Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cancer. Show all posts

Miracles for Ahmie fundraiser May 24 at Shoreline Full Gospel Fellowship

Wednesday, May 7, 2014


Ahmie is a 13 year old Shoreline girl fighting cancer. The Shoreline Full Gospel Fellowship is sponsoring a fundraiser for her family on Saturday, May 24, with a portion to be donated to cancer research.

The church is at 15415 5th Ave NE in Shoreline.


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Bastyr teaching clinic expands integrative oncology services

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Cancer patients will have greater access to natural therapies that complement their conventional oncology treatments

In order to better serve the needs of the increasing number of cancer patients interested in receiving high-quality integrative care, Bastyr Center for Natural Health is expanding its integrative oncology program in March 2014. The Bastry Center for Natural Health is the primary teaching clinic for Bastyr University, and is located in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle at 3670 Stone Way N, Seattle 98103, 206-834-4100.

The teaching clinic, the largest natural health clinic in the Northwest, will now provide enhanced care and amenities to cancer patients, including comprehensive clinical care, laboratory services and an on site dispensary to fill prescriptions.

“We needed a bigger, better space to provide optimal care for our oncology patients,” says Leanna J. Standish, PhD, ND, LAc, FABNO, who previously treated integrative oncology patients at the University’s campus in Kenmore, Wash. 

Dr. Standish and her colleagues will work with patients’ oncologists and other medical specialists to provide complementary treatments in:
  • Naturopathic medicine
  • Acupuncture
  • Botanical medicine
  • Nutritional care
  • Mind-body medicine (such as yoga and meditation)
Integrative cancer care aims to help keep quality of life at the forefront of a patient’s treatment plan by focusing on the patient’s whole body, mind and spirit. Clinicians focus on strengthening patient’s immune systems while also helping them withstand chemotherapy and other treatments with difficult side effects. 

Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center is the first integrative cancer research center in the country to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and has partnered with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington on groundbreaking cancer studies.

Bastyr University is located in Kenmore.


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Girl on a mission: raise money to fight cancer

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Mahrin McGregor is on a mission
Photo by Laurra McGregor

Fresh from her success raising funds for cancer in a pageant, (see previous story) nine year old Mahrin McGregor is on a mission to raise the most money she can over the next year.

Her current project reflects her love of basketball: a Hoopathon. She's going to make as many baskets as she can in 90 minutes on the evening of Black Friday, November 29, 2013. 

Neighbors are supportive of Mahrin's
fundraising efforts.
Photo by Laurra McGregor

She is fundraising door to door in her neighborhood, asking for pledges or donations.

Her mother Laurra McGregory says, "She believes she can make 700 baskets in that time frame. One neighbor pledged $1 a basket, and she let him know that if she does hit her goal, he can renegotiate. :)" 


She has an entire year to fundraise, and this may be the first of a few Hoopathons. We'll keep you posted.


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Shoreline girl raises $1000 for Susan G. Komen foundation

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Mahrin and Laurra McGregor
By Laurra McGregor

Five years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had a mastectomy. My daughter was almost four, and my son was six. I was very blessed to have caught it early, and to have an amazing support system. Every year that passes and I receive a clean bill of health helps me breathe easier.

On Saturday, November 2, 2013 my daughter Mahrin, now eight years old, participated in a charity pageant to support breast cancer awareness called "Queens for a Cure". The pageant was founded only five years ago, but has grown in participation each year, raising its donation to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure by a few thousand dollars each year. This year they raised almost $30,000 including company matches.

Mahrin McGregor, Supreme Sweetheart
Queens for a Cure
Mahrin had never participated in a pageant, yet she won third place overall and holds the title of Queens for a Cure Supreme Sweetheart. This means Mahrin will spend the next 12 months raising money for Race for the Cure, as well as appearing, hosting, organizing, and speaking at events related to breast cancer awareness. She is very excited to be a part of making a difference in the lives of others.

I am proud of my daughter's participation in this event (she alone raised $1,025), and I think it encourages other young girls to look for fun ways to raise money and awareness for something that is near to their hearts.


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“Boxing for Boobies” helps knock out breast cancer

Sunday, October 27, 2013


Do you have what it takes to punch breast cancer in the face?

CKO Kickboxing Seattle hosted its second annual Cardio Kickboxing Benefit for The American Cancer Society - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 26. 2013.  “Boxing for Boobies” is back again taking center stage in the fight against breast cancer.

Walking and running for the cure is one thing, but actually staring down cancer and then punching it in its face is an entirely different matter. This special event was sold out by mid- September, with profits from entry fees going to the cause. All participants were given a commemorative tee shirt, a pair of pink boxing gloves, and an hour and a half date with a 125 lbs. heavy bag. Enrollees enlisted their friends, family, coworkers, and employers to be in their corner by donating to the cause in their name. Top tier corporate sponsors included H10 Capital, El Gaucho, and Nitro Desk.

Funds raised will support the American Cancer Society’s fight to end breast cancer.  Specifically, these dollars are used to make a difference in the following ways:
  • Helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early when it is most treatable
  • Investing in research to find, prevent, treat, and cure the disease
  • Providing free information and services to help people facing breast cancer today- when and where they need it- including transportation, lodging, wigs, support programs, financial assistance, and more
  • Ensuring access to mammograms for women who need them, and encouraging lawmakers to pass laws to defeat breast cancer.

CKO Kickboxing is a non-contact cardio kickboxing gym established in 1997 that specializes in conducting highly effective classes that burn fat and tone muscle. CKO is located at 15901 Westminster Way in Shoreline.
Owner Jessica says, "Last year we raised almost $2500. This year we are on track to be over $3000, however will not know the final number untill after Saturday. My fingers are crossed that is it is over $4000!"

There is still time to donate. CKO is strongly encouraging donations to be made one of two ways- online or by coming by in person to their gym at the address above. Who knows, it just may prove to be the first step in your new healthy lifestyle.


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Obliteride organizers say thank you to the people of Lake Forest Park for their support

Friday, October 25, 2013


Obliteride sets Northwest fundraising record raising nearly $2 Million for Cancer Research

The inaugural Obliteride was a huge success. In its first year, Obliteride raised more money for a local organization than any other bicycling fundraiser in the Northwest. The inaugural ride raised $1.9 million that will go directly to lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

“We are so impressed with how our community rallied around Obliteride and its commitment to raising money to accelerate lifesaving research at Fred Hutch,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “We set out to do something big our first year and people wowed us by donating $1.9 million to Fred Hutch.” 
More than 1,600 people participated in the August event, including riders, volunteers and virtual riders. “It was a magical weekend that we hope even more people will get to experience next year,” Lavin said.

Putting the Money to Work to End Cancer

Obliteride’s generous sponsors, including anchor sponsors University Village and The Sloan Foundation, ensure that 100 percent of every dollar raised stays right here in our community and goes directly to lifesaving research at Fred Hutch. This breakthrough research creates hope for the thousands of people diagnosed with cancer every year and helps save lives around the world.

Obliteride’s funds will be put to use in the areas of highest need to fund the most promising research at Fred Hutch. Some of the funds will be used for accelerating research in immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects and less toxicity.

Funds will also support prostate cancer and pediatric brain cancer research.

“Obliteride is a way for our entire community to be part of the Hutch’s mission to end cancer,” said Dr. Fred Appelbaum, executive vice president and deputy director of Fred Hutch. “Contributions from individuals, corporations and private foundations are more critical now than ever because of federal cutbacks. We have so many exciting and game-changing projects going on right now. Funding is essential; lives are counting on it.”

A Weekend to Remember
“The financial impact we’re having on cancer research is rewarding, and it’s matched by the smiles on faces at Obliteride,” Lavin continued. “The weekend truly was an event to remember. People came ready to ride and spend time with friends. They left inspired and rejuvenated. The sense of accomplishment, top-notch service, delicious fare, and entertainment left people energized.  Together we made a positive impact on cancer research.”

Save the date: Obliteride 2014 weekend is Aug. 8-10. Details will be announced in early January when registration opens. More information here.

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Brier man finds new home for cancer fundraising run in Kenmore and Lake Forest Park

Monday, August 12, 2013


Republished from our News Partner MLTNews

After his hopes of staging a 10K / 5K fun run in his hometown were thwarted earlier this year, Brier resident Ryan Adkins kept running with the idea, and has now found a receptive home for the charity event in a neighboring community.

“Kilometers for Cancer has moved on successfully to Kenmore,” Adkins said. “It has come together nicely; my team and I have worked hard to bring everything together. The city of Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and the King County Parks system have all worked together with us to make this a reality.”

The inaugural Kilometer for Cancer 10K/5K Run and Walk is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 15, beginning and ending at Log Boom Park, 6100 N.E. 175th St. in Kenmore. Proceeds from the event will go to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Ryan, a runner himself, has helped stage runs throughout the area and was hoping to put on an event in Brier this November. But city officials there had concerns about costs, safety and disruptions to the rural community if hundreds of runners took to the streets in a fun run.

In an effort to keep the fun run alive, Ryan approached city officials at Kenmore City Hall about staging the event in the north King County city. “The council members and the mayor listened to my proposal,” Ryan explained. “Some councilmembers came up to me after the meeting to congratulate me on the idea and encourage this type of start-up event work. One councilmember commented that ‘It’s what the community needs.’”

The run route will be primarily on the Burke Gilman Trail, offering scenic views of the north shore of Lake Washington. Ryan also plans on including music and local vendors as part of the event. Entry fees range from $25 to $45, with $5 dollar discounts for early registration. The 10K run will begin at 9am; the 5K run will take off at 9:15am, with the 5K walk five minutes later.

With Kilometers for Cancer laying down tracks in Kenmore, Ryan has dropped his dream of staging the event in Brier. “Even though it would be nice, there are no plans in the future to move the race to Brier,” he said. “The first year sets the foundation for years to come. Kenmore will keep the event, until participant volume dictates otherwise.”

More information on the Kilometers for Cancer 10K/5K Run and Walk on Sept. 15, or registration for the event online.




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Inaugural Obliteride invites the community to a free festival with live music

Saturday, July 20, 2013


The first-ever Obliteride is more than a bike ride, it is a community celebration and gathering around the ultimate goal: ending cancer. So, grab your family and walk, pedal or take the bus to Seattle’s Magnuson Park on August 10 and 11 and join the festivities. 

“Cancer affects all of us and we want the entire community to feel welcome to come on out to Magnuson Park and cheer on all the riders who have raised money for cancer research at Fred Hutch,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “We’re lucky to have such an amazing institution right in our backyard.”

A finish-line festival with a full lineup of entertainment, including family-friendly bands, is planned for Obliteride weekend. The Nowhere Men, playing music of The Beatles, 80s Invasion, and Kalimba, an Earth, Wind and Fire cover band, are just a few of the groups that will contribute to the celebration.

Saturday, the Radio Disney Kid’s Zone will keep the little ones entertained. Sunday, the Not-Its!, a popular adult-savvy children’s group playing cool kids’ music, takes the stage. Children will also enjoy an 18-foot slide, a hydro blaster, bouncy house, bike-related crafts, a prize wheel and more. Guests can purchase food and beer at the park, with cash and proper photo ID. Parking is limited at Magnuson Park,

People interested in riding in Obliteride still have time to register. “Nearly anyone can do the 25-mile route,” Lavin said. “There are a few hills but nothing too intimidating, so dust off your bike or borrow a friend’s and join us!” 

For more accomplished riders, there are 50, 100, and 180 mile routes. Maps

Community members are invited to get involved by lining the routes - three of which run through a large section of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and perhaps a few Shoreline streets - and cheering on riders as they come through neighborhoods throughout western Washington. Bring signs honoring loved ones or friends who have battled cancer or are in the fight today.

Riders will leave Magnuson Park at 7:30am and most will return between 10am and 2pm on Saturday. The 180-mile riders finish on Sunday after spending the night at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. Maps of the four routes make it easy to support the riders.





Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide effort to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are creating a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. It culminates in a fundraising bike ride Aug. 9-11, 2013 that will be quintessentially Northwest. Thanks to anchor sponsors, University Village and The Sloan Foundation, and other inaugural sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to breakthrough cancer research at Fred Hutch. Join us. Ride. Donate. Volunteer. Tell others. Ending cancer starts at Fred Hutch.


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Restaurateur Tom Douglas teams up with Fred Hutch to obliterate cancer

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The celebrated chef will cook up a salmon dinner for thousands
at Obliteride’s kick-off party


Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author Tom Douglas will indulge riders and their guests with a special Pacific Northwest salmon dinner at Obliteride’s kick-off party at Gas Works Park on Friday, August 9, 2013. All registered riders will receive two complimentary tickets to this exclusive party.

Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide effort to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Creating a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster, it culminates in a fundraising bike ride Aug. 9-11, 2013, with a major route through the streets of Lake Forest Park. (See previous article.)

“We’re excited to team up with Obliteride and cook cancer’s butt!” said Tom Douglas. “We all know someone who has battled or died from cancer and I’m happy to support Obliteride. Fred Hutch is one of the premier cancer research centers in the world and we all need to step up and fund the important, lifesaving cancer research going on right here in our own backyard.” 
Douglas is the owner of 13 Seattle restaurants, recipient of the 2012 James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year Award, and is credited with putting Seattle on the culinary map.

Obliteride is more than a bike ride to benefit cancer research at Fred Hutch. It’s an entire weekend of celebrations and concerts, including some well-known bands. The inaugural event is August 9-11, 2013.

“This amazing party catered by Tom Douglas is just one of the many ways we are thanking riders for stepping up to make a real impact in the fight against cancer,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “Every rider is asked to raise a minimum of $1,000. This group understands the impact cancer is having in our lives. We want to thank them for their commitment and celebrate our shared commitment to end this disease.”
Register to ride or volunteer today.



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Blue Day, Pink Night raises $2756 for cancer research

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Amanda Eshelman, right, presents the check to SCCA
Photo by Dawn Harris

Amanda Eshelman, the Shorecrest senior who ran the Blue Day, Pink Night baseball / softball charitable event for cancer research as her senior project, reports that the event raised $2756 for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.  

"We had three great games between Shorecrest and Shorewood. The sun was out and the games went well. It was a really great event for a great cause. It helped us raise a lot of money for research of one of the leading diseases in the U.S." 

The event raises money for breast cancer research (Pink) and prostate cancer research (Blue), the most typical female and male cancers.

Blue team from Shorewood and Pink team from Shorecrest
play baseball during the cancer charity event
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

In the alignment of student work between Shorecrest and Shorewood, Shorecrest seniors will no longer be required to do a senior project.

But Amanda says, "I really hope that the softball team continues this next year."


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Shorecrest and Shorewood baseball and softball teams join together to strike out cancer

Monday, March 25, 2013

This year Shorecrest baseball and softball teams will be taking on cross-town rivals, Shorewood in the second annual "Blue Day/Pink Night" to knock cancer out of the park. All proceeds from ribbon sales, drawings, cupcake sales, along with donations received by players will, for the second year, be donated to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

"We are excited about the chance to play for a cause," said Jackie Berg, Shorecrest softball coach.  "This cause is near and dear to our teams' hearts as cancer in its numerous forms has affected players on all teams. Shorecrest and Shorewood coaches and players are excited to raise money to find a cure."

SCCA unites the physicians and scientists from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children's in a world-class treatment center that provides advanced diagnostic approaches, treatments and clinical studies for cancers and related diseases.  Patients who come to SCCA receive the latest research-based therapies under the excellent, patient-focused care of our caregivers and staff.  SCCA also offers a number of programs and resources that support patient and family needs.

“We would like to thank the participants of “Blue Day/Pink Night” at the Shorewood/Shorecrest softball and baseball games for, once again, choosing Seattle Cancer Care Alliance as its beneficiary,” said Ericka Sisolak, Annual Giving and Stewardship Officer at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. “Community events like these help SCCA to support patients and families through the difficult journey through cancer treatment.”

Amanda Eshelman, a senior at Shorecrest High School on the varsity softball team, is putting on this event as her senior project. "Blue Day/Pink Night" is an event based around the baseball and softball games of Shorecrest and Shorewood. The event is open to the public and will be held at Merdian Park Fields located at 1900 N 170th Street Shoreline, WA.

9:30 a.m. – JV Softball
12:00 p.m. – JV Baseball
2:30 p.m. – Varsity Softball
5:00 p.m. – Varsity Baseball


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Proton Therapy: Advanced, high tech cancer treatment at Northwest Hospital campus

Sunday, March 24, 2013


Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and ProCure Treatment Centers, Inc. (ProCure) this month opened Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Proton Therapy, A ProCure Center in north Seattle. 

Located on UW Medicine’s Northwest Hospital and Medical Center campus, the facility is the only proton therapy center in a seven-state region and the fourth in a nationwide network of proton therapy centers developed by ProCure.

Proton therapy is a next-generation radiation treatment that precisely targets tumors, minimizing radiation to healthy tissue and improving the lives of patients with cancer. Doctors started treating patients at the new center this month.  


Exterior of the building
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Proton therapy is an advanced and highly precise form of radiation treatment. It allows doctors to focus radiation directly into the tumor, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and the risk of short- and long-term side effects from treatment.

Proton Therapy offered a tour to the public
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Currently available at only eleven centers in the United States, studies have shown proton therapy to be beneficial in treating a broad range of tumors, including those of the brain, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, left breast, lung, and prostate, as well as sarcomas and certain pediatric cancers.

Proton Therapy is high-tech, programmed individually for each patient
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Like other clinical programs at SCCA, the proton center is expected to attract patients nationally and internationally, with the ability to treat about 1,400 proton therapy patients annually. Patients at SCCA Proton Therapy will benefit from the pairing of top cancer experts with the most advanced technology available. SCCA, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine, and Seattle Children's form the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Northwest. 

The center’s doctors are all UW Medicine physicians with expert training on proton therapy administration.

Treatment Room
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
“Proton therapy is the future of radiation oncology and the powerful partnership between SCCA and ProCure reflects our commitment to improving and transforming the lives of patients with cancer,” said Annika Andrews, president of SCCA Proton Therapy, A Procure Center. 

“Bringing this promising treatment to the Northwest, which more than 80,000 patients have received worldwide, allows our patients to receive the best care available while staying close to home.”




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New bike ride to Obliterate Cancer is coming to Lake Forest Park

Friday, March 8, 2013

All four routes will include most of this section
through Lake Forest Park and Kenmore


The first-ever Obliteride will soon spin through Lake Forest Park and Kenmore. Routes for the 25-, 50-, 100- and 180-mile rides have just been released. They offer various distances and terrains so all levels of riders can participate and make their marks against cancer. Obliteride is a fundraising bike ride to benefit lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch. It features an entire weekend of cycling, celebration and concerts Aug. 9-11, 2013.

“Obliteride is a community-wide event that everyone can participate in by riding, volunteering or cheering on participants as they roll though your community,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “We would love to see people get involved by volunteering or lining the streets with signs honoring loved ones or friends who have battled cancer or are in the fight today. Simply come to the end of your driveway and cheer on the riders. We’d love to see everyone out there!”

Thanks to Obliteride sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised will directly benefit lifesaving cancer research. Obliteride is an opportunity to come together to activate the entire Pacific Northwest to fight something that is bigger than any one of us. Together we can make a real difference here in our community and with far-reaching impacts around the world.

There’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Volunteering or fundraising provide great alternatives to riding while clearly contributing to and participating in this new community effort. Sign up to ride, volunteer, or fundraise. Route maps are now available and short highlight videos of each route.

Obliteride Fact Sheet

Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide effort to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are creating a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. It culminates in a fundraising bike ride Aug. 9-11, 2013 that will be quintessentially Northwest. Thanks to early anchor sponsors, University Village and The Sloan Foundation, and other inaugural sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to breakthrough cancer research at Fred Hutch.


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Fundraiser at Lake Forest Bar & Grill for family of Briarcrest child with cancer

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Volunteers from Briarcrest Elementary are holding a fundraiser on November 8 for a Shoreline family of nine that has a ten year old boy battling cancer (Stage III Lymphoma). He attends Briarcrest Elementary.

The fundraiser is Thursday November 8th from 6pm-10pm at Lake Forest Bar and Grill in Lake Forest Park Town Center.

Even with insurance and financial support, cancer is a very expensive disease. The goal of the fundraiser, says organizer Amanda Schmidt, is just to ease the family's financial burden a little, and to show them they have community support.

We would love to pack out the house and raise a lot of money for this family.  

All people have to do is have dinner at the Lake Forest Bar and Grill between 6-10pm and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the family.

If people are interested in sending a donation they can do so by contacting Amanda. A bank account is being set up in the family's name.


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Bastyr Cancer Research Center looking for participants for breast / prostate clinical trial

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Leanna Standish, PhD, ND, LAc,
Board Certified in Cancer

In August 2011, Lisa Clinton was on vacation when she felt a lump in her breast. Upon returning home and visiting her doctor, tests confirmed what she feared: It was cancer. The 53-year-old former competitive figure skater was shocked, since she had always taken care of health.

“The body changes after you hit age 50,” Clinton says. “I’d never had a mammogram done until last year, when the lump was found. But once it was discovered, I decided to fight it head-on, and make some wholesale changes in my life.”

With the same spirit and determination found during her days of competing, Clinton changed her diet, exercised more, and harnessed the power of positive thinking. Additionally, she decided to visit Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC) and its medical director, Leanna Standish, PhD, ND, LAc, FABNO. As a patient there, Lisa participated in the turkey tail mushroom clinical trial, in which she was prescribed a mushroom extract from Japan that has been shown to help fight cancer. The decisions have had a profound effect on her health.

“Dr. Standish recommended a treatment I call the ’combo platter,’ which consists of taking care of the body, mind and soul,” says Clinton. “Taking turkey tail mushrooms to fight the cancer, administering vitamin C intravenously to boost my immune system and focusing on mental imagery to lower stress have all helped immensely.”

“Lisa has kept an open mind and heart throughout her treatment,” says Dr. Standish. “I believe it is this kind of positive attitude, combined with our knowledge of integrative medicine that has helped her get better.”

In November, Clinton will have a follow-up mammogram to see if the changes she’s made in her life, including visits to BIORC, have helped eliminate the cancer from her body. In the meantime, she has been so inspired by the natural steps she’s taking that the former skater is starting the Ice Angels Foundation to help pay for naturopathic doctor visits for cancer patients.

“I feel confident that I am taking the proper steps to fight breast cancer naturally, feel very healthy and want to help others who are fighting the same battle and are looking toward natural medicine,” says Clinton.

To learn more about the integrative cancer research being done at BIORC, and for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer (or men who have prostate cancer) or to participate in their ground-breaking, innovative clinical trials done jointly with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), call 425-602-3311.


Bastyr University is internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest accredited university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., Bastyr’s campus located near Seattle, Washington, offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, the University now includes a leading-edge research facility (the Bastyr University Research Institute)

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Boxing for Boobies raises $2350 for Susan G. Komen

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Pink clad boxers take a punch at breast cancer


Boxing for Boobies raised $2350 on Saturday, October 27 for Susan G. Komen Puget Sound. Held at CKO Kickboxing, 15901 Westminster Way, Shoreline WA, 70 participants signed up for bags and took pledges from friends and family that they could make it through a 90 minute Cardio Kickboxing Class.

CKO Kickboxing also made a donation for each boxer. Owner Jessica Renon said, “Many have walked, and many more have run, but it is time we finally stand up and punch cancer right in the face.”

70 boxers lasted through the 90 minute cardio workout
to raise money for Susan G. Komen


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My year of cancer: Part IV - Everyone gives you hats

Wednesday, October 24, 2012



Kindle Carpp is a 2000 graduate of Shorewood High School. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she shares her story.

By Kindle Carpp


 “You do not know how strong you are until you do not have any other choice”

For women and I am sure some men, too, it is ok to be sad about losing your hair.

Being bald is the outward sign that you are ill. Because when people see that you do not have hair, they will know you are sick and then you will have to believe that you are sick too. It is ok to be sad about that.

Deciding when you cut your hair is one of the few things that you will have control over, so embrace it.

Create a plan of attack when it comes to losing your hair so you have time to process the loss. I cut my hair in stages. Having the control over the loss made me feel less frantic and stressed.

At the time losing my hair was very traumatic, even knowing that it would grow back. Eventually I accepted my baldness. It was not easy and I would prefer to not be bald again but I got over it.

Everyone gives you hats. Invest in a hat tree or hooks for your wall.


I think everyone is strong.

You just don't know how strong you are until you have to be your strongest.

People offer to help you but I was never sure what they could do and I was never quite sure if the offer was genuine. What I needed was help doing laundry, vacuuming, and grocery shopping. If you don’t have time for that just give them money, money's nice and it can do lots of things.

I understand that not everyone has the courage to share their story and that showing their bald heads is too exposing. But for me sharing my story and not covering my bald head was a way I dealt with my fear. I did not hide from what scared me so no one could whisper behind their hands. I shared my story so that I got to be the one to control the information out in the world. This was one of the few ways I could control my experience with my illness.


What you once thought was normal will never be "normal" again.

Change is hard, especially when it keeps happening over and over, when you cannot catch your breath or your footing. Eventually it stops and you can get your bearings again and you accept what is different about youself and your life and things eventually become blissfully “normal” again. Even though it is not quite “normal” because you are different and not in a “broken” way, but in a way that when a bone breaks it is stronger in the place where it mends.


Cancer is terrifying but eventually you will get back to “normal”

In the beginning having cancer will be scary but like anything the more you experience it the more mundane it will feel. There will be bad days and days when you get news that will scare and worry you; days when you feel like it will not ever get better. Your goal is to try to have more good days then bad. More then half the battle is attitude. Letting yourself get sucked into depression and worry is letting yourself feed a monster. The more you feed it the bigger it will get.

Having cancer is like being press-ganged into a war where you constantly have to make concessions to the other side in order to survive, and where at the end of the battle you are glad just to be alive.

~end~



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My year of cancer: Part III The things you learn along the way

Monday, October 22, 2012

Kindle Carpp is a 2000 graduate of Shorewood High School. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she shares her story.


By Kindle Carpp


“The things you learn along the way”

Cancer is expensive. Not just the treatments but the time off of work.

Cancer bills are twice the fun of cancer but without any glory or swag. The cost hits you when you can least afford it. You have taken the time off work to get well, spent loads of money for the co-pays, you are just getting back to work and then the bills hit you over the head. They add insult to injury and rub salt in your wounds.

There are grants, groups and charities out there but you have to ask. There will be a financial assistance office at your clinic/hospital; go there right away. Have tax statements, bills that you pay, and check stubs in order to prove your debt to income ratio so you can ask for financial assistance. Don't wait until you have to choose between paying a bill and eating. Ask for help before you need it because under the best of circumstances cancer is tragically expensive.

You learn that you do not have time for the stuff that is not important.

You learn what is important.

You will learn how to throw up well and with skill.

I can now tell several minutes before I am going to vomit, can put away whatever I am doing, calmly walk down the hall, vomit and move on with extreme class.

Start a blog or something similar to keep people up to date.

It is a lot of work to keep that blog up to date but it is more stress and energy to constantly be giving out the same information and address the same stressful questions over and over. It also means your audience can read on their time, not yours.

Sometimes your friends and family make harsh comments or ask intrusive questions.

Some people are just rude so there's no accounting for the outliers. In most cases they do not mean to be rude. People are curious and they don't know it is a sore subject. Forgive them because they probably do not know what it is like to be the one on the other side of that question or comment. By telling people about your situation and empowering yourself to talk about it you get lots of questions and comments.

Cancer happens like everything happens. Sometimes you do something and there is a consequence, and sometimes the thing you do is living and cancer is the consequence of being alive.


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My year of cancer: Part II - Your body is a loaner

Kindle Carpp is a 2000 graduate of Shorewood High School. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she shares her story.

By Kindle Carpp

“Your body is a loaner”

As a cancer patient you have a borrowed body.

In all likelihood you have never had as many or as powerful medications in your body. Your body is going to react in ways you have never experienced. The biggest hurdle is that you don't know what is the new “normal” and what is the new “abnormal” any more.

When you were healthy and you got sick you knew what was ok. As a cancer patient your body is full of chemicals and drugs and what you could previously ignore may not be ok to ignore.

Don't trust your body's negative reactions. What would likely just go away or get better with your old body may not be the case with your borrowed one. 

Since you'd like to get yours back eventually, that means you need to return the borrowed one in the best condition possible, so treat it with respect and kindness.

I somehow managed to avoid getting the flu or a cold for about 21 months straight. I had been home and away from my cancer center for four months when I developed “cold” symptoms, achy, tired, feeling cruddy, with a slightly elevated temperature. I stayed home, kept an eye on my temperature, and took care of myself. On the second day of my illness, after a shower, I noticed a large patch of red skin about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. I though I had laid on that side and it was still red from where I laid on it. The next day it was still red in the same place. I went to see my oncologist who diagnosed me with a type of staph infection you get after surgery. I had to have an eight day course of IV antibiotics to clear it up.

I though I was back to normal and was surprised that an illness related to my surgery affected me seven months later.

You'll borrow some parts longer then others.


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My Year of Cancer: Part I - Too young for cancer

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Kindle Carpp is a 2000 graduate of Shorewood High School. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she shares her story.


By Kindle Carpp

In October of 2011 I was told by a geneticist that I had a genetic defect called BRCA-2. BRCA-2 inhibits cells that repair damage from x-rays, mammograms and other exposures to radiation. People with BRCA are particularly vulnerable to certain kinds of cancer. I found out that I was a BRCA only a few months after my 30th birthday when I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. I underwent chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and I am now cancer free.

So far I have spent my thirties dealing with cancer and cancer treatment and I have learned a lot.

Just because it is scary do not let the doctor scare you stupid.

Pertaining to your life, cancer is one of the most terrifying words you can hear.

Just because you have an illness that scares the bejesus out of you does not mean you have to go with the first doctor you find.

  • Make the time to check out a few places.
  • Don't let the first doctor you see make you believe that they are the only one that can save your life.
  • Unless you have a very rare type of cancer, doctors pretty much use the same treatments no matter where you go.

So choose your location based upon how much you like and trust the doctors as well as what treatments they offer. You are going to be stuck with them for a long time.


Learn to trust your doctor because they have a wealth of knowledge; they went to school for this.

A friend I met at my cancer center told me that when she found a lump in her breast she responsibly went to her general practitioner. Her doctor checked her over, didn't think it was anything but just to be safe sent her to a specialist who also didn't think it was anything. The doctors conferred and her primary care physician contacted her and told her “we think you might just have a cancer phobia.” Six months later my friend went back to her primary care physician with a swollen breast. That same primary care physician checked her over again and realized that, yes my friend had been right all along and now her “cancer phobia” had manifested into stage 3 breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy, aggressive chemotherapy and aggressive radiation. She is now ok.

Learn to trust yourself. Just because your doctor went to school doesn't mean they are always right. If you think something is wrong and they don't believe you, don't let them talk you into something you feel is not right.

Understand that science isn't an “exact science.”

I love my port!

A “port” or Port-a-cath is basically a built in IV tube that a doctor surgically implants underneath your skin. Don't be afraid of getting a port, they are amazing! Your port is your friend. It makes it so easy to get chemo treatments, get fluids and have blood taken. It sure beats a nurse digging in your arm for a vein any time they want blood, need to give you fluids or need to do anything that goes in or out of your blood stream. Make sure you are given a prescription for lidocaine and don't be afraid to use lots to numb the skin over the port. I use about a nickle size blob over my port about an hour before it needs to be accessed, then cover it with “press and seal” to keep it off my clothes and to keep the cream from being rubbed off. 

A Naturopath will focus on you, not just your cancer.

Get a Naturopath with an ND degree and Board certification in cancer treatment and don't let your MD make you feel stupid for having Naturopathic support. In general the worst that Naturopathic medicine can do is nothing, the best it can do is relieve your symptoms or make them more bearable. With all the poisonous medication you are putting in your body, nothing bad to something positive is a great option.

Learn about your cancer.

There is a lot of information on the Internet, but there is also a lot of stuff that is just terrible and completely worthless.

Ask your doctor questions.

But don't pepper your doctor with every question that you have. Figure out what you are most worried about and ask those questions. Write your questions down, because the minute your doctor comes in the room you will forget most of them and you don't want to be the “door handle” patient, you know the one who asks the most important thing just as the doctor has their hand on the door.

Continued:

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