Cancer

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Special Discounts and Stories of Survivors

Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives! 

Talk to your doctor about screening for breast cancer and for other medical advice. 

Stories from Survivors and More Information on Breast Cancer:

Breast Cancer Affects Men and Women. Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles opens up about his breast cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America.

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Join Us July 21st, in Supporting Reid’s Ride and the Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance

Join Us in Supporting the 15th Anniversary of Reid’s Ride! 

Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance – Altering the course of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults. 

The ‘Mission’ and ‘Vision’ of the AYA Cancer Alliance –

Mission – “To help others achieve two goals that Reid could not attain before his premature death, those being: a) to attend the college of his choice; and b) to survive cancer. To this end, the mission of the Alliance is to provide a fundraising and educational organization from which to promote scholarship, medical research, and other benevolent purposes that, directly or indirectly, correlate with the values, ambitions, and life of Reid Sacco.”

Vision – “To one day be regarded as an organization that has effectively provided pivotal funding and/or the impetus for having found a cure or effective long-term treatment for the sarcomas and other cancers that primarily affect adolescents and young adults. Our dream is to awake one day to the realization that these cancers have become routinely curable. ”

You can participate in and support Reid’s Ride by cycling, volunteering, donating, and cheering on cyclists along the route.

Come to the finish line at Stage Fort Park, Gloucester MA Sunday, July 21st and meet Sacco Family, the ‘force’ behind Reid’s Ride.   

Join Reid’s Family, Lorraine, Gene, Weston, Deb, Frank Sacco, and Reid’s many cousins, friends, volunteers and cyclists. A wonderful group of organizers and participants for this 28-Mile fundraising Bicycle Ride from Lynnfield MA high school to Gloucester MA, Stage Fort Park.

So much positivity behind this group, you can’t help but get caught up in their wave of progress against cancer in adolescents and young adults.

STOP By Stage Fort Park overlooking beautiful Gloucester Harbor – 8:3O a.m. – 12 noon.

  • Greet and cheer on the cyclists as they arrive at the end of their 28 mile ride to Stage Fort Park.
  • Stop by the Raffle Table at the finish, Stage Fort Park for Dinners, Red Sox tickets, Sonos products, a ‘Gift of Wellness’ Basket and much more!
  • Stop by the Dream Team ‘Wellness Tent.’ A ‘DreamTeam’ of Professional Wellness Providers and volunteers will be offering Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. FREE to Reid’s Ride cyclists and volunteers; ‘By Donation’ to all others with 100% of the donations going to Reid’s Ride and the Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance, supporting AYA Programs at Tufts Medical Center, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, and More!

The ‘Dream Team’ – What began as one Reiki Provider in 2O11 at the request of Tina Ketchopulos, has grown to include more Volunteers, Wellness Providers and Cyclists! https://www.firstgiving.com/event/Reidsride/2019

The ‘Dream Team’ has included (Past and Present) – Cyclists: Jo-Ann Gibely, John Leonard, Melinda Vaturro, Patrick Canonica, Mike Chamness and Sandy Skinner; Integrative Therapy/Wellness Providers: Acupuncturist Eugenia Lai, LicAc.  MA.;Massage Therapists: Grace Conway LCMT from Saltwater Massage Studio, Karen Lohnes RMT, LCMT, from HarmonySquared, Marlee Nelson LCMT, Christine Misiano LCMT from Sport Massage Pro and Bodyworks,); Reiki Providers: Ethel Haddix, Justine Hardy, Diana Whitten, Nikki Fleenor, Suzanne Sweeney, Energize Body and Mind), Nancy Earabino LPN, Reiki Teacher/Shihan, Jean Wash RN, RM, and Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Dreamtime Wellness; Donors: Carol Ramirez, Mike Chamness, Dr. Christopher Chamness, Pole’s Hill and Anonymous, Jody Huffcut, and Angel Cacciola.  ‘Basket of Wellness’ Gifts and Gift Certificate Donors: Suzanne Panarese LicAc, Kathy Madden LCMT, Suzanne Sweeney Optimal Wellness Cookbook, Karen Pischke (Reiki, Hypnosis); Jess Winn (Natural hair products from Salon Bogart); and Volunteers: Bob Haddix, Arlene Hill, Kathy Hitchcock and Jessica Winn. For which we are most grateful!

Thank you to all the participants of this and past year’s ‘Dream Team, in memory of Reid and our friend and colleague, Tina Ketchopulos’

To Support Reid’s Ride: sign up to ride or you may also make contributions on-line, by going to “Donations” .

reid_sacco_life_is_like_sailing

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  ~ Margaret Mead

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January Reiki Training: 1st Degree/Beginning Teaching Focuses on Self-Care

Start the New Year with ‘Rest and Relaxation’ while learning self-reiki for self-care.

First Degree/Shoden (Beginning Teaching)– 2 Day** In-person Training. **Plus Additional requirements for ‘Certificate of Completion.’

When: Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27

Where: Peabody MA.

No pre-requisite necessary. Come with an open-mind and an open-heart!

The focus of this training is ‘Self-Reiki for Self-Care’

Self-reiki offers a quick and easy way to relax, improve comfort, increase calm and self-awareness, enjoy greater sense of inner peace, improve meditation practice, and make positive lifestyle changes easier.

Contact Us for Details and to Register – 978-283-4258 or Email: info@dreamtimewellness.com

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“Anything is Possible” …. Join Us in Supporting Reid’s Ride and the Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance.

Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance – Altering the course of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults. 

AYA Cancer Alliance Mission –bring better care and treatments to each and every adolescent and young adult battling cancer so that each is given the chance to survive and thrive. Changing the way adolescents and young adults with cancer are treated, one patient at a time if need be. 

You can participate in and support Reid’s Ride by cycling, volunteering, donate, cheering on cyclists along the route, or Come to Stage Fort Park, Gloucester MA Sunday, July 15th and meet ‘the force’ behind Reid’s Ride –    

Join Reid’s Family, Lorraine, Gene, Weston, Deb, Frank Sacco, and Reid’s many cousins, friends and volunteers. A wonderful group of organizers and participants for this 28-Mile fundraising Bicycle Ride from Lynnfield MA high school to Gloucester MA, Stage Fort Park.

So much positivity behind this group, you can’t help but get caught up in their wave of progress against cancer in adolescents and young adults.

Stage Fort Park overlooking beautiful Gloucester Harbor – 8:3O a.m. – 12 noon.

  • Greet and cheer on the cyclists as they arrive at the end of their 28 mile ride to Stage Fort Park.
  • Stop by the Raffle Table at the finish, Stage Fort Park for Dinners, Red Sox tickets, Sonos products, a ‘Gift of Wellness’ Basket and much more!
  • Stop by the Dream Team ‘Wellness Tent.’ A ‘DreamTeam’ of Professional Wellness Providers and volunteers will be offering Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. FREE to Reid’s Ride cyclists and volunteers; ‘By Donation’ to all others with 100% of the donations going to Reid’s Ride and the Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance, supporting AYA Programs at Tufts Medical Center, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, and More!

The ‘Dream Team’ – What began as one Reiki Provider in 2O11 at the request of Tina Ketchopulos, has grown to include more Volunteers, Wellness Providers and Cyclists!

This Year’s ‘Dream Team’ includes – Cyclists (Jo-Ann Gibely, John Leonard, Melinda Vaturro, Patrick Canonica, and Sandy Skinner), Integrative Therapy/Wellness Providers Massage Therapists (Grace Conway from Saltwater Massage Studio, Karen Lohnes from HarmonySquared, Christine Misiano from Sport Massage Pro and Bodyworks,) Reiki Providers ( Ethel Haddix, Nikki Fleenor, Karen Pischke, Suzanne Sweeney), Donors (Pole’s Hill and Anonymous) and Volunteers (Bob Haddix, Arlene Hill and Kathy Hitchcock). Thank you to all the participants of this year’s ‘Dream Team!’

To Support Reid’s Ride – sign up to ride or you may also make contributions on-line, by going to “Donations” .

reid_sacco_life_is_like_sailing

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  ~ Margaret Mead

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‘Community Reiki Share’ – Fundraiser for Reid’s Ride

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

‘Community Reiki Share’ to Benefit ‘Reid’s Ride.’  Tuesday. June 5th. 

5:15 pm – 8:15 pm at the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea. On the MBTA Train line. Convenient Parking. Wheelchair accessible.

Reiki Sessions ‘By Donation.’ $20.00 suggested donation. ($10.00 for Seniors and Veterans.) Cash or Checks Payable to ‘Reid’s Ride.’

Find out more about the July 15th Reid’s Ride and  the Reid Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance Donate to a team, cycle, or simply stop by Stage Fort Park and show your support.

Join Lorraine and Deb Sacco and their wonderful group of organizers and participants.  Just being there is energizing! 

reid_sacco_life_is_like_sailing

So many lives…, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers have been touched by this disease. Join us and help raise money for this important cause while enjoying some ‘peace, comfort and calm’ at the June 5th Community Reiki Share.

Sunday. July 15th – Teams bicycle 28 miles from Lynnfield to Stage Fort Park Gloucester MA, raising money to support Reid R. Sacco Foundation for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) and AYA Programs at Tufts Medical Center and  Connecticut Children’s Hospital.

Calling All Cyclists – Join our *DreamTeam!

*Members of the DreamTeam (up to 16 people) are invited to Lunch at LobstaLand after Reid’s Ride.

 Stop by the finish of Reid’s Ride at Stage Fort Park Gloucester MA July 15th and Enjoy a Session of Wellness at the DreamTeam Wellness Tent (Massage, Reflexology, Reiki and More!)  FREE to Participants and volunteers of Reid’s Ride. ‘By Donation’ for others. Great raffle prizes!

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;                                                    indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

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Cancer: Awareness, Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives

October is Breast and Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Reminder to Schedule a Mammogram!

How many people face a diagnosis of cancer?

Statistics from 2017–  Here you will also find information about ways to prevent and treat cancer, and good news about prevention and survival rates.

The Good News, According to the American Cancer Society –

  • A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented
  • All cancers caused by tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption could be prevented.
  • Many of the more than 3 million skin cancer cases that are diagnosed annually could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning.
  • Screening can prevent colorectal and cervical cancers through early detection and removal of precancerous lesions.
  • Screening is known to reduce (death rates) for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, and lung (with long-term and/or heavy smokers)
  • Healthy Lifestyles (healthy weight, healthy nutrition, exercise, no smoking, minimal alcohol) can help prevent cancer
  • Improvement in survival rates over the past 30 years reflects both the earlier diagnosis of certain cancers and improvements in treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection Saves Lives – Ask your doctor about ways to prevent, screen for, and treat cancer.

Mammogram Fact Sheet – 

What to Expect From a Mammogram –

Emotional Impacts of Cancer – A diagnosis of cancer and having to undergo treatment may cause anxiety and depression and effects families as well as patients.

Sources: 

Ask your doctor or nurse about ways to cope and deal with the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Private and Group Relaxation Therapies are Available Through Dreamtime Wellness™

While more research is indicated, reiki may  be helpful for decreasing stress and anxiety in patients receiving treatment for cancer. This study indicates a significant decrease in anxiety after a reiki session, and potential for improved comfort.

Read further for SPECIAL OFFERINGS at Dreamtime Wellness™ During the Month of October –

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Breathe Easier – November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.  Here are some statistics –

  • Lung cancer is the #1 cause of cancer death in men and women
  • The lung cancer death rate in women has more than doubled over the past 38 years.
  • More people die of lung cancer than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined
  • Average 5-year survival rate for lung cancer overall is 17%
  • Average 5-year survival rate with early detection (at STAGE 1) is more than 90%
  • Exposure to radon and other chemicals in the environment can also cause lung cancer.

The American Lung Association has been infused with new energy thanks to the LUNGFORCE campaign. Their goals – Raise Awareness. Educate. Empower. Raise Funds. Reverse the Course of Lung Cancer.

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LungForce Boston Expo – I recently attended the LUNGFORCE Boston Expo to hear medical providers give information about statistics, prevention, screening and treatment. Patients shared their stories about what it is lung to have lung cancer and go through treatment. There, I met people living beyond their prognosis; living and thriving.

Ways You Can Get Involved and Help Support Lung Health – 

Lahey Healthcare offers FREE screeningg for those at risk of lung cancer. Contact them to see if you qualify for free screening. Other hospitals also have lung cancer CT screening programs. Ask your doctor about screening if you think you may be at risk for lung cancer.

Risks for lung cancer (from Mayo Clinic) – 

  • Smoking. (Your risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and the number of years you have smoked.)
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Exposure to radon gas.
  • Exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens.
  • Family history of lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control has more information on lung cancer screening, who should be screened and pros/cons.

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Community Reiki Share for a Cause – Reid’s Ride

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

‘Community Reiki Share’ to Benefit ‘Reid’s Ride.’  Tuesday. July 5th. 

‘Community Reiki Share.’ 5:15 pm – 8:15 pm at the Manchester Community Center. 40 Beach St. Manchester-by-the-Sea. On the MBTA Train line; wheelchair accessible. Reiki Sessions ‘By Donation.’ $20.00 suggested donation. ($10.00 for Seniors.) Make Checks Payable to ‘Reid’s Ride.’

To find out more about the July 17th Reid’s Ride and how you can participate and donate – https://www.firstgiving.com/Reidsride/2016REIDSRIDE. Join Lorraine and Deb Sacco and their wonderful group of organizers and participants.  Just being there is energizing! Or, you may make your contributions on-line, by going to the “Donations” page on www.eccf.org.  Be sure to select the “Reid Sacco AYA Cancer Fund” in the drop-down menu when selecting the fund/organization for your contribution.

reid_sacco_life_is_like_sailing

So many lives…, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers have been touched by this disease. Join us and help raise money for this important cause while enjoying some ‘peace, comfort and calm’ at the July 5th Community Reiki Share.

Sunday. July 17th – Teams for Reid’s Ride  bicycle 28 miles from Lynnfield to Stage Fort Park Gloucester MA, raising money to support Reid R. Sacco Foundation for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) and AYA Programs at Tufts Medical Center and  Connecticut Children’s Hospital

Stop by Reid’s Ride on July 17th and Enjoy a Session of Wellness at the ‘Dream Team Wellness Tent’ at Stage Fort Park, Gloucester MA. (Massage, Reflexology, Reiki and More!)  FREE to Participants of Reid’s Ride. ‘By Donation’ for others. You can also enter the raffles, including – ‘Basket of Wellness’ (value – $325.00) and many other prizes.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;                                                          indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

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Book Signing and Discussion…

We have all been affected one way or another by cancer.

Join us tomorrow night, Thursday, April 28 at 7pm for a discussion with Author ~ Aime Alley Card.  Aime is a breast cancer survivor who has written a beautiful book…she will read and discuss parts of the book, while learning Marma Points on your body which help to relieve anxiety as well as breathe techniques.

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from Panic to Powerful – Surviving Cancer Program Re-Visited

 

IMG_2172Cancer Coach and Cancer Survivor, Laurie Geary, will give another presentation Tuesday, February 23rd, from 1-3pm, at the Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester.
Due to the extremely positive reception of the first presentation,  “From Panic to Powerful,” given in December, Laurie is offering the program again to cancer survivors and/or their caretakers.  If there is enough interest, the program will be scheduled once a month.
The “Panic to Powerful” program was developed by The Cancer Journey, the first cancer coach training company in the U.S.  Laurie, a professional life coach for more than 20 years, and a long term cancer suvivor herself, decided to be trained and certified by The Cancer Journey.  She now wants to focus her coaching and training on helping others deal with a devastating cancer diagnosis.
The goals of this monthly program will be to provide ongoing emotional support, as well as to teach techniques and tools, developed by The Cancer Journey, to provide educational and informational support.  Newcomers will be welcome each month; participants who attended the first program are encouraged to return.  Preregistration is appreciated.
A recent pilot study by The Cancer Journey proved significant overall improvement in cancer patient-perceived physical, emotional, spiritual, and hope status. (see Pilot Study below).  Laurie plans to share the tools used in this pilot study with the participants of the Panic to Powerful program.
Pilot Study to determine the effectiveness of Cancer Coaching/Training
Numerous studies have shown a link between emotional
support and improved clinical outcomes in cancer care.
face-to-face group sessions. The Cancer Journey™ embarked on a pilot study to test patient-perceived physical and emotional status with the
programmatic support of Cancer Journey Coaching.
32 participants enrolled in the study. Study participants
self-identified as patients, survivors and caregivers. 21were assigned to the coaching group to receive a combination of face-to-face group and one-on-one telecoaching over a 12-week period. 11 study participants were assigned to the control group and received no face-to-face or tele-coaching for the same 12-week period. 18 trained cancer coaches were leveraged in the study to provide tele-coaching. Two expert coaches provided the
face-to-face group sessions.
A survey was administered to active study participants as well as the control group. The survey assessed perceived Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and Hope (PESH) status as well as nine other factors: Family, Friendships, Intimate Relationships, Work, Education, Recreation, Spirituality,
Community and Physical Health.
The same survey was administered midway through the session, and at the end of the 12-week session.
Conclusions:
Participants in the active study group showed a greater overall improvement in each of the measured aspects of perceived physical, emotional, spiritual and hope status.
Physical      Emotional    Spirtual      Hope
Active Participant
Improvement                14.7%        19.4%        22.4%        18.8%
Control Group
Improvement                1.6%          13.3%        1.6%          11.6%
For more information about The Cancer Journey, go to http://www.thecancerjourney.com
For more information about Laurie, go to http://www.ingearccoaching.com  or http://www.ingearcoaching.com/blog