Sole Sisters

As many of you know, this past January 4th, my sister-in-law, JoAnn, lost her battle against cancer.  She had non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  As the holidays are approaching, I cringe when I remember what our family went through a year ago.  Suffice it to say, it was an extremely difficult time and something no one should have to endure.  Sadly,  more than 785,000 Americans are living with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.  This year alone, 135,520 people will be diagnosed with one of the blood cancers; that’s one person every five minutes! Tragically, 52,320 individuals will die from these diseases this year. Among children, leukemia remains the leading cause of death from cancer.

The good news is that there’s still hope for people with cancer.  I am happy to say that a good friend, Michele, is now in remission from the same terrible disease that took JoAnn.   It doesn’t have to be a death sentence!

Michele has gracefully fought this awful disease and even played soccer during her treatment.  Michele – you are an inspiration!!  Now, Michele wants to give back to others who are going through the same thing.  She, and her sister Melissa, have joined forces as  Sole Sisters and signed up for the half-marathon with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team-in-Training.    I totally support you, Sole Sisters, and I appreciate your sacrifices as you take on this challenge  (especially when you run in the snow this winter).  My hope is that everyone who reads this will also support you in your endeavor – every little bit helps.  I’m considering lacing up and joining you — we’ll see.

I’d love to hear from other cancer survivors.  It’s always great to hear these stories of hope.

~~Maggie

 

H1N1 Vaccine — Yea or Nay?

Did that person just spray H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) all over my shirt? Every sneeze and cough is starting to be suspect these days. Will I get it next? Worse yet, will my family and friends get it? These concerns are on a lot of people’s minds lately. In my case, it’s no surprise, since I work at an elementary school. It’s an ideal place for picking up germs, in the best of times. Many children sneeze and cough all over the place and, lucky me, sometimes I’m in close proximi ty to such sprayings.

According to the World Health Organization, 340,000 people have gotten the H1N1 Influenza and 4,100 people have died from it, worldwide. That’s nothing to sneeze at.  (Couldn’t help the pun).   Kidding aside, all of this m akes many people consider taking the H1N1 vaccine. Just this past week, the first doses arrived in Michigan. Health care workers will be vaccinated first and eventually, the vaccine should be available to everyone.

Is the vaccine safe? There is an overwhelming amount of information about the H1N1 vaccine on the internet and I’m still taking it all in. At this point, I am leaning toward taking it. However, before I make a final decision, I’d love to hear from others who’ve decided.

Will you or your family take the vaccine?  What was your deciding factor?   Thanks in advance.

~~ Maggie