ITP #12: In Episode 12 of Inside the Pomegranate, Anush talks about the comfort in familiarity as it pertains to Team In Her Shoes’ participation in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Santa Barbara. What do parakeets, signs, clappers, PINK, hills, and pain all have in common? Take a listen! It’s all Inside the Pomegranate.
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Showing posts with label Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Show all posts
12 September 2013
There's a Woman on This Street with Parakeets
I'm sorry I'm a bit late getting this blog out. I haven't been feeling too well for a few days but I think I'm on the mend. If you follow my blog you know that I walked in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this past weekend. We walked 39.3 miles. Our Team In Her Shoes raised an impressive $12,056. between the 6 of us that walked. We also had 9 team members on crew this year. My husband Neddy and Sugar's husband Zee, and another friend of ours crewed Pack Up. My sister and 3 of my friends (all past walkers) crewed food service. And Ani (yes, Ani Bubbles) and her friend Stephanie, were on the medical crew!
It was an amazing weekend, as it always is. This was my 10th time participating. And while I was on the route with Fr. Vazken, we were about to turn a corner on about mile 34 and I said, "There's a woman on this street with parakeets." And sure enough, we rounded the corner, walked down about 1/2 a block, and there they were. The parakeets. In a cage on the front lawn of a home, as it always has been in years past. And Fr. Vazken said, "That's what you should blog about. The familiarity of things and how it brings comfort."
It's true. I have done this amazing walk 10 times in my life. And most all of those times were in Santa Barbara. The first time I signed up to do the Avon Walk was back in 1998...when the walk was a 3 day walk where we traveled from Santa Barbara to Malibu - 60 miles - doing 20 miles a day. I was younger then. But I signed up that year to celebrate my 5 years of remission from breast cancer. I remember the walk fell right on my anniversary day - October 22. It was the day I finished my last radiation treatment 5 years prior, and they told me then that if I make it to 5 years without recurrence, you can consider yourself cured. So what better way to celebrate than to give back and do this walk. I walked alone that year, and along the way, I met survivors, and people that were walking in memory or honor of their loved ones. I met those battling cancer right at that time, with no hair, and scarves or hats. After spending the past 5 years worrying about recurrence, doctor's check ups, blood work ups, mammograms, this walk empowered me.
It elevated me. And I was hooked. I walked that same 3 day, three more times and then
took a break for a while. And then Avon announced that they were changing course and having a 2 day, 39.3 mile (Marathon and a half) instead. And I signed up...and I haven't stopped.
Looking back now...there definitely is a comfort there in the familiarity of the event. And because this experience has been so great for me, I wanted to share that experience with whomever wanted to join in. Last year we had 18 walkers, most of them first timers. I was the team leader and mother hen. I organized training walks, and fundraisers. I sent out packing lists and play-by-plays of what needed to be done. It was a lot of work, but what it did was make my walkers' first experience so memorable, that some of them signed up again for 2013. Maybe not to walk, but to support...to participate, to be there and stand up for the cause. And I so appreciate all their efforts. Because a walk of this proportion requires so many staff and logistics personnel to make things run smoothly. And my team was part of that as well.
I was thinking about what it is that makes this so familiar for me. I mean, it's a once a year event and there are 363 days in between to think about, but the feeling is so powerful and the impressions so vivid, that I thought I'd share with you.
There is familiarity in PINK. From the moment you arrive at Event Eve the Friday before the walk to the time you head home after the closing ceremony, you are surrounded in pink. Pink Ribbons, shirts, pink bubble gum, pink Reeboks, you name it, they have it in pink. You just know, year after year, that there will always be pink there. And it envelopes you. You want to wear pink to show you're part of the group. Even my husband - who hates pink! - wore his pink crew shirt for the closing ceremony.
There is comfort and familiarity in preparing my pack for the walk. I have it down to a science. I carry with me the names of those that are fighting cancer, have won, have lost the battle. Those hang from a carbeaner for people to see. My pack carriers my water, a pen, a lot of blister bandaids, Alleve, lip balm, cell phone, bandana and my ID. This year, I felt like the patron saint of blisters, because seriously, I distributed those blister bandaids any time I came across a fellow walker who had a shoe and sock off at the side of the road.
I never get enough sleep the night before, though I always try, but I guess it's the excitement of the next day. Morning comes and off we go. Drop off your duffle bag and sleeping bag at the truck and head over the the opening ceremony. The sun is just peaking up, and we meet up with the team on the right side of the stage. Everyone's got their pink on. Every year is a surprise with what people will wear, but the familiarity is in that there will always be surprises. This year we saw two men in pink plaid kilts walking. The usual pink wigs and tutus. Capes with the names and photos of loved ones. Tshirts with team names and cute sayings.
The ceremony begins. We are told that every three minutes someone gets diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, this is familiar....for the past several years. The statistic hasn't changed. A small group of people people approach the stage and each tells their story. One has battled cancer, one has lost a loved one, one is a teen whose life has changed by it, one is battling now. Each puts a pink ribbon around the other's neck. The ribbon says 'every three minutes" and we're told that throughout the weekend, these pink ribbons will be randomly distributed to remind us that within the short time that we're together during the weekend, that many lives will be changed forever by a cancer diagnosis. And then, so you can feel the connection of the weekend and the disease that brought us together they ask you to raise your hands and hold them up if you're a survivor. Up go my hands. Up go my friend Sugar's hands. Then raise your hands if you're participating because someone you love is affected by breast cancer. Up go more hands. Raise your hands if you're there because you have lost someone to breast cancer. More hands go up. Now reach out and take the hand of the person next to you. There we stand all of us hands in the air, holding on to each other. It's the most beautiful thing. And very emotional. In that moment you realize the connection. How this terrible disease is affecting each and every one of us who are there. The walk officially begins this way. And off we go.
We follow the coast heading north. It's beautiful. And there are so many walkers. You can see all the people walking for their loved ones. The sound of the people who are supporting us walkers are all familiar. Friends and neighbors, sleep children in their pajamas sitting in front of their homes, volunteers, all come out along the route to cheer along this moving sea of pink. Clapping, cheering, plastic clappers, cowbells, applause and "thank you's". There are those that volunteer every year to cheer. I have my favorites. There is a woman that is there year after year. She's got her sparkly pink TOMS on. She pulls her car over, puts on her Shania Twain CD, and dances as we walk by. Last year I noticed a quiet, unassuming volunteer on the route. She would applaud us quietly as we walked by. This year, I saw her again. As I walked by all I said, was "Hey, I remember you! You were here last year." This woman was so excited that I remembered. "Yes! Yes, I was here!" She gave me a hug and I thanked her for cheering for us. For the next 39 miles, she was my best friend. Each time I saw her I approached her with "Hi, favorite cheer person!" And this of course would make her smile and wave at us. There are always three older ladies with pink wigs and outfits that cheer, dance and sing for us. There's a man dressed as a cow - udderly ridiculous. He cheers, offers walkers sublock and reminds us to stretch. All of these volunteers do their thing for us, and then get in their cars, go a few miles up the route, and do it all over again, all day long. All weekend long.
The route is marked with pink signs and mile markers. Catchy, funny, and sometimes motivational sayings like, "I Pink I can, I pink I can, I know I can." or "Blisters don't need chemo" When you first start the walk, you find yourself stopping for photo ops along the way at the mile markers. Mile 1? Maybe not. But mile 3, mile 5 for sure, mile 10. But as the day wears on, and the reality of the number of miles ahead settles in, you start walking with a goal. The photos become less frequent. The goal is to get to your rest stop ahead of
schedule. Because each rest stop has a closing time, and you'll be shuttled to the next stop if you fall behind so it's important to pace yourself on the walk and do at least a 20 minute mile consistently to avoid what they call "being swept."
The hills are familiar to me. I have to say that this year was my best year. I usually hit a wall somewhere around mile 20. But this year I was okay with it all. As soon as I hit mile 17, the remaining miles are in the single digits....9 miles to go. 8 to go. When we hit 6, Fr. Vazken said, "Six miles. That's 2x around the Rose Bowl ...we can do that." It was constant inner dialogue like that. And as we got to about mile 21, there was familiarity in the ocean, the beautiful surf, the fine mist of the waves crashing. We were walking along the Montecito estates. The prettiest part of the walk. I remembered that years prior, when Ani and I were walking this path, we made up a story and tried to see if we could get a rumor started. We knew that Oprah Winfrey had a home in Montecito. When we were around a group of walkers, we started talking about how this particular estate was Oprah's home. That year on that day there was actually preparation for a large party at that estate, and we overheard our rumour catching wind. Walkers were trying to look through the fence to see Oprah's house. Year's later, I always think of that walk with Ani whenever I pass that home.
At mile 24, Ani is working the rest stop. She offers hugs and muscle rub. Its great having a nurse daughter. She also had a stash of clean ice that I wrapped in my bandana and tied around my neck. The buses are lined up there, ready to take those that can't go on over to the wellness village. Keep walking. Around mile 25 a woman standing on the side of the route, puts a pink ribbon around my neck. Every three minutes. I am part of the statistic. You know that mile 26 is around the corner when you hear the cheering. Mind you, it's not just 26 miles on that first day, but 26.2 miles. And that .2 takes forever! But finally, as you enter the wellness village, you hear the cheering, and the clapping. This year, my husband was on crew and so he was there when I crossed the Day One finish line. As familiar as it is to cross it, it was way better to see him there. There are other familiar faces too. The Avon staff and volunteers are there. There is a tent set up with foot massagers, and you plop down on the chair, slip off your shoes and let the little mechanical massager work it's magic. In the short time that you're seated there, talking with your friends old and new, this terrible stiffness and soreness creeps in. And you really wonder where it came from so suddenly. Even that's familiar. Standing up is painful. Sitting down is painful. Walking is painful. It's all painful. My legs, my hips...but not my feet. My feet were fine....no blisters! As painful as it is, you know that tomorrow, you'll be okay. Sore or not, you're going to wake up, lace up your shoes, and hit the road for another 13.1 miles!
The wellness village is like a tent city. The big tent has hundreds of tables and chairs where you can sit and have your dinner visit with friends, charge your phone, watch the entertainment. There is a tent for medical care; a tent for chiropractic; a tent for massage; a mini store; and a tent for yoga stretch. This year four of my team members worked in food service including my baby sister, Sona. Our girls were hilarious, always bringing their craziness and fun with them. Two of them wore Wonder Woman aprons, and two wore aprons with bikini bodies on them. They were having a great time serving up the hundreds and hundreds of walkers with their smiles. There are tents, and there are portapotties. And there are amazing shower trucks with wonderful hot private showers.
After dinner, I sat near the phone charging station to charge up my phone, and I had a conversation with a nice man named Ricky. He was just sitting there. Long hair to his shoulders, a friendly smile. We spoke while we waited. In a little bit, Ani came up and joined us. Ricky had lost his mother to breast cancer. He looked to be in his 50's. Was a gardener from Texas. We shared mom stories. My mom has been staying with us. And Ricky said that when his mom got diagnosed, she called him to come home. He was her caregiver. He told me that he would try to keep up her spirits in the end, but the cancer had spread and she wasn't up to anything. Eventually she passed. He was there with her. He said he missed her terribly. For the first few months after his mother died, he didn't know what to do. And then he heard about the Avon Walk. Despite the fact that his brothers discouraged him, he signed up. And he has been walking in her memory for the past 4 years. He said, "I have to do something. This is what I do. Once a year. For her." The following day Ani shared with me in passing. "Hey Mom, I saw your friend Ricky this morning around mile 10. He was wearing a cape." : ) That's another great thing about the walk. It's okay to wear your cape.
There's a woman on this walk who is an icon. Her name is Barbara Jean. This woman has to be in her late 70's, and she has walked EVERY walk in each of the cities that it's held in, every year for the past 16 years. Santa Barbara, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver....if there's an Avon Walk she's there. Walking in memory of her husband. She walks with her daughter, and this year her granddaughter was on the Youth Crew. Truly amazing, this woman has raised over $1.5 million dollars for breast cancer. When you're walking on the route, her familiar cape pinned with ribbons that hold the names of those that she's walking in memory of is a reminder that anyone, no matter what age, can make a difference as long as you have a caring and compassionate heart. She deserves the cape; she's a super woman.
The next morning you don't have too much time. Get dressed and cleaned up, pack up your sleeping bag and your tent, put your duffle bag on the truck, have breakfast, fill up your water, and be ready to hit the route ready to tackle another 13 miles. Everyone is moving a little slow on day two. And the soreness seems to get greater and greater as the miles go on but you don't dare stop. We walk on, and one. The motor crew - bikers that volunteer for the event - with their dyed pink beards, ask more frequently now: "How are you doing? Doing okay?" And finally, a short walk up a hill, and through one of the final residential areas....this is where the parakeets are. They're there every year. I've never seen the person they belong to but passing by this manicured lawn , you can't help put spot the cage of parakeets. So colorful. This is my reminder. A reminder that this journey - at least for this weekend - is almost over. As we near mile 39, we hear the music and the cheering of the crowds. The finish line is only a short block away, but in order to make it a true 39.3 miles, they route us down two blocks and across three and then back...and finally the finish line is in view. The mile 39 marker is there, and everyone lines up to take a picture with it. Approaching the finish line we're greeted by our family, and the rest of our team. It's emotional. We hold hands and raise them in victory. We hug. And cry. And laugh. And take pictures. 39.3 miles. Familiar miles. An all too familiar disease. Friendships made because of it. Friendships stolen because of it. And because of cancer research, lives are saved as well.
The closing ceremony is for all our family and friends. All the walkers walk in together....then the survivors
make an entrance....followed by all the crew members who helped make the walk happen. And then we get to see how the money we raised is distributed as Avon presents the checks to the various community organizations that are recipients. That's what's good about this walk: the money stays within the community and the community benefits with cancer research, mammograms for the needy, meals for those battling cancer. Again we're asked to raise our hands in the air, reach out and hold the hand of the person next to us. We observe a moment of silence for those who are no longer with us because of this disease. And to me, it's a time to recommit myself to the cause. I will keep walking. I will keep fighting.
The walk is empowering. When cancer hits it's easy to think of yourself as a victim. I mean this is something that happens TO you. You're definitely not in control. But when you walk this walk, surrounded by so many others that have walked in your shoes, and you in theirs, you put that victim mentality aside, and you become the victor!
I was telling our family and friends after the closing ceremony, that we've all heard about drugs like PCP that give the user superhuman strength and allow them to do the unimaginable. Alone, I don't think that I would be able to walk 39 miles in 2 days' time. But together, with the love, support, prayers, and by the God's Grace, we are able to do amazing things. We can turn IMPOSSIBLE, to I'm POSSIBLE!
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of your for your prayers donations and support. Especially your prayers for a blister-free walk because I didn't get the blisters this year and I know it was because of those prayers. I also want to thank you for giving me the honor of walking in memory, honor or celebration of your loved ones. I carried them with me every step of the way and I felt your thoughts and prayers with us too.
I also want to congratulate our Team, In Her Shoes for once again, making this weekend a memorable one. We did it. AND, I want to let you all know that sign ups for Avon Walk 2014 started that afternoon at the closing ceremony, and I'm proud to say that Team In Her Shoes 2014 ALREADY has 12 members!!
So think about it. If you're interested in walking, or crewing next year, drop me a line. If you have your doubts about being able to do it...c'mon! We'll do it together!
Remember: Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can't, you're right!!
Believe you can! Make a difference!! Be the change.
xoxo
 |
| Best Team ever!! |
It's true. I have done this amazing walk 10 times in my life. And most all of those times were in Santa Barbara. The first time I signed up to do the Avon Walk was back in 1998...when the walk was a 3 day walk where we traveled from Santa Barbara to Malibu - 60 miles - doing 20 miles a day. I was younger then. But I signed up that year to celebrate my 5 years of remission from breast cancer. I remember the walk fell right on my anniversary day - October 22. It was the day I finished my last radiation treatment 5 years prior, and they told me then that if I make it to 5 years without recurrence, you can consider yourself cured. So what better way to celebrate than to give back and do this walk. I walked alone that year, and along the way, I met survivors, and people that were walking in memory or honor of their loved ones. I met those battling cancer right at that time, with no hair, and scarves or hats. After spending the past 5 years worrying about recurrence, doctor's check ups, blood work ups, mammograms, this walk empowered me.
It elevated me. And I was hooked. I walked that same 3 day, three more times and then
took a break for a while. And then Avon announced that they were changing course and having a 2 day, 39.3 mile (Marathon and a half) instead. And I signed up...and I haven't stopped.
 |
| Raise your hands up and keep them up if you're a survivor! |
I was thinking about what it is that makes this so familiar for me. I mean, it's a once a year event and there are 363 days in between to think about, but the feeling is so powerful and the impressions so vivid, that I thought I'd share with you.
There is familiarity in PINK. From the moment you arrive at Event Eve the Friday before the walk to the time you head home after the closing ceremony, you are surrounded in pink. Pink Ribbons, shirts, pink bubble gum, pink Reeboks, you name it, they have it in pink. You just know, year after year, that there will always be pink there. And it envelopes you. You want to wear pink to show you're part of the group. Even my husband - who hates pink! - wore his pink crew shirt for the closing ceremony.
There is comfort and familiarity in preparing my pack for the walk. I have it down to a science. I carry with me the names of those that are fighting cancer, have won, have lost the battle. Those hang from a carbeaner for people to see. My pack carriers my water, a pen, a lot of blister bandaids, Alleve, lip balm, cell phone, bandana and my ID. This year, I felt like the patron saint of blisters, because seriously, I distributed those blister bandaids any time I came across a fellow walker who had a shoe and sock off at the side of the road.
 |
| Opening ceremony |
The ceremony begins. We are told that every three minutes someone gets diagnosed with breast cancer. Sadly, this is familiar....for the past several years. The statistic hasn't changed. A small group of people people approach the stage and each tells their story. One has battled cancer, one has lost a loved one, one is a teen whose life has changed by it, one is battling now. Each puts a pink ribbon around the other's neck. The ribbon says 'every three minutes" and we're told that throughout the weekend, these pink ribbons will be randomly distributed to remind us that within the short time that we're together during the weekend, that many lives will be changed forever by a cancer diagnosis. And then, so you can feel the connection of the weekend and the disease that brought us together they ask you to raise your hands and hold them up if you're a survivor. Up go my hands. Up go my friend Sugar's hands. Then raise your hands if you're participating because someone you love is affected by breast cancer. Up go more hands. Raise your hands if you're there because you have lost someone to breast cancer. More hands go up. Now reach out and take the hand of the person next to you. There we stand all of us hands in the air, holding on to each other. It's the most beautiful thing. And very emotional. In that moment you realize the connection. How this terrible disease is affecting each and every one of us who are there. The walk officially begins this way. And off we go.
 |
| I love the cow man! |
The route is marked with pink signs and mile markers. Catchy, funny, and sometimes motivational sayings like, "I Pink I can, I pink I can, I know I can." or "Blisters don't need chemo" When you first start the walk, you find yourself stopping for photo ops along the way at the mile markers. Mile 1? Maybe not. But mile 3, mile 5 for sure, mile 10. But as the day wears on, and the reality of the number of miles ahead settles in, you start walking with a goal. The photos become less frequent. The goal is to get to your rest stop ahead of
 |
| One of the signs that mark our route |
The hills are familiar to me. I have to say that this year was my best year. I usually hit a wall somewhere around mile 20. But this year I was okay with it all. As soon as I hit mile 17, the remaining miles are in the single digits....9 miles to go. 8 to go. When we hit 6, Fr. Vazken said, "Six miles. That's 2x around the Rose Bowl ...we can do that." It was constant inner dialogue like that. And as we got to about mile 21, there was familiarity in the ocean, the beautiful surf, the fine mist of the waves crashing. We were walking along the Montecito estates. The prettiest part of the walk. I remembered that years prior, when Ani and I were walking this path, we made up a story and tried to see if we could get a rumor started. We knew that Oprah Winfrey had a home in Montecito. When we were around a group of walkers, we started talking about how this particular estate was Oprah's home. That year on that day there was actually preparation for a large party at that estate, and we overheard our rumour catching wind. Walkers were trying to look through the fence to see Oprah's house. Year's later, I always think of that walk with Ani whenever I pass that home.
 |
| Energizing bachigs from Ani! |
The wellness village is like a tent city. The big tent has hundreds of tables and chairs where you can sit and have your dinner visit with friends, charge your phone, watch the entertainment. There is a tent for medical care; a tent for chiropractic; a tent for massage; a mini store; and a tent for yoga stretch. This year four of my team members worked in food service including my baby sister, Sona. Our girls were hilarious, always bringing their craziness and fun with them. Two of them wore Wonder Woman aprons, and two wore aprons with bikini bodies on them. They were having a great time serving up the hundreds and hundreds of walkers with their smiles. There are tents, and there are portapotties. And there are amazing shower trucks with wonderful hot private showers.
After dinner, I sat near the phone charging station to charge up my phone, and I had a conversation with a nice man named Ricky. He was just sitting there. Long hair to his shoulders, a friendly smile. We spoke while we waited. In a little bit, Ani came up and joined us. Ricky had lost his mother to breast cancer. He looked to be in his 50's. Was a gardener from Texas. We shared mom stories. My mom has been staying with us. And Ricky said that when his mom got diagnosed, she called him to come home. He was her caregiver. He told me that he would try to keep up her spirits in the end, but the cancer had spread and she wasn't up to anything. Eventually she passed. He was there with her. He said he missed her terribly. For the first few months after his mother died, he didn't know what to do. And then he heard about the Avon Walk. Despite the fact that his brothers discouraged him, he signed up. And he has been walking in her memory for the past 4 years. He said, "I have to do something. This is what I do. Once a year. For her." The following day Ani shared with me in passing. "Hey Mom, I saw your friend Ricky this morning around mile 10. He was wearing a cape." : ) That's another great thing about the walk. It's okay to wear your cape.
There's a woman on this walk who is an icon. Her name is Barbara Jean. This woman has to be in her late 70's, and she has walked EVERY walk in each of the cities that it's held in, every year for the past 16 years. Santa Barbara, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver....if there's an Avon Walk she's there. Walking in memory of her husband. She walks with her daughter, and this year her granddaughter was on the Youth Crew. Truly amazing, this woman has raised over $1.5 million dollars for breast cancer. When you're walking on the route, her familiar cape pinned with ribbons that hold the names of those that she's walking in memory of is a reminder that anyone, no matter what age, can make a difference as long as you have a caring and compassionate heart. She deserves the cape; she's a super woman.
 |
| Yn. Susan, Fr. Vazken & I at Mile 39! |
The closing ceremony is for all our family and friends. All the walkers walk in together....then the survivors
 |
| My breast friend Sugar and I at closing ceremonies. We're survivors. Sorry for the "hat hair" |
The walk is empowering. When cancer hits it's easy to think of yourself as a victim. I mean this is something that happens TO you. You're definitely not in control. But when you walk this walk, surrounded by so many others that have walked in your shoes, and you in theirs, you put that victim mentality aside, and you become the victor!
I was telling our family and friends after the closing ceremony, that we've all heard about drugs like PCP that give the user superhuman strength and allow them to do the unimaginable. Alone, I don't think that I would be able to walk 39 miles in 2 days' time. But together, with the love, support, prayers, and by the God's Grace, we are able to do amazing things. We can turn IMPOSSIBLE, to I'm POSSIBLE!
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of your for your prayers donations and support. Especially your prayers for a blister-free walk because I didn't get the blisters this year and I know it was because of those prayers. I also want to thank you for giving me the honor of walking in memory, honor or celebration of your loved ones. I carried them with me every step of the way and I felt your thoughts and prayers with us too.
I also want to congratulate our Team, In Her Shoes for once again, making this weekend a memorable one. We did it. AND, I want to let you all know that sign ups for Avon Walk 2014 started that afternoon at the closing ceremony, and I'm proud to say that Team In Her Shoes 2014 ALREADY has 12 members!!
So think about it. If you're interested in walking, or crewing next year, drop me a line. If you have your doubts about being able to do it...c'mon! We'll do it together!
Remember: Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can't, you're right!!
Believe you can! Make a difference!! Be the change.
xoxo
05 September 2013
In It To End It!!!
 |
| Here are the cards I will carry with me every step of the 39.3 mile journey. I will hang them from my pack for all to see and as reminder that we have to keep walking til we find a cure. |
This weekend I'll be walking 39.3 miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with Team In Her Shoes. I am walking in memory, honor, and celebration of those that have fought the fight and won, are currently battling, and sadly, those that have lost their lives to cancer. I am walking against breast cancer...and I am walking against ALL TYPES of cancer. Here is my list of names. If I missed your loved one, let me know. I have them written on cards and will be carrying them with me every step of the journey:
Fr. Vazken Movsesian
Diane Taschne
Daro Zadoian
Iskouhi Ghazarian
Debbie Gillum
Shirley Burr
Stella Okada
Ana Guzman
Elise Antreassian
Ellen Allison
Hilda Jubelt
Shirley Burr
Stella Okada
Ana Guzman
Elise Antreassian
Ellen Allison
Hilda Jubelt
Houri Donoyan
Cynthia Keylian
Veronica Monano Bedjakian
Evelyn Shafer
Evelyn Shafer
Nevair Tatoulian
Laurie Hrzyan
Anita Sislian
Sylvia Proskine
Hratch Casparian
Rita Mendez
Gloria Burgos
Gloria Solorio
Yvonne Clemente
Lauren Graves
Martha Pacero
Lisa Hagan
Nelik Golanian
Nelik Golanian
Sue Bugsch
Andrea Petker
Stephanie Sajjadieh
Tamar "Sugar" Apelian
Patricia Didonato
Emma Kapurch
Robin's mom
Mimi Megerdichian
Anush Berberyan
Nora Svajian
Tean Kech
Monica Beltran
Josephine Greco
Shakeh Arpajian
Sossie Arpajian
Irene Sazar
Arpine Jarlekian
Janet Cicero
Zabel Bahudian
Laurie Byerly
Taleen Petrossians
Marguereite Vigorito
Deegeen Nvart
Madline Tatoyan
Maria Wulf
Nanejan Hacopian
Elizabethe Kronaugh
Margie Scott
Jane Leapheart
Jenny Smith
Janet Stephen
Richard Jouroyan
Bn. Simon
Jim Lione
Chris Jakubowski
Cory
Rodger Brennan
Leo Franconi, Jr.
Danny Avejic
Allan Lowry
Ferdinand Sarkissian
Ardella Jelloian
Robert Eggert
Perooz Baghdassarian
Haig Diradourian
Desi Geestman
John Martin
Paul Tallis
Shirag Berejekian
John Quintana
Katarina Zlatkovic
Claudia Minjares
Keith Ammerman
Paula Crisostomo
Ellen Yerejian
Dan Cortes
Puzant Sabounjian
Beth Pereny
Susan Hill
John Shafer
Francis Sobott
Grace Balayan
Hratch Balayan
Hratch Balayan
Becky Leonardi
Brian Sellers
Sarah Barajas
Lyndsay Colosimo
Delta Rathbone
Jennifer Thoma
Nick Mehterian
Mary Frances Sawtelle
Rick Bowman
David Ponkey
Devorah Stamulous
Danielle Adams
Patrick Dwyer
Alice Mikaelian
Tami Brazil
Becky Leonardi
Brian Sellers
Lyndsay Colosimo
Jan Petit
Sue Smith
Lou Fancelli
Randy Crabtree
Jon Kinney
Paul Perkins
Becky Leonardi
Brian Sellers
Lyndsay Colosimo
Jan Petit
Sue Smith
Lou Fancelli
Randy Crabtree
Jon Kinney
Paul Perkins
Thank you to all of you for your donations, support and prayers. Please pray for us this weekend. And send us blister-free wishes too. I'm in it to end it!
There's still time to donate: www.avonwalk.org/goto/anushavejic
29 July 2013
It's Not Just for Teens... (Audio)
Our children are our greatest treasure, and they grow up with the examples that we, as parents, set for them. In Episode #6, Anush tackles a 50 year old post geared toward Teens, and turns it around to allow us to see how we can facilitate our children to rising up to their full potential. It's all Inside the Pomegranate.
Links: Pomegranate & Eye handmade jewelry by Anush
Avon Walk Team In Her Shoes Page
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrry
Subscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by Email
Get Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes
Play Now:
Links: Pomegranate & Eye handmade jewelry by Anush
Avon Walk Team In Her Shoes Page
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for Inside the Pomegranate on BluBrry
Subscribe to Inside the Pomegranate by Email
Get Inside the Pomegranate on iTunes
Play Now:
It's Not Just for Teens...
This week, I wanted to talk about something that was posted on Facebook. You know how it goes. People post things, and if you like that post, you have the option of sharing it with your friends. And although I understand what is being said in this small post, I was a little miffed by it. I posted it up top, so please read and I'll tell you what I think.
Now the fact that this article had no author sent up a red flag. Is this for real? or just a phoney baloney fake aimed to get a reaction. I did some research and found this on the Huffington Post website. It said, " According to a 2010 post on the newspaper's website (the Pierce County Tribune), staff members came across a clipping with a letter from Judge Phillip B. Gilliam of Denver, Colo., published on Dec. 17, 1959. The website seems to suggest that the letter originally appeared in theSouth Bend Tribune a few weeks earlier. The full text of what may be the original letter can be found on the Pierce County Tribune's website and it ends with different words than those presently circulating on the web but essentially says the same thing. Basically, stop your whining and do something productive.
Okay then...so the article is legimate. So going back to it, what do I think is wrong with it? I guess I found it somewhat hypocritical ...kind of a "do as I say, and not as I do". As a parent, I think it's really important for us to understand that our children don't just have lives of their own. They don't just "turn out" the way they are. Chances are, if we are agreeing with the letter above, then we have, somewhere along the line, missed teaching a lesson to our children somewhere along with road.
There are many, many youth that are doing a LOT to change the world. For example, nephew is just returning from a month in Armenia with a group of kids his age. They have been volunteering their time and talents at an orphanage there. How many of us adults can say that when we were younger we volunteered a month of our time? (or can we say that now?) And why did they do this? Most assuredly, you can bet that their parents were behind them teaching them the importance of giving back to their community.
Last year I learned about Malala Yousefzai, a 14 year old Pakistani girl that was shot in the head because she dared to want an education. Obviously, she learned the importance of learning from her father who is a teacher. I don't know if you've followed her story, but this is one courageous, unstoppable young woman. Despite the fact that she almost died, she is out there today, speaking on behalf of those that are repressed and kept from reaching their full potential by being denied an education.
These are just two examples. I'm not saying that ALL kids are doing things to help themselves and their communities, but many are. Yet how any of us are doing all that WE can do to make the world a better place? Or even making our communities better? I've never been one to look down on the younger generation. Our kids are a product of their environments. Just like hatred, bigotry and intolerance are learned, so is complacency. And so are compassion, caring, sharing, love, tolerance and kindness.
So let's go through this: The judge says, mow the lawn, wash the windows, learn to cook, build a raft, get a job, visit the sick, study your lessons and after you've finished, read a book. Some of this I agree with. When I was growing up, Saturday meant chores day. My job was to dust (and let me tell you, I'm not a fan of dusting to this day!) But as children, we knew that mom couldn't do it all, so Saturday was our day to pitch in and help around the house. As we got older, our chores broadened to include more things. And if we wanted to do anything on Saturday night with our friends, you'd better believe our chores had to be done. At a young age, if we include our children in small family activities, I think they grow up feeling that they are an integral part of the family. That their contribution to the family unit as a whole, however small they may be, is important.
As far as visiting the sick, I know this article is meant for teens, but seriously, unless we as parents have raised our children with caring and compassionate hearts, this just ain't gonna happen! Think back -- when was the last time that WE visited the sick? And it doesn't have to be "sick" as in physical sickness, but what about someone that spiritually sick. Did we bring Christ's love to that person? What about the homeless? Do you teach your children that they are just God's children as well? or do we avoid contact, hold your purse tighter, tell your kids not to look and move on? If the latter is true, then don't expect your children to grow up visiting the sick. If it's a foreign concept to you, it's going to a foreign concept to them.
Now building a raft? I don't know about that one, but the concept is to be creative. I think it's so important to be creative. Challenge our minds to start something and see it through despite it's floatability. So I agree! But again, it's up to us parents to instill in our children that creativity. Children are naturally curious. When they ask us questions, even if they seem over the top, rather than brush the question aside with an "I don't know" or "You're asking too many questions, don't you have something to do?", what if we answered them with "I don't know anything about raft building, but we can find out!" and then help them see it through. If they're young, take a trip to the library. Find books with pictures, show them. If they want to look on the internet, sit with them, learn alongside them. This shows them that 1) you value their curiosity and praise them for it. 2) you want to spend time with them, and 3) that the chances of you ever building a raft are totally remote, but it's good to have knowledge about this because you an apply it's principles to other projects that may come up in life. Knowledge is power...and the more you know, the more you know!
Study your lessons and read a book. Now this one we know has to happen. Studying lessons is important, but telling your kid to read a book AFTER he's just finished studying? Good luck with that. BUT it can happen if at a young age we, as parents, have set the example of the importance of reading for enjoyment. Now this is a hard one because now we have recordings of books that kids listen to. With all the time on facebook and playing Candy Crush Saga, (I admit...I'm hooked!) who has time for reading? Right? But reading for enjoyment is such a great escape. If we as parents can be the example on this one, we are furthering our child's abilities greatly. The best way, I've found, to go about this is to introduce your children to books at a super early age. I'm talking about when they can't yet read. When they are infants. Those little board books made for their little hands. Yes, they can't flip the page, and yes, they will just put it in their mouths. But that's what these types of books are intended for. Lots of colors and pictures, and a book that your baby can call his/her own. The act of putting your child in your lap and flipping through this little 5" square of colors and shapes, the action of flipping the page for a new surprise. All of this translates into "Books are magic!" And then when they get older, regular trips to the library with their own library card. Find out when they have story time at the library, and take them to it. I know what you're thinking, "Who has time for that?" I know, we're all busy. But when you take your child to story time at the library, you get to look around for books that interest you too...and then guess what? your child gets to see that Mommy or Daddy like reading. "I want to be like them! I have my own books too!" etc. Make time. Cut out some of the other stuff. If you're taking the kids to McDonalds or Starbucks, make a quick 10 minute stop at the library along the way. Bottom line...if we want your children to be good readers, they need to see US reading and putting importance on it as well.
Your town does not owe you recreational facilities and your parents do not owe you fun. This has a lot to do with what I mentioned above. If we can encourage creativity in our children, and the love of reading, they will never be bored. This is the bad part about having your TV be your babysitter -- it stunts creative play. Here's a good example. when I used to teach kindergarten and first grade, we'd start off the school year with all kinds of great stories, projects, activites, imaginative play, etc. Come Christmas, some of my students would get play stations or game entertainment systems for gifts. After that, their creativity and interest would come to a slow and miserable halt. All they could think about what beating the next level and bonus points. Creative play...what's that? Homework would come in with minimal effort. I could always tell which child received this "gift" because of the huge change. And these would be the kids that would be "bored" much faster than the rest. Just something to think about when you're picking out this year's Christmas gifts for your child.
Okay, telling your child that you owe the world your time and talent so no one will be at war in sickness or lonely again? Is this judge a parent? That's putting so much pressure on our child. Rather than looking to our children for this, let's look at ourselves. Are we doing everything we can to make the world a better place? If we don't want the world to be at war, are we doing everything we can to instill peace? Is our homelife peaceful? Are WE living peace? Are we helping our children to look at those that are sick, lonely, and homeless and teaching them that we are all God's children, and we all belong to one another? Or are we telling them, "See that man there? He didn't study and listen to his parents, and look what happened to him?" I've heard that. As a note, during our In His Shoes homeless outreach, we have met many educated people on the street. We have regularly provided meals for a homeless man who is an MIT graduate from Ghana living in a box on the street. A very sweet young man who has the misfortune of being born with a stutter, he's educated, but "not employable" and is trying to work himself back into a normal life. So you see what I'm saying. Every story is different and it's not up to us to judge.
And finally the grow up and stop being a crybaby part. We don't need to tell our children to grow up. They grow up too fast anyway. In this day and age with the movies and TV that's out there, they are learning way more about "adult" subjects than is appropriate (in my opinion) for their age. And while "crybabies" can be annoying, I think it's so important to hear our children, and be in tune to their sorrows and sadness. Because our children are growing up in a society that is so fast paced, with peer pressure and you tube, and the world at their fingertips, being a parent can be challenging. Do we know what our children are looking at on the computer? Do we know what's going on in their lives? When was the last time we asked our child who his friends are? Do we know our child's friend's parents? It's a fine line, I know. We don't want to be the cop, but we can find this out in a loving way. Sitting down together as a family at dinner is a great time to do this. In my family, it was the one time during the day that we could all four of us sit down together and thank God for what we had, and discuss our day. We would learn so much at that time. By giving our children the time to talk, and giving them our full attention, we pick up on so much that is going on in their lives. In a relaxed atmosphere, they are more at ease to open up to sharing what is happening in their day to day lives. When we provide the stability of a sacred home life filled with God's love and compassion, we set a foundation for our children to reach their full potential of making the change that we wish to be a part of in this world. We can do it...together...with our children.
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On a separate note, special thanks to all of you who are supporting us with your kind donations for Team In Her Shoes' participation in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. We'll be walking 39.3 miles to raise money for breast cancer research and provide mammograms to women who can't afford it.
If you would like to partner with us, please visit our webpage at www.avonwalk.org/goto/inher shoes
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| Still smiling after 39.3 miles. My husband Ned and a whole bunch of our friends and family greeted us at the finish line. I am a 2 x breast cancer survivor! |
09 May 2013
Why I Walk
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| Right around mile 36, coming into the home stretch! |
Would it make sense to you if you heard me say that my cancer diagnosis was a positive event in my life? How can something so devastatingly scary be positive? I think of it as positive because no other event (other than becoming a mom) has made me understand who I am, what I believe, and what it means to be a survivor.
When I was diagnosed at age 34, cancer meant fear. Fear of the future, fear of the unknown, fear for my children. Growing up, in the 70's, you didn't hear of too many people who survived "cancer." So when I was diagnosed, naturally I thought of the worst. But thankfully, we caught it early. I underwent surgery and daily radiation. And I made it! I celebrated life and every year that went by. They told me that if I made it to my 5th year without recurrence, then I could consider myself "cured." And that 5th year was my goal. That was back in 1998. I heard about the first Avon Walk...it was a 3-day walk back then. 60 miles from Santa Barbara to Malibu. And it coincided with my 5 year cancer anniversary. I remember that first walk. Everything seemed so special. I walked on my own, but all along the way I met so many amazing people...some were survivors just like me. We were all walking together, all of us with different stories, yet all of us touched by cancer. I remember that last day, walking single file along PCH into Malibu. One foot in front of the other. Calling up every last bit of strength from inside me. Thinking about my grandmothers (who were both genocide survivors and powerful women of faith)...and thinking, I am their granddaughter. I can do this. I am a survivor! Just believe! And I thought of my fear of cancer, and I came to the realization that I had overcome that fear. When I saw my children at the finish line cheering me on, with their smiles and flowers, something inside me changed. I felt powerful! I had survived!
Life went on the years went by. I kept up with my check ups and my mammograms. My children grew up. And I kept walking. When my daughter got old enough, she signed up to walk with me. And then 2011 came and hit me with a double whammy. You know that colonoscopy you keep putting off? Well, don't do that! In February of 2011, I went for my first ever colonoscopy. Routine. No symptoms. Nothing. And then wham, I was diagnosed with colon cancer after the mass they found tested positive. Thankfully, it too was caught early. I underwent surgery. And during my six week recovery, I went for my annual mammogram. I remember the day after I returned to work I got a call. They saw "something" in my mammogram and wanted me to come in for a biopsy. I went in the very next day, and by the following day I received the call. I had breast cancer again. 18 years later. Because I had radiation the first time around that was no longer an option. I had to undergo a mastectomy and opted for reconstructive surgery at the same time. So there was a lot of coordinating and scheduling going on...and at the same time, my daughter was getting ready to graduate nursing school. This time the feeling wasn't fear, but determination. I was going to get through this...and I was determined to make it to graduation. I think each and every one of my medical team and hospital staff knew about my daughter's graduation. I heard more than one scheduler or nurse say, "This mama's got to make it to her baby's graduation....we need to get her there!" That became my goal. To make it to her graduation. And it happened. I had my surgery and despite the bandages, the incisions and the drains, and was well enough to make it to graduation and hear my baby girl deliver her commencement address!
That September, just 3 months after my surgery...my daughter and I walked in the Avon Walk Santa Barbara. We held hands as we approached the finish line. Our family was there (as they always have been) and then looking beyond, I saw so many of my friends! 15 of my friends had rented a van and surprised us. They had come all the way from Glendale to Santa Barbara to support us as we crossed the finish line. It was amazing. Not only that, but they had cooredinated this huge potluck ...and they all stayed for the closing ceremony. By the end of the closing ceremony, my brother, sisters and 7 of my friend had signed up to walk in 2012 as Team In Her Shoes so inspired by the amazing stories they heard. Our team grew to 18 walkers last year. And between 18 of us, we raised $35,000!
When I think about why I walk, the reason is because I can't not walk. I walk to thank those who walked before me. I am alive because of breast cancer research. I walk to raise funds so the research can continue, so that someday we won't have cancer. I walk to remember those who are survivors of this disease, for those who are fighting cancer now, and in memory of those who have lost the battle And I carry their names with me on my 39.3 mile journey. And I also walk to offer hope and support to others just like those that walked with me those first years of my Avon walk experience.
Finally, I know I have changed a lot from 20 years ago and my first diagnosis. Cancer doesn't mean fear to me anymore. Cancer has become so much more -- but in a good way. Cancer means hope for recovery. Cancer means love and support from friends and family. Cancer means beauty in seeing the most ordinary of life happening around you and appreciating it for what it is - beautiful and miraculous. Cancer means faith, prayer, and believing in your wellness and knowing that those prayers are being answered. And cancer means action - being proactive and aggressive when it comes to our wellness. We have the power to make amazing changes that are happening in our lifetime. It all starts with the first step. I am so looking forward to taking that next step with all of you this September!
If you would like to donate to the Avon Walk and have us walk in memory or honor of your loved one, you can follow the link to donate. Each walker has to raise a total of $1800. I have met my goal, but I ask that you donate to Father Vazken's goal. You can access his donation page at: http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/LosAngeles?px=2509651&pg=personal&fr_id=2240
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You can hear this post read on this week's podcast (May 9, 2013) of The Next Step with Fr. Vazken on epostle.net
22 February 2012
I'm Back!
Where is time going?? I just logged on here and found that I hadn't posted a blog since December 11!!! Insane! So much is going on around me, but time doesn't stand still enough for me to organize my thoughts and write. I have to make time. So today is Wednesday, Feb. 22, and I'm at the office on my lunch break, with my salad, my water, and my Django Rinehardt playing and two-plus months worth of catching up to do.
My health is good, thank God. The worst part of surgery/reconstruction (post-mastectomy) is over, and I have a little bit of cosmetic stuff to go through in a couple months, but all in all, I am well. Well enough to train for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this coming September. Wait, not only train, but lead a team of amazing women and men (20 in total) as Team In Her Shoes. It's been fun. We've been doing weekly training walks, fundraising, and raising awareness for breast cancer. We each have to raise $1,800 to participate...and with 20 walkers, that makes our goal $36,000. So we've started early and we're 23% of the way there. info.avonfoundation.org/goto/inhershoes So here's a shameless plug: If you'd like to donate, here's the website! We're walking to put an end to all cancers and will walk in memory, honor or celebration of your loved one, so send me their name and I will carry them on our 39 mile journey!
My daughter Ani and her fiance Eric set their wedding date, so that's very exciting. They'll be getting married in the Fall, and it'll be here before you know it. So there's exciting times ahead. She's actually started a blog about the whole experience called Bacheegs & Love. I linked in if you're interested to click and read. Last month we got to go to Ani's residency graduation. She's now a full blown pediatric nurse and on her own at Children's Hospital.
The illustration job is COMPLETE as of last night at 12:45 a.m.!!! Yep, I scanned the last two drawings to the East Coast this morning, and now we're in the process of sending all 15 panels over for publication. It was part of my Lenten Journey to get these done and over with already!!! And here we are on day 3 of lent and I'm done (all except for a little sliver of cloth on the priest's waist band. Really!)
I think the one thing that has really been suffering is my jewelry business. I have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to work in silver or beads at all and given that this year's goal is to "Build my Business" I really need to get off the stick and push, push, push.
I did some writing on Hub Pages over Christmas. Recipes and whatnot. If you're interested, check it out. http://www.hubpages.com/ and you can search for me as "ahnoosh". Looks of canning and cooking recipes and the recipe for my grandma's yalanchi sarma.
Anyways, that's about all the time I have today. I just wanted to check in. I'm going to try to write more regularly. And I have a lot of ideas.
Here's today's question: Lent is here. What is your lenten journey about?
My health is good, thank God. The worst part of surgery/reconstruction (post-mastectomy) is over, and I have a little bit of cosmetic stuff to go through in a couple months, but all in all, I am well. Well enough to train for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this coming September. Wait, not only train, but lead a team of amazing women and men (20 in total) as Team In Her Shoes. It's been fun. We've been doing weekly training walks, fundraising, and raising awareness for breast cancer. We each have to raise $1,800 to participate...and with 20 walkers, that makes our goal $36,000. So we've started early and we're 23% of the way there. info.avonfoundation.org/goto/inhershoes So here's a shameless plug: If you'd like to donate, here's the website! We're walking to put an end to all cancers and will walk in memory, honor or celebration of your loved one, so send me their name and I will carry them on our 39 mile journey!
My daughter Ani and her fiance Eric set their wedding date, so that's very exciting. They'll be getting married in the Fall, and it'll be here before you know it. So there's exciting times ahead. She's actually started a blog about the whole experience called Bacheegs & Love. I linked in if you're interested to click and read. Last month we got to go to Ani's residency graduation. She's now a full blown pediatric nurse and on her own at Children's Hospital.
The illustration job is COMPLETE as of last night at 12:45 a.m.!!! Yep, I scanned the last two drawings to the East Coast this morning, and now we're in the process of sending all 15 panels over for publication. It was part of my Lenten Journey to get these done and over with already!!! And here we are on day 3 of lent and I'm done (all except for a little sliver of cloth on the priest's waist band. Really!)
I think the one thing that has really been suffering is my jewelry business. I have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to work in silver or beads at all and given that this year's goal is to "Build my Business" I really need to get off the stick and push, push, push.
I did some writing on Hub Pages over Christmas. Recipes and whatnot. If you're interested, check it out. http://www.hubpages.com/ and you can search for me as "ahnoosh". Looks of canning and cooking recipes and the recipe for my grandma's yalanchi sarma.
Anyways, that's about all the time I have today. I just wanted to check in. I'm going to try to write more regularly. And I have a lot of ideas.
Here's today's question: Lent is here. What is your lenten journey about?
19 November 2011
Team In Her Shoes - Walking Glendale
It was a beautiful fall morning. The air was chilly and crisp, there were clouds teasing us of a chance of rain, but seven of us on Team In Her Shoes met at the Von's market in Glendale at the 134 to train. It was our very first training walk. We met between 7:00 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.
We are Team In Her Shoes. We're the sister organization of In His Shoes a group that rallies support for those who are suffering in the world. This year, we decided to sign up to participate in next year's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Santa Barbara because we are putting ourselves in the shoes of those who are fighting the battle with cancers of all types, but namely, breast cancer.
We have 19 team members signed up to walk. And we have all committed to raising a minimum of $1800 for breast cancer. Raising the money is not as hard as training. The walk takes place over the course of 2 days, and we'll be walking 39 miles. We started off today in Glendale with the goal of walking 3.2 miles. It was a fun walk. We kept the pace and walked down and through the Americana and back up to the 134.
Along the way we stopped for photo ops at the new Armenian consulate building, and the Christmas tree at the Americana. It was a fun morning and a great way to start off a productive day.
Would you like to donate to team In Her Shoes? Please email me at anush@pomegranate-n-eye.com I'll be setting up our team donation page. Do you have a business that would like to sponsor our team? Would you like us to walk in honor or memory of your friend or loved one? We're here to do that. We are putting ourselves In Her Shoes!
Like us on Facebook: "Team In Her Shoes"
Find out more about In His Shoes outreach: www.inhisshoes.org
We are Team In Her Shoes. We're the sister organization of In His Shoes a group that rallies support for those who are suffering in the world. This year, we decided to sign up to participate in next year's Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Santa Barbara because we are putting ourselves in the shoes of those who are fighting the battle with cancers of all types, but namely, breast cancer.
We have 19 team members signed up to walk. And we have all committed to raising a minimum of $1800 for breast cancer. Raising the money is not as hard as training. The walk takes place over the course of 2 days, and we'll be walking 39 miles. We started off today in Glendale with the goal of walking 3.2 miles. It was a fun walk. We kept the pace and walked down and through the Americana and back up to the 134.
Along the way we stopped for photo ops at the new Armenian consulate building, and the Christmas tree at the Americana. It was a fun morning and a great way to start off a productive day.
Would you like to donate to team In Her Shoes? Please email me at anush@pomegranate-n-eye.com I'll be setting up our team donation page. Do you have a business that would like to sponsor our team? Would you like us to walk in honor or memory of your friend or loved one? We're here to do that. We are putting ourselves In Her Shoes!
Like us on Facebook: "Team In Her Shoes"
Find out more about In His Shoes outreach: www.inhisshoes.org
27 October 2011
Taking Steps toward Fitness, Wellness and Fighting Cancer
I wanted to share this article with you from guest blogger, David Haas. It's about the benefits of fitness & eating healthy during and after a diagnosis of any kind of cancer. We all know that each type of cancer has its limtations, but if we can keep a healthy body, we have a better chance of overcoming this awful disease.
I was encouraged to post this, tonight especially, because I just returned from our Kick Off Meeting for Team In Her Shoes. Those in attendance saw the benefits of "getting up and getting our move on!" in order to help against the fight for cancer and enthusiastically signed up for the walk.
Although there are only a couple survivors on our team (me being one), we all discussed how cancer has touched ALL our lives. So we've committed to walking in next year's 39 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. And we've committed to getting healthy along the way. It's a great combination: A great cause, a commitment to eat right, and MOVE! A win/win! There are, at this time, 15 of us signed up for Team In Her Shoes! I am blessed to be in the company of such caring and compassionate women and men.
Here is David Haas' article! Feel free to leave your comments!
Exercise and Fitness for Cancer Patients
I was encouraged to post this, tonight especially, because I just returned from our Kick Off Meeting for Team In Her Shoes. Those in attendance saw the benefits of "getting up and getting our move on!" in order to help against the fight for cancer and enthusiastically signed up for the walk.
Although there are only a couple survivors on our team (me being one), we all discussed how cancer has touched ALL our lives. So we've committed to walking in next year's 39 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. And we've committed to getting healthy along the way. It's a great combination: A great cause, a commitment to eat right, and MOVE! A win/win! There are, at this time, 15 of us signed up for Team In Her Shoes! I am blessed to be in the company of such caring and compassionate women and men.
Here is David Haas' article! Feel free to leave your comments!
Exercise and Fitness for Cancer Patients
If you are suffering from cancer or undergoing cancer treatment, it is crucial that you keep working your muscles as much as possible. Usually cancer patients require a lot of bed rest and this can weaken muscles, stiffen joints, cause breathing problems, and result in mental changes.
That National Cancer Institute recommends moderate exercise, such as walking every day for 30 minutes, as it helps reduce fatigue, pain, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety and depression associated with the treatment and disease. Exercise also helps to enhance mood, reduce the chances of recurrence, and helps to increase survivability. However, before you embark on an exercise routine, consult your oncologist.
The oncologist takes into account the patient's fitness level before the diagnosis, the current energy levels, the type of cancer the patient is suffering from and the treatment he/she is undergoing before developing an exercise regimen. To start with, the exercise can be just simple stretching exercises that help to exercise joints. These can be performed in bed by the patient without help from someone, or by the caregiver. Gradually, as the patient feels stronger, the exercise may get more vigorous, such as walking, swimming or cycling. Exercise also helps cancer patients combat the side effects of cancer therapies and increases the feeling of well-being. However, the patients should not overexert themselves or they risk other complications.
Whether a patient is suffering from breast cancer or an uncommon disease like mesothelioma, exercise will benefit that person in different forms.
That National Cancer Institute recommends moderate exercise, such as walking every day for 30 minutes, as it helps reduce fatigue, pain, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety and depression associated with the treatment and disease. Exercise also helps to enhance mood, reduce the chances of recurrence, and helps to increase survivability. However, before you embark on an exercise routine, consult your oncologist.
The oncologist takes into account the patient's fitness level before the diagnosis, the current energy levels, the type of cancer the patient is suffering from and the treatment he/she is undergoing before developing an exercise regimen. To start with, the exercise can be just simple stretching exercises that help to exercise joints. These can be performed in bed by the patient without help from someone, or by the caregiver. Gradually, as the patient feels stronger, the exercise may get more vigorous, such as walking, swimming or cycling. Exercise also helps cancer patients combat the side effects of cancer therapies and increases the feeling of well-being. However, the patients should not overexert themselves or they risk other complications.
Whether a patient is suffering from breast cancer or an uncommon disease like mesothelioma, exercise will benefit that person in different forms.
It is best to start exercising as soon as possible after cancer diagnosis and treatment. Studies show that cancer patients tend to slow down after diagnosis. Fatigue, depression, anxiety and feeling nauseated from the disease or treatment make patients less active. And, most patients end up leading a sedentary life. However, to combat these side effects of the disease and treatment, exercise is a must; and it also helps in the recovery process.
Since every patient is different, a different set of exercises is recommended. Cancer survivors benefit from weight training and aerobics, while cancer patients should try doing flexibility exercises initially before moving to more vigorous exercises. It is best to opt for activities that you enjoy and it may also help to exercise with another person, who has the same fitness level as you. Working with an exercise buddy will help keep you motivated.
However, if fatigue overtakes you, it is advisable to rest for some time rebuilt your energy levels. Then attempt to do the exercise again, but slowly.
While the benefits of exercise for cancer patients are immense, it can also result in strains, soreness and sprains. So, be careful while doing the exercises. At the same time, no patient goes through cancer treatment to spend time lying on the bed. Talk to your oncologist today and set an exercise regimen that you can do every day, or at least 5 days a week.
Since every patient is different, a different set of exercises is recommended. Cancer survivors benefit from weight training and aerobics, while cancer patients should try doing flexibility exercises initially before moving to more vigorous exercises. It is best to opt for activities that you enjoy and it may also help to exercise with another person, who has the same fitness level as you. Working with an exercise buddy will help keep you motivated.
However, if fatigue overtakes you, it is advisable to rest for some time rebuilt your energy levels. Then attempt to do the exercise again, but slowly.
While the benefits of exercise for cancer patients are immense, it can also result in strains, soreness and sprains. So, be careful while doing the exercises. At the same time, no patient goes through cancer treatment to spend time lying on the bed. Talk to your oncologist today and set an exercise regimen that you can do every day, or at least 5 days a week.
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