A note: This post is from one of our group members who felt so strongly about the peace, joy and comfort she felt in this program that she volunteered to present the program for the August meeting. We of course, felt it was worthy of mentioning in the blog! Thanks to Karen D! ~Nic
My name is Karen D. I am a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed two days before Christmas, 2009. Going through surgery, chemo and radiation I have learned that good things can come from bad situations in the form of love and support of family and friends. In addition, I have had a wonderful opportunity to attend a Casting for Recovery retreat in May of 2011.
CFR is a support and education program provided at no cost to the recipient for breast cancer patients and survivors of all ages and in all stages of treatment and recovery. The three day program includes fly fishing instruction, as well as information and counseling by medical professionals in a fun setting at the beautiful Lake Logan Retreat Center in the mountains of North Carolina.
Physically, the motions involved in fly-fishing are similar to the exercises prescribed after surgery or radiation, thus promoting soft tissue stretching and healing. You do not need to know how to fly-fish to go to the retreat! I applied at the urging of my husband and two sons and was selected. My selection definitely was moving me out of my comfort zone (participants are chosen by lottery, as there are always more applicants than available slots). After we were shown the basics of fly-fishing, each of the 14 participants was assigned a knowledgeable guide who accompanied us to the stream. Trout live in the most beautiful places! It was peaceful, relaxing – and I did catch fish! I loved it! The CFR experience has changed my outlook on this journey and I understand why the CFR motto is “To fish is to hope”.
Please – If you are in the journey of breast cancer treatment or recovery, give Casting for Recovery a try. You will be glad you did! Apply for the next retreat at www.castingforrecovery.org or for more information contact Starr Nolan, Program Coordinator; Casting for Recovery - Carolinas at 828.215.4234 or email: cfrnc (at) charter.net - replace word (at) with @
Monday, October 10, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Something different for awareness month
It is here again! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Are there many people out there who don't know that? It would be hard to believe that they don't!
For me, it is becoming a lot like the commercialization of Christmas and frankly it is a big turn off for me and a lot of people. Money is needed for research, it is true, but there are also so many other aspects of living with cancer. The big push of this month of awareness is about the only way to get people to stand up and take notice of some of the horrible things that happen quickly and often silently when dealing with cancer. Because really, the general population has no clue unless/until they are touched by cancer on a personal level.
I would like to think that the push for breast cancer awareness has brought attention to not only breast cancer, but to all cancer in general. In fact, in our support group, we proudly announce that we do not discriminate... cancer is cancer, no matter the type. We all need love and support to get through the journey.
So as a survivor, my request during breast cancer awareness month, after you have done your Komen Walk for the Cure (http://ww5.komen.org/) or other awareness activities in various communities, is that you find a personal, more intimate way to support breast cancer awareness. You can really make a difference by just dropping in on a support meeting, hugging a family member who has/had cancer, or just listening when the survivor wants to laugh, cry, scream... all at no financial cost to you. For you survivors, be sure to recognize those who support(ed) you, because the journey is tough on everyone involved! (Interesting article about family coping here: http://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/cancer-and-family-members.aspx?xid=tw_womenscancer_20110930_cancer)
So with the commercialization of awareness month, go out on a cancer walk, participate in festivals, but also do your part by honoring and remembering the human factor! Let those around you know that you love them and all they do/did for you. Because without great faith, hope and love, beating cancer is pretty much impossible. It is a long hard journey for survivor and all involved with the survivor.
Martina McBride says it all in her video: http://www.cmt.com/videos/martina-mcbride/682633/im-gonna-love-you-through-it.jhtml
For me, it is becoming a lot like the commercialization of Christmas and frankly it is a big turn off for me and a lot of people. Money is needed for research, it is true, but there are also so many other aspects of living with cancer. The big push of this month of awareness is about the only way to get people to stand up and take notice of some of the horrible things that happen quickly and often silently when dealing with cancer. Because really, the general population has no clue unless/until they are touched by cancer on a personal level.
I would like to think that the push for breast cancer awareness has brought attention to not only breast cancer, but to all cancer in general. In fact, in our support group, we proudly announce that we do not discriminate... cancer is cancer, no matter the type. We all need love and support to get through the journey.
So as a survivor, my request during breast cancer awareness month, after you have done your Komen Walk for the Cure (http://ww5.komen.org/) or other awareness activities in various communities, is that you find a personal, more intimate way to support breast cancer awareness. You can really make a difference by just dropping in on a support meeting, hugging a family member who has/had cancer, or just listening when the survivor wants to laugh, cry, scream... all at no financial cost to you. For you survivors, be sure to recognize those who support(ed) you, because the journey is tough on everyone involved! (Interesting article about family coping here: http://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/cancer-and-family-members.aspx?xid=tw_womenscancer_20110930_cancer)
So with the commercialization of awareness month, go out on a cancer walk, participate in festivals, but also do your part by honoring and remembering the human factor! Let those around you know that you love them and all they do/did for you. Because without great faith, hope and love, beating cancer is pretty much impossible. It is a long hard journey for survivor and all involved with the survivor.
Martina McBride says it all in her video: http://www.cmt.com/videos/martina-mcbride/682633/im-gonna-love-you-through-it.jhtml
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Before, During and After the Storm
“Stay tuned before, during, and after the storm.” Our local TV stations constantly keep us informed of pending weather changes. Here in the mountains of western North Carolina these words are quite common. As the winters become more like northern winters than southern winters we are learning to adapt to snow, sleet, or whatever may be in the forecast.
Before the storm, most if not the entire county makes a trip to Ingles to purchase the survival foods, milk and bread. As we anxiously await the first snowflakes, thoughts, such as, what am I going to do if the power is interrupted, is there a generator available, and will it work, what about heat and water? Of course the best solution would be no power interruption, however, that rarely happens. We make provisions for the worst case scenario and hope and pray for the best.
During the storm I have my face pressed to the windowpane watching the snowflakes as large as quarters gently fall to the ground to make everything appear clean and new. The snow turns the landscape into a picture postcard and becomes nature’s work of art. In the midst of this beauty, however, there are inconveniences to deal with, such as, no power, impassable roads, and isolation.
After the storm, the sun returns in a day or several days, the power is restored, children of all ages enjoy sledding, snowball fights, the roads are cleared, and life is good again.
Life’s storms are, in a sense, like snowstorms. Each of us has endured or will endure a trial or a struggle in various forms that will test our faith and endurance.
Before the storm, we constantly ponder the “what ifs” and anxiously await the outcome. During the storm is a challenge, however, we can find beauty in the faces of our friends and family who love and support us. Each obstacle is dealt with faith and perserverance. After the storm, we are faced with getting our life back in order. It may take days, months, years, however, there is a peace when sought after that can be found.
Each of us is individually created, just as the snowflakes. It is our job to beautify the world we live in by loving and helping our fellowman, and exalting our Creator.
Romans 5: 2-4 - And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope.
Joy and Peace,
Leota
Before the storm, most if not the entire county makes a trip to Ingles to purchase the survival foods, milk and bread. As we anxiously await the first snowflakes, thoughts, such as, what am I going to do if the power is interrupted, is there a generator available, and will it work, what about heat and water? Of course the best solution would be no power interruption, however, that rarely happens. We make provisions for the worst case scenario and hope and pray for the best.
During the storm I have my face pressed to the windowpane watching the snowflakes as large as quarters gently fall to the ground to make everything appear clean and new. The snow turns the landscape into a picture postcard and becomes nature’s work of art. In the midst of this beauty, however, there are inconveniences to deal with, such as, no power, impassable roads, and isolation.
After the storm, the sun returns in a day or several days, the power is restored, children of all ages enjoy sledding, snowball fights, the roads are cleared, and life is good again.
Life’s storms are, in a sense, like snowstorms. Each of us has endured or will endure a trial or a struggle in various forms that will test our faith and endurance.
Before the storm, we constantly ponder the “what ifs” and anxiously await the outcome. During the storm is a challenge, however, we can find beauty in the faces of our friends and family who love and support us. Each obstacle is dealt with faith and perserverance. After the storm, we are faced with getting our life back in order. It may take days, months, years, however, there is a peace when sought after that can be found.
Each of us is individually created, just as the snowflakes. It is our job to beautify the world we live in by loving and helping our fellowman, and exalting our Creator.
Romans 5: 2-4 - And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope.
Joy and Peace,
Leota
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