Thursday, March 31, 2011

Finding Your Inspiration

Finding Your Inspiration

Pottery, Poetry and Patios
Posted by Mary Miller on March 26th, 2011
What do they have in common? All are forms of creative expression that cancer patients have used to “add life to their days,” wrote oncologist Evan Lipson, MD, of Johns Hopkins University in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (online edition Feb. 7, 2011).
One of his patients, Mike, was building a stone patio in his backyard because it was “therapeutic, physical, and something I could control and have a sense of accomplishment.”
Among the “unique and remarkable ways that people living with cancer make the most of their time,” Lipson has observed several themes: exercising, leaving a legacy, activism, building relationships, giving. And the most powerful, he thinks, is “creating something.”
It can be painting, pottery, gardening, writing—any outlet to express unspeakable feelings, to get a brief vacation from the roller-coaster of cancer, and/or to leave something behind.
Several studies have shown tangible physical results—improved lung function in patients having asthma; decreased pain in rheumatoid arthritis; and in a 2010 review of 12 studies in cancer patients, improved psychological states and perceived quality of life.
In his own patients, Lipson wrote, he has seen them find “relaxation, solace, calm, catharsis, and healing.” He added, “What you end up creating is not important. What matters is that the process feels good.” If it doesn’t feel good, it’s fine to move on to something else. Instead of judging the outcome according to some external standard, Lipson said, “A project is worthwhile because it comes from inside you.”
Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology (online edition Feb. 7, 2011)
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, where have you found your inspiration to keep going everyday? We would like to hear your stories.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Fight Colorectal Cancer Endorses Life-Saving Legislation Introduced by Representatives Kay Granger (R-TX) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) Along With Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)




WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 7, 2011 – Fight Colorectal Cancer is pleased to endorse this bipartisan and bicameral legislation that will ensure access to colorectal cancer screening and treatment by authorizing grant funding for states and local health departments. The “Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act” (H.R. 912/S. 494) will protect the men and women who are within the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening, but not yet eligible for Medicare.

With an estimated 51,370 deaths last year, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Of the men and women expected to die of colorectal cancer in 2011, 50% could be saved if they were tested earlier.

Screening saves lives in two ways, by preventing cancer when pre-cancerous polyps are.....Find out more information by clicking here!

Monday, March 7, 2011

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Things YOU should know in March!

- Get the latest News and Announcements from 
Hope Through Grace!


- Send an E-Card to friends and family.
Remind them to get screened!


- Have you heard about the latest legislation regarding colorectal cancer?




Wednesday, March 2, 2011

2011 Congressional Butt-In

Congressional Butt-In

(We are passing on this information from the Colorectal Cancer Coalition. Their website is www.fightcolorectalcancer.org)

What: 2011 Congressional Butt-In

When: Wednesday, March 2 – Thursday, March 3, 2011

How: Call 1-866-615-3375 anytime from 9 AM to 5:30 PM EDT

More Info: Email Advocacy@FightCRC.org


Your call really will make a difference! Legislators want to hear from advocates like you. Listen to other advocates who have taken the time to Butt-In to Congress talk about why it is so important.

Help us get a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program passed into law. Call Congress at 866-615-3375 on March 2nd or 3rd.