In June of 2000, I received shocking news. My doctor walked into my hospital room and calmly told me that I had pancreatic cancer and surgery needed to be performed as soon as possible. He also pointed out that I had jaundice, which explained why the white portions of my eyes were yellow. I remember staring at him in disbelief. I thought, "Oh no, I can't have the big C. Not me!"
At 5 1/2 years old, Ethan is really like any other little boy. He thinks playing with friends is the best part of preschool. He knows if dad says "no", to go ask mom. He loves playing video games, playing outside with his friends, playing soccer, watching football games with dad, and going to the park. Ethan also knows he has something called cystic fibrosis. He knows this is why he has to take pills before he eats, why his sinuses are so bad, why he has so many medications and therapies to do, and why he has special doctors.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
My name is Emily and I'm 15 years old and a type 1 diabetic since February 21, 2000. The day I was diagnosed was all a little hazy, I just woke up to go to school, ended up throwing up and it only became worse the whole day. By night I was throwing up every 15 minutes no matter what, which is when I was taken to the hospital. There I waited for a really long time before they took me to see a doctor, but all I remember of that night was lying on a bed and going up an elevator before I woke up the next day in the hospital.
Chloe was born with only 2 heart chambers, no septum which separates the left and right side of the heart. One side of her heart was enlarged and the other was under developed.
My grandmother had a wonderful, love-filled 94 years of life and was blessed to be in great health until her 93rd year. She was admitted to hospice in January 2009 and passed away 8 months later. Extraordinary Caregivers You would have thought they grew up right beside us, calling my grandma Miss Kate or Katie like she loved. They would go out of their way to throw a few rollers in her hair (outside of beauty shop day!!).
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
My husband and I spent the first few days after the diagnosisat the hospital with Emma. The three of us were plunged into an intense course in biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition. Emma fought tears as she asked the diabetes educator, "Will I die? Will I be able to have children?"
"This was the most important experience I have had since I was first diagnosed -- I finally found others who understood -- even without having to say a thing. I don't feel so alone. " "The conference turned out to be much, much, much better than what I expected. The speakers, the workshops were fantastic. I have a better understanding of my son's illness. Thank you! " "The breakout session choices / options were excellent. ‘Ask the Professional’ was the best ever at a conference. " "The information, the people, the hope! Well done! " "The variety of speakers and peer roundtable sessions were great. " "Really motivational keynotes just excellent!
Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Unfortunately, access to screening is a major barrier for women who live in rural areas. Susan G. Komen for the Cure currently provides funding to West Virginia University Mary Babb Cancer Center to develop small media campaigns to promote Bonnie’s Bus.
Navigating your way through a complex health system is often times challenging. This is especially true for someone who is uninsured or underinsured. Susan G. Komen for the Cure funds the Primary Care Coalition of Montgomery County, Inc. This collaboration includes the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, 12 non-profit “safety-net” clinics, and five community hospitals.
Over the past twenty years, great improvements have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. As a result, the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise. There are about 2.5 million survivors alive in the U.S. today! Unfortunately, many women undergoing treatment are hard pressed financially.
9-year-old Jami was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after suffering severe stomach pains and dramatically losing weight. Even though she now has to take several different medications on a daily basis to manage her symptoms, Jami continues to maintain straight A’s in school, play sports like golf, and is driven to make a difference in the battle against Crohn’s and colitis.
Mary Carnahan has more reason than most to feel sorry for herself. She suffers from kidney disease and must be hooked up to a dialysis machine three times weekly. She also has emphysema and needs a walker and infinite reserves of patience to get around. So, when a flood last June ravaged the modest Cedar Rapids home she and her husband Carroll shared, no one would have blamed her if she had belly-ached a bit. But that’s just not who she is: “Oh, I was upset that I lost everything in the house – and the house!” says Carnahan, 70, who had been married 45 years.
Give up a kidney to keep her 29-year-old cousin alive? No problem. Give up Diet Dr. Pepper to prepare for the transplant surgery? Now that was a real sacrifice. Darlene Navarette found out at an annual New Year’s Day family get together at her grandmother’s house that her cousin Holly Miyagawa, needed a kidney transplant. Navarette offered hers on the spot. The successful transplant surgery was performed two months later in March of 2000.
To Joe Abruzzese, Chuck Fruit was more than a friend. He was a hero, who wore his power -- and his pain -- ever so lightly. A top marketing executive at Coca Cola and a kidney transplant recipient, Fruit, who died last year, also happened to be a champion fundraiser and passionate cheerleader in his role as NKF’s Chairman. So when he asked Abruzzese,president of sales for Discovery Communications, to chair the Springtime in New York Gala at Lincoln Center, it was a done deal.
Stories of Caring Katelyn Marie Hall, from Leesburg, Virginia, was born prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing less than a pound and measuring the length of a ballpoint pen. “We were told she had about a 5 percent chance of surviving,” says her dad, Michael. In the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), Katelyn faced many challenges common to babies born too soon. After 5 long months, Ashley and Michael were finally able to bring their daughter home. In many ways, Katelyn is a typical little girl — she loves to run, jump and climb, and play outside with her dog Sequoia.
You could say that Leah is an international messenger. She tries to spread information to women in Kenya about their options when it comes to breast cancer treatment. That’s because Leah knows what it’s like to be diagnosed in a place that lacks resources. She was living in Nairobi when she had a mastectomy in 2000. “It was petrifying. I was scared. I thought I was going to die,” Leah says. Her daughter came to Kenya and shared brochures and other information.
On September 2, 2009, 38 women received breast education and screening services at an A Day for You Program™ in Phoenix, AZ. In preparation for the event, the clinic and the outreach coordinator partnered with a local supermarket to schedule women to participate in the program. At the market, the outreach coordinator came across a woman named Maria, age 62, who had never had a mammogram in her life.
Joya Delgado Harris was 34 years old with two beautiful young children when she received the stunning news that she had breast cancer. She was overwhelmed with fear about what would happen next. But a middle-of-the-night phone call to Breast Cancer Network of Strength made a crucial difference as she embarked on her breast cancer journey. From that moment forward, she knew she wouldn’t face this frightening disease alone.
When Dorothy was diagnosed with breast cancer it deeply affected her husband Al. After her treatment she became a Peer Counselor for Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s YourShoes™ 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center. Dorothy says, “After hearing some of the callers who said that ‘I wish I had someone to talk to my husband, because, you know he needs support too."
Louisiana Chapter of The ALS Association Recognizes Area Nurse for Her Contributions to Raising Awareness of Lou Gehrig’s Disease By Stephanie Dufner Registered nurse Niki McWilliams, who owns a small ranch and grows her own vegetables, refuses to let the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) affect her spirit. A resident of Breaux Bridge, McWilliams, 36, has lived with ALS since October 2000, yet she remains active in helping The ALS Association’s Louisiana/Mississippi Chapter educate the public and raise awareness of the disease to state legislators.
In addition to teaching college students biology, Arcadia University assistant professor Wes Rose, 37, educates people about the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He has lived with what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis, since May 2005. The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter has proclaimed Wes Rose and his family one of the families that best exemplifies the spirit of “ALS Across America” for the chapter during ALS Awareness Month in May.
Knoxville resident Carianne Meystrik, 39, a mother of four who formerly managed the hemophilia laboratory at the University of Tennessee Hospital, now depends on family and friends to assist her with daily living needs because she has lost use of her arms and legs due to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis .
Alexandria denizen Michael Jack has two passions: architectural history and helping others live with ALS. A former editor at the American Institute of Architects and account executive at the public relations firm Porter Novelli, he refuses to allow the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) confine him, even though he depends on a motorized wheelchair for mobility and has lost much of his ability to speak.
This is Brody Miller with his mother. Like most 5 year old boys, Brody’s day consists of going to Kindergarten,playing with friends, watching TV, and just being active! To look at Brody, you would never know that a few months ago he was in a doctor’s office, and was facing the possibility of going blind.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2008 National Goodwill Ambassador is Abbey Umali of Redlands, Calif., a lively and articulate 8-year-old with a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. “Abbey is precocious and charismatic,” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said.
Karin was the Support Group leader in Edmonds, WA until she moved out of the country. She indicates the Association was very helpful when she was first diagnosed with endometriosis. At that time she bought one of our books and found it immensely valuable. She enjoyed the support group meetings, "It was so special to have a group of women who truly understood what I was going through and could empathize with my situation".
Pamela was diagnosed with severe endometriosis over 20 years ago. She has had many surgeries to "treat" the disease. It has caused her great heartache throughout her life and left her unable to conceive a child. It has also wreaked havoc on her professional and personal life. Pamela writes us to indicate that the Endometriosis Association has been a lifeline for her over the years. She writes, "They have tenaciously worked to promote self-education, raise awareness of the disease and its effects, share knowledge and information, and support those that suffer.
Saundra inquired about this program after reading on the EA website about assistance with travel for members to visit a doctor or have surgery out of their home state if they do not have the financial means to pay. Midwest Airlines has partnered with us to provide this program. Saundra was connected with a doctor in Atlanta who was a part of our physician registry. Saundra had a very positive experience and the surgery was very successful. Her endometriosis pain is now very manageable and she indicates, "I have not felt this good in over 12 years".
My husband, Dr. John Cravero, lost his mother to pancreatic cancer in November 1999. When we first met in the summer of 2007, I could see the impact that the loss of his mom still had on him even 8 years after her passing, so I wanted to learn more about the disease so that I could have a better understanding of what his family had gone though. As we were getting to know each other, we talked a lot about his mom and what they had all experienced following her diagnosis and journey through the disease.
Kaiya received a Prevent Blindness America certified vision screening at her daycare right before her third birthday. The results of the screening indicated a possible problem. Her parents decided to take her to an eye doctor who discovered that her optic nerve was malformed. They began patching Kaiya’s eye in an attempt to restore her vision.
Sharon Belvin was only 22 years old when she learned she had late-stage metastatic melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Despite undergoing a series of treatments that left her body ravaged and her spirit exhausted, her cancer kept coming back, each time worse than before.
At age 44, Christine Sable had few worries about her cancer risk, especially since no one in her immediate or extended family had a history of cancer. This mother of two, wife, and full-time real estate professional was leading an active, healthy life. But then she received some shocking news that sent her and her family into a tailspin. After a few months of minor, persisting symptoms—mild abdominal discomfort that she easily could have ignored—Christine made what she thought would be a routine visit to her doctor.
Talyn 2 years old Diagnosis: Talyn was found to suffer from bilateral retinoblastoma in April 2008. Talyn's Story: The first indication that something was wrong with Talyn came during a well baby checkup when she was 10 months old. Talyn’s doctor noticed a white glare in her eyes and sent Talyn and her mom to a specialist. The news was devastating. Talyn suffered from cancerous tumors in both her eyes, known as bilateral retinoblastoma.
Javon and Jakayla 8 and 3 years old Diagnosis: Javon was discovered to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2003 and his sister Jakayla was found to suffer from ALL in 2008. Javon and Jakayla's Story: When Javon was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. He underwent three years of chemotherapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Montana 3 years old, was diagnosed to suffer from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in November 2007. Montana's Story: Montana’s parents were immediately concerned when their normally active 2-year-old son suddenly seemed tired all the time. “We could tell something was wrong because he wanted to go to bed at 5 o’clock at night,” Montana’s dad said.
Lindsey was eight years old when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “I didn’t know what Alzheimer’s was exactly, but I knew it was bad,” the 14-year-old said. Her father’s onset of Alzheimer’s at the age of 50 changed her family forever. Story: Lindsey was eight years old when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “I didn’t know what Alzheimer’s was exactly, but I knew it was bad,” the 14-year-old said. Her father’s onset of Alzheimer’s at the age of 50 changed her family forever.
For Kris, a diagnosis for her forgetfulness came as a relief. She now knew what she was dealing with: Alzheimer's disease. She was only 46. I think there comes a point in everyone’s life when we pause to reflect on the past, realize the present, and look to the future. That happened for me at the age of 46. I’d been married for over 20 years, our son was in his first year of college, I was happy in my job and my husband was looking forward to retirement. We were all healthy, tried to exercise, eat right and live an active life.
“I wasn’t able to attend summer camp because of my asthma”, says Laura Delaney, American Lung Association Volunteer Camp Director. So as an adult, I wanted to make sure all children with asthma had an opportunity to experience a traditional camping experience.
Mikayla is 10 years old and is in the fifth grade at Trinity Christian School. For six years, she has been a Girl Scout and also participates on the cheerleading squad. After ten months of pain and barely able to move, Mikayla was diagnosed with pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 3 years old.
Pedaling 500 miles in a week would be a major achievement for any adult, but for David Tarnow, diagnosed with CF at age 3, it’s an even greater accomplishment. Over the past five years, David has channeled his love of cycling into a major fund-raising event called Dave’s Cycle for a Cure, raising nearly $80,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. David, now 20 and a sophomore at Louisiana State University, attributes his “can do” attitude and sunny outlook to his parents, who inspired him to tackle challenges with enthusiasm.
Bradley was my third and last child. We had a healthy daughter and a son who was developmentally delayed and was receiving therapies and attending Easter Seals to help him catch up. Not having a "diagnosis" was extremely frustrating for me. When we found out I was having another boy, I told my husband that this one would be his athlete. God had other plans for us and for Bradley. At 4 months of age we found out that he has very little vision.
In August 2006, Heather Ziegler was busily preparing to move her family to Japan. The time had come for Heather and her children to join her husband, Chief Petty Officer Scott Ziegler, a 19-year veteran of the Navy, in Japan where he had been stationed for more than a year. It was during that hectic summer Heather noticed a lump on her son Roman’s neck.
Staff Sergeant Mark Thompson convinced the Army that having type-1 diabetes should not keep him from serving in Iraq. Thompson, 28, is an Iowa native. He has been married for nine years and has a son, Kyle, who is two years old. He has always had something of a travel bug, and it was this desire to see the world that inspired Thompson to join the Army. That, and the stories he heard from his college roommate -- an older student who had served in the Vietnam War. As Thompson listened, the Army started to sound like an adventure.
In June of 2000, I received shocking news. My doctor walked into my hospital room and calmly told me that I had pancreatic cancer and surgery needed to be performed as soon as possible. He also pointed out that I had jaundice, which explained why the white portions of my eyes were yellow. I remember staring at him in disbelief. I thought, "Oh no, I can't have the big C. Not me!"
At 5 1/2 years old, Ethan is really like any other little boy. He thinks playing with friends is the best part of preschool. He knows if dad says "no", to go ask mom. He loves playing video games, playing outside with his friends, playing soccer, watching football games with dad, and going to the park. Ethan also knows he has something called cystic fibrosis. He knows this is why he has to take pills before he eats, why his sinuses are so bad, why he has so many medications and therapies to do, and why he has special doctors.
My name is Emily and I'm 15 years old and a type 1 diabetic since February 21, 2000. The day I was diagnosed was all a little hazy, I just woke up to go to school, ended up throwing up and it only became worse the whole day. By night I was throwing up every 15 minutes no matter what, which is when I was taken to the hospital. There I waited for a really long time before they took me to see a doctor, but all I remember of that night was lying on a bed and going up an elevator before I woke up the next day in the hospital.
Chloe was born with only 2 heart chambers, no septum which separates the left and right side of the heart. One side of her heart was enlarged and the other was under developed. 
"This was the most important experience I have had since I was first diagnosed -- I finally found others who understood -- even without having to say a thing. I don't feel so alone. " "The conference turned out to be much, much, much better than what I expected. The speakers, the workshops were fantastic. I have a better understanding of my son's illness. Thank you! " "The breakout session choices / options were excellent. ‘Ask the Professional’ was the best ever at a conference. " "The information, the people, the hope! Well done! " "The variety of speakers and peer roundtable sessions were great. " "Really motivational keynotes just excellent! 
Over the past twenty years, great improvements have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. As a result, the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise. There are about 2.5 million survivors alive in the U.S. today! Unfortunately, many women undergoing treatment are hard pressed financially.
9-year-old Jami was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after suffering severe stomach pains and dramatically losing weight. Even though she now has to take several different medications on a daily basis to manage her symptoms, Jami continues to maintain straight A’s in school, play sports like golf, and is driven to make a difference in the battle against Crohn’s and colitis.
Stories of Caring Katelyn Marie Hall, from Leesburg, Virginia, was born prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing less than a pound and measuring the length of a ballpoint pen. “We were told she had about a 5 percent chance of surviving,” says her dad, Michael. In the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), Katelyn faced many challenges common to babies born too soon. After 5 long months, Ashley and Michael were finally able to bring their daughter home. In many ways, Katelyn is a typical little girl — she loves to run, jump and climb, and play outside with her dog Sequoia.
You could say that Leah is an international messenger. She tries to spread information to women in Kenya about their options when it comes to breast cancer treatment. That’s because Leah knows what it’s like to be diagnosed in a place that lacks resources. She was living in Nairobi when she had a mastectomy in 2000. “It was petrifying. I was scared. I thought I was going to die,” Leah says. Her daughter came to Kenya and shared brochures and other information.
On September 2, 2009, 38 women received breast education and screening services at an A Day for You Program™ in Phoenix, AZ. In preparation for the event, the clinic and the outreach coordinator partnered with a local supermarket to schedule women to participate in the program. At the market, the outreach coordinator came across a woman named Maria, age 62, who had never had a mammogram in her life. 
Joya Delgado Harris was 34 years old with two beautiful young children when she received the stunning news that she had breast cancer. She was overwhelmed with fear about what would happen next. But a middle-of-the-night phone call to Breast Cancer Network of Strength made a crucial difference as she embarked on her breast cancer journey. From that moment forward, she knew she wouldn’t face this frightening disease alone.
When Dorothy was diagnosed with breast cancer it deeply affected her husband Al. After her treatment she became a Peer Counselor for Breast Cancer Network of Strength’s YourShoes™ 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center. Dorothy says, “After hearing some of the callers who said that ‘I wish I had someone to talk to my husband, because, you know he needs support too."
Louisiana Chapter of The ALS Association Recognizes Area Nurse for Her Contributions to Raising Awareness of Lou Gehrig’s Disease By Stephanie Dufner Registered nurse Niki McWilliams, who owns a small ranch and grows her own vegetables, refuses to let the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) affect her spirit. A resident of Breaux Bridge, McWilliams, 36, has lived with ALS since October 2000, yet she remains active in helping The ALS Association’s Louisiana/Mississippi Chapter educate the public and raise awareness of the disease to state legislators. 
In addition to teaching college students biology, Arcadia University assistant professor Wes Rose, 37, educates people about the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He has lived with what is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis, since May 2005. The ALS Association’s Greater Philadelphia Chapter has proclaimed Wes Rose and his family one of the families that best exemplifies the spirit of “ALS Across America” for the chapter during ALS Awareness Month in May. 
Knoxville resident Carianne Meystrik, 39, a mother of four who formerly managed the hemophilia laboratory at the University of Tennessee Hospital, now depends on family and friends to assist her with daily living needs because she has lost use of her arms and legs due to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS usually has a survival rate of two to five years from the time of diagnosis .
Alexandria denizen Michael Jack has two passions: architectural history and helping others live with ALS. A former editor at the American Institute of Architects and account executive at the public relations firm Porter Novelli, he refuses to allow the neurodegenerative muscular disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) confine him, even though he depends on a motorized wheelchair for mobility and has lost much of his ability to speak. 
This is Brody Miller with his mother. Like most 5 year old boys, Brody’s day consists of going to Kindergarten,playing with friends, watching TV, and just being active! To look at Brody, you would never know that a few months ago he was in a doctor’s office, and was facing the possibility of going blind. 
The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 2008 National Goodwill Ambassador is Abbey Umali of Redlands, Calif., a lively and articulate 8-year-old with a form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. “Abbey is precocious and charismatic,” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. 
My husband, Dr. John Cravero, lost his mother to pancreatic cancer in November 1999. When we first met in the summer of 2007, I could see the impact that the loss of his mom still had on him even 8 years after her passing, so I wanted to learn more about the disease so that I could have a better understanding of what his family had gone though. As we were getting to know each other, we talked a lot about his mom and what they had all experienced following her diagnosis and journey through the disease. 
Sharon Belvin was only 22 years old when she learned she had late-stage metastatic melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Despite undergoing a series of treatments that left her body ravaged and her spirit exhausted, her cancer kept coming back, each time worse than before. 
At age 44, Christine Sable had few worries about her cancer risk, especially since no one in her immediate or extended family had a history of cancer. This mother of two, wife, and full-time real estate professional was leading an active, healthy life. But then she received some shocking news that sent her and her family into a tailspin. After a few months of minor, persisting symptoms—mild abdominal discomfort that she easily could have ignored—Christine made what she thought would be a routine visit to her doctor. 
Talyn 2 years old Diagnosis: Talyn was found to suffer from bilateral retinoblastoma in April 2008. Talyn's Story: The first indication that something was wrong with Talyn came during a well baby checkup when she was 10 months old. Talyn’s doctor noticed a white glare in her eyes and sent Talyn and her mom to a specialist. The news was devastating. Talyn suffered from cancerous tumors in both her eyes, known as bilateral retinoblastoma. 
Javon and Jakayla 8 and 3 years old Diagnosis: Javon was discovered to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2003 and his sister Jakayla was found to suffer from ALL in 2008. Javon and Jakayla's Story: When Javon was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. He underwent three years of chemotherapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Montana 3 years old, was diagnosed to suffer from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in November 2007. Montana's Story: Montana’s parents were immediately concerned when their normally active 2-year-old son suddenly seemed tired all the time. “We could tell something was wrong because he wanted to go to bed at 5 o’clock at night,” Montana’s dad said. 
“I wasn’t able to attend summer camp because of my asthma”, says Laura Delaney, American Lung Association Volunteer Camp Director. So as an adult, I wanted to make sure all children with asthma had an opportunity to experience a traditional camping experience.
Mikayla is 10 years old and is in the fifth grade at Trinity Christian School. For six years, she has been a Girl Scout and also participates on the cheerleading squad. After ten months of pain and barely able to move, Mikayla was diagnosed with pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 3 years old. 
