Aflac partnered with Iron Girl to create a series of 10 events at different locations around the country to raise fitness and health awareness as well as donations that will benefit The Aflac Cancer Center, Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, Children's Hospital of Denver, Seattle Children's Hospital, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Albany Medical Center in New York and Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore. Over 7,000 have participated in the events so far. The three remaining events are September 13, in Seattle Washington (10K/5K Run/Walk), September 27th, in Bloomington, Minnesota (Duathlon) and November 15th in Tempe Arizona (10-Mile/5K Run/Walk). The promotional products are female-oriented in theme and crafted to tout women's wellness, empowerment, and the value of Aflac's services. The Grand Prize for each event is an all expense paid trip to Hawaii. All participants receive a goody bag containing a race shirt with the Iron Girl logo, an Aflac duck imprinted with the logo of each individual race, island leis and lip balm. Close to 2,500 bags are given away at each event also. The beauty of an ongoing event like this is its ability to create a community, generate interest and bring in more participants year over year to better build the aflac brand and support pediatric cancer research.
Apparently a duck is not enough cute factor for Japanese consumers. Aflac recently launched a new commercial titled nyaflac (nyao is the onomatopeoia for meow or the sound a cat makes in Japanese). The Direct quote is "Neko to ahiru ga chikara wo awasete, minna no shiawase wo." Which translates roughly to, "Cat and Duck will combine strength for the welfare of all." Stuffed animals or "nuigurumi" in Japan are very popular and towards the end of the commercial they show a stuffed animal that is a combination of a cat and a duck. Aflac is very successful and desired in Japan and policies can even be purchased at a sidewalk kiosk. I can just picture a little girl dragging her parents over to an Aflac kiosk to see if they have any cute stuffed cat/duck animals. Somehow I think America will stay with their beloved Aflac duck. For full disclosure my son Brian speaks fluent Japanese and helped me with the translations.
Today I went to Valley Health Mill in Pleasanton and purchased my first bottle ofModified Citrus Pectin or MCP. This readily available supplement has been shown to inhibit cancer cell metastasis, lower cholesterol, remove toxic metals from the body and build the immune system. Picturing a healthier Brenda, I happily took 6 capsules or 5 grams which is the recommended dose to build immunity. For those who are fighting off active cancer 5 grams 3 times a day is recommended, along with your Dr's approval of course. MCP is also available in powder form that mixes easily with juice or water.
The health-enhancing properties of citrus fruits have been known for centuries. In 1593, Great Britian's Sir Richard Hawkins suggested that something in lemons and oranges prevented the scurvy that bedeviled sailors on long voyages. That medicinal ingredient was identified as vitamin C in the 1920's, and since then we have learned that citrus fruits contain many other vitamins, minerals, and health-enhancing substances. One of these is the pectin found in the fruit's rinds. A soluble fiber, pectin is known to help counteract diarrhea and reduce cholesterol levels. But its effects are limited to the intestinal tract, as it is not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Medical researchers recently have learned how to "chop" citrus pectin into smaller "pieces" and to subtly change its structure to make it much more absorbable.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz is a cancer researcher and the medical director of the Amitabha Medical Clinic and Healing Center in Sebastopol, CA. His studies show that MCP molecules bind to receptors on cancerous cells, preventing these cells from attaching to healthy tissue and blocking the formation of blood vessels to feed the cancerous cells. Once this has occurred, the cancer cells starve and die or are eliminated by the immune system. Also, heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic have been implicated in a wide number of health problems, including arteriosclerosis, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, impaired immune function, and an overgrowth of Candida albicans. Research exists showing the effectiveness of pectin in chelating (binding to) these heavy metals and removing them from the body. Details of Dr. Eliaz's MCP studies.
Two weeks ago my 14 year old son Ethan attended a five day surf camp and unfortunately came home with a nasty sun burn from the waist up. It was extremely painful, affected his sleep and his skin blistered and peeled. He has fair skin like me and all I could think about was the risk of skin cancer because I just went through it. I felt helpless though treated him with what I knew to do such as aloe vera lotion, aveeno baths, vitamin C and topical antibiotic cream for those few spots with deeper damage. He is feeling fine today but I cringe at the long term damage that may have occurred.
Yesterday I came across some very hopeful research being done by Olaf Wiest who is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Notre Dame. He and his team are working to develop a "morning after" lotion to repair sun-damaged skin before it turns cancerous. For some time it's been known that excessive ultraviolet light can alter skin cell DNA. Molecules called thymine dimers, which have been implicated in skin cancer, are formed in DNA when exposed to UV light. However, Wiest and his colleagues have been able to synthesize a certain molecule that attaches to these dimers, chemically breaking them down and thus repairing DNA damage. The Wiest lab's molecule (a synthesized artificial enzyme) mimics the action of photoyase, a naturally occurring enzyme in algae and certain other organisms that repair light-induced DNA damage. In addition to the "repair molecule,' the Wiest research group also has discovered a new, easier way to detect the repair happening. During the process, certain molecules rotate or flip to the outside of the DNA helix. Recently Wiest and his colleague, Lauren O'Neil, synthesized a novel molecule that binds to the so-called "flipped out" base and then signals its presence by emitting light energy, which can be detected by ultra-sensitive sensors.
Each year some 1.3 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States. The best prevention is to stay out of the sun, cover up or use sunscreen. Wiest predicts that the "morning after" sun-damaged skin repair lotion will not be on store shelves for 10 years. A product much needed and well worth the long wait for.
Eric Langshur, and his wife Sharon, a pediatrician, founded CarePages in 2000 after their infant son Matthew was born without a left ventricle in his heart. They faced an ongoing, day-to-day struggle from the day he was born. At just 18 months of age, he and his family had already been through the physical and emotional strains of three open heart surgeries. They were exhausted and constantly in and out of hospitals so they developed their own web site to share information with their family, friends and loved ones about their son's health. The couple heard encouraging and heartwarming remarks, comments they could print and read while at their son's bedside. These experiences led to the introduction of Carepages, a virtual meeting place on the web to share news and photos and receive emotional support during a time of need. In 2007 CarePages was acquired by Revolution Health and has grown to offer free service to 3 million registered users in more than 190 countries. The site has also grown to offer a variety of resources that help people find others like themselves and learn "what to do" and "what to say" to support their ill or injured loved one. To learn more you can view the Langshur's Youtube video.
In 2007 the couple along with award-winning journalist and author Mary Beth Sammons put out a book titled, We Carry Each Other: Getting Through Life's Toughest Times. The stories were born organically through the CarePages community. It is also a guide on how to help someone who is sick, caregiving or have lost a loved one.
The following is an excerpt taken from my sister Kae Lynne's Care Page journal. She registered with the Care Page website, created a profile, posted pictures and kept weekly sometimes daily updates posted about her medical treatment and how she was feeling. Her followers were encouraged to send her good wishes, encouraging notes and appropriate animated pictures of support. The instant feedback provided the boost that she needed when she thought she could take no more and her followers were grateful to be informed. Her husband Robert posted many of the updates because she was so weak and then he would read her the much appreciated feedback.
My dear Friends and Family, (written Sunday, November 9, 2008)
I apologize that this has taken me so long to write, but I have been so tired that the task seemed too large. I am done! It is over! I feel like I should be out celebrating, but I am too tired. I left the hospital last Sunday, November 2, 2008. I thought it was ironic because my first chemo treatment began July 2, 2008. All along people have been commenting on my positive attitude. I now know that a positive attitude is not possible without the support system that you have given to me. Please know how grateful I am to each and every one of you that has been with me in this journey. I came home on Sunday to yellow ribbons lining our street and decorating our home. A beautiful banner welcoming me home, as I entered our home after 3 long weeks 1000 Cranes hung as colorful streamers in my family room granting me the wish of health, longevity and peace. I have been so showered with love during this journey that I truly don’t know how to thank you all. My mother has been home with me this week and my sister Jody flew in on Saturday to stay with me this week. The hope will be that in another week my energy level will pick up a little. I am still battling with the nausea and fatigue from the transplant. I did meet with the Radiation Oncologist on Thursday for a consultation to determine if radiation would be necessary. It seems that if Mantle Cell relapses it comes back to where it began, which would be my neck area. We were extremely relieved to hear that it would not be necessary due to the small size of growth I had initially and that it would cause mouth dryness due to the saliva gland being affected. On Monday morning we are hoping that my central line will be removed which truly represents the end!
I realize this sounds silly, but I really want to pass on a couple of practical things that I have learned during this experience. I will save my spiritual learning for another update. First, AFLAC Cancer Insurance-if your workplace does not carry it make sure you get them to check on it. I purchased this insurance in December of last year and was diagnosed in June. At the time of purchasing this policy I did not realize how generous the payout was and have been grateful the entire time for the financial relief it has given to us. This is a policy that pays directly to you for living expenses while you are undergoing different types of health or disability treatments. The Oncologists have told us that 50% of the population will be diagnosed at some point of their life, don’t let this happen to you without AFLAC Insurance. Secondly, Be Healthy. Don’t put your health as a last priority. I truly believe that your health needs to be a top priority in your life. If you keep your body healthy your chances of fighting off any disease or accident will be much easier.
-Continued November 23, 2008 I have now been home three weeks and have much more strength. I actually walked ½ mile on Friday. The doctors encourage me to push myself everyday to help build strength. My blood is not building as fast as everyone would like to see. My platelets are staying around 30-36 and the doctors will not have my central line removed until they reach 50. My next appointment will be on Wednesday, November 26th. I can’t wait to have my central line removed to signify it is really over. It’s funny I have been a daily patient at LDS Hospital since July 2nd and now that I have completed my transplant they release you right after your central line is removed. It feels like your getting rejected by an abusive boyfriend.
Thank you for your love and support. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and count each one of your blessings. I know that this will probably take the majority of my day counting each of you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
All my love, Kae Lynne
www.carepages.com Care pages is a wonderful way to communicate during your illness
Gary M, an emmy-award-winning musician, composer and producer who has written the scores for many movies and TV shows, most notably some fifteen years of Unsolved Mysteries. In addition to his commercial work his CD Graceful Passages: A Companion for the Living and Dying has sold over 100,000 copies. It is a compilation of music and words from 12 of the world's most profound wisdom keepers. "Music can do so much more than entertain" explains Malkin. "It can be used for courage in the face of adversity... For forgiveness in the face of intractable disagreements." Gary's music can alleviate the anxieties that can complicate the immune system's to stress. He views his work as a form of audio-visual medicine that can support people through the transitions of their lives. Last week he presented his new product that is a short MP3 video that can be downloaded to any portable electronic device with viewing capabilities such as an Ipod. The idea is to eventually offer a number of inspirational music videos that can be downloaded and conveniently stored to your MP3 device. Inspiration and healing at your finger tips. Find out more at www.wisdomoftheworld.com
Kae Lynne Nielson and I are two sisters on a mission to educate and encourage others about all things related to cancer prevention and progression. Read Kae Lynne's story on blog post #1.
