financial struggle for cancer patients and their families, allowing them the resources and peace of mind to focus on recovery.
Location:Louisville, KY USA
Monday, December 9, 2013
Inspiration: "I try to enjoy everything I can, when I can"
An article from Cancerwise about overcoming:
At first, Mai was devastated. For five years, Mai had provided hope for other pancreatic cancer patients as a volunteer for the Anderson Network, a support group that pairs new patients with survivors who share their same cancer diagnosis. But after her recurrence, she wasn't so sure she could still be a voice of hope.
Over time, though, Mai has come to realize that despite her pancreatic cancer recurrence, the way she continues to live her life remains an inspiration to her fellow patients. "I enjoy life to the maximum," she says. "That's what I do. I try to enjoy everything I can, when I can."
Read the entire article here...
 |
"Cancer has taught me to take a breath and deal with what I've been given. It's taught me that faith and a positive attitude are huge, not only in getting though cancer, but also in life," she says. "Life is difficult. But life is worth every difficulty."On the fifth anniversary of the day she entered remission, Mai Salem was told her pancreatic cancer had returned.
At first, Mai was devastated. For five years, Mai had provided hope for other pancreatic cancer patients as a volunteer for the Anderson Network, a support group that pairs new patients with survivors who share their same cancer diagnosis. But after her recurrence, she wasn't so sure she could still be a voice of hope.
Over time, though, Mai has come to realize that despite her pancreatic cancer recurrence, the way she continues to live her life remains an inspiration to her fellow patients. "I enjoy life to the maximum," she says. "That's what I do. I try to enjoy everything I can, when I can."
Read the entire article here...
Little Drummer Boy by Pentatonix
Pentatonix, an a cappella music group consisting of five members, posted a cover of “Little Drummer Boy” on YouTube on Nov. 25. In less than a week, it has become a viral sensation.
Since uploading the music video to YouTube, the song has enjoyed nearly fifteen million views. You can download the group’s Christmas album on iTunes.
Since uploading the music video to YouTube, the song has enjoyed nearly fifteen million views. You can download the group’s Christmas album on iTunes.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Update #52 • God Is Good All The Time!
Mary Jo is now on Day+214 since her transplant on May 6th. She is doing great. We got the Christmas tree out, and are decorating it this morning. The holidays are so much better this year than 2012 when she was going through R-CHOP and R-DHAP chemo treatments here in Louisville. God is good - all the time!
Billy, Mary Jo's nephew, whose Chronic Lymphocytic Luekemia (CLL) with 17p deletion has been transformed into Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma by Richter's Syndrome(RS) was supposed to have his last round of R-EPOCH chemo at Vanderbilt starting this past Wednesday.
We took Billy to Nashville early Wednesday morning for his 9 AM appointment for blood labs and meeting with his oncologist there. Nashville is about a 2 1/2-3 hour drive from Louisville. As is our routine, we ate breakfast with Billy at the Panera Bread near the Vanderbilt campus then went over to the hospital.
Billy got everything taken care of with the oncologist, by around lunch time. So, he we went to admitting to get him checked in the hospital. They said that many patients were checking out, and they would page him when a room was available.
So, we went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch.
After eating, we went back to admitting. They said they would have a room available in a couple of hours. Mary Jo and I sat with Billy until around 3 PM in admitting waiting area. We didn't really want to get stuck in rush hour traffic.
So, we drove back to Louisville arriving around 6 PM. Billy called right after we got home. He was still waiting for a room, and, understandingly so, getting very frustrated about the whole room situation.
A friend of Billy's has been taking Billy for his previous five treatments at Vanderbilt. But, he couldn't take him Wednesday because he was taking his wife, who has multiple myeloma, to the University of Arkansas Cancer Center in Little Rock.
At 9:30 PM (CT), Billy's friend was passing through Nashville on his way back to Louisville from Little Rock, and called Billy to see how he was doing.
By this time, Billy was beside himself. He still was not in a room. Billy's friend asked him, if he wanted to pick him and bring him home. Billy told the admitting people that he was tired of waiting for a room, and was heading back to Louisville.
In September, Vanderbilt Medical Center laid off around 1,000 employees. We had overheard several patients during the day talking about how the length of time to get test results,etc. had increased considerably since the layoffs. Arriving at the hospital at 9 AM, and not having a room by 10 PM is totally ridiculous.
The doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt do wonderful work. The patient care coordinator at Vanderbilt and Billy's oncologist called him yesterday to apologize for what went on Wednesday. If the Vanderbilt Medical Center wants to maintain their reputation as one of the nation's leading research and treatment centers something needs to be fixed.
But, after saying all of that, I think it was Divine Providence that the delay caused Billy to not start his treatment on Wednesday as planned, and his friend to be driving through Nashville at the precise time he needed a ride back to Louisville.
We got a call yesterday from Billy's family who live in Lexington, KY informing us that Billy's mom, who is fighting peritoneal cancer, had taken a turn for the worse. She was in great pain and was having trouble swallowing and talking.
Billy drove to Lexington yesterday to spend some quality time with his mom and his family there before he heads back to Nashville on Monday for his last treatment. GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!
Please keep Billy, his mom, Linda and Mary Jo in your prayers.
We are in the midst of a Winter Storm Cleon here in Louisville. We are currently having freezing rain. It is supposed to change to sleet and heavy snow soon at a rate of 1-2" per hour.
The forecast is for 8-12" in the area before it stops early Saturday morning.
Then, Winter Storm Dion is supposed to roll through Saturday night and Sunday with a major ice storm in the area causing massive power outages. Please pray that this doesn't happen, and we all survive this onslaught from mother nature. The low temperatures next week are supposed to be near zero. I would rather have 2' of snow than the ice.
Whatever the case, GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Billy, Mary Jo's nephew, whose Chronic Lymphocytic Luekemia (CLL) with 17p deletion has been transformed into Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma by Richter's Syndrome(RS) was supposed to have his last round of R-EPOCH chemo at Vanderbilt starting this past Wednesday.
We took Billy to Nashville early Wednesday morning for his 9 AM appointment for blood labs and meeting with his oncologist there. Nashville is about a 2 1/2-3 hour drive from Louisville. As is our routine, we ate breakfast with Billy at the Panera Bread near the Vanderbilt campus then went over to the hospital.
Billy got everything taken care of with the oncologist, by around lunch time. So, he we went to admitting to get him checked in the hospital. They said that many patients were checking out, and they would page him when a room was available.
So, we went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch.
After eating, we went back to admitting. They said they would have a room available in a couple of hours. Mary Jo and I sat with Billy until around 3 PM in admitting waiting area. We didn't really want to get stuck in rush hour traffic.
So, we drove back to Louisville arriving around 6 PM. Billy called right after we got home. He was still waiting for a room, and, understandingly so, getting very frustrated about the whole room situation.
A friend of Billy's has been taking Billy for his previous five treatments at Vanderbilt. But, he couldn't take him Wednesday because he was taking his wife, who has multiple myeloma, to the University of Arkansas Cancer Center in Little Rock.
At 9:30 PM (CT), Billy's friend was passing through Nashville on his way back to Louisville from Little Rock, and called Billy to see how he was doing.
By this time, Billy was beside himself. He still was not in a room. Billy's friend asked him, if he wanted to pick him and bring him home. Billy told the admitting people that he was tired of waiting for a room, and was heading back to Louisville.
In September, Vanderbilt Medical Center laid off around 1,000 employees. We had overheard several patients during the day talking about how the length of time to get test results,etc. had increased considerably since the layoffs. Arriving at the hospital at 9 AM, and not having a room by 10 PM is totally ridiculous.
The doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt do wonderful work. The patient care coordinator at Vanderbilt and Billy's oncologist called him yesterday to apologize for what went on Wednesday. If the Vanderbilt Medical Center wants to maintain their reputation as one of the nation's leading research and treatment centers something needs to be fixed.
But, after saying all of that, I think it was Divine Providence that the delay caused Billy to not start his treatment on Wednesday as planned, and his friend to be driving through Nashville at the precise time he needed a ride back to Louisville.
We got a call yesterday from Billy's family who live in Lexington, KY informing us that Billy's mom, who is fighting peritoneal cancer, had taken a turn for the worse. She was in great pain and was having trouble swallowing and talking.
Billy drove to Lexington yesterday to spend some quality time with his mom and his family there before he heads back to Nashville on Monday for his last treatment. GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!
Please keep Billy, his mom, Linda and Mary Jo in your prayers.
We are in the midst of a Winter Storm Cleon here in Louisville. We are currently having freezing rain. It is supposed to change to sleet and heavy snow soon at a rate of 1-2" per hour.
The forecast is for 8-12" in the area before it stops early Saturday morning.
Then, Winter Storm Dion is supposed to roll through Saturday night and Sunday with a major ice storm in the area causing massive power outages. Please pray that this doesn't happen, and we all survive this onslaught from mother nature. The low temperatures next week are supposed to be near zero. I would rather have 2' of snow than the ice.
Whatever the case, GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Update #52 • God Is Good All The Time!
Mary Jo is now on Day+214 since her transplant on May 6th. She is doing
great. We got the Christmas tree out, and are decorating it this
morning. The holidays are so much better this year than 2012
when she was going through R-CHOP and R-DHAP chemo treatments here in
Louisville. God is good - all the time!
Billy, Mary Jo's nephew, whose Chronic Lymphocytic Luekemia (CLL) with 17p deletion has been transformed into Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma by Richter's Syndrome(RS) was supposed to have his last round of R-EPOCH chemo at Vanderbilt starting this past Wednesday.
We took Billy to Nashville early Wednesday morning for his 9 AM appointment for blood labs and meeting with his oncologist there. Nashville is about a 2 1/2-3 hour drive from Louisville. As is our routine, we ate breakfast with Billy at the Panera Bread near the Vanderbilt campus then went over to the hospital.
Billy got everything taken care of with the oncologist, by around lunch time. So, he we went to admitting to get him checked in the hospital. They said that many patients were checking out, and they would page him when a room was available.
So, we went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch.
After eating, we went back to admitting. They said they would have a room available in a couple of hours. Mary Jo and I sat with Billy until around 3 PM in admitting waiting area. We didn't really want to get stuck in rush hour traffic.
So, we drove back to Louisville arriving around 6 PM. Billy called right after we got home. He was still waiting for a room, and, understandingly so, getting very frustrated about the whole room situation.
A friend of Billy's has been taking Billy for his previous five treatments at Vanderbilt. But, he couldn't take him Wednesday because he was taking his wife, who has multiple myeloma, to the University of Arkansas Cancer Center in Little Rock.
At 9:30 PM (CT), Billy's friend was passing through Nashville on his way back to Louisville from Little Rock, and called Billy to see how he was doing.
By this time, Billy was beside himself. He still was not in a room. Billy's friend asked him, if he wanted to pick him and bring him home. Billy told the admitting people that he was tired of waiting for a room, and was heading back to Louisville.
In September, Vanderbilt Medical Center laid off around 1,000 employees. We had overheard several patients during the day talking about how the length of time to get test results,etc. had increased considerably since the layoffs. Arriving at the hospital at 9 AM, and not having a room by 10 PM is totally ridiculous.
The doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt do wonderful work. The patient care coordinator at Vanderbilt and Billy's oncologist called him yesterday to apologize for what went on Wednesday. If the Vanderbilt Medical Center wants to maintain their reputation as one of the nation's leading research and treatment centers something needs to be fixed.
But, after saying all of that, I think it was Divine Providence that the delay caused Billy to not start his treatment on Wednesday as planned, and his friend to be driving through Nashville at the precise time he needed a ride back to Louisville.
We got a call yesterday from Billy's family who live in Lexington, KY informing us that Billy's mom, who is fighting peritoneal cancer, had taken a turn for the worse. She was in great pain and was having trouble swallowing and talking.
Billy drove to Lexington yesterday to spend some quality time with his mom and his family there before he heads back to Nashville on Monday for his last treatment. GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!
Please keep Billy, his mom, Linda and Mary Jo in your prayers.
We are in the midst of a Winter Storm Cleon here in Louisville. We are currently having freezing rain. It is supposed to change to sleet and heavy snow soon at a rate of 1-2" per hour.
The forecast is for 8-12" in the area before it stops early Saturday morning.
Then, Winter Storm Dion is supposed to roll through Saturday night and Sunday with a major ice storm in the area causing massive power outages. Please pray that this doesn't happen, and we all survive this onslaught from mother nature. The low temperatures next week are supposed to be near zero. I would rather have 2' of snow than the ice.
Whatever the case, GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Billy, Mary Jo's nephew, whose Chronic Lymphocytic Luekemia (CLL) with 17p deletion has been transformed into Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma by Richter's Syndrome(RS) was supposed to have his last round of R-EPOCH chemo at Vanderbilt starting this past Wednesday.
We took Billy to Nashville early Wednesday morning for his 9 AM appointment for blood labs and meeting with his oncologist there. Nashville is about a 2 1/2-3 hour drive from Louisville. As is our routine, we ate breakfast with Billy at the Panera Bread near the Vanderbilt campus then went over to the hospital.
Billy got everything taken care of with the oncologist, by around lunch time. So, he we went to admitting to get him checked in the hospital. They said that many patients were checking out, and they would page him when a room was available.
So, we went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch.
After eating, we went back to admitting. They said they would have a room available in a couple of hours. Mary Jo and I sat with Billy until around 3 PM in admitting waiting area. We didn't really want to get stuck in rush hour traffic.
So, we drove back to Louisville arriving around 6 PM. Billy called right after we got home. He was still waiting for a room, and, understandingly so, getting very frustrated about the whole room situation.
A friend of Billy's has been taking Billy for his previous five treatments at Vanderbilt. But, he couldn't take him Wednesday because he was taking his wife, who has multiple myeloma, to the University of Arkansas Cancer Center in Little Rock.
At 9:30 PM (CT), Billy's friend was passing through Nashville on his way back to Louisville from Little Rock, and called Billy to see how he was doing.
By this time, Billy was beside himself. He still was not in a room. Billy's friend asked him, if he wanted to pick him and bring him home. Billy told the admitting people that he was tired of waiting for a room, and was heading back to Louisville.
In September, Vanderbilt Medical Center laid off around 1,000 employees. We had overheard several patients during the day talking about how the length of time to get test results,etc. had increased considerably since the layoffs. Arriving at the hospital at 9 AM, and not having a room by 10 PM is totally ridiculous.
The doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt do wonderful work. The patient care coordinator at Vanderbilt and Billy's oncologist called him yesterday to apologize for what went on Wednesday. If the Vanderbilt Medical Center wants to maintain their reputation as one of the nation's leading research and treatment centers something needs to be fixed.
But, after saying all of that, I think it was Divine Providence that the delay caused Billy to not start his treatment on Wednesday as planned, and his friend to be driving through Nashville at the precise time he needed a ride back to Louisville.
We got a call yesterday from Billy's family who live in Lexington, KY informing us that Billy's mom, who is fighting peritoneal cancer, had taken a turn for the worse. She was in great pain and was having trouble swallowing and talking.
Billy drove to Lexington yesterday to spend some quality time with his mom and his family there before he heads back to Nashville on Monday for his last treatment. GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!
Please keep Billy, his mom, Linda and Mary Jo in your prayers.
We are in the midst of a Winter Storm Cleon here in Louisville. We are currently having freezing rain. It is supposed to change to sleet and heavy snow soon at a rate of 1-2" per hour.
The forecast is for 8-12" in the area before it stops early Saturday morning.
Then, Winter Storm Dion is supposed to roll through Saturday night and Sunday with a major ice storm in the area causing massive power outages. Please pray that this doesn't happen, and we all survive this onslaught from mother nature. The low temperatures next week are supposed to be near zero. I would rather have 2' of snow than the ice.
Whatever the case, GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Olivia Wise, The Teen Who "Kept Roaring" Dies
(CNN) -- Olivia Wise, a teenager who refused to let an inoperable brain tumor kill her spirit, died Monday.
Olivia gained fame in the last weeks of her 16-year-long life when a Katy Perry song she recorded in a Toronto studio in September became a viral hit online.
"She died peacefully in her home surrounded by the extraordinary love of her family," a family statement sent to CNN said.
The teenager said that she didn't want people crying at her funeral, but that they should celebrate her life, her mother wrote in a letter to CNN.
Her version of Perry's hit "Roar," which she recorded in September after learning there were no more treatments available, drew the attention of Perry after it was published on YouTube in October.
"I was very moved and you sounded great," Perry told her in a video posted on YouTube. "I love you. A lot of people love you and that's why your video got to me. It moved everybody that saw it."
Perry concluded with: "Keep roaring!"
The international attention drew more than a million viewers to Olivia's song and helped raise $77,000 for the Liv Wise Fund that was started in her name in support of brain tumor research.
The video shows OIivia sitting in a wheelchair in the middle of the studio, singing softly at first and struggling with her breaths.
"'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar."
Her energy grows and she smiles as she sings "I got the eye of a tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire."
"Olivia is a fighter and has gone through the fire," her cousin wrote in the post under the video posting on YouTube. "In fact, she was going through the fire while she recorded this song, but you wouldn't know it, because she was dancing right through it."
Her family posted another song video on YouTube just days before Olivia's death. She wrote "Simple Girl" -- a song about how she wanted to live life -- when she was 11. The only time she sang it was on September 6, during the same session in which she recorded "Roar."
"In many ways, Olivia has lived a shortened, but full life," her mother wrote in the letter to CNN.
Wise was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of brain cancer in January 2012 after she suffered a seizure.
She rarely complained about the grave prognosis, her mother said. "Every day, she wished for a cure, and rarely succumbed to negative thoughts."
"To tell the truth, her diagnosis didn't change her personality," her mom said. "It only enhanced it. She took the news in a mature, reasonable, responsible way. ... Even in the most difficult moments, she managed to bring laughter and friendship to all that were caring for her."
Our hearts and prayers go out to Olivia's family and friends.
Olivia gained fame in the last weeks of her 16-year-long life when a Katy Perry song she recorded in a Toronto studio in September became a viral hit online.
"She died peacefully in her home surrounded by the extraordinary love of her family," a family statement sent to CNN said.
The teenager said that she didn't want people crying at her funeral, but that they should celebrate her life, her mother wrote in a letter to CNN.
Her version of Perry's hit "Roar," which she recorded in September after learning there were no more treatments available, drew the attention of Perry after it was published on YouTube in October.
"I was very moved and you sounded great," Perry told her in a video posted on YouTube. "I love you. A lot of people love you and that's why your video got to me. It moved everybody that saw it."
Perry concluded with: "Keep roaring!"
The international attention drew more than a million viewers to Olivia's song and helped raise $77,000 for the Liv Wise Fund that was started in her name in support of brain tumor research.
The video shows OIivia sitting in a wheelchair in the middle of the studio, singing softly at first and struggling with her breaths.
"'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar."
Her energy grows and she smiles as she sings "I got the eye of a tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire."
"Olivia is a fighter and has gone through the fire," her cousin wrote in the post under the video posting on YouTube. "In fact, she was going through the fire while she recorded this song, but you wouldn't know it, because she was dancing right through it."
Her family posted another song video on YouTube just days before Olivia's death. She wrote "Simple Girl" -- a song about how she wanted to live life -- when she was 11. The only time she sang it was on September 6, during the same session in which she recorded "Roar."
"In many ways, Olivia has lived a shortened, but full life," her mother wrote in the letter to CNN.
Wise was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of brain cancer in January 2012 after she suffered a seizure.
She rarely complained about the grave prognosis, her mother said. "Every day, she wished for a cure, and rarely succumbed to negative thoughts."
"To tell the truth, her diagnosis didn't change her personality," her mom said. "It only enhanced it. She took the news in a mature, reasonable, responsible way. ... Even in the most difficult moments, she managed to bring laughter and friendship to all that were caring for her."
Our hearts and prayers go out to Olivia's family and friends.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Middle Schoolers Teach All Of Us A Lesson
While the NFL is dealing with the issue of bullying in the Miami Dolphins locker room, a middle school football team in Michigan has a deeper understanding of the game that pros may never reach.
The Olivet Eagles football team at Olivet Middle School in Olivet, Michigan, decided to run a play and intentionally not score, all without their coaches knowing.
The football team planned the play for weeks, all so they could set up a very special moment for a special boy.
Keith Orr is a special needs child, and his buddies on the football team decided to give him the chance to run for a touchdown.
Sheridan Hedrick, a player on the team, would’ve easily scored a touchdown, but he instead took a knee on the 1-yard line, much to the dismay of the crowd.
That was until the next play happened: the “Keith Special.”
The ball was hiked and immediately handed to Keith, who ran forward as his teammates protected him from the oncoming defense. Keith scored without a scratch.
The boys did much more than help Keith score a touchdown; they brought a community together.
“Yes I’m excited and happy that he made a touchdown, but what have these boys showed this community? That’s what gets to me,” said Keith’s mother, Carrie Orr, to WILX. “They’ve got his back. And he knows it.”
We can all learn a lot from the boys on the Olivet Eagles, as they have shown a certain sense of humility and understanding many of us adults struggle with.
The Olivet Eagles football team at Olivet Middle School in Olivet, Michigan, decided to run a play and intentionally not score, all without their coaches knowing.
The football team planned the play for weeks, all so they could set up a very special moment for a special boy.
Keith Orr is a special needs child, and his buddies on the football team decided to give him the chance to run for a touchdown.
Sheridan Hedrick, a player on the team, would’ve easily scored a touchdown, but he instead took a knee on the 1-yard line, much to the dismay of the crowd.
That was until the next play happened: the “Keith Special.”
The ball was hiked and immediately handed to Keith, who ran forward as his teammates protected him from the oncoming defense. Keith scored without a scratch.
The boys did much more than help Keith score a touchdown; they brought a community together.
“Yes I’m excited and happy that he made a touchdown, but what have these boys showed this community? That’s what gets to me,” said Keith’s mother, Carrie Orr, to WILX. “They’ve got his back. And he knows it.”
We can all learn a lot from the boys on the Olivet Eagles, as they have shown a certain sense of humility and understanding many of us adults struggle with.
Prayers requested: Super-Typhoon Haiyan Nears The Philipines
A neighbor's son teaches English in the Philipines. Please keep him and all of the people there in your prayers.
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Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Vanderbilt Opens Cancer Targeted Therapies Center
Taking part in last week’s ribbon cutting for Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center’s new Center for Cancer Targeted Therapies were, from left, C. Wright Pinson, MBA, M.D., Carlos L. Arteaga, M.D., Orrin Ingram and Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D. (photo by Susan Urmy)
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center leaders formally dedicated the space for the new Center for Cancer Targeted Therapies (CCTT), located in the Infusion Center on the second floor of The Vanderbilt Clinic, at a special ribbon-cutting held during last week’s fall meeting of the Cancer Center’s Board of Overseers.
Led by director Carlos L. Arteaga, M.D., professor of Medicine and Cancer Biology and associate for Clinical Research, the CCTT is an extension of the Cancer Center’s expertise in personalized cancer medicine, Phase I trials and non-invasive imaging.
Through the VICC Personalized Cancer Medicine Initiative (PCMI), investigators focus on genomic signatures in a patient’s tumor and use that information to match the patient to a targeted therapy.
Patients with various forms of lung, breast and colorectal cancer, along with melanoma, are already being screened for genomic markers that help physicians decide on the best course of treatment.
The CCTT leverages the strengths of the PCMI, along with the VICC Phase I Program, led by Jordan Berlin, M.D., Ingram Professor of Cancer Research. Phase I clinical trials are designed to test new compounds in humans to determine potential doses and toxicities.
The new CCTT will also harness the capabilities of the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences and the Division of Interventional Oncology in the Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences.
The goal of the new initiative is to streamline drug development efforts at VICC using leading-edge molecular profiling of tumors and novel imaging approaches that predict drug action and efficacy. This integration will help VICC expand the center’s early phase clinical trials program and contribute to faster approval of new targeted drugs and combination therapies for cancer patients.
“The creation of this new center is a testament to the continuous commitment of our institution to the development of new and effective anti-cancer therapies,” said Arteaga, also the Donna S. Hall Professor of Breast Cancer Research.
“As we dedicate this new center, we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Cancer Center,” said Jennifer Pietenpol, Ph.D., director of VICC. “The CCTT is the next logical step in the growth of the Cancer Center and it marks another defining moment in our efforts to provide the best therapies for our patients.”
The CCTT also will create more research and training opportunities for basic, translational and clinical investigators.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Don’t Give Up Hope
Don’t Give Up Hope
This world just keeps on getting crazier and crazier everyday
You’re so afraid
Sometimes it feels like it’s chasing your sanity away
And you start to break
Let me help you find your way
Don’t give up faith
Don’t give up hope
There’s always something better
Waiting around the corner
Don’t give up now
Please, don’t let go
What can feel like the ending
Could just be the beginning
Don’t give up hope
Your life is spinning like a rocket that’s gone out of control
And you’ve let go
You’re slowly losing your confidence, you’re a wounded soul
But I hope you know
I can help you find your way
Don’t give up faith
Don’t give up hope
There’s always something better
Waiting around the corner
Don’t give up now
Please, don’t let go
What can seem like the ending
Could just be the beginning
Don’t give up hope
Don’t give up hope now
Don’t turn around
Keep on moving
Find your faith
You’ll be doing all right now
Don’t look back
Keep on moving
Find your faith
And you’ll be doing all right now
Don’t look back
Keep on moving
Find your faith
And you’ll be doing all right now
Don’t give up faith
Don’t give up hope
There’s always something better
Waiting around the corner
Don’t give up now
Please, don’t let go
What can seem like the ending
Could just be the beginning
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