Art doesn't fall far from the tree

My mom taught her well.  My sister is showing her works on Poppytalk Hand Made, as well as on her blog.  I always enjoy her work.  It makes me smile and brings me joy.

Those of us with chronic illnesses, no matter the name of it, deal with many of the same issues. Pain, disruption of life, lingering thoughts about how we have used our time up until now.  "Could I have done better?"  "If only I would have done this or not done that."  We have no answers, only God knows these things.

What I do know is that we need art and music and play and laughter to be part of our lives, in a big way.  It's healing to see beautiful art.  We go to distant lands or other places and either imagine wonderful things or remember experiences that made an impact.  Granted, we may not always feel "good" but art is about truth.  Truth is cleansing, and cleansing brings about peace with our selves, which can bring about peace with others.

I love you sis!  Good work!

Poppytalk: Affordable Art: weathered silo: One of our participants this month at Poppytalk Handmade is Mandy of weathered silo . As we feature affordable art this coming week, I'm ...

A song for mom. "Strong Like You", by Kathie Lee Gifford and David Friedman

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47372225#47372225

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My mom and I had the most amazing experience on the Today Show.

She is such an inspiration to me.  I know she can be an inspiration to others.  We all have our challenges.

Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb are so incredibly sweet, so thoughtful, so kind, so sincerely interested.  What an honor for mom and I to have had this chance. I watch the show all the time, it always makes me smile.  Being on the set gave me a permanent smile.  Love and hugs to Kathie Lee and Hoda, I sincerely care about you.  My mom told me she really felt that your sweetness, care and love.  I wish my mom was writing this in her words, but you know what I mean.

All the people on the set, hair, makeup were so courteous and happy and you can tell that the people at NBC love what they do. Bobby, thanks for the joy and for doing my hair.

On the set, you can feel the positive energy in the air.  You need something, all you have to do is ask.

For my essay to have been selected from the hundreds or however many are submitted is just a miracle.  Kathie Lee was so genuine in providing prayers to us and I could feel her spirit.  I just can't believe I was in Hoda and Kathie's presence, wow.

I wish I could write out all the laughter and joy that my mom is feeling right now.  The trip was a real challenge, because we both have some limitations and mom just pushed through everything like the trooper that she is.  I love the look on my mom's face right now, she is BEAMING!

Thank you Kathie Lee and David Friedman for creating such an incredibly beautiful and inspiring musical piece for my mom. WOW, that is truly amazing.  I posted on my FB page that I am truly humbled.  I feel like God has lifted us with this truly beautiful gift.  Chandra Lee Schwartz, your voice is so beautiful. Davy Wild, thank you for your keyboard talent.

Katherine Cook, you are incredible, thank you so much.  You are so responsive and talented, please give everyone a huge hug from me and mom.  Superhug to you!

I hope to find my cell phone because it has all our precious photos from the trip.  I was crying my eyes out on the way home.  I lost it somewhere between the security checkpoint and the gate at JFK.  I wish I had worn a camcorder on my head the whole time.  New York City is just indescribable, and we were overwhelmed.  I mean, what can I say.  You have to be there I guess to understand.  It's huge.....you almost fall over backwards looking up to the top of the skyline.

To my sister and aunt who helped with getting the photos and helping get us ready to go, a major huge hug and love to you.........what a whirlwind.

I pray I did not forget anyone.  There is so much more to tell..

This was a once in a life-time opportunity.   I love you mom!

Denise

Mom and I will be on KLG and Hoda this Thursday

I am extremely proud of my mom and can't wait to see the glow on her face when she gets a chance to share her life with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.  I had written into the show about how inspiring my mom was to me in helping me cope with ovarian cancer and how much strength she demonstrates in her constant battle with Type I diabetes.  It is a miracle that she is not on dialysis at this time, and her having her heart attack on Valentine's Day may have played  a role in her healing, of all things.  I call it a miracle.

I had asked God for just a little more freedom for her, and here we are.  You will get to know her as a person, a real human being, and know why I love mom so much.

I am so so so so so so so so so so so so so happy that my essay has touched my favorite producer in the whole world.  I'll call her "K" for now.  She has been so generous and I can't wait to meet her and Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb, and Sara Haines and the rest of the Today family.

I owe a million thanks also to my sister Mandy, brother Arnie, aunt "D" for really digging in and physically helping me through my transition from California to Seattle.  My sister especially, because she had sacrificed so much precious time with her young children and husband, and their lives are so busy.

Caregivers are so important, whether they are literally caring for you or being that angel in waiting, as a shoulder to cry on.  I love my entire family so much, I just can't say it loud enough.

I know that most of all, we are so proud of mom.  Mom I love you with all my heart and want to thank you for all that you have given me.

I can't wait to write about our experience.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all.

Denise

Rivkin Center awards grant for cognitive study

CONGRATULATIONS DR. GRAY!

Heidi Gray, MD

University of Washington

Behavioral and neural indices of cognitive rehabilitation in ovarian cancer

Millions of ovarian cancer survivors live with residual symptoms of impaired thinking and impaired memory severe enough to interfere with basic activities of daily living and work. However, very little is known about how to treat problems in cognition. Pharmacologic interventions have only been modestly helpful, if at all, and not all patients desire or are able to take medications. Dr. Gray will examine the ability of a 7-week cognitive rehabilitation intervention to improve memory and thinking abilities in ovarian cancer survivors. In addition, the project will measure changes in brain activity patterns from the treatment using neuroimaging.

The Rivkin Center is delighted to announce the recipients of its 2012 Scientific Grants. With another record-breaking year in grant funding, the Rivkin Center has awarded over $1 million in research grants to better understand and combat ovarian cancer. This year 3 Scientific Scholar Awards and 10 Pilot Study Awards were conferred in addition to funding for the second year of the two-year Challenge Grant.   A one-year award of $60,000, our Scientific Scholar Award is intended to assist promising young laboratory and clinical scientists in pursuing a career in ovarian cancer research. For more about our Scientific Scholars and their funded projects, click here.   Christina Gewinner, PhD Anne Noonan, MB BCh BAO Brigitte Theriault, PhD   2012 Skacel Family Scholar   2012 Gilman Family Scholar    University Health Network     xUniversity College London   National Cancer Institute   A one-year award of $75,000, our Pilot Study Program will support investigator-initiated pilot projects in all areas of ovarian cancer research. For more about our Pilot Study Awardees and their funded projects, click here.   Matjaz Barboric, PhD Lavakumar Karyampudi, PhD   University of Helsinki   Mayo Clinic  Heather Cunliffe, PhD Ilona Kryczek, PhD   Translational Genomics Research Institute   University of Michigan Tyler Curiel, MD, MPH Fang-Tsyr Lin, MD, PhD   Univ. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio   Baylor College of Medicine Heidi Gray, MD Meera Nanjundan, BSc, PhD   University of Washington   University of South Florida  Shelley Hooks, PhD Jeremy Stark, PhD   University of Georgia   Beckman Research Inst. of the City of Hope   The 2011 Scientific Challenge Grant, a two-year, $150,000 research grant focuses on the origins of ovarian cancer with the goal of accelerating the early detection of ovarian cancer. For more about our Scientific Challenge Grant, click here.   David Bowtell, PhD   2011-2013 Lester and Bernice Smith Fellow   Peter MacCallum Cancer Center

Cancer Lifeline needs volunteers on May 18th

CANCER LIFELINE SEEKING A FEW VOLUNTEERS ON MAY 18TH

Cancer Lifeline’s mission is to optimize the quality of life for all people living with cancer

Volunteer at Cancer Lifeline

Date: Friday, May 18 2012

Time: 10am-4pm

Number of volunteers needed: 4-10

Contact: Amanda Boyle, Development Manager at Cancer Lifeline

            206-832-1273 or aboyle@cancerlifeline.org

Description of what we will be doing:

Help to beautify the healing gardens at Cancer Lifeline. We have three gardens on the upper floor that need renovation and care. We have one additional garden on the lower level which also needs attention.

 Here are a few tasks that need to be done for the facility:

• Weed and tidy garden beds
• Pressure wash decking and chairs on all decks
• Sweep decks
• Paint awning/pergola a new color, scrape any excess paint.
• In downstairs garden, sand and treat the wooden pergola. Remove current vines.
• Clean candle lamps in meditation garden
• Refinish and sand benches
• Plant new items for summer
• Replace soil
• Clean fountains
• Trim back leaves, branches, and climbing vines as necessary

How it benefits the community and Cancer Lifeline:

Our healing gardens are an important aspect of Cancer Lifeline because it provides participants and building visitors with a lovely outdoor space to call their own. After dealing with heavy thoughts and burdens about a cancer diagnosis, these gardens can provide a new kind of reflection through calming fountains, sunshine and conversation in the outdoors. Cancer Lifeline is a special place of sanctuary and healing; we’d like to preserve its special quality for years to come with garden beautification efforts.   

The gardens were designed and installed by the U of W’s Landscape Architecture students. Planning the Healing Gardens was an amazing experience for students, clients and staff.

The Celebration Garden (first garden – west-at top of back staircase)

Theme: there are often many things—small and big that can be celebrated in the process of healing. This is our “clients’ garden.”

A horticultural therapist planted different herbs as the basis for client and staff involvement in this garden. 

The Reflection Garden (second garden-west)

Theme: Healing can take place through reflection and meditation

The fountain – a wonderful cascade of soothing sound – was built in honor of our Executive Director Emeritus’ husband.  There is a feeling of tranquility with the soft murmur of the bamboo plants, a wonderful quiet space.

 The Earth and Sky Garden  (largest garden-east)

Theme: the connection between healing, and the earth and sky

Our largest garden, fitting for classes outdoors or for a lunchtime meet-up for clients.

 Lower Level Garden  (smallest garden, south side of building lower level)

    A bench and a wooden pergola provide a nice sanctuary to the building.

http://www.cancerlifeline.org/

Cancer Lifeline is very dear to my heart.  

If you are in the Seattle area and have some time to help, please join us! 

Peace to you.